System and method for moving elements transport in a conveying system

Abstract

A transport system and method for a linear motor conveyor system, wherein the conveyor system includes at least one moving element and at least one track and the moving element moves on the track, the transport system comprising: a rotatable element; a motor for rotating the rotatable element; a coupler connected to the rotatable element, wherein the coupler is configured to engage the moving element when the coupler is positioned in a predetermined relationship to the moving element; a controller configured to be operatively connected to the linear motor conveyor system; to control at least one of the moving element and the rotatable element such that the coupler is positioned in a predetermined relationship to the moving element on the track, thereby causing the coupler to disengage the moving element from the track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for transporting moving elements in a conveying system, and more particularly to systems and methods for removing and placing moving elements on a conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional conveyor systems, moving elements (or pallets) are typically controlled to move along tracks, usually via bearings mounted on the moving elements, tracks, or both, and may include rails or the like to guide the moving elements. To make the conveyor system easier to construct, tracks are often formed by sections / modules that are then attached together to form longer tracks.

[0003] Traditional conveying systems can be limited when curved or curved track sections exist for various reasons. For example, because the radius of the curved track section is smaller when it faces inwards than outwards, traditional conveying systems encounter problems with the arrangement and construction of moving elements as they travel through the curved track section. This is because the moving elements, having a predetermined shape, may not be able to fit the shape of the curved track section. In this case, the curved track section may need to have a radius that is potentially larger than desired.

[0004] Certain types of conveyors (often referred to as linear motor conveyor systems) utilize magnetic fields to move moving elements along tracks. However, due to the nature of the magnetic drive mechanism, additional problems may arise when operating in curved track sections, making it more difficult to arrange the magnetic drive mechanism in a curved configuration. Because of these issues, conventional linear motor conveyor systems may require larger curved track sections, limit available construction, typically avoid curved track sections, or similar configurations. Furthermore, conventional linear motor conveyor systems may also struggle to track moving elements through curved track sections and / or during transport to straight track sections.

[0005] In some cases, the moving element can be mounted vertically on a vertically arranged track (vertical linear motor conveyor). In this case, the outer curve (i.e., the curve along which the moving element moves) can usually be achieved due to its wider radius of curvature, but the inner curve (i.e., the curve along which the moving element moves) is more difficult to achieve due to its smaller radius of curvature.

[0006] A further problem with linear motor conveyors is that the moving element is typically held on the track by the same magnetic force used to drive the moving element along the track. This is especially true in vertical linear motor conveyors, where magnetic force typically assists in holding the moving element on the track. In this case, it can be difficult to remove the moving element from the track, even if any enclosure or other support for the moving element is removed or similar.

[0007] Thus, an improved system and method are needed for transporting moving elements on linear motor conveyor tracks and / or moving moving elements along the inner curve of a vertical linear motor conveyor. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of this document, a transport system is provided for a linear motor conveying system, wherein the conveying system includes at least one moving element and at least one track, and the moving element moves on the track, the transport system comprising: Rotatable element; A motor for rotating the rotatable element; A connector connected to the rotatable element, wherein the connector is configured to engage with the movable element when the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the movable element; The controller is constructed as follows: Operablely connected to the linear motor delivery system; Control at least one of the moving element and the rotatable element such that the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the moving element on the track, thereby causing the connector to disengage the moving element from the track.

[0009] In some cases, the at least one track of the linear motor delivery system may include: a first track and a second track different from the first track; the controller may be further configured to: move the connector to place the moving element on the second track; the system is configured to: disengage the connector to release the moving element onto the second track.

[0010] In some cases, the connector may be configured to engage with the moving element and release the moving element via a cam system in communication with the connector. In these cases, the cam system may be configured to push the moving element away from the connector to release the moving element.

[0011] In some cases, the connector may be configured to engage with the moving element via a magnetic coupling system.

[0012] In some cases, the motor may be a servo motor.

[0013] In some cases, the system may include multiple connectors that can be separated, allowing the moving element to pass between the connectors as it moves on the track.

[0014] According to another aspect of this document, a transport system is provided for a linear motor conveying system, wherein the conveying system includes at least one moving element and a first track and a second track different from the first track, and the moving element moves on the first track and / or the second track, the transport system comprising: Rotatable element; A motor for rotating the rotatable element; A connector connected to the rotatable element, wherein the connector includes a connector head configured to engage the movable element when the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the movable element; The controller is constructed as follows: Operablely connected to the linear motor delivery system; Control at least one of the moving element and the rotatable element such that the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the moving element on the first track, thereby causing the connector to disengage the moving element from the first track; The system controls at least one of the rotatable element and the second track to place the movable element on the second track, and is configured to disengage the connector head to release the movable element onto the second track.

[0015] In some cases, the system may further include: A cam system adjusts the connector head to assist in engaging and releasing the moving element, for example, by adjusting the orientation of the connector head. In some cases, the cam system of the connector may include, for example, rollers movable to push the moving element away from the connector head.

[0016] In some cases, the connector may be configured to engage with the moving element via a magnetic coupling system.

[0017] In some cases, the motor is a servo motor.

[0018] In some cases, the system may include multiple connectors that are separate, such that the moving element can pass between the connectors as it moves on the track.

[0019] According to another aspect of this document, a transport method is provided for a linear motor conveying system, wherein the conveying system includes at least one moving element and a first track and a second track different from the first track, and the moving element moves on the first track and / or the second track, the transport method comprising: A movable connector is used to mate with the movable element on the first track; The connector is engaged with the moving element; The moving element is disengaged from the first track; Move the connector and the moving element to the second track; Place the moving element on the second track; Release the moving element from the connector.

[0020] In some cases, engagement may include bringing the magnet close to the movable element; disengagement may include prying the movable element away from the first track using magnetic force. In these cases, release may include pushing the movable element away from the magnet.

[0021] Other aspects and features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The various embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the conveying system (including moving elements and tracks composed of various track sections);

[0024] Figure 2 A perspective view showing an embodiment of the conveying system (including moving elements and tracks composed of various track sections);

[0025] Figure 3 A view showing an embodiment with a track section having a moving element;

[0026] Figure 4 Examples of systems for separating and positioning moving elements on a linear motor conveyor system are shown;

[0027] Figure 5 An example is shown when the moving element disengages from a track section. Figure 4 The system;

[0028] Figures 6A to 6G An example is illustrated in the process of separating a moving element from a transport track according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The system;

[0029] Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram showing the interaction between the system and the moving components;

[0030] Figure 8 Another three-dimensional view showing the interaction between the system and the moving components;

[0031] Figures 9A to 9FThis illustrates the process of placing a moving element onto a transport track according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The system;

[0032] Figure 10 Another embodiment of a system for separating and positioning moving elements on a linear motor conveyor system is illustrated;

[0033] Figure 11 exemplify Figure 10 Another view of the system;

[0034] Figure 12 Another embodiment of a system for separating and positioning moving elements on a linear motor conveyor system is illustrated;

[0035] Figure 13 exemplify Figure 12 Another view of the system;

[0036] Figure 14 exemplify Figure 12 Another view of the system;

[0037] Figure 15 exemplify Figure 12 Another view of the system;

[0038] Figure 16 Another embodiment of a system for separating and positioning moving elements on a linear motor conveyor system is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 17 exemplify Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the chain track of the system;

[0040] Figure 18 exemplify Figure 16 Another view of the system;

[0041] Figure 19 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for transporting a moving element is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Overall, this disclosure provides a commutator for a conveyor system. As a moving element travels along a conveyor, there are typically one or more straight track sections continuing or connecting to one or more curved track sections. The curved track sections may be transitions between straight track sections, transitions connecting to straight track sections at different angles, or similar structures, and in some cases allow the moving element to travel to different tracks or continue along the same path. This disclosure provides a transfer system or device between straight sections, which may include additional supports for the moving element during transport. Such additional supports will provide smoother transport or transfer between potentially misaligned straight track sections and provide an unmet solution when the moving element may be transported between different driven conveyor track sections. Typically, the straight track sections of the conveyor (sometimes called track segments) are intended to be driven by electromagnetic motor drives, servo motor drives, or the like.

[0043] Traditional conveyor systems are often constructed using a combination of straight and curved track sections. Conventionally, a single-drive system can be used to drive all sections of a given conveyor system and all moving elements on the conveyor along the system path. Typically, electromagnetic drives are expensive, and the kinematics of the curved sections used for electromagnetic drives may affect the minimum radius of the overall conveyor system footprint. Furthermore, since moving elements in at least some electromagnetic drive conveyor systems tend to travel along the outer radius, they often travel along a predetermined path and, consequently, in a single direction, thus limiting the available options for a given path of the moving elements.

[0044] Since users of a conveying system may wish to transfer or move some or all of the multiple moving elements on the conveying system near a corner or similar location to a different conveying system or a different path of that conveying system, a transfer system that provides flexibility is needed.

[0045] In the following description, the examples relate to linear motor conveying systems (for at least straight sections), but the same or similar connecting connectors or methods can generally be used in other conveying systems or composite conveying systems that can benefit from improved transfer between or along curves in the conveying system.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example conveyor system 20 is shown. The conveyor system 20 includes one or more track sections 25, 26 defining tracks. Figure 1In the conveyor system 20, multiple straight track sections 25 are provided with two curved sections 26. Multiple moving elements 35 are provided to the tracks and move throughout the system. In a manufacturing environment, the moving elements 35 are intended to travel between workstations (not shown) and may support pallets or products (not shown), which, while moving or at a workstation, may be operated automatically, for example by a robot, or may travel to workstations or other work areas intended for manual operation. Various operations are performed through the operation of the conveyor system 20 to achieve product assembly. In this disclosure, the terms "moving element" or "pallet" are sometimes used interchangeably, depending on the application context.

[0047] Figure 2 A perspective view of another example linear motor conveyor system 100 is shown, which includes: one or more track sections 102, 103 defining a track 106; and one or more moving elements 104 configured to ride, move, or travel along the track 106. Figure 2 The system comprises four straight track sections 102, two corner track sections 103, and multiple moving elements 104. However, it should be understood that the modular nature of the track sections takes into account conveyors of different sizes and shapes, as well as any suitable number of moving elements. Figure 1 and 2 In this configuration, the corner (or curved) track section 103 is a 180-degree turn, but in some constructions, the curved track section 103 may have different angles, such as 45, 90, 135 degrees, or similar angles. Some operating principles of similar track sections are described in more detail in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 8,397,896 to Kleinikkink et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] It should be noted that the conveying system 100 may include multiple track sections 102, 103, which are mechanically self-contained and separable from each other to be essentially modular. For modularity, each track section 102, 103 may house electronic circuitry and / or mechanical components for driving and controlling the associated track section 102, 103, and / or may include a controller / control system 107 that controls the associated track section or track 106 as a whole (only one controller is shown, but other track section controllers may also be included). In some cases, the track controller may communicate or interact with the track section controller provided for each track section 102, 103. The controller may include a processor that executes a program stored on a machine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium may be part of the controller or located at a remote location or similar location.

[0049] In the linear motor conveyor system 100, the track 106 can generate a magnetic force to move the moving element 104 along the track 106. The magnetic force can also capture, support, or hold the moving element 104 on the track 106. The magnetic force is generated at least in part through the interaction of the magnetic flux formed by the embedded coils in the track 106 with the magnetic elements of the moving element 104. It should be understood that conveyor systems with different motor drives can be driven in other ways.

[0050] Figure 3 An embodiment of a linear motor conveying system 100 is illustrated, comprising a straight track section 102 and two moving elements 104. The track 102 may be composed of track sections 102 connected end-to-end, wherein one or more guide rails 108 of each track section 102 are aligned with guide rails 108 of adjacent track sections 102. In this embodiment, the track section 102 includes: a guide rail 108 located in the upper portion of the track section 102, the guide rail 108 having double shaped grooves 110, and a lower guide rail 108 that is flat. The moving elements 104 include bearings 112 correspondingly shaped to run along corresponding guide rails 108, each bearing 112 running within a corresponding shaped groove 110. The bearings 112 may be staggered, such that for a moving element 104 having two shaped bearings 112, each shaped bearing can run within a separate corresponding shaped groove 110.

[0051] In some embodiments, the track section 102 may generate a magnetic force for moving the moving element 104 along the track 102. The magnetic force may also capture / hold the moving element 104 onto the track 102. In some cases, the magnetic force is formed by the interaction of a magnetic flux generated by a coil (not shown) embedded in / under the track section with a magnetic element (not shown) of the moving element 104. The magnetic force can be considered to have: a dynamic component for guiding the moving element 104 along the direction of travel on the track 102; and a capturing force component for laterally holding the moving element 104 onto the track 102 and separating it from the track surface. In at least some transport systems, the dynamic and capturing forces can be provided by the same magnetic flux.

[0052] Typically, track sections 102 and 103 are mounted onto a support structure (not shown) to align and abut each other, thereby forming track 106. As previously described, each track section may be controlled by a control system or a track control system 107 (which controls multiple or all track sections). The control system 107 controls each track section (and the track) to drive moving elements and receives data related to the position of the moving elements on the track, enabling the controller to effectively control the moving elements. In some cases, if the track uses a servo motor or the like to drive the moving elements, the control system 107 may control the servo motor and thereby control the moving elements.

[0053] In the embodiments described herein, the reference numerals for the components may refer to... Figure 2 and 3 The conveyor elements shown are for illustrative purposes only. However, this is intended to refer only to similar elements, and elements of each embodiment may be used in other embodiments if suitable for the desired application.

[0054] Conventional linear motor conveyor systems are typically limited by the presence of curved or curved track sections. In the case of vertical linear motor conveyors, the moving element is typically configured to travel along the outer curvature of the track and may require a faster radius. In particular, end sections tend to be configured to allow the moving element to turn along the outer perimeter of the track (sometimes called the outer curve). Thus, combinations of tracks that can be used typically have moving elements traveling in the same direction (turning left or right relative to the direction of movement of the moving element). Conventional vertical motor conveyor systems do not tend to allow the moving element to make one turn and then turn in the opposite direction (i.e., the inner curve may not be practical).

[0055] It is desirable to have an inner curve track section or other system / method to simulate the inner curve, allowing for various track configurations that might be infeasible when the moving element can only turn on the outer curve. Recalling this need for the inner curve, it has been determined that what is perhaps most suitable is to detach / pry the moving element from one track and then place / release it onto a different track or a different section of the same track. For this type of transport system, by using a suitable rotatable body, the system for transport can then rotate the moving element through an inner corner (e.g., 90 degrees) or virtually any angle as needed. Thus, the system for transporting moving elements, as described in detail herein, can be used to move the moving element away from a first track section and place it into a second track section. The second track section can be oriented in different directions relative to the first track section, such as a 45-degree turn, a 90-degree turn, a 135-degree turn, a 180-degree turn, or other angles, possibly up to 360 degrees. Thus, in some cases, the system can replace a moving element on the same track but delayed. In this way, the system described herein can be used for queuing moving elements or the like.

[0056] Figure 4System 200 is illustrated for transporting a moving element on a linear motor conveyor system 202. In this illustration, system 200 operates as an "inner curve" on a vertical linear motor conveyor. The conveyor system 202 includes a first track section 204 and a second track section 206, configured to transport a moving element 208. The second track section 206 may be part of a single track including the first track section, and may be connected to the first track section, or may be separate from or discontinuous with the first track section 204. In some cases, the second track section 206 may be oriented at a 90-degree angle to the first track section 204, as shown. In other cases, the second track section may be oriented at any suitable angle to the first track section. Generally, the position of the second track section 206 is such that the moving element 208 cannot extend directly from the first track section 204 to the second track section 206 (e.g., due to sharp bends, disconnections, or similar situations). However, it is possible that the moving element may detach and be placed on the same or connected track section or track.

[0057] System 200 includes a transporter 210. The transporter 210 may include a rotatable element, in this case a rotatable wheel 212, having at least one axial spoke 214 (in... Figure 4 (Four are illustrated in the example). The at least one axial spoke 214 includes a connector 216 for engaging with a moving element. Further information on embodiments of the connector is provided below.

[0058] System 200 also includes a motor 218 to drive the rotating wheel 212. The motor 218 may be, for example, a servo motor, which allows control of the position, speed, etc., of the rotating wheel 212. In some cases, the motor 218 may use other drive systems, such as mechanical or electric motors with constant or variable speeds, or the like.

[0059] System 200 also includes control system 250. Control system 250 may control system 200 or may be part of controller 107 (more generally, controlling the track). In some cases, control system 250 may be operatively connected to controller 107 to exchange data or the like.

[0060] Figure 5System 200 is illustrated, in which system 200 transports a moving element 208 from a first track section 204 to a second track section 206. A coupling 216 is removably attached to the moving element to remove it from the first track section 204. The wheel rotates the moving element to align the moving element 208 with the second track section 206. Once aligned, the coupling 216 releases the moving element 208 onto the second track section 206, allowing the moving element 208 to travel along the direction of the second track section 206. In some embodiments, the coupling 216 may include a mechanical clamp, a magnetic clamp, or any other type of clamp. In some embodiments, the moving element may be supported on the first track by a guide rail or the like. In these cases, the coupling may also be configured to disengage or release the guide rail in some way to allow release of the moving element.

[0061] Figures 6A to 6G The operation of system 200 when separating a moving element from a track is illustrated. Figures 6A to 6G Focusing on the following embodiment, where system 202 utilizes a connector having a magnetic connection to the moving element, the system uses a cam-driven controller to operate the connector. It should be understood that other types of connectors may not require cam-driven operation in a similar manner and may only include mechanical or magnetic connections or the like. Figure 6A As shown, the connector 216 includes: a connector head 224; a connector cam 226 for driving / controlling the connector head; a roller head 228 for contacting a moving element; and a roller cam 230 (shown in the diagram). Figure 7 (In the middle), used to drive / control the roller head. The connector head includes at least one magnet 232. In this case, the connector head also includes at least one spacer 234. In some cases, the spacer may also be configured as a positioning body, which cooperates with a corresponding moving element positioning body to align the connector with the moving element.

[0062] Figure 6A Example of a connector 216 approaching the moving element 208. The connector head 224 is configured to pivot relative to the first track such that the connector head 224 can approach the moving element 208 on the first track 204, and then pivot again to contact the moving element 208. As... Figure 6B As shown, the connector 216 may include a roller head 228 configured to abut against the moving element 208 when the connector 216 approaches. The roller head 228 is intended to reduce any impact or movement as the moving element 208 is transported from the first track section 204 to the second track section 206. As the connector head approaches the moving element 208, the connector head 224 pivots about the connection portion (pivot 222) with the arm via a connector cam. Figure 6B In the middle, the first magnet 232a enters the range of the steel plate 236 on the moving element 208, in Figure 6CIn the middle, the second magnet 232b enters the range. The two magnets 232 are maintained at a predetermined distance from the steel plate by a separator 234, which maintains an air gap between the steel plate 236 and the magnets 232. The separator 234 is intended to prevent any accidental contact between the magnets 232 and the steel plate 236 and can assist in controlling the magnetic force. Figure 6D In this process, system 200 begins to separate / pry the moving element 208 from the first track 204. As described herein, system 200 must separate / pry the moving element 208 from the first track 204 because it is necessary to overcome the magnetic force holding the moving element 208 to the first track 204. Thus, the magnetic force exerted by magnet 232 on steel plate 236 must be sufficient to overcome the force holding the moving element 208 to the first track 204. In some cases, the first track 204 can be controlled to reduce the force holding the moving element 208 to the track. Figures 6E to 6G The subsequent steps of disengaging / prying the moving element 208 from the first track 204 are illustrated, achieved by the rotation of the rotating wheel and the movement of the connector head 224 controlled by the connector cam 226.

[0063] Figure 7 The side perspective view illustrates in more detail the connector 216 moving toward the moving element 208. Figure 8 The top-view perspective illustration shows the connector attached to the moving element 208. Figure 7 and 8 As can be seen, the axial spokes 214 are supported above the rotating wheel (including the cam groove), the connector cam groove 240 for the connector cam 226, and the roller head cam groove 242 for the roller head cam 230.

[0064] Figures 9A to 9F An example is shown of placing the movable element 208 onto the second track 206. Figure 9A and 9B The movable element 208 is shown, with the upper portion schematically removed to illustrate the contact of the bearing 112 on the movable element 208 when it contacts the second track 206. As the movable element 208 approaches the second track 206, the front bearing... Figure 9A The contact is made as shown. The rotating wheel 212 rotates continuously, causing the rear bearing to... Figure 9B The contact is made as shown. During this process, the orientation of the connector head 224 is controlled by the connector cam 226 to allow for a smooth transition / transport. Figure 9C In this embodiment, the roller head 224 begins to disengage from the moving element 208. The roller head 228 is controlled by the roller head cam 230 to apply pressure to the steel plate 236 on the moving element 208, thereby pushing the moving element away from the coupling head 224. Figure 9D and 9E As shown. In Figure 9FIn the middle, the connector head 224 is moved away from the moving element 208.

[0065] Figures 10 to 12 A further embodiment 300 of a system for transporting a moving element 208 is illustrated, wherein the system 300 is located between parallel first tracks 304 and second tracks 306. Figure 10 and 11 As shown, the system is configured to disengage the moving element 308 from the first track 304 and place it on the second track 306, although the moving element can also be moved from the second track 306 to the first track 304, or in a similar manner. Figure 12 It can also be shown that the moving element 306 on the first track 304 can be moved directly by proper positioning of the system connector.

[0066] Figures 13 to 15 A further embodiment 400 of a system for transporting moving element 208 is illustrated, wherein the system is located on a curved track section 404. Figure 13 The top view illustrates that the system can be used to disengage the moving element 208 from the curved track. Figure 14 The 3D view shows the connection between the connector 424 and the moving element 208. Figure 15 The 3D image is similar to Figure 14 The image is a perspective view, but the connector 424 is removed to show the roller head 428 in contact with the steel plate 236 on the moving element 208. In this embodiment, the system 400 can be used to detach the moving element 208 for storage or maintenance, or in other embodiments to place the moving element 208 onto another track (not shown).

[0067] Figures 16 to 18 A further embodiment 500 of a system for transporting moving element 208 is illustrated. Figure 16 The perspective illustration shows system 500 situated between two vertical tracks (first track 504 and second track 506). System 500 includes a rotatable element 502 (in this case, a chain track 520) configured to rotate about a central body. The chain track 520 is driven, for example, by a servo motor or the like. The chain track includes one or more connectors 512 (separated on the chain track) configured to engage with a moving element 208 on the track. The central body may be shaped such that the edge facing the first track 504 has a straight section (where the connector 512 contacts the moving element 208) and a tapered section (in which the connector disengages the moving element from the track). The edge of the central body facing the second track 506 has a tapered edge sloping towards the second track 506 (which brings the moving element into the range of the second track) and a straighter section (in which the moving element 208 is positioned onto the second track 506). Figure 4 In one embodiment, gaps may exist between the connectors of the chain track 520, so that the moving element can travel on the first track 504 without contacting the connector 512 even when the chain track 520 moves.

[0068] Figure 17 The side sectional view shows Figure 16 The central body, chain track 520, and connector 512. The chain track 520 is driven / supported by gears or the like driven by a servo motor.

[0069] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 The top view of the embodiment illustrates the illustrative shape of the central body and the movement of the moving element 208 on the chain track 520.

[0070] Figure 19 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 600 for transporting a moving element is provided. At 602, as the moving element 208 travels along a first track section, a coupling engages the moving element 208. At 604, the coupling is configured to engage the moving element 208, for example, by means of a magnet located on the coupling. At 606, the coupling pries or disengages the moving element 208 from the first track section. At 608, the system is configured to move the coupling and the removably attached moving element 208. In some cases, the system may rotate the moving element from the first track to a second track, for example, by means of a chain track or a rotating wheel. At 610, the coupling is configured to place the moving element onto the second track section. At 612, the coupling releases the moving element, which, after release, can travel through the second track section.

[0071] Embodiments of the systems and methods are intended to provide options and alternative paths and orientations for moving elements on a transport system. In particular, due to the use of fairly direct cam-driven systems and servo motors, the moving elements can move through the air via inner curves and have repeatability based on a large number of repetitions. The systems and methods also provide further options for transporting moving elements in different orientations from various tracks to various other tracks.

[0072] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the first and second track sections may be driven by linear motors, servo motors, etc. In some cases, the first and second track sections may each be driven by different types of motors.

[0073] In the foregoing description, several details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details may not be essential. In other instances, well-known structures may be shown by block diagrams to avoid obscuring understanding. Furthermore, it should be understood that various elements / schemes of each embodiment described herein may be used in other embodiments as appropriate, and each embodiment may include a subset of the elements / schemes described herein.

[0074] Embodiments of this disclosure may be embodied as computer program products stored on a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium, processor-readable medium, or computer-usable medium in which computer-readable program code is implemented). A machine-readable medium may be a non-transitory medium of any suitable entity, including magnetic, optical, or electrical storage media, including magnetic disks, optical disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), memory devices (volatile or non-volatile), or similar storage mechanisms. A machine-readable medium may contain various sets of instructions, sequences of code, configuration information, or other data that, when executed, cause a processor / controller to perform the steps of the methods according to embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other instructions and operations necessary for implementing the described embodiments may also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Instructions stored on the machine-readable medium may be executed by a processor or other suitable processing means and may interact with circuitry to perform the tasks described.

[0075] The applicant reserves the right to obtain any embodiment or sub-embodiments or combinations thereof disclosed in this application in order to claim any benefit thereto from any part, component, element and / or combination thereof, including the right to waive any benefit thereto from any part, component, element and / or combination thereof.

[0076] The above embodiments are intended to be exemplary only. Changes, modifications, and variations can be made to particular embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transport system for a linear motor conveying system, wherein, The conveying system includes at least one moving element and at least one track, and the moving element moves on the track. The conveying system includes: Rotatable element; A motor for rotating the rotatable element; A connector connected to the rotatable element, wherein the connector is configured to engage with the movable element via a magnetic coupling system when the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the movable element, wherein the connector is configured to engage with the movable element and release the movable element via a cam system, the cam system adjusting the connector to assist the connector in engaging with and releasing the movable element; The controller is constructed as follows: Operablely connected to the linear motor delivery system; Control at least one of the moving element and the rotatable element such that the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the moving element on the track, thereby causing the connector to disengage the moving element from the track.

2. The transportation system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one track of the linear motor conveying system includes: a first track and a second track different from the first track; The controller is further configured to move the connector so that the moving element is placed on the second track; The system is configured to disengage the connector to release the moving element onto the second track.

3. The transportation system according to claim 2, wherein, The connector is configured to engage with the moving element and release the moving element via a cam system in communication with the connector.

4. The transportation system according to claim 3, wherein, The cam system is configured to push the moving element away from the coupling to release the moving element.

5. The transportation system according to claim 1, wherein, The motor is a servo motor.

6. The transportation system according to claim 1, wherein, The system includes multiple connectors that are separated, allowing the moving element to pass between the connectors as it moves on the track.

7. A transport system for a linear motor conveying system, wherein, The conveying system includes at least one moving element and a first track and a second track different from the first track, and the moving element moves on the first track and / or the second track. The conveying system includes: Rotatable element; A motor for rotating the rotatable element; A connector connected to the rotatable element, wherein the connector includes a connector head configured to engage with the movable element via a magnetic coupling system when the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the movable element, wherein the connector is configured to engage with the movable element and release the movable element via a cam system, the cam system adjusting the connector to assist the connector in engaging with and releasing the movable element. The controller is constructed as follows: Operablely connected to the linear motor delivery system; Control at least one of the moving element and the rotatable element such that the connector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the moving element on the first track, thereby causing the connector to disengage the moving element from the first track; The system controls at least one of the rotatable element and the second track to place the movable element on the second track, and is configured to disengage the connector head to release the movable element onto the second track.

8. The transportation system according to claim 7, further comprising: A cam system that adjusts the coupling head to assist the coupling head in engaging and releasing the moving element, wherein the cam system includes rollers movable to push the moving element away from the coupling head.

9. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein, The motor is a servo motor.

10. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein, The system includes multiple connectors that are separated, allowing the moving element to pass between the connectors as it moves on the track.

11. A transport method for a linear motor conveying system, wherein, The conveying system includes at least one moving element and a first track and a second track different from the first track, and the moving element moves on the first track and / or the second track. The conveying method includes: A movable connector is used to mate with the movable element on the first track; The connector is engaged with the moving element by bringing the magnet close to the moving element; The moving element is pried off the first track by magnetic force; Move the connector and the moving element to the second track; Place the moving element on the second track; Release the moving element from the connector. The coupling is configured to engage with the moving element and release the moving element via a cam system, the cam system adjusting the coupling to assist the coupling in engaging with and releasing the moving element.

12. The transportation method according to claim 11, wherein, The release includes: pushing the moving element away from the magnet.

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