Transport system, kit for assembling a transport system and method for retrofitting a plug connector in a transport system

Abstract

A transport system, particularly a multi-carrier system, includes a plurality of linear motors and at least one transport element. The linear motors are arranged in a row to form a guide rail, and the transport element can move along the guide rail by means of the linear motors. Each linear motor has at least a first connection area and a second connection area, the first connection area facing and associated with an upstream linear motor along the guide rail, and the second connection area facing and associated with a downstream linear motor along the guide rail. Corresponding plug connectors mechanically connect the first connection area of ​​the downstream linear motor and the second connection area of ​​the upstream linear motor to each other, and establish electrical and / or signal connections between adjacent linear motors.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a transportation system, in particular a multi-carrier system, a kit for assembling a transportation system, and a method for retrofitting plug connectors in a transportation system. The transportation system comprises a plurality of linear motors and at least one transportation element, the linear motors being arranged in a row and forming a guideway along which the transportation element can be moved by the linear motors. BACKGROUND

[0002] The transportation system, in particular the multi-carrier system, preferably comprises a large number of transportation elements, so-called carriers, which are moved by a plurality of linear motors arranged along a guideway. In this respect, the transportation elements can be moved individually and independently of one another, so that the multi-carrier system offers the possibility of flexibly adapting to different industrial processes and, in particular, can also react flexibly to changes in the industrial process.

[0003] A further aspect of providing a transportation system which can be used in as versatile a manner as possible is the ability to adapt the transportation system in terms of its design and the connection of possible additional equipment with respect to its use. Thus, the design and conversion of the transportation system and the connection of possible additional components should be as labor-saving as possible. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore a basic object of the invention to propose a transportation system which has increased flexibility in terms of its design, conversion and connection of additional components.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is met by a transportation system according to claim 1.

[0006] The transportation system according to the invention, in particular the multi-carrier system, and comprising a plurality of linear motors and at least one transportation element, the linear motors being arranged in a row and forming a guideway along which the transportation element can be moved by the linear motors, wherein each linear motor has at least a first connection area and a second connection area, the first connection area facing and relating to a linear motor arranged upstream along the guideway, and the second connection area facing and relating to a linear motor arranged downstream along the guideway, wherein a respective plug connector mechanically connects the first connection area of a linear motor arranged downstream along the guideway and the second connection area of a linear motor arranged upstream along the guideway with one another and establishes an electrical power connection and / or a signal connection between adjacent linear motors, wherein the first connection areas of the linear motors are each identically arranged and formed at the linear motors, and wherein the second connection areas of the linear motors are each identically arranged and formed at the linear motors, so that the linear motors and the plug connectors are interchangeable with one another.

[0007] The present application is based on the insight that due to the interchangeability of the linear motor and the connector with each other, a transport system can be provided which can easily be adapted to the current prevailing requirements. Furthermore, the time and effort required for the assembly and conversion of the transport system is reduced, for example, since in particular the reconnection or release of the wiring, for example, in the interior of the linear motor, does not have to be carried out in a complex and / or expensive manner. Rather, the wiring is established by the plug connector only. In this respect, the linear motor and the plug connector can be interchanged and replaced with each other within certain limits.

[0008] Thus, the interchangeability is made possible in particular by the plug connector, which can also be used in different embodiments within the transport system. Thus, one plug connector can be used for power transmission, for example, but another plug connector can be used for signal transmission. However, since the different plug connectors are preferably placed on mechanically identical base bodies and are usually used several times in the same embodiment within the transport system, the above-mentioned interchangeability can be achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, additional functions, for example, integrated digital components, power supplies, etc., can also be implemented in the transport system by means of the plug connector, as will be described in more detail below. These additional functions can be accommodated in the plug connector and thus automatically included in the transport system when the plug connector is inserted into the receiving area. Furthermore, the plug connector can also enable the mechanical alignment of the linear motor, which will be discussed in more detail below. Thus, the plug connector contributes to fundamentally simplifying the transport system and its assembly and conversion, wherein a flexible design remains possible.

[0010] The plug connector leads to a mechanical connection of two adjacent linear motors, i.e. two linear motors arranged next to each other, on the one hand, and to an electrical power connection and / or signal connection, on the other hand. Since the plug connector can be completely released from the linear motor, the linear motor can be removed from the transport system as soon as no plug connector is inserted into the two adjacent linear motors and the optional further fastening of the linear motor is removed. By removing the plug connector, the mechanical and electrical connection of the plug connector to the adjacent linear motor is correspondingly separated. Conversely, a newly arranged linear motor preferably only needs to be coupled by means of the plug connector in order to be mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

[0011] Further details of the present application will be explained below.

[0012] It should be particularly understood that the electrical connection allows power for operating the linear motor to be transmitted from the upstream linear motor to the downstream linear motor via the electrical connection through a plug connector. For example, more power than the linear motor requires can be transmitted via the electrical connection of the linear motor to supply the segment group described in more detail below. For example, the linear motor may have a requirement of about 10A to 20A, and the electrical connection may be configured to transmit about 60A to 75A. The signal connection is preferably understood as an electrical connection through which electrical control signals and / or data signals are transmitted, specifically, from the upstream linear motor to the downstream linear motor. Signals used for fieldbuses (e.g., Sercos), Ethernet, enable signals, signals for linear motor communication, etc., are examples of control signals and / or data signals.

[0013] The linear motors arranged in rows specifically form segments of the transport system, and may also be specified hereinafter. Preferably, each linear motor has a separate housing, the sidewalls of which extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart only by a gap of about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm to avoid mechanical stress on the transport system when the housing expands. Alternatively, the sidewalls may be abutted against each other without gap and in regional contact with each other.

[0014] Because, respectively, on the one hand, the first connection area of ​​the linear motor is arranged and formed in the same way at the linear motor, and on the other hand, the second connection area of ​​the linear motor is also arranged and formed in the same way at the linear motor, it is ensured that the linear motor forms an interface for a unified design and positioning of the plug connector.

[0015] Because the first and second connection areas are arranged identically at the linear motors, this means they are positioned, for example, at a uniform location on the surface or outer surface of the linear motor, particularly on the surface of the corresponding housing. This uniform location applies to adjacent linear motors, thus also ensuring that linear motors forming curved segments can be arranged in parallel with those forming straight segments. Therefore, the first and second connection areas at adjacent linear motors, which are connected via the same plug connector, are arranged identically relative to each other, thus having the same spacing. The fact that the connection areas are identically arranged at the linear motors means, for example, that they each have the same spacing from the guide rail.

[0016] Each linear motor may have six outer surfaces: an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, an inner surface, and two side surfaces. In this respect, the side surfaces of adjacent linear motors are separated from each other by a small expansion gap of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, or they are in direct contact with each other. Guide rails for transport elements may be formed on the outer surface, with rollers for the transport elements disposed on the outer surface. The transport elements may also be bent to extend into the area above the upper surface, where workpieces, etc., can be transported on the transport element above the upper surface. The inner surface is arranged in the area of ​​the internal space. Plug connectors are preferably arranged on the upper and / or lower surfaces.

[0017] The plug connectors can be configured to establish both electrical and signal connections between adjacent linear motors, or they can be configured to establish either electrical or signal connections between adjacent linear motors. Adjacent linear motors can preferably be connected via a plug connector that establishes an electrical connection between them, and via another plug connector that provides a signal connection between them. As will be described in more detail below, the plug connectors can have a first insertion region and a second insertion region, the first insertion region preferably contacting one of the adjacent linear motors in its first connection region, and the second insertion region preferably contacting the other of the adjacent linear motors in its second insertion region.

[0018] Plug connectors used to establish signal connections between adjacent linear motors can be designed to have high polarity, meaning they can, for example, enable at least 8, 16, or at least 32 independent electrical connections between two linear motors.

[0019] The transport system, or multi-carrier system, can be specifically formed peripherally, i.e., a linear motor forms one or more transport elements that can theoretically move endlessly in the same direction along a closed guide rail. In this respect, one or more transport elements can move, for example, on rollers and can be magnetically driven. For this purpose, the transport element has one or more permanent magnets, which are driven by a changing and / or drifting magnetic field generated by the linear motor. The driving force causes the transport element to move along the guide rail. Thus, a workpiece can be transported, for example, along the guide rail by the transport element.

[0020] Multiple linear motors are arranged one after another along the guide rails. Multiple transport elements can preferably be arranged simultaneously on the guide rails, and in particular, can move independently and separately from each other.

[0021] To hold the transport elements on the guide rail, they are preferably attracted toward the guide rail by an attractive force in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the transport elements. Therefore, the attractive force also extends perpendicular to the driving force. The attractive force preferably extends from the guide rail toward the linear motor or toward the coils of the linear motor. The attractive force is typically generated because the magnets of the transport elements are attracted by the magnetic stator of the corresponding linear motor.

[0022] The transport element can also be specified as a carrier, propeller, or wheel; conversely, a linear motor can be specified as a stator.

[0023] Further advantageous developments of the invention can be seen from the specification, drawings, and dependent claims.

[0024] The first connection area of ​​the linear motor located downstream along the guide rail and the second connection area of ​​the linear motor located upstream along the guide rail are preferably merged together to form a receiving area, in which the corresponding plug connector is received. Therefore, the connection areas are merged such that the receiving areas are adjacent when the linear motors are arranged next to each other. This allows the plug connector to be designed as simply as possible geometrically, for example, with a plate-shaped base. In the inserted state, the plug connector can also be flush with the housing of the linear motor. Therefore, the plug connector does not create raised portions, which could, for example, hinder the installation of the transport system into an existing system.

[0025] The receiving area can be formed by two recesses located at adjacent linear motors. The plug connector is preferably flush-mounted within the receiving area, aligning the adjacent linear motors with each other. In this respect, the plug connector, or at least a portion thereof, can be, for example, rectangular and / or plate-shaped and / or have rounded corners, and in this case, the receiving area is formed as a recess, corresponding to the shape of the plug connector. If the receiving area is formed by recesses, the plug connector can contact the boundary surface of the receiving area, i.e., the walls of the two recesses, flush with the boundary surface of its plate-shaped base, aligning the adjacent linear motors to which the plug connector is connected. This means that the base of the plug connector prevents displacement and / or movement of the adjacent linear motors relative to each other.

[0026] The boundary surface of the plug connector and the receiving area is preferably at least 5 cm. 2 Or at least 10cm 2 The plug connectors are in direct contact with each other within a certain range, where preferably, and if necessary, forces that counteract displacement and / or motion are generated by the contact within this range. Thus, the plug connectors not only facilitate electrical coordination of linear motors but also support mechanical design and mechanical stability.

[0027] To further simplify the alignment of linear motors, plug connectors, or in particular multiple plug connectors, may have alignment aids, which will be described in more detail below.

[0028] The receiving area preferably has a recess extending away from the original recess (i.e., also a recess), and the plug connector preferably has a secondary portion that preferably engages flush with the recess. On the one hand, this has the advantage of establishing another flush mechanical contact, i.e., between the recess and the secondary portion, which facilitates the alignment of the linear motor; on the other hand, the secondary portion can be used to provide feed current and / or (data) signals to the plug connector. This is particularly true when the secondary portion protrudes substantially laterally and substantially horizontally from the linear motor into the guide rail, especially in the direction away from the guide rail. Therefore, in a closed topology of the transport system, the secondary portion can be incorporated into the interior space of the transport system or directed towards the inside of the transport system.

[0029] The plug connector preferably has a first insertion region and a second insertion region. The first insertion region contacts one of the adjacent linear motors, particularly the mechanical and / or electrical ground, and the second insertion region contacts the other of the adjacent linear motors, particularly the mechanical and / or electrical ground. Corresponding insertion elements, such as electrical contacts, can be provided in the insertion regions to connect the plug connector to the linear motor. The insertion regions can be arranged parallel to each other, for example, on opposite sides of the plug connector.

[0030] More specifically, the plug connector may have a plate-shaped base in which two insertion regions are arranged, particularly at oppositely positioned ends. Within each insertion region, a plurality of corresponding insertion elements are preferably arranged, which are electrically connected, in particular, to insertion elements in the corresponding other insertion region via wires extending within the base. The insertion elements may be commercially available plugs, such as the FX23 series plugs from Hirose and / or plugs from the Molex CST system. Any desired plug for establishing electrical and / or signal connections can generally be used as insertion elements in the insertion regions.

[0031] The insert element may protrude from the substrate along the direction of the normal vector of the plane spanning the substrate. In this respect, all insert elements preferably face the same direction.

[0032] It should be understood that insert elements designed to complement the insert elements of the corresponding insert area can also be placed in the corresponding connection area of ​​the linear motor. Therefore, the insert elements of the plug connector and the linear motor establish an electrical connection between the plug connector and the linear motor.

[0033] To establish electrical and / or signal connections between the first and second connection areas of adjacent linear motors, the insertion elements within the plug connector can be electrically connected to each other via a circuit board or traces extending therefrom (e.g., busbars made of metal). To enable the conduction of high currents (e.g., ≥70A), the circuit board can be provided with a copper layer up to 400μm thick. Furthermore, the insertion elements can be designed as SMD components.

[0034] As described, plug connectors can be designed differently because they can be further configured to connect to external power supplies, fieldbuses (especially Sercos), sensor-actuator units (e.g., RFID readers), or other additional devices, or because additional devices can be integrated into the plug connector. Therefore, depending on the type of plug connector used between adjacent linear motors, a pure power bridge or signal bridge can be established between adjacent linear motors, or additional power can be fed in, or additional devices can be integrated.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the plug connector may have a third insertion area for feeding current and / or signals, particularly for a safety shut-off signal, also designated as a "safety forced shut-off signal," which will be described in further detail below. The third insertion area may, for example, be located in the sub-section. The sub-section preferably extends beyond the plate-shaped base; however, the sub-section preferably extends within a plane spanned by the base. The third insertion area is particularly arranged in the end region of the sub-section. The third insertion area is not directly electrically and mechanically connected to one of the two linear motors, but rather connected, for example, to an external power supply, fieldbus, or sensor-actuator unit such as an RFID reader. The third insertion area is preferably located inside the linear motor, i.e., on the side away from the guide rail. Thus, the cable can be guided to the third insertion area without interfering with the movement of the transport element along the guide rail. The third insertion area may, for example, have an electrical connection that can pivot about its own vertical axis, which preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the extent of the sub-section, through which the linear motor and the transport system are powered. This pivotability allows for flexible positioning of the corresponding power supply and guidance of the corresponding (electrical) line with minimal interference.

[0036] In the third insertion area, an insertion element for achieving the aforementioned electrical connection may be attached, for example. This insertion element may have one of the aforementioned plugs, or it may have an M17 or M23 plug for currents up to 20A, 40A, or 70A.

[0037] One or more insertion elements in the third insertion region may point in the same direction as the insertion elements in the first and second insertion regions. Alternatively, the insertion elements in the third insertion region may also face a 90° angle, particularly away from the guide rail.

[0038] In the region of the third insertion area, or adjacent to it, the sub-part may be thickened or protruded compared to the plate-shaped base. This prevents the insertion element in the third insertion area from accidentally inserting into the insertion element in the connecting area.

[0039] Alternatively, the third insertion area can also be arranged on the rear side of the plate-shaped base, and in particular, it can protrude away from the linear motor when the plug connector is inserted.

[0040] It should be understood that decoupling is always possible in addition to feed current and / or signals.

[0041] Each insert element can be designed to have a protection rating of IP65 or higher. Therefore, the entire linear motor, along with the plug connector, can also be designed to have a protection rating of IP65 or higher.

[0042] The plug connector preferably has an additional device. This device may be, for example, a power supply unit for a sensor-actuator unit (e.g., an RFID reader) or a fieldbus component. The additional device can be directly integrated into the plug connector, eliminating the need for an external connection. Therefore, by simply selecting and attaching the appropriate plug connector, the functionality of the additional device can be quickly and easily integrated into the transportation system.

[0043] Generally, additional devices may have digital components, such as processors or memory chips, or electrical converter units, such as transformers or switching power supply units. Memory chips, for example, can identify plug connectors, especially via data links, particularly wired data links.

[0044] Transformers, in particular, can be used for coupling Ethernet signals, such as those from TDK's ALT series. In this respect, Ethernet signals can also be used for fieldbuses.

[0045] Adjacent linear motors can preferably be connected to each other via two plug connectors: a first plug connector establishing a separate electrical connection between adjacent linear motors and a second plug connector establishing a separate signal connection between adjacent linear motors. This ensures, on the one hand, that an electrical connection exists between the individual linear motors to power the transport system; on the other hand, it enables data communication within the transport system. The safety forced shutdown signal mentioned later is preferably transmitted along with the signal connection in the same plug connector. However, it is also possible for the safety forced shutdown signal to be transmitted along with the electrical connection in the same plug connector.

[0046] By spatially separating power and data signals, interference, especially interference with data signals, is avoided.

[0047] The first plug connector can be specifically positioned on the lower side of the linear motor, and the second plug connector can be specifically positioned on the upper side of the linear motor, and vice versa, so that the linear motor is aligned with each other on the two oppositely positioned sides.

[0048] Therefore, the corresponding linear motor may have first and second connection areas on the upper side and first and second connection areas on the lower side.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, each linear motor has a power section and a signal section, with a first plug connector contacting the power section and a second plug connector contacting the signal section. For example, the signal section may be located on the upper side of the linear motor, and the power section may be located on the lower side of the linear motor. The signal section is used for data communication within the transport system, i.e., data communication with the linear motor, while the power section is used to supply power to the linear motor. Therefore, the first plug connector is used for power transmission between adjacent linear motors, and for feeding current if necessary, and the second plug connector is used for data communication between adjacent linear motors.

[0050] The plug connector preferably has identification features that can be read electronically. The type of plug connector, especially the possible additional connections provided in the third insertion area, can thus be automatically and directly identified in the connection between the plug connector and the linear motor.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the plug connector may have alignment aids for aligning adjacent linear motors with each other. In particular, at least one plug connector for electrical connection of two adjacent linear motors preferably has an alignment aid. Particularly preferred is that all plug connectors provided in the transport system for electrical connection have alignment aids.

[0052] Alignment aids can be specifically arranged at the free end of the plug connector's base. Specifically, in the plug connector's inserted state, this free end can be arranged in the outer region of the adjacent linear motor, and thus in the region of the guide rail and the coil. The alignment aids can extend approximately vertically away from the base.

[0053] Alignment aids can engage with corresponding cutouts formed at the linear motor, particularly in the outer region. Alignment aids for aligning two adjacent linear motors specifically engage with these cutouts, wherein the alignment aids are preferably arranged at least partially within the cutouts in a form-fit manner. Alignment is achieved specifically through this form-fit.

[0054] To achieve a form fit, the alignment aid may have a wedge-shaped region that engages with a corresponding wedge-shaped notch in the linear motor. Protrusions, such as parallelepiped-shaped protrusions, can project from the wedge-shaped region of the alignment aid and further reinforce the form fit connection with the notch.

[0055] During the assembly of a multi-carrier system, alignment aids facilitate the alignment of adjacent linear motors with each other. After the linear motors have been aligned, they can be screwed onto the carrier, for example.

[0056] To optimize the magnetic flux between adjacent linear motors, the alignment aids may further comprise magnetic materials, particularly soft magnetic materials such as iron, and may be arranged in the coil region. Wedge-shaped regions and / or parallelepiped protrusions are formed of magnetic material.

[0057] One possible specific embodiment of the transportation system according to the invention is a multi-carrier system comprising a plurality of linear motors and at least one transport element. The linear motors are arranged in a row and form a guide rail, along which the transport element can be moved by the linear motors. Each linear motor has an electrical section arranged on its lower side and a signal section arranged on its upper side. Each linear motor has a first connection area located on its electrical section and a first connection area located on its signal section, facing and associated with an upstream linear motor arranged along the guide rail, and a second connection area located on its electrical section and a second connection area located on its signal section, facing and associated with a downstream linear motor arranged along the guide rail. Corresponding plug connectors mechanically connect the two first connection areas of the downstream linear motor and the two second connection areas of the upstream linear motor to each other, and establish an electrical or signal connection between adjacent linear motors. In this respect, the first plug connector contacts the electrical section, and the second plug connector contacts the signal section. The first connection areas of each linear motor are identically arranged and formed at the linear motor, and the second connection areas of each linear motor are identically arranged and formed at the linear motor. The corresponding interconnected first connection area of ​​the linear motor located downstream along the guide rail and the second connection area of ​​the linear motor located upstream along the guide rail together form a receiving area for receiving the corresponding plug connector.

[0058] The receiving area is preferably formed as a rectangular recess with rounded corners, in which the plate-shaped base of the corresponding plug connector is disposed flush. The receiving area has a recess extending away from the recess, and the secondary portion of the plug connector engages flush with the recess.

[0059] Another subject of the invention is a kit for assembling a transportation system, particularly a multi-carrier system, having multiple linear motors and multiple plug connectors, particularly different plug connectors, wherein each linear motor has at least a first connection area and a second connection area, wherein the first connection area of ​​one linear motor and the second connection area of ​​another linear motor are respectively adapted to steer and face each other and are related to each other, and are mechanically connected to each other by one of the plug connectors, wherein the first connection areas of the linear motors are each identically arranged and formed at the linear motor, and wherein the second connection areas of the linear motors are each identically arranged and formed at the linear motor, wherein the multiple plug connectors include:

[0060] - At least one plug connector for establishing a power connection and / or signal connection between adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0061] - At least one plug connector for establishing only an electrical connection between adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0062] - At least one plug connector for establishing a signal connection only between adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0063] - At least one plug connector for feeding current and / or signals; and / or

[0064] - At least one plug connector for connecting to an additional device.

[0065] All plug connectors included in the transportation system and / or kit can preferably have the same base, thereby providing mechanical compatibility between the plug connectors.

[0066] As long as the aforementioned kit includes different plug connectors, the corresponding plug connectors can also be included multiple times in the kit. The transport system and / or kit preferably includes one or more of the aforementioned plug connectors multiple times, particularly at least three, five, or ten times. For example, if ten identical connectors exist, these ten connectors can be interchanged with each other.

[0067] According to an embodiment, at least two functional groups of linear motors are generated within the transport system by means of a plug connector. In this respect, a functional group may have one or more linear motors. A group of linear motors may, for example, form a safety group, wherein, for example, all linear motors in the group are simultaneously shut down in a dangerous condition. Alternatively, the transport system may also have only one functional group, particularly a safety group.

[0068] Shutdown can be specifically achieved via a so-called safety forced shutdown signal (a signal used for safety shutdown). Therefore, the safety forced shutdown signal affects the final stage's on (when the safety forced shutdown signal is on) and off (when the safety forced shutdown signal is off) via the linear motor's power electronics.

[0069] Linear motors to which the same safety forced shutdown signal is provided are also designated as a safety forced shutdown group. In this respect, a safety forced shutdown group is a group of segments (linear motors). As described, the segments of the transport system can be divided into multiple such groups, wherein there is a connection (preferably a signal connection) between the linear motors within these groups via corresponding plug connectors, but for safety reasons, these groups are disconnected from the safety forced shutdown signal of adjacent groups.

[0070] The safety forced shutdown signal comprises a current of less than 100mA per segment and is preferably transmitted in a plug connector used for signal connection. To now enable the formation of different groups with different safety forced shutdown signals (i.e., safety forced shutdown groups), different plug connectors are provided in the transport system and / or kit:

[0071] - A plug connector (bridge) for transmitting a safety forced shutdown signal between two adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0072] - Transmit a safety forced shutdown signal between two adjacent linear motors while simultaneously allowing the safety forced shutdown signal to be fed into the plug connectors of both linear motors directly connected to the plug connectors; and / or

[0073] - A plug connector (splitter) that does not transmit a safety forced shutdown signal between two adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0074] - Do not transmit the safety forced shutdown signal between two adjacent linear motors, while simultaneously allowing the safety forced shutdown signal to be fed into the plug connector of only one of the linear motors that is directly connected to the plug connector.

[0075] The aforementioned plug connector can establish a signal connection between two adjacent linear motors, even if the same plug connector does not transmit a safety forced shutdown signal and acts as a decoupler. Therefore, for example, a signal connection can be established between all linear motors; only the activation of a linear motor is achieved via a safety forced shutdown signal.

[0076] Alternatively, the plug connector that acts as a separator may also eliminate the signal connection between adjacent linear motors.

[0077] In addition to feeding in the safety forced shutdown signal, other signals can also be fed in through the plug connector.

[0078] The disconnection of the power connection occurs when a safety shutdown signal for a disconnection is received, and the power electronics of the linear motor disconnect the corresponding affected linear motor from the power supply by disconnecting the final stage. Due to this power interruption, the separation of power between two adjacent groups occurs at the respective points.

[0079] The corresponding plug connector can simultaneously, preferably in the third insertion area, have the possibility of feeding a signal in only one direction, so that a signal connection is established from the outside to the downstream linear motor, or the upstream linear motor, or the upstream linear motor.

[0080] The kit is used for assembling transportation systems, particularly multi-carrier systems, where plug connectors can be replaced as needed due to the identical arrangement and design of the first and second connection areas, and linear motors can be arranged relative to each other in any desired order according to the needs of the transportation system topology. Therefore, the transportation system is highly modular, allowing for quick and easy changes to its topology, and enabling the connection of additional equipment or the effortless supply of additional power as needed.

[0081] In addition, plug connectors can be provided in transportation systems and / or kits, which:

[0082] - Enable inter-segment communication (S2S) between two adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0083] - Extend inter-segment communication (S2S) between two adjacent linear motors via external connections (e.g., for communication with adjacent transport systems); and / or

[0084] - Disrupt inter-segment communication (S2S) between two adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0085] - Enable fieldbus communication between two adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0086] - Interrupt fieldbus communication between two adjacent linear motors; and / or

[0087] - Couple fieldbus communication from the outside to one or both adjacent linear motors.

[0088] Similar to the safety shutdown signal, linear motor groups exhibiting different behaviors can therefore be formed via inter-section communication and fieldbus communication. Groups formed by the safety shutdown signal, inter-section communication, and fieldbus communication are preferably identical (i.e., each includes the same linear motor).

[0089] According to the present invention, a method for modifying a plug connector in a transport system having a plurality of linear motors arranged in a row and arranged around the periphery to form a guide rail, wherein each linear motor has at least a first connection area and a second connection area, the first connection area facing an upstream linear motor arranged along the guide rail, and the second connection area facing a downstream linear motor arranged along the guide rail, wherein corresponding plug connectors mechanically connect the first connection area of ​​the downstream linear motor and the second connection area of ​​the upstream linear motor to each other, and establish an electrical connection and / or signal connection between adjacent linear motors, comprising the following steps:

[0090] -Remove the plug connector from the connection area of ​​the two adjacent linear motors;

[0091] - Insert another plug connector into the connection area so that the other plug connector mechanically connects the two adjacent linear motors to each other and establishes an electrical connection and / or signal connection between the adjacent linear motors.

[0092] Removal and insertion can be performed without any problems using simple plug connectors. Therefore, the method is very simple and uncomplicated, allowing for very quick modification of the plug connectors. By inserting another plug connector—one different from the one previously removed—adjacent linear motors are aligned with each other again, thus mechanically connecting them. Furthermore, electrical and / or signal connections are established between adjacent linear motors. Therefore, no additional steps are required for either mechanical or electrical connections.

[0093] In this method, the power supply, fieldbus, or sensor-actuator unit (e.g., an RFID reader) is connected to a third insertion area of ​​another plug connector. Because of the other / new plug connector, the power supply can be modified in a simple way, for example.

[0094] The statements herein regarding the transportation system apply accordingly to the kit and method according to the invention. This is particularly true of the advantages and preferred embodiments mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0095] The invention will be described schematically and by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein are shown:

[0096] Figure 1 It is a detailed perspective view of the multi-carrier system;

[0097] Figure 2 It is a perspective partial view of a multi-carrier system;

[0098] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of two adjacent linear motors;

[0099] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a single linear motor;

[0100] Figure 5 This is a view of the plug connector used for signal connection between two linear motors;

[0101] Figure 6 This is a view of another plug connector used for signal connection between two linear motors;

[0102] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the plug connector used for the electrical connection between two adjacent linear motors;

[0103] Figure 8This is a perspective view of another plug connector used for the electrical connection of two adjacent linear motors, the plug connector having alignment aids; and

[0104] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a single linear motor. Detailed Implementation

[0105] Figure 1 The details of the multi-carrier system 10 are shown in perspective view from below, including the transport element 12 of the roller 14, i.e., the carrier, which is mounted on a guide rail 16 comprising two vertically spaced tracks. The guide rail 16 is part of a linear motor 18.

[0106] The linear motor 18 includes a plurality of coils 20 arranged between rails 16. The coils 20 generate a magnetic field that acts on the permanent magnet 22 of the transport element 12 and moves the transport element 12 along the rails 16. The coils 20 of the linear motor 18 are separated from the permanent magnet 22 by an air gap 24. The air gap 24 extends vertically, meaning that the transport element 12 travels along the outside of the multi-carrier system 10.

[0107] The permanent magnet 22 is attracted by the linear motor 18, thereby generating an attractive force F. ANZ It presses the transport element 12 onto the guide rail 16 at its roller 14.

[0108] Figure 2 The multi-carrier system 10 is shown in perspective view from above. It can be seen that multiple linear motors 18 are arranged in a row to form a continuous guide rail 16. Each linear motor 18 is connected to an adjacent linear motor 18 via a plug connector 32, which is located above and below the linear motor 18. One or two lines 50 are connected to some of the plug connectors 32; these lines 50 are used for power supply or for data communication, as will be described in more detail below.

[0109] Detailed views of the linear motor 18 can be found from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As seen in the text, among them Figure 3 The diagram shows top and bottom views of two adjacent linear motors 18, and in which... Figure 4 The diagram shows a bottom and inside view of a single linear motor 18. Each linear motor 18 has a first connection region 26 on its bottom and top sides, facing the linear motor 18 positioned upstream along the guide rail 16. Similarly, each linear motor 18 has a second connection region 28 on its top and bottom sides, facing the linear motor 18 located downstream along the guide rail 16.

[0110] Especially from Figure 3It can be seen that, in each case, the first connection region 26 and the second connection region 28 of the adjacent linear motors 18 together form a receiving region 30, in which a corresponding plug connector 32 is received. In this respect, Figure 4 A first connection region 26 is also shown, arranged on the lower side, and the plug connector 32 is not shown for illustrative purposes. The first connection region 26 is a recess 34 that is approximately rectangular with rounded corners. An insertion element 52 configured as a contact is disposed in the recess 34; in this embodiment, three pins are configured as the insertion element 52. The insertion element 52 is sealed by a seal 54. The recess 34 is symmetrically formed with respect to an adjacent linear motor 18. Figure 4 (Not shown) Another recess together forms a receiving area 30 for the plug connector 32. The plug connector 32 may be a rectangle with rounded corners and is plate-shaped so that it can be inserted into the receiving area 30 formed in this way and contact the wall of the recess 34 in a flush manner.

[0111] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, a recess 36 is formed in the receiving area 30 at the bottom between the two linear motors 18, in which a secondary portion 38 of a corresponding plug connector 32 is arranged. The secondary portion 38 contacts the recess 36 in a flush manner, thereby facilitating the alignment of the two linear motors 18.

[0112] Figure 3 and 4 The linear motors shown each have in Figure 4 The power supply section 46 and signal section 48 are concealed within the system. The signal section 48 is used for data communication between adjacent linear motors 18 and thus within the transport system 10, while the power supply section 46, located on the lower side, is used to supply power to the linear motors 18. Therefore, a plug connector 32 adapted to establish a signal connection between adjacent linear motors 18 is provided at the signal section 48. A plug connector 32 adapted to provide a power connection between adjacent linear motors 18 is provided at the power supply section 46. The plug connector 32 in different embodiments will be described in more detail below. Figure 3 It can also be seen that line 50 connects to plug connector 32, which contacts the signal sections 48 of the two linear motors 18. Line 50 is used to connect additional devices, such as sensor-actuator units or fieldbus components. Furthermore, a fieldbus connection to the transport system 10 can be established via the linear motors 18. Similarly, power can be connected, for example, via plug connector 32 that contacts the power sections 46 of the two linear motors 18, to feed power to the respective sections as needed.

[0113] from Figures 5 to 8As can be seen, each plug connector 32 has a first insertion region 40, a second insertion region 42, and an optional third insertion region 44. In this respect, Figure 5 and 6 Each is shown as a plug connector 32 provided for transmitting data, i.e., it contacts the signal portion 48 of the corresponding linear motor 18, and Figure 7 and 8 Each is shown with a plug connector 32 configured to transmit current and attached to the power section 46 of the corresponding linear motor. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The insertion element 52 on the left side of the diagram is designed to have high polarity for data transmission, while Figure 7 and 8 The insertion element 52 is configured to transmit high current.

[0114] The first insertion area 40, the second insertion area 42, and the third insertion area 44 each have an insertion element 52. The insertion element 52 may be configured, for example, as a socket, a contact, or a separate plug.

[0115] The first connection region 26, the second connection region 28, and thus the receiving region 30 are identically formed relative to the corresponding suitable plug connectors 32, such that the plug connectors 32 mate with each other depending on whether a bridge is established only between adjacent linear motors 18 or additional feeding devices are introduced. In this respect, the plug connectors 32, or at least a portion thereof, are disposed flush in the corresponding receiving regions 30, such that they align the linear motors 18 with each other. Since the first connection region 26 and the second connection region 28 are identically formed and identically arranged on the surface of the linear motors 18, the linear motors 18 can also be arranged in rows relative to each other in any desired order, allowing the topology of the transport system 10 to be changed quickly and uncomplicated, particularly for expansion or conversion.

[0116] like Figure 8 As shown, the plug connector 32, particularly for electrical connections, may have an alignment aid 56. The alignment aid 56 is disposed at the free end of the base of the plug connector 32 and extends generally perpendicular to and preferably parallel to the plug connector element 52 away from the base. The alignment aid 56 is preferably disposed at the free end of the base, facing the outer side of the adjacent linear motor 18 in the mated state, thereby facing the guide rail 16 and the coil 20. In this example, the alignment aid 56 has a wedge shape, with protrusions 58 projecting from both sides.

[0117] Especially Figure 3 and 9As shown, each of the linear motors 18 may have a cutout 60 preferably formed on its outer side. Furthermore, the cutouts 60 are configured such that they form openings in the respective side surfaces of the linear motors 18. The cutouts 60 are defined by the boundary surfaces of the magnetically conductive stators of the linear motors 18 and are configured such that when a plug connector 32 with an alignment aid 56 is connected to the respective linear motor 18, the alignment aid 56 can engage in the cutout 60. In this respect, the alignment aid 56 engages specifically in the cutouts 60 of two adjacent linear motors 18, wherein a form-fit connection to the cutout 60 is established by means of a protrusion 58. Therefore, during the assembly of a multi-carrier system, it facilitates the alignment of adjacent linear motors 18 with each other. Furthermore, the alignment aid 56 may be made of a magnetic material, particularly a soft magnetic material such as iron, in order to enable or improve the magnetic flux between adjacent linear motors 18 (or their stators).

[0118] As can be seen from the foregoing statements, the interaction between the plug connector 32 and the linear motor 18 can enable a wide variety of application scenarios. Due to the highly modular nature of the transport system 10 according to the invention, it is possible to respond quickly to changing demands and adapt the transport system 10 to them with minimal effort, and to incorporate additional equipment if necessary.

[0119] List of reference numerals

[0120] 10 Multi-carrier systems

[0121] 12. Transport elements (carriers)

[0122] 14 rolls

[0123] 16 guide rails

[0124] 18 Linear Motors

[0125] 20 coils

[0126] 22 Permanent magnets

[0127] 24 air gap

[0128] 26 First Connection Area

[0129] 28 Second Connection Area

[0130] 30 Receiving Area

[0131] 32-pin connector

[0132] 34. Depression

[0133] 36 recess

[0134] 38 sub-parts

[0135] 40 First insertion area

[0136] 42 Second Insertion Region

[0137] 44 Third Insertion Area

[0138] 46. ​​Electricity Section

[0139] 48 Signal Section

[0140] Line 50

[0141] 52 Insertion element

[0142] 54 Seals

[0143] 56 Alignment aids

[0144] 58. Protrusion

[0145] 60 incisions

[0146] F ANZ attraction

Claims

1. A transport system comprising a plurality of linear motors (18), the plurality of linear motors being arranged in a row and forming a guide rail (16), and At least one transport element (12) can be moved along the guide rail (16) by means of a linear motor (18). in, Each linear motor (18) has at least a first connection area (26) and a second connection area (28), the first connection area (26) facing and associated with an upstream linear motor (18) along the guide rail (16), and the second connection area (28) facing and associated with a downstream linear motor (18) along the guide rail (16), wherein corresponding plug connectors (32) mechanically connect the first connection area (26) of the downstream linear motor (18) and the second connection area (28) of the upstream linear motor (18) along the guide rail (16) to each other, and establish electrical and / or signal connections between adjacent linear motors (18). In this embodiment, the first connection regions (26) of the linear motor (18) are each identically arranged and formed at the linear motor (18), and the second connection regions (28) of the linear motor (18) are each identically arranged and formed at the linear motor (18), such that the linear motor (18) and the plug connector (32) are interchangeable. The first connection area (26) of the linear motor (18) located downstream along the guide rail (16) and the second connection area (28) of the linear motor (18) located upstream along the guide rail (16) respectively merge with each other to form a receiving area (30), and the corresponding plug connector (32) is received in the receiving area. Each adjacent linear motor (18) has a recess (34), which together form a receiving area (30) for a plug connector (32).

2. The transportation system according to claim 1, Its features are, The plug connector (32) is flush-mounted in the receiving area (30) and aligns adjacent linear motors (18) relative to each other.

3. The transportation system according to claim 2, Its features are, The receiving area (30) has a recess (36) extending away from the recess (34), and the plug connector (32) has a sub-part (38) that engages flush with the recess (36).

4. The transportation system according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The plug connector (32) has a first insertion area (40) that contacts one of the adjacent linear motors (18) and a second insertion area (42) that contacts the other of the adjacent linear motors (18).

5. The transportation system according to claim 4, Its features are, The plug connector (32) has a third insertion area (44) for feeding current and / or signals.

6. The transportation system according to claim 5, Its features are, The third insertion area (44) is configured to be connected to a power supply, fieldbus, or sensor-actuator unit.

7. The transportation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The plug connector (32) has an additional device, which is a power supply unit or fieldbus component for the sensor-actuator unit.

8. The transportation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The adjacent linear motors (18) are connected to each other through a first plug connector and a second plug connector. The first plug connector establishes an electrical connection between the adjacent linear motors (18), and the second plug connector establishes a signal connection between the adjacent linear motors (18).

9. The transportation system according to claim 8, Its features are, Each of the linear motors (18) has a power section (46) and a signal section (48), with the first plug connector contacting the power section (46) and the second plug connector contacting the signal section (48).

10. The transportation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The plug connector (32) has identification features that are electronically readable.

11. The transportation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, The plug connector (32) has an alignment aid (56) for aligning adjacent linear motors (18) to each other, the alignment aid (56) transmitting magnetic flux between adjacent linear motors (18).

12. The transportation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, At least two functional groups of a linear motor (18) are generated within the transport system by means of the plug connector (32).

13. A kit for assembling a transportation system according to any one of the preceding claims, the kit comprising a plurality of linear motors (18) and a plurality of plug connectors (32), in, Each linear motor (18) has at least a first connection region (26) and a second connection region (28), wherein in each case, the first connection region (26) of one linear motor (18) and the second connection region (28) of the other linear motor (18) are respectively adapted to face each other and be associated with each other, and are mechanically connected to each other by one of the plug connectors (32), wherein the first connection regions (26) of the linear motor (18) are each arranged and formed identically at the linear motor (18), and wherein the second connection regions (28) of the linear motor (18) are each arranged and formed identically at the linear motor (18), wherein the plurality of plug connectors (32) include: - At least one plug connector (32) for establishing a power connection and / or signal connection between adjacent linear motors; and / or - At least one plug connector (32) for establishing only an electrical connection between adjacent linear motors; and / or - At least one plug connector (32) for establishing only a signal connection between adjacent linear motors; and / or - At least one plug connector (32) for feeding current and / or signals; and / or - At least one plug connector (32) for connecting to an additional device.

14. A method for modifying a plug connector (32) in a transport system having a plurality of linear motors (18) arranged in a row and forming a guide rail (16), wherein each linear motor (18) has at least a first connection area (26) and a second connection area (28), the first connection area (26) facing an upstream linear motor (18) along the guide rail (16), and the second connection area (28) facing a downstream linear motor (18) along the guide rail (16), wherein a corresponding plug connector (32) mechanically connects the first connection area (26) of the downstream linear motor (18) and the second connection area (28) of the upstream linear motor (18) along the guide rail (16) to each other, and establishes an electrical connection and / or a signal connection between adjacent linear motors (18). The first connection area (26) of the linear motor (18) located downstream along the guide rail (16) and the second connection area (28) of the linear motor (18) located upstream along the guide rail (16) respectively merge with each other to form a receiving area (30), and the corresponding plug connector (32) is received in the receiving area. Each adjacent linear motor (18) has a recess (34), which together form a receiving area (30) for the plug connector (32). The method includes: Remove the plug connector (32) from the connection area (26, 28) of the two adjacent linear motors (18); as well as Insert another plug connector (32) into the connection area (26, 28) so that the other plug connector (32) mechanically connects the two adjacent linear motors (18) to each other and establishes an electrical connection and / or signal connection between the adjacent linear motors (18).

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