Quick connection of track and mover system

Abstract

The present disclosure describes quick connect features for a mover assembly of a linear motor system. The mover assembly can include a platform and at least two movers. The movers can include link features and the platform can include at least two link elements. The movers can be removably coupled to the platform by rotating the movers relative to the platform between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the link elements of the platform can retain the link features of the movers, and the link elements and link features can translationally couple the movers and the platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to linear drive transport systems, and more specifically, to rapidly connected movers in linear drive transport systems. Background Technology

[0002] A range of linear motors are known and used throughout industry, particularly in manufacturing, filling, food, beverage, and material handling applications. Such motors typically comprise an elongated track in which motor coils are associated with a stator core, such as a laminated core. Depending on the motor design, the coils may have various orientations. A permanent magnet mover can be placed on the track, and a field generated by selective energizing the track coils interacts with the permanent magnet of the mover, causing the mover to move along the track in a desired direction, velocity, and acceleration, and to stop and start at a desired location. Highly flexible and precise control of the movement of one or more movers can be achieved through control and drive circuitry associated with the coils in the track section.

[0003] Due to the weight, shape, size, or any other suitable factors of the load, some loads may require multiple movers for transmission. In such applications, a platform can connect two or more movers and provide support for the load as the movers travel along the track. Traditionally, the platform is directly fastened to the movers using screws or other fasteners. Therefore, the maintenance and replacement of the movers requires tools for removing the platform from the movers, which can be inefficient, costly, and time-consuming. Therefore, as discussed in this paper, providing a tool-free, quick-connect connection between the movers and the platform enables rapid and efficient maintainability and replacement of the movers.

[0004] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the field that may relate to the aspects of the present technology described below and / or claimed. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be understood from this perspective and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following provides an overview of the specific embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover several aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mover assembly of the linear motor system includes a platform, and the platform includes a cylindrical recess extending from a first surface of the platform, and a first ridge and a second ridge. The first ridge extends substantially parallel to the second ridge across the cylindrical recess. The mover assembly also includes a mover including a tab extending parallel to and offset from the first surface of the mover. When the mover is in a first orientation, the tab is freely movable relative to the cylindrical recess. When the mover is in a second orientation, the first and second ridges restrict the movement of the tab.

[0007] In another embodiment, the linear motor system includes a track portion comprising a plurality of coils energized to generate a controlled magnetic field. The linear motor system includes a platform comprising a first cylindrical recess and a second cylindrical recess. The first and second cylindrical recesses extend from a first surface of the platform. The platform also includes a first ridge and a second ridge, with the first ridge extending substantially parallel to the second ridge across the first cylindrical recess. The platform also includes a third ridge and a fourth ridge, with the third ridge extending substantially parallel to the fourth ridge across the second cylindrical recess. The linear motor system further includes a first mover comprising a tab extending parallel to and offset from the first surface of the mover, and the tab being freely movable relative to the cylindrical recess when the mover is in a first orientation. When the mover is in a second orientation, the first and second ridges restrict the movement of the tab. The linear motor system includes a second mover comprising a second tab extending parallel to and offset from the first surface of the second mover, and the second tab being freely movable relative to the second cylindrical recess when the second mover is in the first orientation. When the second mover is in the second orientation, the third and fourth ridges restrict the movement of the tabs.

[0008] In another embodiment, the assembly method includes: providing a first mover and a second mover, each mover including a corresponding tab extending parallel to and offset from a first surface of the corresponding mover; and providing a platform including a first cylindrical recess and a second cylindrical recess extending from a first surface of the platform. The platform also includes a first ridge and a second ridge, the first ridge extending substantially parallel to the second ridge across the first cylindrical recess. The platform also includes a third ridge and a fourth ridge, the third ridge extending substantially parallel to the fourth ridge across the second cylindrical recess. The method further includes coupling the first mover, the second mover, or both to the platform to form a mover assembly. Coupling the first mover, the second mover, or both includes rotating the first mover, the second mover, or both relative to the corresponding cylindrical recess between a first orientation and a second orientation. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary linear motor system according to the embodiments described herein, showing straight and curved track sections and several mover components positioned for movement along the track sections.

[0011] Figure 2 This refers to a platform comprising coupling to a first mover and a second mover, according to the embodiments described herein. Figure 1 A top view of the mover assembly of a linear motor system.

[0012] Figure 3 It is based on the implementation method described herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A graphical representation of the system;

[0013] Figure 4 It is based on the implementation method described herein. Figure 2 Exploded view of the moving component;

[0014] Figure 5 It is based on the implementation method described herein. Figure 2 A perspective view of the shell of one of the moving parts;

[0015] Figure 6 It is based on the implementation method described herein. Figure 2 A perspective view of the platform;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a first mover separated from the platform and a second mover in an engagement position with the platform, according to the embodiments described herein;

[0017] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A cross-sectional view is shown of one of the movers, separated from the platform and in a disengaged position, according to an embodiment described herein;

[0018] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A cross-sectional view is shown of one of the movers in its engagement position with the platform according to the embodiment described herein; and

[0019] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method for assembling, operating, and disassembling a moving part assembly according to an embodiment described herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be recognized that, as in any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation involves numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be recognized that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but remains a routine task of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0021] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “described” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and indicate that additional elements may be present besides those listed.

[0022] Now turn to the attached diagram and refer to it first. Figure 1 A linear motor system 10 for moving articles or products around a track 12 is shown. As those skilled in the art will understand, in many applications, the linear motor system 10 can interoperate with other machines, robots, conveyor belts, control devices, etc. (not shown separately) in overall automation, packaging, material handling, or other applications. The linear motor system 10 can generally be referred to as a "linear motor" as discussed below, in which moving parts are positioned, accelerated, decelerated, and generally moved under the influence of controlled magnetic and electromagnetic fields. In the illustrated embodiment, the track 12 includes a plurality of straight track sections 14 and a plurality of curved track sections 16. These sections can generally be independent and are capable of various physical configurations, such as Figure 1 The elliptical shape shown is used for mounting. It should be noted that other configurations are possible, as discussed below. Configurations can form closed loops of various shapes, but may also include open-ended segments. The linear motor system 10 may also include one or more mover assemblies 18 that can be mounted to and moved along the track 12. Furthermore, the position, velocity, acceleration, and higher-order derivative parameters of these mover assemblies 18 can be controlled by appropriate control of the coils of the energized and de-energized system. In the illustrated embodiment, the mover assembly 18 interacts with stationary elements surrounding and within the periphery 16M of the track section 16, but other configurations are contemplated.

[0023] Each mover assembly 18 may include a mounting platform. In a practical implementation, various tools, retainers, support structures, loads, etc., can be mounted to this mounting platform. The mover assembly 18 itself may be configured differently from those shown to accommodate various loads. Although in Figure 1 The diagram shows a horizontal configuration, but other orientations may also be provided, such as the ellipse shown, which is typically positioned on one side or at one end, or at any angle in between.

[0024] The linear motor system 10 may also include circuitry for controlling the movement of the mover. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the circuit may include a drive circuit 22 that provides signals to each track section 16, specifically to each coil of the track section 16, to generate an electromotive force that interacts with a magnet on the track section 16, thereby driving the mover assembly 18 to a specific position at a specific speed, acceleration, etc. The drive circuit 22 typically includes an inverter circuit that uses power electronic switches to provide drive power to each coil of each section in a controlled manner. In some embodiments, the drive circuit 22 may be included in each individual track section 16, and signals are provided to the drive circuit 22 by a power and control circuit 24. The power and control circuit 24 (and the drive circuit 22) may receive feedback from the mover assembly 18 to detect the position, speed, acceleration, etc., of each mover assembly 18. In some embodiments, the mover assemblies 18 may also be identified by the power and control circuit 24 as independently controlled axes, but with their positions, speeds, and accelerations adjusted to avoid collisions, etc. Depending on the specific task to be performed, the specific motion profile implemented by the electrical and control circuitry 24 can typically be achieved during the design and commissioning of the linear motor system 10. Finally, various remote control and / or monitoring circuits 26 can be configured and linked to the linear motor system 10 via one or more networks 28. Such remote circuits 26 typically allow for coordination of the operation of the linear motor system 10 with other automated components, machine systems, manufacturing and material handling machines, etc.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of one of the mover assemblies 18 of the linear motor system 10. The mover assembly 18 is positioned along a track portion including a guide rail 48. The mover assembly 18 may include a first mover 20A, a second mover 20B, and a platform 42. The movers 20A and 20B are movable along the guide rail 48 and can be coupled to each other via the platform 42. The platform 42 can support various loads on the mover assembly 18. Figure 2As shown, movers 20A and 20B can travel along guide rail 48 around the curved track section without disengaging either mover 20A or 20B from platform 42. As further discussed herein, before disengaging, movers 20A and 20B can rotate relative to platform 42 to a threshold angle, up to ninety degrees (e.g., at least 45 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 70 degrees, at least 80 degrees, etc.).

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic representation of a linear motor system 10, showing a track section 16 and a mover assembly 18 positioned along the track section 16. Figure 3 The track portion 16 shown can be straight or curved, which differ in their physical construction and, due to the curved nature of the curved portion as discussed below, some of the actual characteristics also differ. However, generally, each mover assembly 18 may include two movers, such as a first mover 20A and a second mover 20B. In some embodiments, each mover 20A, 20B may include a housing 30 comprising any number of linking features 32. For example, the linking feature 32 may be a tab, and the platform 42 may include corresponding slots for receiving linking elements 44 of the tab. The linking features 32 and linking elements 44 may be mated to couple each mover 20A, 20B to the platform 42. In some embodiments, each mover 20 may include a plate 36 coupled to the housing 30. For example, the plate 36 may be coupled to the housing 30 via any number of fasteners. The plate 36 may be coupled to a magnet array 38 on which multiple magnets 40 may be mounted. These magnets 40 can be permanent magnets and can be installed such that a small air gap is provided between the magnets 40 and the coils 50 of the track section 16.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the mover assembly 18 may also include a sensor component 34, such as a permanent magnet, an energized coil, a Hall effect sensor, or any other suitable device. However, it should be noted that the specific sensor component 34 included in each mover 20 may depend on the nature of the sensing strategy, the sensing resolution, the position of the sensor component 34 on the mover assembly 18 (and the coordinating components on the track section 16), etc. A platform 42 is disposed on the mover assembly 18 for mounting tools, loads, etc. Bearings may be mounted to the mechanical structure of the mover assembly 18 (e.g., a housing) and may be used to interact with one or more rails of the track 48. The rails and bearings of the track 48 allow the mover assembly 18 to remain firmly attached to the track section 16 while allowing the mover assembly 18 to move relatively freely along the track section 16 and to support forces and mechanical loads encountered during movement.

[0028] The track section 16 may include a series of parallel coils 50 associated with the stator or armature 52. In the currently contemplated embodiments, these coils 50 may be mounted in slots in the stator 52, and the stator 52 itself may be made of a magnetic material formed in a stacked lamination and configured to allow mounting within the housing of the track section 16. Specific configurations, magnetic structures, mounting structures, etc., of the coils 50 and stator 52 components are generally beyond the scope of this disclosure. A drive circuit 54 may be included in each track section 16 as discussed above to allow controlled electrical signals to be applied to the coils 50 to properly drive and position the mover assembly 18 around the track section 16. Finally, a sensor array 58 is provided in each track section 16 to allow interaction with the sensor components 34 of the mover assembly 18. The sensor array 58 can provide feedback that can indicate the position of the mover assembly 18 and can be used to derive velocity, acceleration, jerk, and other motion parameters. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple track sections 16 may be mounted end-to-end and interconnected with each other and / or interconnected with power and control circuitry 24 to receive signals for powering coil 50.

[0029] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the track section 16, together with the magnet array 38 of the mover assembly 18, can generally form what can be considered a linear motor system 10. That is, an electromotive force is generated by a controlled field of the coils 50, and the interaction between these fields and the magnetic field of the magnet array 38 is used to drive the mover assembly 18 to a desired position at a desired speed, etc. As mentioned above, these coils 50 and the linear motor itself can be designed according to various configuration strategies, such as a configuration strategy having coils 50 arranged around the periphery of the track section 16, or a configuration strategy in which the coils 50 are generally planar (in the top or bottom position of the track section 16), etc. Although the term "linear" motor system 10 may be used in this disclosure, it should be understood that various configurations of bends are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] Considering the foregoing, Figure 4 The illustration shows an embodiment of the present disclosure including movers 20A, 20B and platform 42. Figure 1An exploded perspective view of the mover assembly 18. The housing 30 may include a link feature 32, and the link feature 32 may be disposed on a first surface of the housing 30 facing the platform 42. A plate 36 may be disposed between the housing 30 and the magnet array 38. A link element 44 may be coupled to the platform via a fastener such as fastener 60. As described in more detail below, the link element 44 is configured to engage with the link feature 32 to couple the platform 42 to the movers 20A, 20B. A seal, such as a rubber gasket 62, may be at least partially disposed in a recess of the platform 42 and may engage a portion of the link feature 32. The seal may prevent liquids and / or debris from entering the interior of the link feature 32. In some embodiments, the platform 42 may support the associated load of the mover assembly 18. The platform 42 may include a substantially flat top surface. The top surface may support the associated load and may allow for easy cleaning and / or maintenance before and / or after operation with the mover assembly 18. For example, during food / beverage handling, liquids and / or solids may spill onto the top surface of platform 42 and may affect the availability of the mover assembly 18. The generally flat top surface of platform 42 facilitates cleaning operations by allowing liquids and / or solids to be washed away with suitable cleaning materials.

[0031] Considering the foregoing, Figure 5 A perspective view of the housing 30 of one of the movers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Linkage feature 32 may include a retaining wall 32A, a recess 32B, and a tab 32C. The retaining wall 32A may be formed on and extend outward from a first surface 32D of the housing 30. The first surface 32D may face the bottom surface of the platform 42. The retaining wall 32A may be hollow and generally cylindrical, having a recess 32B. For example, the retaining wall 32A may be disposed around and define the recess 32B. When the mover 20 engages with the platform, the upper lip of the retaining wall 32A may engage a seal (in... Figure 4 (Seen as element 62). The seal prevents debris and / or liquid from entering the recess 32B. A tab 32C may be formed in the recess 32B and on the first surface 32D of the housing 30, and may extend parallel to and offset from the first surface 32D of the housing 30 via a protrusion extending from the first surface 32D of the housing 30 to the first tab. The tab 32C may be substantially rectangular in shape and may have two opposing ends that extend outward from the protrusion toward the inner surface of the baffle 32A, such that the opposing ends of the tab 32C cantilever out above the first surface 32D of the housing 30.

[0032] Considering the foregoing, Figure 6 A perspective view of a platform 42 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The platform 42 may include a recess 42A disposed at least partially through a bottom surface 42D of the platform 42 facing the housing 30. The recess 42A may be cylindrical and may be disposed around or around a retaining wall 42B of the platform 42. The retaining wall 42B may be a hollow cylinder having a recess 42C therein. The recess 42C may receive a linking element 44, and the linking element 44 may be at least partially disposed in the recess 42C and may be held in the recess 42C via a fastener 60. The recess 42C may include a groove configured to receive a ridge of the linking element 44, and the groove may retain the linking element 44 and hold the linking element 44 in place to prevent rotation of the linking element 44 relative to the platform 42.

[0033] Considering the foregoing, Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the mover assembly 18 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the cross-section is taken parallel to the direction of movement of the mover assembly 18 on the straight track portion 16. The first mover 20A is shown separated from the platform 42, and the second mover 20B is shown in the engaged position. The first mover 20A is oriented relative to the platform 42 in the same manner as the second mover 20B. For example, the end of the tab 32C extends substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement. The linking element 44 includes an outer retaining wall 44A with a recess. Any number of ridges 44B can be provided in the recess, and the ridges 44B can receive and / or retain the tab 32C and can retain and limit the lateral movement of the mover 20. For example, the second mover 20B is shown in the engaged position, wherein the ridges 44B retain the tab 32C and couple the second mover 20B to the platform 42. In the engaged position, the second mover 20B can rotate freely relative to the platform 42. For example, before disengaging, the second mover 20B can be rotated relative to the platform 42 to a threshold angle, up to ninety degrees (e.g., at least 45 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 70 degrees, at least 80 degrees, etc.).

[0034] In some embodiments, the linking element 44 defines an internal volume including a recess. Ridges 44B may be formed on the inner surface of the baffle 44A and extend away from the inner surface of the baffle 44A. In some embodiments, ridges 44B may be formed on opposite sides of the inner surface and may extend parallel to each other. For example, ridges 44B may extend at least partially across the internal volume (e.g., the recess) of the linking element 44. Ridges 44B may define a channel between them and may divide the internal volume of the linking element 44 into a first portion (e.g., a lower portion adjacent to the mover 20) and a second portion (e.g., an upper portion adjacent to the fastener 60). In some embodiments, a portion of the linking feature 32 (e.g., a tab 32C) may be inserted through the channel from the first portion of the internal volume into the second portion of the internal volume. Tab 32C may be rotatable within the internal volume to mate with ridges 44B and couple (e.g., retain) the mover 20 to the platform 42.

[0035] Alternatively, linking element 44 may define a cylindrical volume having ridges 44B formed at its ends. Ridges 44B may form a generally rectangular channel between them, and a portion of linking feature 32 may extend through the rectangular channel to couple linking element 44 and linking feature 32. For example, tab 32C may extend through the rectangular channel into the cylindrical volume of linking element 44 and may be rotatable to mate with ridge 44B. Thus, tab 32C and ridge 44b can couple mover 20 to platform 42.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the lip plate may extend partially across a generally circular recess of the linking element 44. The generally circular recess may be centrally formed through the linking element. When the tab is in a first orientation relative to the lip plate, the lip plate may engage the tab of the linking feature 32. For example, when the tab 32C is in a first orientation relative to the lip plate and / or when the mover 20 is in a first orientation relative to the platform 42, the lip plate may restrict movement (e.g., translational movement) of the tab 32C. In some embodiments, the lip plate may allow translational (e.g., longitudinal, lateral, vertical) movement of the tab relative to the lip plate in a second orientation. For example, the tab may rotate between the first and second orientations.

[0037] Considering the foregoing, Figure 8A and Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the mover 20 in the disengaged position relative to the platform 42, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8A The cross-sectional view of the mover 20 and platform 42 is taken perpendicular to the direction of motion of the mover assembly 18 when it is on the straight track section 16. Figure 8B The cross-sectional view of the mover 20 and platform 42 is taken parallel to the direction of motion of the mover assembly 18 when it is on the straight track section 16. For example... Figure 8Aand Figure 8B As shown, the mover 20 is separated from the platform 42 and rotated 90 degrees relative to the platform 42 from the engaged position. For example, the mover 20 can rotate at least 45 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 80 degrees, etc., between the engaged and disengaged positions. The linking element 44 may include an opening for receiving a tab 32C of the linking feature 32. For example, the opening may be provided between the ridges 44B of the linking element 44. The lip plate 64 of the baffle 32A may be received by a rubber gasket 62 and may be sealed against the rubber gasket 62. This seal prevents debris and / or liquid from entering the recess 32B of the housing 30. Any number of fasteners, such as fastener 66, may couple the housing 30, the plate 36, and / or the magnet array 38.

[0038] Considering the foregoing, Figure 9A and Figure 9B A cross-sectional view of the mover 20 in an engaged position relative to platform 42, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9A The cross-sectional view of the mover 20 and platform 42 is taken perpendicular to the direction of motion of the mover assembly 18 when it is on the straight track section 16. Figure 9B The cross-sectional view of the mover 20 and platform 42 is taken parallel to the direction of motion of the mover assembly 18 when it is on the straight track section 16. For example... Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the tab 32C of the linking feature 32 is inserted through the opening of the linking element 44, and the mover 20 rotates relative to the platform 42 until the end of the tab 32C extends beyond the ridge 44B of the linking element 44, thus coupling the platform 42 to the mover 20. In the engaged position, the mover 20 and the platform 42 can be translated relative to each other. For example, the ridge 44B can couple the mover 20 to the platform 42 laterally, longitudinally, and vertically, while still allowing the mover 20 to rotate relative to the platform 42. As the mover travels through one revolution of the curved track portion 16, the curved track portion 16 can allow the mover 20 to rotate relative to the platform by up to 30 degrees (e.g., up to 25 degrees, up to 20 degrees, etc.). In some embodiments, the mover 20 can rotate up to ninety degrees (e.g., at least 45 degrees, at least 50 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 75 degrees, etc.) before disengaging from the platform 42. Therefore, by allowing the mover 20 to rotate relative to the platform 42, the mover assembly 18 can pass through the curved track portion 16 without disengaging the mover 20 from the platform 42.

[0039] Considering the foregoing, Figure 10A flowchart illustrating a method for assembling a mover assembly 18, operating the mover assembly 18 along a track 12, and disassembling the mover assembly 18 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Although the method is described using a specific sequence of steps, additional steps may be performed, the described steps may be performed in a different sequence than shown, and some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all. Furthermore, the steps of the method may be performed in parallel with each other, for example, simultaneously, and / or responsively to each other.

[0040] At block 72, the user can provide two movers 20 and a platform 42. At block 74, the user can couple the movers 20 to the platform to form a mover assembly 18. In some embodiments, a corresponding link feature 32 of one or more of the movers 20 can be inserted into a link element 44 of the platform 42. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the movers 20 can be rotated relative to the platform 42 to couple the corresponding mover 20 to the platform 42 to form a mover assembly 18 as described herein.

[0041] At block 76, the mover assembly 18 can be mounted and / or coupled to the track 12. In some embodiments, the mover assembly 18 can be mounted along the track section such that a portion of the mover assembly 18 contacts the guide rail 48 of the track section. For example, the corresponding housing 30 of each mover 20 of the mover assembly 18 can engage and contact the guide rail 48 of the track section. At block 78, the mover assembly 18 can be moved along the track 12. For example, the drive circuit 54 of the track section 16 can energize the coil 50 to generate a magnetic field. The generated magnetic field can interact with the corresponding magnet array 38 of each of the movers 20 of the mover assembly 18 and can drive the mover assembly 18 along the track 12.

[0042] After a certain amount of use (e.g., threshold time period, threshold distance, threshold load), the mover assembly 18 may require servicing and / or repair (e.g., component replacement, component repair, cleaning, lubrication, etc.). At block 80, the mover assembly 18 can be removed from track 12. At block 82, the corresponding mover 20 of the mover assembly 18 can be decoupled from platform 42. In some embodiments, the corresponding link feature of the mover 20 can be retracted from the corresponding link element 44 of platform 42. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding mover 20 can be rotated relative to platform 42 to decouple the corresponding mover 20 from platform 42 and remove the mover assembly 18. At block 84, the decoupled and / or decoupled components of the mover assembly 18 can be inspected and / or repaired according to manufacturer guidelines (e.g., threshold time periods for any number of components, threshold distances for any number of components, threshold loads for any number of components, etc.).

[0043] This disclosure includes a quick-connect mover assembly in a linear drive transmission system. The mover assembly provides quick connection and disconnection between the mover and the mounting platform. Linkage features on the mover and linking elements on the platform allow connection and disconnection to be accomplished by rotating the mover and / or the platform relative to each other. The technical advantages of the disclosed technology include quick connection and disconnection without the use of tools and increased ease of replacement and maintenance of the mover in the mover assembly.

[0044] While only certain features of this disclosure have been shown and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations falling within the true spirit of this disclosure. The techniques proposed and claimed herein are referenced to and applied to concrete examples of material objects and practical properties that clearly improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical.

Claims

1. A mover assembly for a linear motor system, comprising: A platform for supporting loads, the platform comprising: A first cylindrical recess and a second cylindrical recess, wherein the first cylindrical recess and the second cylindrical recess extend from a first surface of the platform facing the first mover and the second mover; A first ridge and a second ridge, wherein the first ridge extends substantially parallel to the second ridge across the first cylindrical recess; and The third ridge and the fourth ridge, wherein the third ridge extends substantially parallel to the fourth ridge across the second cylindrical recess; The first mover includes a tab extending parallel to and offset from a first surface of the first mover facing the platform, wherein, when the first mover is in a first orientation, the tab is freely movable in a lateral direction relative to the first cylindrical recess, and wherein, when the first mover is in a second orientation, the first ridge and the second ridge restrict the movement of the tab in the lateral direction; and The second mover includes a second tab extending parallel to and offset from a first surface of the second mover facing the platform. When the second mover is in a first orientation, the second tab is freely movable in a lateral direction relative to the second cylindrical recess. When the second mover is in a second orientation, the third and fourth ridges restrict the movement of the second tab in the lateral direction. Rotating the second mover between the first and second orientations allows the second mover to be engaged with the platform. In the second orientation, the second mover is able to rotate freely relative to the platform, thereby allowing the second mover to move on the curved track section without disengaging from the platform. Rotating the first mover between the first orientation and the second orientation allows the first mover to be engaged with the platform. In the second orientation, the first mover is able to rotate freely relative to the platform, thereby allowing the first mover to move on the curved track section without disengaging from the platform.

2. The moving part assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first orientation and the second orientation are offset from each other by at least 45 degrees.

3. The mover assembly of claim 1, comprising at least one seal disposed between the platform and the first mover and / or the second mover, wherein, The at least one seal is configured to seal against a portion of the first mover and / or the second mover.

4. The moving part assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one seal is configured to seal the first cylindrical recess and / or the second cylindrical recess.

5. The moving part assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The platform includes an insert that defines the first ridge and the second ridge.

6. The moving part assembly of claim 5, comprising a fastener configured to couple the insert to the platform.

7. The moving part assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first moving part includes a recess, the tab being formed in the recess, and / or The second moving part includes a recess, in which the second protrusion is formed.

8. The moving part assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first moving part includes a wall defining a circular recess, the tab being formed within the circular recess, and / or The second mover includes a wall defining a circular recess, within which the second protrusion is formed.

9. The moving part assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The tab extends toward the inner surface of the wall of the first moving part, and / or The second protrusion extends toward the inner surface of the wall of the second mover.

10. A linear motor system, comprising: A curved track section, the curved track section including a plurality of coils capable of being energized to generate a controlled magnetic field; A platform for supporting loads, the platform comprising: A first cylindrical recess and a second cylindrical recess, wherein the first cylindrical recess and the second cylindrical recess extend from a first surface of the platform facing the first mover and the second mover; A first ridge and a second ridge, wherein the first ridge extends substantially parallel to the second ridge across the first cylindrical recess; and The third ridge and the fourth ridge, wherein the third ridge extends substantially parallel to the fourth ridge across the second cylindrical recess; The first mover includes a tab extending parallel to and offset from a first surface of the first mover facing the platform, wherein, when the first mover is in a first orientation, the tab is freely movable in a lateral direction relative to the first cylindrical recess, and wherein, when the first mover is in a second orientation, the first ridge and the second ridge restrict the movement of the tab in the lateral direction; and The second mover includes a second tab extending parallel to and offset from a first surface of the second mover facing the platform, wherein, when the second mover is in a first orientation, the second tab is freely movable in a lateral direction relative to the second cylindrical recess, and wherein, when the second mover is in a second orientation, the third ridge and the fourth ridge restrict the movement of the second tab in the lateral direction. Rotating the first mover between the first orientation and the second orientation allows the first mover to be engaged with the platform. In the second orientation, the first mover is able to rotate freely relative to the platform, thereby allowing the first mover to move on the curved track section without disengaging from the platform. Rotating the second mover between the first and second orientations allows the second mover to be engaged with the platform. In the second orientation, the second mover is able to rotate freely relative to the platform, thereby allowing the second mover to move on the curved track section without disengaging from the platform.

11. The linear motor system according to claim 10, wherein, The first orientation and the second orientation are offset from each other by at least 45 degrees.

12. The linear motor system according to claim 10, wherein, The platform is configured for food handling, beverage handling, or a combination thereof.

13. The linear motor system according to claim 12, wherein, The platform includes an insert that defines the first ridge and the second ridge.

14. A method of assembly, comprising: A first mover and a second mover are provided, each mover including a corresponding tab extending parallel to and offset from a first surface of the corresponding mover; A platform is provided for supporting a load, the platform comprising: A first cylindrical recess and a second cylindrical recess, wherein the first cylindrical recess and the second cylindrical recess extend from a first surface of the platform facing the first mover and the second mover; A first ridge and a second ridge, wherein the first ridge extends substantially parallel to the second ridge across the first cylindrical recess; and The third ridge and the fourth ridge, wherein the third ridge extends substantially parallel to the fourth ridge across the second cylindrical recess; and The first mover and the second mover are coupled to the platform to form a mover assembly, wherein coupling the first mover and the second mover includes rotating the first mover and the second mover relative to corresponding cylindrical recesses between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the second orientation, the first mover and the second mover are able to rotate freely relative to the platform, and the first mover and the second mover are able to move on a curved track without disengaging from the platform.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising mounting the mover assembly on a track of a linear motor system.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first orientation and the second orientation are offset from each other by at least 45 degrees.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The platform includes an insert that defines the first ridge and the second ridge.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The platform is configured for food handling, beverage handling, or a combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising decoupling the first mover and the second mover from the platform, wherein, Decoupling includes rotating from the second orientation to the first orientation.

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