Transportation system

Abstract

Transportation system (10) for transporting products, in particular products to be assembled, comprising: a fixed sliding track (11) which delimits a continuous sliding path without interruptions; a mobile unit (12) which is movable on the sliding track (11) in an advancement direction (A); and motor means which move the mobile unit (12) on the sliding track (11). The transportation system (10) comprises at least one rolling guide (16, 17) and at least one rolling unit (18, 19) configured to cooperate with the rolling guide (16, 17) according to a sliding relationship.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transport system for discrete articles, particularly but not limited to products to be assembled. Preferably, the transport system according to the invention provides the use of a linear motor with electromagnetic drive, and in an indexing belt / chain transport system, or "step-by-step" movement. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial automation, automated transport systems capable of transporting dispersed products or discrete items are well-known, typically between different processing stations within an industrial production line.

[0003] This transportation system includes conveying mechanisms that define the forward path of the products.

[0004] In some solutions known in the prior art, the conveying mechanism is constructed as a belt, chain or other similar conveying component that is closed in a loop on at least a pair of traction rollers, wherein at least one roller is motorized to determine the forward movement of the conveying mechanism on which the product is placed by its rotation.

[0005] In other solutions known in the prior art, the conveying mechanism is constructed as multiple transport sliders, each supporting one or more products and sliding on a fixed linear guide. This guide includes straight and curved segments, and their extension allows the product-carrying sliders to follow a predetermined forward path.

[0006] An example of this type of transportation system, which includes solutions known in the prior art, is described in an international patent application published with publication number WO 2018 / 047059 A1.

[0007] One widely used technique in such solutions known in the prior art is the electromagnetically driven linear motor. This technique specifies that each transport slider includes a permanent magnet that engages with multiple electromagnets embedded in a fixed component. The electromagnets are positioned so that they face the permanent magnet, and an air gap is introduced between them. According to methods known in the prior art, when it is necessary to drive a specific transport slider that moves due to the generated electromagnetic field, the engagement of the permanent magnets with the electromagnets allows the transport slider to be driven by selectively activating the electromagnets.

[0008] Transport systems using electromagnetically driven linear motors have long been used in many industrial sectors, such as in product packaging in primary or secondary packaging. In fact, these linear motors perform exceptionally well because they allow for high acceleration and independent control of the transport slider's movement.

[0009] One drawback of traditional transportation systems is the existence of significant design constraints, particularly regarding the proper movement of the transport slider within a closed path formed by straight and curved segments. In fact, the geometry of the transport slider is strictly dependent on the characteristics of the curved segments, especially their radii of curvature. As will be readily understood, in the passage from straight to curved segments, the slider must be able to follow the path without interruption.

[0010] Specifically, in a transport system with an electromagnetically driven linear motor, the permanent magnet housed on the slider is arranged to be partially tangent to the linear guide, thus the air gap exhibits different values ​​at different points on the magnet. In other words, in this case, the distance between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet is much larger than the distance between the two opposite ends of the corresponding permanent magnet relative to its center.

[0011] This means that the design of the geometry of the curved segments of the transport slider and guide rail is a very delicate step, as it must ensure the proper operation of the transport system, prevent the slider from losing contact with the guide rail on which it slides, and in the drive unit with a linear motor, prevent the electromagnetic field that determines the forward movement of the transport slider from weakening or being interrupted, even if the latter is only local and time-limited.

[0012] Therefore, the transition of the transport slider from the straight segment to the curved segment is a very delicate step. In fact, during the transition between these segments, the transport slider tends to deviate from the guide rail due to the discontinuity of acceleration caused by the instantaneous change in the velocity vector direction during this transition, which leads to the transport slider tending to separate from the straight guide rail.

[0013] Another known drawback of transport systems is that the geometric constraints on the transport sliders reduce the load capacity of each slider, as they can only support a few products at a time. This is clearly very disadvantageous, as it imposes constraints on the slider size design.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to improve transportation systems that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a transport system that is reliable during use to ensure the correct operation of the system, especially when the transport slider is transitioning from a straight segment to a curved segment.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a transport system in which each transport slider has a greater load capacity than sliders known in the prior art, thereby enabling the movement of a larger number of products organized on the same slider.

[0017] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, a transportation system for transporting products, particularly loose products awaiting assembly, is provided, which overcomes the limitations of the prior art and eliminates its inherent defects.

[0020] One advantage of the transport system according to the invention is that it eliminates design constraints that, in the prior art, significantly limit the load capacity of the moving unit due to the maximum permissible dimensions. This is possible due to the presence of a variable cam profile offset, which allows the moving unit to be positioned relative to the sliding track, particularly in the transition zone between straight and curved sections, so as not to deviate from the sliding track even when its overall size is larger than that of moving units known in the prior art. An example of this size is the center distance between the rolling elements of the same rolling unit, which in the moving unit of the transport system according to the invention is much larger, particularly even three or four times larger, than the center distances characteristic of moving units known in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0021] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment, which is given as a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] - Figure 1 This is a schematic simplified perspective view of a transportation system according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 2 Is included Figure 1 A schematic simplified front view of a moving unit in a transportation system;

[0024] - Figure 3 Is included Figure 1 A schematic top-down view of a portion of a sliding track in a transportation system, enlarged and not to scale, showing the components included... Figure 2 Different scrolling units within the moving unit;

[0025] - Figure 3a and Figure 3b yes Figure 3 Magnified details;

[0026] - Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are Figure 3a and Figure 3b A simplified perspective view illustrating magnified details;

[0027] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the moving unit, including a portion of the sliding track in the transport system of the present invention, which is also visible in the cross-section.

[0028] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined with or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0029] We will now refer in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in a non-limiting manner. The phrases and terms used herein are also intended to provide non-limiting embodiments.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 This describes a transportation system for transporting products, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the attached figure.

[0031] Products not depicted in the accompanying drawings may be, for example, products awaiting assembly within an automated production line, particularly in the packaging department. It is evident that the transport system according to the invention is suitable for transporting many different types of products, and the type, shape, and size of the products do not affect the scope of protection of the invention.

[0032] The transport system 10 includes a fixed sliding track 11 that extends along an uninterrupted, continuous sliding path.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the sliding track 11 may be inscribed within a rectangle, and thus includes four straight sections and four curved sections connected to each other in an alternating sequence.

[0034] It should be noted that the sliding path can be closed, such as... Figure 1 The situation shown and described here is either open.

[0035] The transport system 10 includes a moving unit or slider, indicated by reference numeral 12, which can move along the sliding track 11. Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cross-sectional view provides a better view. The slider 12 moves bidirectionally along the forward direction A of the sliding track 11. Figure 3 ).

[0036] The movable slider 12 moves along the sliding track 11 via a motor device.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport system 10 includes a linear motor 13, which includes a primary coil 13a. Figure 6 and 7 The primary coil 13a and the permanent magnet 13b ( Figure 2 , 6 7) The interaction causes the movable slider 12 to move on the sliding track 11.

[0038] Specifically, the linear motor 13 includes a plurality of primary coils 13a, which are preferably distributed in a uniform manner along the sliding track 11. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the cross-section, the primary coil 13a is disposed in the wall 14 of the sliding track 11.

[0039] Furthermore, the linear motor 13 includes at least one permanent magnet 13b, which is operatively associated with the moving slider 12, and is particularly housed within the cavity 15 of the slider. Figure 2 , 6 (and 7). Preferably, the shape of the cavity 15 matches the shape of the permanent magnet 13b.

[0040] In some variations of the transport system 10, a plurality of movable sliders 12 are provided, all of which slide on a sliding track 11, and the transport system 10 thus includes a plurality of permanent magnets 13b, each of which is associated with a corresponding movable slider 12.

[0041] In any case, the movement of the movable slider 12 is achieved by selectively activating the primary coil 13a in a sequential manner, according to a pattern known in the prior art. The electromagnetic field determines the movement of the movable slider 12 due to the interaction between the generated electromagnetic field and the permanent magnet 13b on the slider.

[0042] Although we will only mention the use of linear motors below, the description can also be applied to other types of transport systems, such as indexing chain and belt conveyors, in which the moving slider moves step by step.

[0043] The transport system 10 includes a first rolling guide rail 16 and a second rolling guide rail 17, which extend along a sliding path, are spaced apart from each other, and are configured to allow the movable slider 12 to move on the sliding rail 11. For this purpose, each movable slider 12 includes a first rolling unit 18 and a second rolling unit 19, which respectively cooperate with the first rolling guide rail 16 and the second rolling guide rail 17, the pattern of which will be described in more detail below.

[0044] exist Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the first rolling guide 16 is positioned below the adjacent sliding track 11, and the second rolling guide 17 is positioned above the adjacent sliding track 11, so that the sliding track 11 is located between the rolling guides 16 and 17.

[0045] Each rolling guide 16, 17 includes a straight portion indicated by reference numerals 16a, 17a, and a curved portion indicated by reference numerals 16b, 17b.

[0046] The passages from each of the straight sections 16a, 17a to each of the curved sections 16b, 17b are labeled 16c, 17c in the attached diagram. Figure 3 The respective transition zones are indicated by ), and we will refer to them below as "first transition zone 16c" and "second transition zone 17c".

[0047] In addition, each rolling guide 16, 17 includes a pair of cams, each cam having its own rolling surface.

[0048] For clarity only, in the following text we will use the terms "first cam" and "second cam," respectively denoted by reference numerals 20 and 21, to refer to the pair of cams included in the first rolling guide 16, and the terms "third cam" and "fourth cam," respectively denoted by reference numerals 22 and 23, to refer to the pair of cams included in the second rolling guide 17. Similarly, the first cam 20 includes a first rolling surface 20a, the second cam 21 includes a second rolling surface 21a, the third cam 22 includes a third rolling surface 22a, and the fourth cam 23 includes a fourth rolling surface 23a.

[0049] Preferably, the first cam 20 is adjacent to the second cam 21, and the third cam 22 is adjacent to the fourth cam 23.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in the attached figure, the first cam 20 and the third cam 22 are located on the outer side, the second cam 21 and the fourth cam 23 are located on the inner side, and the sliding rail 11 is located between the rolling guide rails 16 and 17.

[0051] The rolling surfaces 20a, 21a, 22a, and 23a of cams 20, 21, 22, and 23 have a constant width along the entire sliding path and are positioned at their respective rolling heights relative to the sliding track. These rolling widths and heights of the first rolling surface 20a, the second rolling surface 21a, the third rolling surface 22a, and the fourth rolling surface 23a are respectively indicated by reference numerals L1, L2, L3, and L4 and H1, H2, H3, and H4 (see, in particular). Figure 6 ).

[0052] The rolling heights H1, H2, H3 and H4 are measured as distances from the corresponding fixed reference surfaces, each of which is set to face its respective rolling surface 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a along the entire sliding path and has a common reference line parallel to the sliding path on it.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the rolling surfaces 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a of the cams 20, 21, 22, 23 and the sliding track is measured relative to the wall 14 of the sliding track.

[0054] The first rolling unit 18 of the movable slider 12 includes a first rolling element 24 and a second rolling element 25, which are respectively configured to roll on the first rolling surface 20a and the second rolling surface 21a around the respective first rolling axis and second rolling axis indicated by reference numerals X1 and X2. Figure 4 and 5 ).

[0055] Similarly, the second rolling unit 19 of the movable slider 12 includes a third rolling element 26 and a fourth rolling element 27, which are respectively configured to roll on the third rolling surface 22a and the fourth rolling surface 23a about their respective third and fourth rolling axes indicated by reference numerals X3 and X4. Figure 2 , 6 and 7).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rolling element 24, the second rolling element 25, the third rolling element 26, and the fourth rolling element 27 are casters, but it is obvious that they can be configured as any rolling element capable of rolling, such as wheels, rollers, or small rollers of known or future types.

[0057] The width of each rolling surface 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a is determined and adjusted according to the size and shape of each rolling element 24, 25, 26, 27 that must roll on it.

[0058] The rolling heights H1, H2, H3, and H4 of the first rolling surface 20a, the second rolling surface 21a, the third rolling surface 22a, and the fourth rolling surface 23a are constant along the straight portions 16a and 17a and along the curved portions 16b and 17b of the sliding path, respectively, but are variable in the transition zones 16c and 17c in a manner described below.

[0059] Specifically, the absolute value of the difference between the values ​​of the first rolling height H1 and the second rolling height H2, measured at the same point on the sliding path, defines the cam profile offset S. Figure 3 ),exist Figure 3a and 3bThis can be seen better in the enlarged image, which will be described in more detail below.

[0060] Therefore, whenever the cam profile offset S is mentioned in this specification, it should be understood and measured as the height of the two cams on the same rolling guide at the same point.

[0061] In a completely similar manner, the absolute value of the difference between the values ​​of the third rolling height H3 and the fourth rolling height H4, measured at the same point on the sliding path, also defines the cam profile offset S as described above.

[0062] The first rolling height H1, the second rolling height H2, the third rolling height H3, and the fourth rolling height H4 are set such that the cam profile offset S has a value that varies only when measured in the corresponding transition zones 16c, 17c, and in particular, varies point by point.

[0063] Therefore, the first rolling surface 20a and the second rolling surface 21a have different curve profiles in the first transition zone 16c. Similarly, the third rolling surface 22a and the fourth rolling surface 23a also have different curve profiles in the second transition zone 17c.

[0064] Preferably, the first rolling surface 20a and the third rolling surface 22a are parallel to each other along the entire sliding path, and similarly, the second rolling surface 21a and the fourth rolling surface 23a are also parallel to each other along the entire sliding path. In other words, the third rolling height H3 is the same as the first rolling height H1 along the entire sliding path, and similarly, the fourth rolling height H4 is the same as the second rolling height H2 along the entire sliding path.

[0065] Therefore, the first rolling surface 20a and the third rolling surface 22a, and conversely the second rolling surface 21a and the fourth rolling surface 23a, have the same profile along the entire sliding path.

[0066] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Showing Figure 3 The enlarged view shows the interaction between the first rolling unit 18 of the movable slider 12 (indicated by dashed rectangles in these figures) and the first rolling guide rail 16. Based on the geometry of the transport system described above, the interaction between the second rolling unit 19 of the movable slider 12 and the second rolling guide rail 17 is... Figure 3 , 3a It is exactly the same as shown in 3b, so it is omitted.

[0067] It should be noted that, Figure 3a and Figure 3bIn the enlarged view, for clarity, the rolling heights H1 and H2, and therefore the cam profile offset S, are significantly exaggerated, so the curve profiles of the rolling surfaces 20a and 21a in the first transition zone 16c must be considered purely indicative.

[0068] The choice to have different cam profiles in the transition zone is due to the fact that, by referring only to the first rolling guide, two tracks (first rolling surface and second rolling surface) with different profiles are created for the first and second rolling elements of the slider.

[0069] Special Reference Figure 3a In the first transition zone 16c from the straight section 16a to the curved section 16b, because the first rolling surface 20a protrudes more than the wall 14 by a greater amount than the second rolling surface 21a protrudes more than the same wall 14, the first rolling height H1 changes and is greater than the second rolling height H2. As described above, the absolute value of the difference between the two heights H1 and H2 determines the cam profile offset S, which varies locally in the first transition zone 16c, i.e., changes point by point.

[0070] In fact, in the first transition zone 16c, the radius of curvature of the first rolling surface 20a (which is not constant) is gradually smaller than the radius of curvature of the second rolling surface 21a (which is not constant).

[0071] In addition, refer to Figure 3a The first rolling height H1 along the first transition zone 16c is greater than the constant value of the first rolling height H1 in the straight portion 16a and the curved portion 16b, while the second rolling height H2 is always along... Figure 3a The value of the first transition zone 16c is preferably less than the constant value of the second roll height H2 in the straight portion 16a and the curved portion 16b. In fact, the change in the cam profile offset S in the first transition zone 16c is due to the accompanying changes in the values ​​of the first roll height H1 (larger radius of curvature) and the second roll height H2 (smaller radius of curvature).

[0072] Reference Figure 3b In the first transition region 16c, with Figure 3a Unlike the other first transition zones 16 shown, the second rolling height H2 varies and is greater than the first rolling height H1 because the second rolling surface 21a protrudes more than the wall 14 of the sliding track 11. Similarly, in this case, the absolute value of the difference between the two heights H1 and H2 determines the cam profile offset S, which is variable point-by-point in the first transition zone 16c.

[0073] In addition, refer to Figure 3bThe value of the second rolling height H2 along the first transition zone 16c is greater than the constant value of the second rolling height H2 in the straight portion 16a and the curved portion 16b, and is always in Figure 3b The value of the first rolling height H1 in the first transition zone 16c is preferably less than the constant value of the first rolling height H1 in the straight section 16a and the curved section 16b. In practice, in Figure 3b The change in cam profile offset S in the first transition zone 16c is due to the accompanying changes in the values ​​of the second roll height H2 (larger radius of curvature) and the first roll height H1 (smaller radius of curvature).

[0074] According to the configuration just described, each curved section 16b has a pair of transition zones 16c, each transition zone 16c located on the side of the curved section 16b to connect the curved section 16b with the straight section 11a when entering and leaving the curved section 16b. In these two transition zones 16c, the tendency of the cam profile offset S is variable and is mirror-like relative to the curved section 16b, such as... Figure 3 It is clearly visible in the middle.

[0075] Specifically, the cam with a rolling height value greater than that along the corresponding straight and curved portions forms a raised or arched profile in the transition zone 16c, with its top facing in the opposite direction to the sliding track; while another cam belonging to the same rolling guide has a slight concave portion facing the sliding track, i.e., in the opposite direction to the raised portion.

[0076] In other words, on one side of the curved portion 16b, the transition region 16c has a first cam 20 including a raised portion and a second cam 21 including a recess, and mirror-likely on the other side of the same curved portion 16b, another transition region 16c has a first cam 20 including a recess and a second cam 21 including a raised portion.

[0077] The reason for the mirror structure described above is that, in this way, during the sliding of the moving slider 12 on the sliding track 11, the rolling element of the slider is farther from the curved portion 16b (and therefore closer to the straight portion 16a) than the other rolling elements, and travels along a cam with a profile including a raised section, i.e., it is itself at a distance relative to the sliding track, while during the sliding of the moving slider 12 on the sliding track, the rolling element of the slider is closer to the curved portion 16b (and therefore farther from the straight portion 16a) than the other rolling elements, and travels along a cam with a profile including a recess.

[0078] It should be noted that, according to the transport system 10 of the present invention, the cam profile offset S between the first rolling surfaces 20a and 21a of the first cam 20 and the second cam 21 is constant in the first straight section 16a and the first curved section 16b. Similarly, it is stipulated that the cam profile offset S between the third rolling surfaces 22a and 23a of the third cam 22 and the fourth cam 23 is also constant in the second straight section 17a and the curved section 17b. In other words, the first cam 20 and the second cam 21, as well as the third cam 22 and the fourth cam 23, are constructed and arranged such that the first rolling height H1 and the second rolling height H2, and the third rolling height H3 and the fourth rolling height H4, respectively, are constant along the straight sections 16a and 17a and along the curved sections 16b and 17b. Thus, the cam profile offset S is constant in the straight portions 16a and 17a and in the curved portions 16b and 17b, while at least one of the first rolling height H1 or the second rolling height H2, and therefore at least one of the third rolling height H3 or the fourth rolling height H4, has a variable value along their respective transition zones 16c and 17c, and the cam profile offset S also has a variable value along the transition zones.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling heights H1 and H3 of the first rolling surface 20a and the third rolling surface 21a in the straight portions 16a and 17a are equal to the rolling heights H1 and H3 of the first rolling surface 20a and the third rolling surface 21a in the curved portions 16b and 17b, and the rolling heights H2 and H4 of the second rolling surface 22a and the fourth rolling surface 23a in the straight portions 16a and 17a are equal to the rolling heights H2 and H4 of the second rolling surface 22a and the fourth rolling surface 23a in the curved portions 16b and 17b. Preferably, along the first curved portion 16b ( Figure 3 The first rolling height H1 is equal to the second rolling height H2 because the amount by which the first rolling surface 20a protrudes relative to the wall 14 of the sliding track 11 is the same as the amount by which the second rolling surface 21a protrudes relative to the same wall 14. In this case, the absolute value of the difference between the two heights H1 and H2 that determine the cam profile offset S is constant in the first curved portion 16b, that is, it does not change as it moves along the first curved portion 16b and is equal to zero.

[0080] According to a specific implementation, in the straight portions 16a and 17a and the curved portions 16b and 17b of the rolling guides 16 and 17, the rolling heights H1, H2, H3 and H4 of the first rolling surface 20a, the second rolling surface 21a, the third rolling surface 22a and the fourth rolling surface 23a are equal to each other.

[0081] Referring to the movable slider 12, according to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first rolling axis X1 and the second rolling axis X2 of the first rolling element 24 and the second rolling element 25 do not coincide with each other and are spaced apart in the forward direction A. Preferably, the first rolling axis X2 and the second rolling axes X1, X2 are substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the third rolling axis X3 and the fourth rolling axis X4 do not coincide with each other and are spaced apart in the forward direction A. Preferably, the second rolling axis X3 and the fourth rolling axis X4 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0082] Therefore, the third rolling axis X3 and the fourth rolling axis X4 are parallel to at least one of the first rolling axis X1 or the second rolling axis X2, more preferably parallel to both. In this specific case, as shown in the figures, all four rolling axes X1-X4 of the rolling elements 24, 25, 26 and 27 are parallel to each other.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the first rolling axis X1 and the third rolling axis X3 coincide, meaning they are longitudinally aligned so that they are positioned on a single straight line, specifically a vertical line, such as... Figure 2 It is clearly visible in the middle.

[0084] Similarly, the second rolling axis X2 and the fourth rolling axis X4 also coincide, and according to the previous definition, both are set on a single guideline defined by another straight line, which is perpendicular to and parallel to the straight line described above that sets the first rolling axis X1 and the third rolling axis X3. Figure 2 ).

[0085] Preferably, all the rolling axes X1, X2, X3 and X4 are arranged perpendicular to the forward direction A.

[0086] In other words, the geometric arrangement of the rolling elements 24, 25, 26, and 27 makes the center distance I between the pair of rolling elements 24 and 25 included in the first rolling unit 18 ( Figure 2 ) equals the center distance I between the pair of rolling elements 26 and 27 included in the second rolling unit 19, such as Figure 2 As shown. These center distances are defined as the distances between the rolling axes X1-X2 and X3-X4 of the rolling elements 24-25 and 26-27.

[0087] The cam profile offset S in transition zones 16c and 17c is proportional to the center distance I. Therefore, as the center distance I increases, there will be a larger cam profile offset S and a larger transition zone length.

[0088] Advantageously, the transport system 10 according to the invention allows the rolling elements 24, 25, 26, and 27 to be arranged in such a way that the defined center distance I can reach a value of approximately 100 mm, wherein the diameters of the rolling elements 24, 25, 26, and 27 are approximately 25 mm, thereby reaching three or four times the center distance typically characterized by this type of movable slider known in the prior art. Therefore, according to the teachings of the invention, the movable slider 12 is much larger in size, and thus it is equipped with a much greater load capacity than sliders of the type known in the prior art.

[0089] It should be noted that when the moving slider 12 travels along the transition zones 16c and 17c, the first rolling axis X1, the second rolling axis X2, the third rolling axis X3, and the fourth rolling axis X4 are configured relative to the sliding track 11, and in particular relative to the wall 14, at the first reference height and the second reference height, respectively. Figure 3a and 3b The enlarged view provides a better view of the reference heights, which are set along a trajectory indicated by a dotted line. The first and second reference heights are variable along the sliding path in the first transition zone 16c, such that the absolute value of the difference between the first and second reference heights measured at the same point on the sliding path defines the forward tilt value of the moving slider 12. Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the enlarged view, the movable slider 12 is schematically represented by a dashed rectangle, and its position relative to the sliding track 11 clearly shows the aforementioned forward tilt.

[0090] According to a variation not shown, the transport system 10 according to the invention may include only the first rolling guide rail 16, as it does not have the second rolling guide rail 17. Therefore, according to this variation, the transport system includes only the first rolling unit 18, as it lacks the second rolling unit 19. Clearly, technically equivalent to the other variations just described, the transport system 10 includes only the second rolling guide rail 17 and the second rolling unit 19, but lacks the first rolling guide rail 16 and the first rolling unit 18. In other words, some variations of the invention specify that the transport system 10 includes only one rolling guide rail, which is either adjacent to the lower side of the sliding track 11 or to the upper side of the sliding track 11, so that only the corresponding rolling unit 18 or 19 can roll on the aforementioned guide rail.

[0091] The transportation system 10 according to the invention also includes a pair of support planes 28, 29 arranged opposite to each other, with a sliding track 11 between them.

[0092] like Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, the movable slider 12 also includes at least one encoder arm 30, which is configured to cooperate with the sliding rail 11 to determine the position of the movable slider 12.

[0093] The movable slider 12 also includes a plurality of supporting rolling elements, which are configured as wheels, casters, rollers, or small rollers, and cooperate with at least one, or more preferably two, supporting surfaces 28, 29. Figure 2 As shown, the supporting rolling elements are constructed as wheels, indicated by reference numeral 31, each wheel being rotatable about a corresponding horizontally oriented axis, wherein each supporting wheel is disposed near a corresponding rolling element 24, 25, 26, 27. In particular, one pair of supporting wheels is configured to roll in conjunction with a supporting plane 28 on the lower side of the adjacent sliding track 11, while another pair of supporting wheels is configured to roll in conjunction with another supporting plane indicated by reference numeral 29 on the upper side of the adjacent sliding track 11.

[0094] According to some variations, the transport system 10 specifies that the rolling heights H1 and H2, as well as H3 and H4, are different from each other in the straight sections 16a and 17a and in the curved sections 16b and 17b, while always keeping the cam profile offset S constant. In this case, to ensure the correct sliding of the moving slider 12, the different rolling elements 24, 25, 26, and 27 can have different diameters, appropriately related to the profiles of the corresponding rolling surfaces 20a, 21a, 22a, and 23a on which they roll. As an alternative to or in combination with this variation, the different rolling elements 24, 25, 26, and 27 can all have the same diameter, but the corresponding rolling axes X1, X2, X3, and X4 are each set at an appropriate distance from the sliding track 11, related to the profiles of the rolling surfaces 20a, 21a, 22a, and 23a on which the rolling elements 24, 25, 26, and 27 roll.

[0095] Obviously, modifications and / or additions can be made to the transport system 10 as described above without departing from the scope and field of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0096] It is also clear, and equally clear, that although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will certainly be able to implement many other equivalent transport systems that have the features specified in the claims and therefore fall within the scope of protection defined herein. The reference numerals enclosed in parentheses in the appended claims are for ease of reading only; they should not be considered as limiting factors relating to the scope of protection claimed in any particular claim.

Claims

1. A transportation system (10) for transporting products, comprising: - A fixed sliding track (11) that extends along an uninterrupted, continuous sliding path; - A moving unit (12) that can move along the forward direction (A) on the sliding track (11); - A motor device configured to move the moving unit (12) on the sliding track (11); - A first rolling guide (16) extends along the sliding path, is disposed near the sliding rail (11), and has at least one first straight portion (16a) and at least one first curved portion (16b). The moving unit (12) includes at least one first rolling unit (18) configured to cooperate with the first rolling guide (16). The transport system (10) is characterized in that the first rolling guide (16) has a first transition zone (16c) between the first straight portion (16a) and the first curved portion (16b), and includes a first cam (20) and a second cam (21) having a first rolling surface (20a) and a second rolling surface (21a), respectively. The first rolling unit (18) includes a first rolling element (24) and a second rolling element (25), which are configured to roll on the first rolling surface (20a) and the second rolling surface (21a) about their respective first rolling axes (X1) and second rolling axes (X2), respectively. The first rolling axes and the second rolling axes do not coincide with each other and are spaced apart in the forward direction (A). The first rolling surface (20a) and the second rolling surface (21a) have their respective first widths constant along the sliding path. The first cam (20) and the second cam (21) are respectively set at a first rolling height (H1) and a second rolling height (H2) relative to the sliding track (11), wherein the absolute value of the difference between the values ​​of the first rolling height (H1) and the second rolling height (H2) measured at the same point on the sliding path is defined by a cam profile offset (S) at the measurement point; the transport system (10) is further characterized in that the first cam (20) and the second cam (21) are configured and set such that both the first rolling height (H1) and the second rolling height (H2) are constant along the at least one first straight section (16a) and along the at least one first curved section (16b), such that the cam profile offset (S) is constant along the first straight section (16a) and along the first curved section (16b), while at least one of the first rolling height (H1) or the second rolling height (H2) has a variable value along the first transition zone (16c), and the cam profile offset (S) also has a variable value along the first transition zone (16c).

2. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rolling axis (X1) and the second rolling axis (X2) are parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the forward direction (A).

3. The system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The system further includes a second rolling guide (17) extending along the sliding path and spaced apart from the first rolling guide (16), wherein the second rolling guide (17) has at least one second straight portion (17a) and at least one second curved portion (17b) and a second transition zone (17c) between the second straight portion (17a) and the second curved portion (17b), the second rolling guide (17) including at least a third cam (22) having a third rolling surface (22a), and characterized in that the moving unit (12) further includes a second rolling unit (19) including a third rolling element (26) configured to roll on the third rolling surface (22a) about a third rolling axis (X3), the third rolling surface (22a) having a third width (L3) constant along the sliding path and being positioned at a third rolling height (H3) relative to the sliding rail (11).

4. The system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third rolling height (H3) is equal to the first rolling height (H1) along the entire sliding path.

5. The system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third rolling axis (X3) is parallel to at least one of the first rolling axis (X1) or the second rolling axis (X2).

6. The system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rolling surface (20a) and the third rolling surface (22a) are parallel to each other along the entire sliding path.

7. The system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first rolling axis (X1) and the second rolling axis coincide.

8. The system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rolling surface (20a) and the third rolling surface (22a) have the same curve profile in the corresponding first transition zone (16c) and second transition zone (17c).

9. The system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rolling guide rail (16) is disposed on one side adjacent to the sliding rail (11), and the second rolling guide rail (17) is disposed on the other side adjacent to the sliding rail (11), such that the sliding rail (11) is located between the first rolling guide rail (16) and the second rolling guide rail (17).

10. The system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second rolling guide (17) also includes a fourth cam (23) having a fourth rolling surface (23a).

11. The system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fourth cam (23) is located adjacent to the third cam (22).

12. The system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second rolling unit (19) further includes a fourth rolling element (27) configured to roll on the fourth rolling surface (23a) about a fourth rolling axis (X4) parallel to at least one of the first rolling axis (X1) or the second rolling axis (X2), wherein the fourth rolling surface (23a) has a fourth width (L4) constant along the sliding path and is set at a fourth rolling height (H4) relative to the sliding track (11), the fourth rolling height (H4) being equal to the second rolling height (H2) along the entire sliding path.

13. The system (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The second rolling surface (21a) and the fourth rolling surface (23a) are parallel to each other along the entire sliding path.

14. The system (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second rolling axis (X2) and the fourth rolling axis (X4) coincide.

15. The system (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The first cam (20) and the third cam (22) are positioned further out, the second cam (21) and the fourth cam (23) are positioned further in, and the sliding rail (11) is located between the first rolling rail (16) and the second rolling rail (17).

16. A transport system (10) for transporting products, comprising: - A fixed sliding track (11) that extends along an uninterrupted, continuous sliding path; - A moving unit (12) that can move along the forward direction (A) on the sliding track (11); - A motor device configured to move the moving unit (12) on the sliding track (11); - A rolling guide (16) extending along the sliding path is disposed near the sliding rail (11) and has at least one first straight portion (16a) and at least one first curved portion (16b). The moving unit (12) includes at least one rolling unit (18) configured to cooperate with the rolling guide (16). The transport system (10) is characterized in that the rolling guide (16) has a first transition zone (16c) between the first straight portion (16a) and the first curved portion (16b), and includes a first cam (20) and a second cam (21) having a first rolling surface (20a) and a second rolling surface (21a), respectively. The rolling unit (18) includes a first rolling element (24) and a second rolling element (25), the first rolling element and the second rolling element being configured to roll on the first rolling surface (20a) and the second rolling surface (21a) about their respective first rolling axis (X1) and second rolling axis (X2), respectively. The first rolling axis and the second rolling axis do not coincide with each other and are spaced apart in the forward direction (A). The first rolling element (24) and the second rolling element (25) are configured such that when the moving unit (12) moves along the forward direction (A) on the sliding track (11), their respective first rolling axis (X1) and second rolling axis (X2) are set at a first reference height and a second reference height relative to the sliding track (11), so that the difference between the first reference height and the second reference height measured at the same point on the sliding path determines the forward tilt value of the moving unit (12); the transport system (10) is further characterized in that the first cam (20) and the second cam (21) are configured and positioned such that the first reference height and the second reference height are constant along at least one first straight section (16a) and along at least one first curved section (16b), such that the forward tilt value is constant in the first straight section (16a) and in the first curved section (16b), while at least one of the first reference height or the second reference height has a variable value along the first transition zone (16c), and the forward tilt value also has a variable value in the first transition zone (16c).

17. A transport system (10) for transporting products, comprising: A fixed sliding track (11); at least one moving unit (12) comprising at least one rolling unit (18) capable of slidingly engaging with the sliding track (11); and a motor device configured to drive the moving unit (12) to move on the sliding track (11), wherein the sliding track (11) extends along an uninterrupted, continuous sliding path; wherein the transport system (10) further comprises a rolling guide (16) extending along the sliding path, positioned near the sliding track (11), having at least one first straight portion (16a) and at least A first curved portion (16b) is provided, and is capable of engaging with the rolling unit (18) in a rolling relationship; the transport system (10) is characterized in that the rolling guide (16) has a first transition zone (16c) intervening between the first straight portion (16a) and the first curved portion (16b), and includes a first cam (20) and a second cam (21) having a first rolling surface (20a) and a second rolling surface (21a), respectively, the first rolling surface and the second rolling surface being capable of engaging with the first rolling element (16b) in the rolling unit (18) in a rolling relationship. 24) The first rolling surface (20a) and the second rolling surface (21a) are in contact with the second rolling element, the first rolling surface (20a) and the second rolling surface (21a) having a first width and a second width that are constant along the sliding path, and are disposed at a first rolling height (H1) and a second rolling height (H2) respectively relative to the sliding track (11), wherein the absolute value of the difference between the values ​​of the first rolling height (H1) and the second rolling height (H2) measured at the same point on the sliding path defines the cam profile offset (S), and is further characterized in that the first cam (20) and the second cam (21) are configured and positioned The first roll height (H1) and the second roll height (H2) are both constant along the at least one first straight section (16a) and along the at least one first curved section (16b), such that the cam profile offset (S) is constant in the first straight section (16a) and in the first curved section (16b), while at least one of the first roll height (H1) or the second roll height (H2) has a value that changes along the first transition zone (16c), and the cam profile offset (S) also has a value that changes along the first transition zone (16c).

18. The system (10) according to claim 1, 16 or 17, characterized in that, The sliding track (11) extends along a closed path.

19. The system (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first cam (20) and the second cam (21) are adjacent to each other.

20. The system (10) according to claim 1, 16 or 17, characterized in that, The first rolling surface (20a) and the second rolling surface (21a) have curve profiles with different radii of curvature in the first transition region (16c).

21. The system (10) according to claim 1, 16 or 17, characterized in that, The motor device includes a linear motor (13) comprising a primary coil (13a) disposed on the wall (14) of the sliding track (11) and at least one permanent magnet (13b) which is housed in the moving unit (12) to interact with the primary coil (13a) thereby moving the moving unit (12) on the sliding track (11).

22. The system (10) according to claim 1, 16 or 17, characterized in that, In the transition zone (16c), the first cam (20) has a portion that includes an arcuate profile that protrudes relative to the profile of the second cam (21), or the second cam (21) has a portion that includes an arcuate profile that protrudes relative to the profile of the first cam (20).

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