workpiece carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a workpiece carrier for transporting workpieces or products in a conveying system, the workpiece carrier comprising at least one workpiece seat arranged for accommodating at least one workpiece, the workpiece seat comprising a receiving surface on which the workpiece is mountable, and further comprising a seat surface arranged distal from the receiving surface. The workpiece carrier further comprises at least one contact element arranged for resting on a conveying element of the conveying system comprising a contact surface during operation of the workpiece carrier, the contact element being connected to the seat surface of the workpiece seat, the workpiece carrier being movable on the conveying system in a first movement direction, the first movement direction being provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a positioning plane, the positioning plane being oriented perpendicular to the contact surface and perpendicular to the first movement direction, the positioning plane intersecting the receiving surface and being arranged in the center over the length of the workpiece carrier in the first movement direction, and the contact element comprising at least two holes arranged such that the at least two holes are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, and the contact element comprising at least two protrusions also arranged such that they are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface. The invention further relates to a conveying system for transporting workpieces and a method of joining a plurality of workpieces using the conveying system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a workpiece carrier for transporting workpieces or products in a conveying system, the workpiece carrier comprising at least one workpiece seat arranged for accommodating at least one workpiece, the workpiece seat comprising a receiving surface on which the workpiece can be mounted and further comprising a seat surface arranged distal to the receiving surface. The workpiece carrier further comprises at least one contact element arranged to rest on a conveying element of the conveying system having a contact surface during operation of the workpiece carrier, the contact element being connected to the seat surface of the workpiece seat, the workpiece carrier being movable on the conveying system in a first movement direction, the first movement direction being provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a positioning plane, the positioning plane being oriented perpendicular to the contact surface and perpendicular to the first movement direction, the positioning plane intersecting the receiving surface and being arranged in the center over the length of the workpiece carrier in the first movement direction, and the contact element having at least two holes arranged such that the at least two holes are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, and the contact element having at least two protrusions also arranged such that they are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface. The invention further relates to a conveying system for transporting workpieces and a method of joining a plurality of workpieces using the conveying system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In manufacturing or logistics, workpiece carriers or load carriers are used to transport workpieces or goods between different stations. Usually, such workpiece carriers are deployed in large numbers in a conveying system. For example, the workpiece carriers can be used in a conveying system in which the workpieces located on the workpiece carriers are subjected to processing or inspection at a plurality of stations. Here, the workpieces can remain on the workpiece carriers or are temporarily removed from the workpiece carriers and processed at the plurality of stations. In general, it is more preferable in a conveying system to require as little time as possible for the processes of loading or unloading to impart as high a throughput as possible to the conveying system.

[0003] In order to enable temporary connection between individual workpiece carriers moving next to each other in a conveying system, the workpiece carriers have a portion designed such that they can be partially pushed into each other. Such workpiece carriers are described, for example, in CN 205169255 U. Each workpiece carrier has a protrusion which can be positively inserted into a corresponding counter bore of an adjacent workpiece carrier. When the adjacent workpiece carriers are thus positioned relative to each other, they can therefore be positively connected to form a workpiece carrier cluster. In the conveying system, a plurality of interconnected workpiece carriers can be transported together or the workpieces located on the workpiece carriers can be processed together at a station. The individual workpiece carriers can then be separated from each other again.

[0004] Workpiece carriers which can be pushed into each other are also described in US 6102194 A. Here, the parts of the workpiece carriers which can be inserted into each other are designed in such a way that when a plurality of workpiece carriers are gathered they cooperate as a brake to reduce the impact of the workpiece carriers on each other.

[0005] These known workpiece carriers are anti-tip, because they have a large contact surface on a sub-surface, for example a conveyor belt. This anti-tip property is particularly desirable during the transport and processing of workpieces with a high center of gravity. A disadvantage of the known workpiece carriers is that when gathered, i.e. in a state in which the workpiece carriers contact each other next to each other in the conveying direction, they require a relatively large amount of space. In this way, only a limited number of workpiece carriers can be temporarily stored in the storage section which is being used. These temporary storages are important so that in the event of a fault in the transport or manufacturing process there can be a time buffer to repair the fault without having to stop the transport or manufacturing. In addition, the known workpiece carriers also have the problem that due to the large contact surface, workpieces which are smaller in size than the contact surface distance each other more during the transport or when gathered, which makes the joining process more difficult or impossible when the workpieces are gathered. SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a solution by which workpieces or goods can be transported in an anti-tip manner, while at the same time a dense series of a plurality of workpieces or goods should be possible.

[0007] This object is achieved by a workpiece carrier for transporting workpieces or products in a conveying system, the workpiece carrier comprising:

[0008] at least one workpiece seat arranged for accommodating at least one workpiece, the workpiece seat comprising a receiving surface on which the workpiece can be mounted and further comprising a seat surface arranged at a distance from the receiving surface,

[0009] at least one contact element arranged for resting on a contact surface of a conveying element of the conveying system during operation of the workpiece carrier, the contact element being connected to the seat surface of the workpiece seat,

[0010] The first movement direction is provided for the workpiece carrier, which is movable in the conveying system along the first movement direction, and a positioning plane is defined, which is oriented perpendicular to the contact surface and perpendicular to the first movement direction, which positioning plane intersects the receiving surface and is arranged in the center of the length of the workpiece carrier in the first movement direction, and the contact element has at least two holes, which are arranged such that they are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, and the contact element has at least two protrusions, which are arranged such that they are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, the protrusion of one workpiece carrier, which is arranged closer to the workpiece base in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, is insertable into the hole of another workpiece carrier, which is arranged closer to the workpiece base in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane, and the protrusion of one workpiece carrier, which is arranged closer to the contact surface in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, is insertable into the hole of another workpiece carrier, which is arranged closer to the contact surface in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane.

[0011] Each hole extends at least partially on two opposite sides of the positioning plane, in particular through the positioning plane.

[0012] The workpiece carrier according to the application is provided to accommodate at least one workpiece and to transport the at least one workpiece through a conveying system or a production system. The workpiece base of the workpiece carrier is the component which directly accommodates the workpiece during the transport. For this purpose, the workpiece base comprises a receiving surface, on which the workpiece can be placed or mounted. The base surface is arranged at a distance from the receiving surface and can be used, for example, to establish a connection to further components of the workpiece carrier. The receiving surface can have various shapes. In a simple embodiment, the receiving surface is provided flat and has a rectangular cross section in a top view. However, the receiving surface can also have a more complex shape and can for example partially have a negative shape of the workpiece to be accommodated. In addition to the workpiece base, the workpiece carrier comprises at least one contact element, which constitutes a component which the workpiece carrier rests on during operation on a part of the conveying system. The contact element is connected to the base surface of the workpiece base and, during operation, rests on a conveying element of the conveying system by means of at least one contact surface.

[0013] For a more detailed description of the workpiece carrier and the interaction of a plurality of workpiece carriers, two movement directions and a positioning plane are defined as auxiliary geometries which facilitate the definition of the workpiece carrier. The first movement direction is to be understood as the movement direction in which the workpiece carrier moves through the transport system, in which case a partial insertion of the plurality of workpiece carriers into one another is required or desired. When the plurality of workpiece carriers is moved in the first movement direction, the segments of the first workpiece carrier can be inserted into the segments of the second workpiece carrier, so that a space-saving accumulation or buffering of the plurality of workpiece carriers can be achieved. Furthermore, a second movement direction is defined, which is oriented perpendicular to the first movement direction. In the workpiece carrier according to the application, when the plurality of workpiece carriers is transported in the second movement direction through the transport system, adjacent workpiece carriers cannot be inserted into one another. Thus, only an accumulation of adjacent workpiece carriers without superposition occurs in the second movement direction. In the second movement direction, fewer workpiece carriers can be temporarily stored on the effective buffer segments. However, sometimes for a particular machining step, a greater distance of adjacent workpiece carriers and thus a greater distance of the workpieces from one another is required, which is advantageous in the second movement direction. Furthermore, a positioning plane is defined as auxiliary geometry, which is oriented perpendicular to the contact surface of the workpiece carrier on the transport element. In the case of a horizontally oriented transport element, the positioning plane is vertically oriented. In addition, the positioning plane is oriented perpendicular to the first movement direction and intersects the receiving surface. Finally, the positioning plane is located in the center of the overall length of the workpiece carrier in the direction of the first movement direction and thus, in theory, divides the workpiece carrier in half in this direction. In the case of a movement of the workpiece carrier in the first movement direction, the distance between two positioning planes of adjacent workpiece carriers which are oriented parallel to one another is the dimension which can be used for the distance between the workpieces. This dimension can also be referred to as the center distance and serves as a basis for logical calculations regarding the production quantity and production quality of the transport system. Preferably, the workpieces are arranged on the receiving surface such that the workpieces are arranged parallel to the positioning plane and / or the center of the workpieces is arranged such that in the first movement direction the center of the workpiece coincides with the positioning plane. However, it is of course also possible to attach workpieces or even a plurality of workpieces to the receiving surface while these workpieces are not arranged parallel to the positioning plane.

[0014] The contact element of the workpiece carrier according to the application comprises two holes which are arranged such that they are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface. The holes are configured to accommodate the protrusions of an adjacent workpiece carrier when a plurality of workpiece carriers are clustered. The contact element therefore also comprises two protrusions which are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface. Here, the distance between the two holes is equal to the distance between the two protrusions. The holes and the protrusions can have various shapes, however, the holes and the protrusions are always formed such that the protrusions can be inserted into the associated holes. Each hole is designed such that one side of the hole in the direction of the first movement direction is open, such that the protrusion of an adjacent workpiece carrier can be inserted from this direction. The two holes and the two protrusions are arranged on the workpiece carrier such that the protrusion of one workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the workpiece base can be inserted into the hole of a second workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the workpiece base in the direction of the first movement direction or in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane. The same applies to the protrusion which is arranged closer to the contact surface and the hole which is arranged closer to the contact surface: the protrusion of the first workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the contact surface can be inserted into the hole of the second workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the contact surface. Thus, in the case of a clustering of two adjacent workpiece carriers, the protrusion of the first workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the workpiece base enters the hole of the second workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the workpiece base, while the protrusion which is arranged closer to the contact surface enters the hole of the adjacent workpiece carrier which is arranged closer to the contact surface. In this way, the adjacent workpiece carriers are stacked in the clustered state and can be temporarily stored in a space-saving manner, for example in a buffer section. According to the application, therefore, respectively, one protrusion of a workpiece carrier can be inserted into a hole of another adjacent workpiece carrier in the direction of the first movement direction. However, it is also possible that this respective insertion of one protrusion into a hole is provided for a direction which is not the first movement direction and is geometrically possible. For example, the respective insertion of one protrusion into a hole can take place in a direction which extends parallel to the contact surface and is oriented at an acute angle to the first movement direction. This clustering can also be referred to as a lateral clustering with respect to the first movement direction. This lateral clustering is advantageous when the relative movement direction of the workpiece carriers of a transport system, for example, is changed or turned. Relevant examples will be described in connection with the alternative embodiments of the application.

[0015] According to the invention, the two apertures of the workpiece carrier are at least partially on two opposite sides of the positioning plane. Thus, along the first movement direction, the two apertures are longer than half the length of the entire workpiece carrier in this direction. Thus, each aperture extends through the positioning plane arranged in the center of the receiving surface. Thereby, the two protrusions are also arranged such that they extend along the first movement direction on two opposite sides of the positioning plane. In this way, when adjacent workpiece carriers are clustered, each protrusion passes through the aperture of the adjacent workpiece carrier beyond half the length of each workpiece carrier. In this way, the workpiece carriers according to the invention can be clustered in a space-saving manner along the first movement direction. The buffer capacity of a plurality of workpiece carriers according to the invention is greatly increased compared to known workpiece carriers in terms of the contact surface or the upright surface. A particular advantage of the workpiece carriers according to the invention is that despite the space-saving clustering capability, the length of the workpiece carrier along the first movement direction can be chosen to be so large that a high tilting resistance of the workpiece carriers in the conveying system is achieved. This tilting resistance in turn makes it possible for workpieces with a high center of gravity to be stably and safely transported through the conveying system by the workpiece carriers. To achieve a high tilting resistance, the length of the contact element along the first movement direction is preferably much greater than the length of the receiving surface for accommodating the workpiece. For example, the length of the contact element can be chosen such that it is 2, 3 or 4 times greater than the length of the contact surface. This greater overall length of the workpiece carrier makes the workpiece carrier extremely resistant to tilting, in particular when there are dynamic changes in the conveying system, such as acceleration or deceleration. The workpiece carriers according to the invention are particularly suitable for accommodating slim sheet-shaped workpieces, for example the cells of a battery. By inserting the protrusions into the apertures of the adjacent workpiece carriers, the positioning planes of the adjacent workpiece carriers and thus the adjacent workpieces can be brought very close together, so that the joining operation can be performed during the joining, even when the workpieces can still be held in their respective workpiece carriers. Thus, in summary, the workpiece carriers according to the invention facilitate the transport of the workpiece carriers through the conveying system and can impart a buffer of the workpieces in each surface area, which is improved compared to the prior art. In this way, the throughput and the reliability of the conveying system are increased.

[0016] In one embodiment, it is envisaged that each hole and each protrusion extends at least partially on both opposite sides of the positioning plane, such that when the protrusions of the first workpiece carrier are introduced into the holes of the second workpiece carrier, the first workpiece carrier and the second workpiece carrier can be positioned to each other such that the distance between the positioning planes of the first workpiece carrier and the second workpiece carrier is less than half the length of the workpiece carrier in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane. The distance between the two positioning planes of two workpiece carriers arranged next to each other in the conveying system can also be referred to as the center distance. Since both the two holes as well as the two protrusions extend on both sides of the positioning plane, they are each designed to be longer than half the total length of the workpiece carrier in the first movement direction. Thus, when the two workpiece carriers are pushed into each other or are brought together in the first direction, the center distance between the workpiece carriers is less than half the overall length of the workpiece carriers. In this way, the minimum center distance that can be achieved relative to the overall length of the workpiece carriers is considerably increased compared to the prior art, and the buffer capacity of each active surface area is much greater than in the prior art. Since the two protrusions also extend on both sides of the positioning plane, the torque generated by the center of gravity of the workpiece on the workpiece carrier is effectively supported by the workpiece carrier in the first movement direction. The workpiece carrier is thus extremely resistant to tilting, and is thus also suitable for conveying workpieces with a high center of gravity and / or for situations with a high dynamic load, such as acceleration and deceleration.

[0017] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the contact element comprises at least two guide parts, which each comprise at least two guide points arranged on the outside of the contact element in a direction perpendicular to the first movement direction, the connecting lines between the guide points of the guide parts being oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane and spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the positioning plane, the guide parts being arranged to at least temporarily or partially abut on the guide of the transport system during operation of the workpiece carrier. In this embodiment, at least two guide parts for guiding the workpiece carrier in the transport system are arranged on the contact element. The guide parts are each arranged on the outside of the workpiece carrier, the outsides at the contact element facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the first movement direction. Each guide part comprises at least two guide points, which can be connected to each other by an imaginary connecting line. The imaginary connecting lines are oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane or parallel to the first movement direction, the imaginary connecting lines extending parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the first movement direction. It can be, for example, that the two guide parts together comprise a guide point. However, each guide part can also be formed as an actual geometric line between two guide points, which can be implemented by a curved surface, for example. In addition, each guide part can also be formed as a guide surface, which is oriented perpendicular to the contact surface and perpendicular to the positioning plane. When moving the workpiece carrier through the transport system, the two guide parts at least partially and at least temporarily abut on the guide of the transport system. Here, the abutment can occur in the manner of a point contact, a line contact or a surface contact.

[0018] Technically, it is envisaged that the receiving surface is oriented parallel to the contact surface. Due to this parallel orientation, the receiving surface for the workpiece is also oriented parallel to the sub-surface on which the workpiece carrier rests. This alignment is particularly advantageous for performing operations on the workpiece and at the same time prevents the workpiece from slipping from the workpiece carrier. Of course, the receiving surface can also be configured such that it is inclined with respect to the contact surface.

[0019] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the contact element comprises a first section and a second section arranged next to each other and connected to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, the two sections having substantially the same shape and size, the two sections being differently positioned with respect to the positioning plane. In this embodiment, the contact element is implemented in at least two parts. Here, the two sections are arranged next to each other and connected to each other. Next to each other here means that the two sections do not necessarily directly adjoin each other. It can also be that an intermediate element is arranged between the two sections, which is one or more spacer disks, for example. The two sections have essentially the same shape, but are differently oriented with respect to the positioning plane. For example, the two sections can be arranged such that they are mirror images of each other with respect to the positioning plane.

[0020] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the first section is connected to the workpiece base, while the second section is connected to the first section on the side of the first section opposite the workpiece base, the contact surface being arranged on the second section on the side of the second section opposite the first section. These elements or components, the second section, the first section and the workpiece base, are arranged one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface. Here, further components such as spacer disks can be arranged between these elements or components. The contact surface attached to the second section is in this application the positive bottom. Above this contact surface, the first section is mounted, and the workpiece base is arranged on the positive top of the first section, above the first section.

[0021] It is technically envisaged that at least one guide component is arranged on the first section and at least one guide component is arranged on the second section. The guide components are arranged opposite each other on the outside of the contact element in a direction parallel to the positioning plane. In embodiments comprising a first section and a second section, at least one guide component is arranged on the first section and at least one other guide component is arranged on the second section. It is also possible that at least two guide components are arranged on each of the two sections. In this way, at least two guide components are arranged on each outside of the contact element, spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane. Embodiments comprising at least four guide components are particularly advantageous, as this embodiment very effectively prevents an undesired rotation of the workpiece carriers in the transport system and thus ensures a stable orientation of the workpiece carriers in the guide direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, it is envisaged that the first hole and the first protrusion are arranged on or in the first section and the second hole and the second protrusion are arranged on or in the second section. In this embodiment, one hole and one protrusion, respectively, are arranged on each of the two sections. In this way, two adjacent workpiece carriers can be particularly well guided pushed into each other in the first movement direction.

[0023] Advantageously, it is envisaged that each section comprises one guide component, respectively, which is oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane, on the opposite side of the positioning plane. In this embodiment, one guide component, implemented as a guide surface, respectively, is arranged on the outside of each of the two sections. This results in an extremely stable guidance of the workpiece carriers in the transport system. The guide surface oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane can also be replaced by a guide line also oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane.

[0024] Optionally, it is envisaged that the contact element is designed such that it is as long as the workpiece holder or longer in the direction of the positioning plane. In this embodiment, the contact element protrudes beyond the workpiece holder on one side in the direction of the positioning plane, preferably on both sides in the direction of the positioning plane. This makes the workpiece carrier particularly resistant to tilting in a direction parallel to the positioning plane. Alternatively, however, the contact element and the workpiece holder can also be designed such that the contact element and the workpiece holder are of equal length in a direction parallel to the positioning plane. In addition, it is possible that the workpiece holder is designed such that it is longer than the contact element in this direction.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, it is envisaged that in a top view of the contact surface, the outer contour of each segment on a first side substantially corresponds to the outer contour of a segment located on a second side opposite the first side in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane. In this embodiment, mutually facing sides of each segment have the same shape. Due to this design, segments of a first workpiece carrier can be slipped into segments of a second workpiece carrier in a particularly easy manner. For example, the outer contour of each segment on a first side and on a second side can be formed as a semicircle, the first side and the second side being located opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane. When two segments of adjacent workpiece carriers are pushed into each other, the semicircular outer contour then abuts against the semicircular outer contour of the other workpiece carrier formed as a corresponding complementary shape. In this way, a plurality of workpiece carriers can be inserted into each other in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0026] It is also envisaged that in a top view perpendicular to the contact surface, the contact element is formed such that it is symmetrical about the positioning plane. In this embodiment, the positioning plane constitutes a central plane or a symmetry plane of the workpiece carrier in the top view. At the same time, however, the two segments are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, i.e. in a direction parallel to the positioning plane. This symmetry about the positioning plane is thus given in a two-dimensional projection of the workpiece carrier and not in three-dimensional space. In this embodiment, the positioning plane is located in the center of each individual segment of the two segments arranged above and below each other in the first movement direction. Due to this shape being symmetrical in projection about this positioning plane, while the shape is formed at the same time by two segments arranged above and below each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, it is possible to realize that two holes and protrusions of the same shape are arranged on each segment, respectively. Thus, in the case of a convergence or a gathering of two workpiece carriers in the first movement direction, the protrusions of the first workpiece carrier will enter the holes of the second workpiece carrier, while the protrusions of the second workpiece carrier will enter the holes of the first workpiece carrier. In this way, adjacent workpiece carriers are stacked over a greater length in the first movement direction, so that a plurality of workpiece carriers can be gathered in a space-saving manner.

[0027] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that in the plan view of the contact surface each segment is formed such that it is axially symmetrical about an axis which is oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane. In this embodiment, each segment is formed such that it is symmetrical in a direction parallel to the positioning plane, i.e. axially symmetrical about an axis which is upright perpendicular to the positioning plane. Due to this symmetry, the plurality of workpiece carriers can also be particularly well gathered or coupled to each other in a second movement direction which is oriented perpendicular to the first movement direction. Preferably, the symmetry axis here lies in the center of the length of the contact element in a direction parallel to the positioning plane. Of course, the above-mentioned embodiments can also be combined. For example, the contact element can be embodied such that in the plan view of the contact surface it is symmetrical about the positioning plane and, at the same time, the two segments can each be designed such that they are symmetrical about an axis which is upright perpendicular to the positioning plane.

[0028] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that in the plan view of the contact surface each segment is formed as a V, in particular the two arms of the V being arranged at an angle of 5° to 150° relative to each other, each free end of the V comprising a guide part on the front side of the free end, the guide parts of the segments arranged above and below each other being flush with each other at each end of the contact element. In this embodiment, each of the two segments is formed as a V, the two Vs being arranged symmetrically about the positioning plane in the plan view. Here, the angle between the two arms of the V of each segment can be 5° to 150°. Preferably, the angle between the two arms of the two segments is equal. On the front side arranged at the outer side, which can also be referred to as the free end, one guide part is arranged here respectively. The end of each segment on the opposite side of the ends of the arms interconnected to form the V is referred to as the free end. Here, to ensure good guidance in the transport system, the guide part arranged on the front side of the first segment is flush with the guide part arranged on the front side of the second segment. Preferably, the two segments formed as a V are oriented in opposite directions to each other, which means that the point of the one V in this direction and the point of the second V in this direction are opposite in the direction of the first movement direction.

[0029] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that in the plan view of the contact surface each segment is formed at least partially in the shape of a V, with a hole arranged between the arms of the V, and the convex outer side of the tip of the V is formed as a protrusion, each segment is formed in the shape of a V in the plan view of the contact surface, the tips of the Vs of the two segments interconnecting the two arms are arranged on opposite sides of the positioning plane, the two segments are arranged such that in the plan view they are symmetrical to one another about the positioning plane. In this embodiment, the individual embodiments described above are combined with one another. The contact element is formed from two V-shaped segments which are arranged one above the other and are arranged such that in the plan view they are symmetrical about the positioning plane. This means that in the plan view the projection of the entire contact element is formed such that it is symmetrical about the positioning plane. The two holes are each formed by the region between the two arms of a segment. The two protrusions are each formed by the convex outer contour of a segment formed in the shape of a V. Here, the convex tip of one of the two segments is arranged on a first side of the positioning plane, while the convex tip of the second of the two segments is arranged on the opposite side of the positioning plane. This embodiment makes it possible for a plurality of adjacent workpiece carriers to be inserted a large distance into one another in the first direction of movement and thus a space-saving concentration of a plurality of adjacent workpiece carriers to be possible. At the same time, the contact surface of the contact element arranged on the underside of the second segment extends over a large length on both sides of the positioning plane. In this way, the torque transmitted by the workpiece to the workpiece carrier can be particularly well supported. In this way, a high tilting resistance of the workpiece carrier in the first direction of movement is ensured. This embodiment therefore effectively combines the possibility of being able to concentrate or arrange a plurality of workpiece carriers very closely together with each individual workpiece carrier having a high tilting resistance.

[0030] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that in a top view of the contact surface each segment is formed at least partially in the shape of a V, the outer surfaces of the segments which are located opposite one another perpendicularly to the positioning plane are designed at least partially flat, the two arms of the V are each oriented at an angle of 1° to 89°, preferably at the same angle, to the positioning plane. In this embodiment, the outer surfaces of the two segments formed in the shape of a V are designed flat and extend in a straight line in the top view. Here, the outer contours located opposite one another in the direction perpendicular to the positioning plane are each designed flat. The arms and the regions of the arms whose outer surfaces are designed flat are preferably oriented at an angle of 1° to 89° to the positioning plane. Here, an angle of 30° to 50° has been found to be particularly advantageous. Due to the flat outer surfaces of the arms oriented at an angle to the positioning plane, it is possible for a plurality of workpiece carriers to be inserted into one another or to be brought together in a direction transverse to the first and second movement directions. Here, transverse is to be understood to mean that the direction lies in the same plane as the first and second movement directions, but is oriented at an angle to these movement directions, the angle being different from 0° and 90°. In the case of the insertion into one another in this transverse direction, the flat outer surfaces of one workpiece carrier slide along the flat outer surfaces of another workpiece carrier. In this way, the movement in the direction of the transverse insertion is converted by the workpiece carriers into movement in the first movement direction. In this embodiment, the movement direction of the workpiece carriers can be easily changed by the transport system. For example, a repositioning can be carried out during which the workpiece carriers are first moved in the first movement direction and then, after the repositioning, in the second movement direction. For example, in the transport system, a plurality of workpiece carriers can first be brought together in the first movement direction. Starting from this active state, the workpiece carriers are then separated by a movement barrier which is arranged at an angle to the first movement direction. During this separation, the flat outer surfaces of adjacent workpiece carriers slide along one another. After this separation process, the workpiece carriers are further moved by the transport element in a movement direction which is guided in the second movement direction. The movement direction of the workpiece carriers in the transport system can thus be changed by the provision of a simple movable barrier.

[0031] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that a spacing element is provided, which is movably connected to the workpiece holder, which spacing element is arranged laterally on the workpiece holder between the first section of the contact element and the receiving surface and which spacing element comprises at least one hole, which at least one hole merges on a side of the spacing element opposite to the workpiece holder and which extends in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane and parallel to the receiving surface, and at least one stop, which at least one stop extends in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane and parallel to the receiving surface, which stop is fixed on a side of the workpiece holder opposite to the spacing element in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane, which stop at least partially has a size and shape that fits into the hole of the spacing element, which hole in a first position of the spacing element relative to the workpiece holder in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane is located opposite to the stop and flush with the stop, and which hole in a second position of the spacing element relative to the workpiece holder in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane is not located opposite to the stop and not flush with the stop. In this embodiment, the workpiece carrier comprises a spacing element, which is arranged to adjust the distance between two workpiece carriers inserted into each other and next to each other in a first movement direction. The distance between the positioning planes of the two adjacent workpiece carriers is adjusted by the spacing element. The distance between the two adjacent positioning planes can also be referred to as the center distance. The spacing element is movably arranged on the outside of the workpiece holder, in particular slidably arranged on the outside of the workpiece holder. The spacing element is thereby fixed to the workpiece holder and supported on the workpiece holder. The spacing element comprises at least one hole, which is arranged to interact with the stop of the adjacent workpiece carrier. Due to the slidable nature of the spacing element, it is possible to insert the stop of the adjacent workpiece carrier into the hole of the spacing element in one position of the spacing element. However, this is not possible in another shifted position of the spacing element, because the hole of one workpiece carrier is not flush with the stop of the adjacent workpiece carrier. In this case, the stop of the workpiece carrier abuts on a surface of the spacing element facing away from the workpiece holder. The respective positions of the spacing element thus allow for different center distances between two adjacent aggregated workpiece carriers. In the first movement direction, the spacing element and the protrusion of the workpiece carrier are located opposite to each other at the workpiece holder. It is also possible that the spacing element comprises two or more holes and thereby two or more stops are arranged on the opposite side of the workpiece holder. By the combination of at least two holes and stops, an improved guidance or alignment of the adjacent workpiece carriers in the aggregated state is achieved. The hole and the stop are formed in a shape that complements each other, so that the stop can be introduced into the hole. The shape of the stop and the hole can be different as seen in a direction parallel to the first movement direction. For example, the shape can be circular or implemented as a polygon.

[0032] In one embodiment, it is envisaged that the workpiece base has a cuboid shape, that the total length of the spacer element in the direction parallel to the positioning plane is greater than the total length of the workpiece holder such that the spacer element protrudes beyond the workpiece base in the direction parallel to the positioning plane, or that a cavity extends through the workpiece base in the direction perpendicular to the positioning plane and is open in the direction of the front side of the workpiece base formed as a cuboid along the positioning plane, that the cavity is arranged in at least one end in the direction of the positioning plane, and that the spacer element is inserted into or superimposed on the at least one cavity arranged at the front side of the workpiece holder from the perspective of the first movement direction, the spacer element being able to be transferred between the positions of the spacer element relative to the workpiece holder by inserting an object into the cavity, in particular a blade of a transport system. In this embodiment, the spacer element is designed such that the positions of the spacer element relative to the workpiece holder can be adjusted automatically during the transport of the workpiece carrier in the transport system. The adjustment can be achieved by the spacer element being able to be contacted and transferred by an object from the outside of the workpiece carrier. The object can be a blade, which is understood to mean a system element that can travel in the transport system and, in the travel state, reaches the workpiece carrier moving on the transport element. In order to be able to easily reach and transfer the spacer element by means of the object, the spacer element can protrude beyond the workpiece holder in the direction parallel to the positioning plane. In this protruding region of the spacer element, the object can then be accessed from the outside, the spacer element being transferred in its position relative to the workpiece base by means of the access. In order to ensure that the spacer element protrudes beyond the workpiece holder, the spacer element is designed to be longer than the total length of the workpiece holder parallel to the positioning plane. Alternatively, in the case of the spacer element not being longer than the total length of the workpiece holder, a cavity provided for the insertion or passage of an object, for example a blade, is provided in the workpiece base. This cavity extends through the front side of the workpiece base in the direction parallel to the positioning plane. The cavity is arranged in this way relative to the spacer element such that the spacer element is inserted into or superimposed on the cavity from the first movement direction. When the object is inserted into the cavity, the recessed side of the spacer element is thus contacted, such that the spacer element is transferred in its position. Preferably, two cavities of the workpiece base located opposite one another in the direction parallel to the positioning plane are combined therein.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the spacing element comprises a spacer and an adjustment member arranged between the spacer and the workpiece holder, the position of the spacer relative to the workpiece holder being adjustable by operating the adjustment member in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane and parallel to the contact surface, in particular continuously. In this embodiment, the spacing element comprises an adjustment member that moves the spacer relative to the workpiece holder. Here, the adjustment member can have various designs. For example, the adjustment member can be embodied as a magnetic switch or a servo motor. In addition, an electronic control can be provided to operate the adjustment member, for example by radio control. In this way, the spacer can be moved relative to the workpiece holder without having to run an object from the outside, for example a blade. Preferably, the spacer comprises a flat outer surface without holes, and the distance of the spacer to the workpiece holder can be continuously adjusted. In this way, the center distance between two collective workpiece carriers can be adjusted individually and continuously.

[0034] The object of the present application is also solved by a conveying system for conveying workpieces and / or goods, the system comprising:

[0035] - a conveying element arranged to move a plurality of workpiece carriers through the conveying system, and the conveying element being drivable by a drive,

[0036] - a guide defining the conveying element at two opposite sides and arranged to guide the workpiece carriers moved by the conveying element, the guide determining a guide direction at any position of the conveying element,

[0037] - at least two workpiece carriers according to one of the above embodiments,

[0038] the contact surface of each workpiece carrier rests on the conveying element, and at least one guide surface or at least one section of a protrusion at least temporarily abuts on the guide.

[0039] The conveying system according to the application comprises at least two workpiece carriers according to the application according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The conveying system further comprises components or elements of a known conveying system. This comprises a conveying element which is arranged to transport the workpiece carriers through the conveying system. The conveying element can be embodied for example as a conveyor belt. Of course, a plurality of conveying elements can also be provided, which move for example in a plurality of directions in the conveying system. The conveying system further comprises a guide which is arranged above the conveying element and which delimits the conveying element at two opposite sides. The guide can be embodied as a rail and delimits a path along which the workpiece carriers move through the conveying system. The guide extends essentially along the overall length of the one or more conveying elements. The guide determines a guide direction at any position along the supply volume. Here, the guide direction is to be understood as the direction tangential to the guide. The guide direction changes at least partially along the length of the guide or the length of the conveying element. The workpiece carriers rest on the conveying element by means of the contact surface of the workpiece carriers and are moved in the conveying system by the conveying element. The guide of the conveying system guides the workpiece carriers which are located on the path of the workpiece carriers through the conveying system. For this purpose, at least one guide part of the workpiece carriers or at least a section of the protrusion of the workpiece carriers at least temporarily abuts on the guide. Here, temporarily is to mean that the abutment does not have to exist at all times during the entire transport of the workpiece carriers through the conveying system. Rather, the guide part or the protrusion abuts on the guide at the region of the redirection or the change in the direction of movement. However, it is also possible that, in particular in regions in which the conveying element and the guide extend in a straight line, there is no continuous contact between the guide part or the protrusion and the guide. For example, in an embodiment comprising sections which are designed as V-shaped and form a protrusion by the convex outer side of the sections, the tips of the V-shaped sections temporarily abut on the guide. However, it is also possible that the outer surface of the arms of the V-shaped sections temporarily abut on the guide. During the transport of the workpiece carriers through the conveying system, it is a question of whether the guide part or the protrusion abuts on the guide depending on the orientation of the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers along which the workpiece carriers move relative to the guide of the conveying system. This means that depending on the direction of movement of the workpiece carriers, the guide part or the protrusion abuts on the guide.

[0040] In one embodiment of the transport system, it is envisaged that the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers is oriented parallel to the guide direction and that two guide parts of a first workpiece carrier abut on two guide parts of a second workpiece carrier, or that the workpiece base of a first workpiece carrier abuts on the workpiece base of a second workpiece carrier, the two workpiece carriers not being stacked, both protrusions of the two workpiece carriers at least temporarily abutting on the guide during the transport of the workpiece carriers through the transport system. In this embodiment, the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers is oriented parallel to the guide direction at least in a section of the transport system. In this orientation, the workpiece carriers do not stack or enter into one another, even when the workpiece carriers are gathered. In the case of a plurality of workpiece carriers being gathered, at least one guide part of a first workpiece carrier abuts on at least one guide part of an adjacent second workpiece carrier. In this orientation of the positioning plane, both protrusions of each workpiece carrier serve to guide the workpiece carriers through the transport system and at least temporarily abut on the guide. In addition, the section of the contact element adjacent to the hole can also abut on the guide of the transport system to stably guide the workpiece carriers in the guide direction. In this orientation of the positioning plane, the side surfaces of the workpieces placed on the workpiece carriers can be easily machined.

[0041] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers is oriented perpendicular to the guide direction and that the workpiece carriers partially stack, the protrusion of a first workpiece carrier being inserted into the hole of a second workpiece carrier, and the protrusion of the second workpiece carrier being inserted into the hole of the first workpiece carrier, the guide parts of each workpiece carrier at least temporarily abutting on the guide during the transport of the workpiece carriers through the transport system, the stop of the first workpiece carrier in particular abutting on the spacing element of the second workpiece carrier. In this embodiment, the positioning plane is oriented perpendicular to the guide direction. In this orientation, it is possible for a plurality of workpiece carriers to be drawn into one another or to be stacked in the first movement direction. Thus, it is possible to carry out a gathering in which the positioning planes of adjacent workpiece carriers exhibit only a small distance from one another, and the workpieces placed on the workpiece carriers can be arranged very closely. In this orientation of the positioning plane, the guide parts of the individual workpiece carriers serve the guidance in the transport system. In the vertical orientation of the positioning plane relative to the guide direction, the workpieces placed on the workpiece carriers can be particularly well connected to one another and joined.

[0042] It is advantageous in the transport system for the workpiece carriers to be able to assume an orientation parallel to the guide direction and an orientation perpendicular to the guide direction. This orientation of the positioning plane can also be changed in the system. In this way, a plurality of machining steps in a plurality of orientations of the positioning plane relative to the guide direction can be carried out. This makes it possible to carry out complex machining of the workpieces in the transport system. In order to change the orientation of the positioning plane, special stations can be provided in the transport system, for example transfer stations or rotation stations, which automatically change the orientation of the workpiece carriers relative to the transport elements or guides.

[0043] Optionally, it is envisaged that at least one blade is provided, which is arranged on or in the guide and can be moved from the guide in the direction of the conveying element on demand, which blade can be positioned such that it can be inserted into the cavity of the workpiece carrier to shift the position of the spacer element relative to the workpiece carrier. In this embodiment, the conveying system comprises at least one blade, which is designed to be movable relative to the guide. When required, i.e. in the case that the center distance of the workpiece carriers relative to each other is to be changed, the blade can be moved or advanced in the direction of the conveying element towards the workpiece carriers. In this advanced state, the blade is then positioned such that it can enter into the cavity of the workpiece carrier. Here, the penetration process takes place when the workpiece carriers driven by the conveying element pass the blade. By having the blade enter into the cavity, the spacer element of the workpiece carrier is shifted such that the center distance is changed during the following gathering of the workpiece carriers. Similarly, a plurality of blades can be provided in the conveying system. Alternatively, it can be that the blade does not enter into the cavity of the workpiece carrier, but contacts the protruding portion of the spacer element and shifts the spacer element in this way.

[0044] The described conveying system is suitable for carrying out a method of loading a plurality of workpiece carriers with workpieces using a conveying system according to one of the above-described embodiments, which method comprises the following steps:

[0045] A) gathering a plurality of workpiece carriers at a loading point on or in the conveying element, the positioning planes of the workpiece carriers being oriented perpendicular to the guiding direction for the gathering, and the workpiece carriers being stacked on each other,

[0046] B) placing workpieces on the workpiece carriers, the workpieces having a distance to each other which is equal to the distance of the two positioning planes of adjacent workpiece carriers in the fed state, a plurality of workpieces being placed on a plurality of workpiece carriers simultaneously, and each workpiece being placed on one workpiece carrier, and

[0047] C) eliminating the gathered state of the workpiece carriers by moving the workpiece carriers on the conveying element.

[0048] The method is used for simultaneously placing a plurality of workpieces on a plurality of workpiece carriers. It is known from the prior art to individually place each workpiece on a workpiece carrier behind one another at a loading station. This loading method is time-consuming and thus reduces the throughput of the conveying system. The described method makes it possible for a plurality of workpieces to be introduced into the conveying system simultaneously. This is useful, for example, in the case of a plurality of workpieces being supplied together in a packaging unit, which are then introduced into the conveying system as a whole in one step. The described method is preferably carried out in the order of the process steps A) to C). For this purpose, a plurality of workpiece carriers are gathered in a loading position in a first process step A), the positioning planes of the workpiece carriers are oriented perpendicular to the guide direction, and the distance between the positioning planes is equal to the center distance between the workpieces to be placed together on the plurality of workpiece carriers. In this gathered state, the workpiece carriers are then briefly stopped and no longer moved through the conveying element. In a second process step B), in a supply state, each workpiece is then simultaneously placed on the gathered, stationary workpiece carriers. Thus, the plurality of workpiece carriers with workpieces can be loaded in a single step. After the workpieces have been placed, the loaded workpiece carriers are moved in the conveying system. During this continuous movement, the gathered state is released in a further process step C), the distance between the positioning planes of the adjacent workpiece carriers is increased. In this released state, the workpieces located on the individual workpiece carriers can easily be accessed for a machining step. Optionally, in a further process step D) after the machining steps A) to C), the workpiece carriers can be rotated in the conveying system relative to the guide direction. After this rotation, the positioning planes of the workpiece carriers are then oriented parallel to the guide direction. In this way, the sides of the workpieces, which were oriented perpendicular to the guide direction during the loading process, are now oriented parallel to the guide direction. In this way, these sides of the workpieces can now be easily reached from the outside of the conveying element and processed. After processing the side surfaces, it is of course possible to rotate the workpiece carriers again, so that the positioning planes of the workpiece carriers are again oriented perpendicular to the guide direction. Since the workpiece carriers can be arranged very closely, so that the center distance between adjacent workpiece carriers is small, in the described method, simultaneously placing a plurality of workpieces on a plurality of workpiece carriers can even be carried out for workpieces having a very slim design and a small center distance from one another in the supply state. The described method can be supplemented by the method described below. Furthermore, the described method can also be applied with the process steps in reverse order, in order to simultaneously unload a plurality of workpieces from the conveying system.

[0049] Finally, the object of the application is solved by a method for engaging a plurality of workpieces using a conveying system according to one of the embodiments described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0050] A) a plurality of workpiece carriers are brought together, the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers is oriented perpendicular to the guiding direction for the bringing together, the workpiece carriers are stacked on top of each other, and the stop and spacing elements of adjacent workpiece carriers are in contact with each other or the plurality of workpiece carriers are spaced apart, adjacent workpiece carriers are separated from each other, and the positioning plane is oriented perpendicular to or parallel to the guiding direction,

[0051] B) at least locally applying a joining material to at least one workpiece, and

[0052] C) pushing the workpiece carriers together, adjusting the spacing elements of the workpiece carriers such that the stop is flush with the hole of the workpiece carrier, so that the workpieces contact each other and are thereby joined by the joining material, and the carrier is particularly raised away from the transport element for carrying out process step B) and / or process step C).

[0053] The method according to the application is used for joining a plurality of workpieces, which are each placed on a workpiece carrier. Here, joining is to be understood as meaning essentially the contact of at least two adjacent workpieces or the permanent connection of the workpieces to each other. Joining can occur by means of adhesive bonding of the workpieces to each other. Here, a material connection is established between the workpieces. Alternatively, joining can also involve the establishment of a positive or non-positive connection. For example, the workpieces can have connecting parts, which are inserted into each other during joining and are thereby fixed. This can be achieved, for example, by workpieces which comprise a socket into which a protruding pin of an adjacent workpiece is inserted in a positive and / or non-positive manner. In order to carry out the method according to the application, a transport system is used. The method is preferably carried out in the order of the process steps A) to C).

[0054] In the first process step A), a plurality of workpiece carriers can be brought together, the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers being oriented perpendicular to the guiding direction. The bringing together can occur at a plurality of positions of the transport element. During the bringing together, the spacing elements of the workpiece carriers are preferably oriented such that adjacent workpiece carriers cannot enter the hole in the spacing element. In this way, a large center distance between adjacent workpiece carriers is established. Alternatively, the method can also be started by process step A), in which the workpiece carriers are spaced apart, i.e. not brought together. In this spaced-apart state, the positioning plane can be oriented perpendicular to or parallel to the guiding direction. Process step A) constitutes the starting point for the following process step B).

[0055] In a second processing step B) joining material is applied at least locally to the at least one workpiece. This joining material can be, for example, an adhesive or a cement. In the case that the workpieces are already provided with joining elements, for example, plug-in connectors, splices, pins, etc., which are provided for establishing an active and / or passive connection in the processing step A), the processing step B) can also be omitted. Depending on the orientation of the positioning plane of the workpiece carriers, the application of the joining material can be performed from various positions of the transport system. In the case of an orientation of the positioning plane perpendicular to the guiding direction, a device can be provided which introduces the joining material between adjacent workpiece carriers and thus between the workpieces. In the case of an orientation of the positioning plane parallel to the guiding direction, the joining material can be applied laterally from a direction perpendicular to the guiding direction. In this case, during the application of the joining material, the positioning plane is oriented parallel to the guiding direction, then a rotation of the workpiece carriers takes place so that, upon completion of the processing step B), their positioning plane is oriented perpendicular to the guiding direction.

[0056] In a third processing step C), the workpiece carriers comprising the workpieces, which are placed on the workpiece carriers, provided with the joining material, are pushed together. When pushed together, the workpieces come into contact with the joining material of the adjacent workpieces so that the workpieces are connected or joined to one another. In order that the adjacent workpiece carriers can be pushed together, first the spacing elements of the workpiece carriers are adjusted so that the stop elements of the adjacent workpiece carriers can enter the holes of the spacing elements. In this way, the center distance between the adjacent workpiece carriers and thus between the adjacent workpieces is reduced. In turn, the reduction of the center distance makes it possible for the workpieces to come into contact with one another to such an extent that the applied joining material comes into contact. By the contact of the joining material, the workpieces are joined. It is conceivable that the workpieces remain in the pushed-together state for a period of time while the joining material dries or solidifies and a firm connection is established between the adjacent workpieces. After sufficient solidification has been achieved in joining the workpieces, it is also possible for these workpieces to be further processed in the transport system or removed from the transport system.

[0057] In particular, in the processing step C) the workpiece carriers and the workpieces placed on the workpiece carriers have to be aligned relative to each other with a very high positioning accuracy. This positioning accuracy is sometimes not given when the workpiece carriers are located on a transport element, such as a conveyor belt. During the transport on the transport element, the workpiece carriers are also moved relative to each other, which can have a disturbing effect on the exact positioning engagement. For this reason, it is alternatively envisaged that the processing step C) is carried out in a state in which the workpiece carriers are lifted off the transport element. For example, the workpiece carriers can be placed on accurately engaged plates and pushed together there. In this way, the positioning accuracy of the workpiece carriers relative to each other, and thus of the workpieces relative to each other, is increased. After being pushed together, the workpiece carriers can then be returned onto the transport element, on which they continue to be moved through the transport system. Alternatively, the processing step B) of applying the engagement material can also be carried out in a state in which the workpiece carriers are temporarily lifted off the transport element in order to increase the positioning accuracy of the engagement material application.

[0058] The method according to the application is advantageous in that a plurality of workpieces can be engaged during the passage through the transport system. Thus, the engagement is carried out automatically and the method according to the application has a high output of workpieces or engaged workpieces. According to the application, workpiece carriers can be used which can be arranged very closely, so that the workpiece carriers comprising the workpieces can be positioned so closely to each other during the transport through the transport system that the engagement can be carried out during the transport. At the same time, the workpiece carriers are so stable against tilting that the engagement forces occurring when the workpiece carriers are pushed together are supported by the contact elements. The method according to the application thus enables a stable engagement process and a high workpiece output.

[0059] Alternatively, it is envisaged that, after the completion of the processing step C), the workpieces are removed together from the transport system as an engaged block. In this embodiment, a plurality of workpieces which were previously introduced into the transport system as individual workpieces are removed from the transport system as a single engaged block. Here, a block is to be understood as meaning an entirety of a plurality of workpieces which are in contact with each other or are connected to each other by an engagement material. Preferably, this removal as a block is carried out in or on the transport element.

[0060] In another embodiment it is envisaged that after removal of the plurality of workpieces as a joint block, the agglomerated state of the workpiece carriers is eliminated by moving the workpiece carriers on the transport element and the spacing elements of each workpiece carrier are returned such that the stopper is no longer flush with the hole in the spacing element of the workpiece carrier. In this embodiment, after removal of the jointed workpieces, a state is established in which, when the plurality of workpiece carriers is agglomerated in the first movement direction, the increased intermediate distance occurs again. For this purpose, after removal of the workpiece carriers, each spacing element is transferred to a position in which the stopper of an adjacent workpiece carrier can no longer be inserted into the hole of the spacing element. When the plurality of workpiece carriers is then again agglomerated starting from this newly established state, the stopper of one workpiece carrier abuts on the surface of the spacing element of the adjacent workpiece carrier such that the center distance is greater than the center distance when the workpiece carriers are pushed together during the joining. By this increased center distance, the initial state of the method is re-established before the processing step A) and the method is used again to join further workpieces in the transport system.

[0061] The features, effects and advantages disclosed in connection with the workpiece carriers and the transport system are also considered to be disclosed in connection with the method. The same applies in the opposite direction; the features, effects and advantages disclosed in connection with the method are also considered to be disclosed in connection with the workpiece carriers and the transport system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] Embodiments of the application are schematically illustrated in the drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 A perspective view of a workpiece carrier according to an embodiment of the application is shown,

[0064] Figure 2 A front view of a workpiece carrier according to Figure 1 the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in the direction of the first movement direction is shown,

[0065] Figure 3 A perspective view of two workpiece carriers according to Figure 1 the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in an agglomerated state along the first movement direction is shown,

[0066] Figure 4 A perspective view of two workpiece carriers according to Figure 1 the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in an agglomerated state along the second movement direction is shown,

[0067] Figure 5 A top view of two workpiece carriers according to Figure 1 the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in an agglomerated state with a first center distance along the first movement direction is shown,

[0068] Figure 6 A perspective view ofFigure 5 side view of the workpiece carrier shown in

[0069] Figure 7 a top view of two workpiece carriers according to Figure 1 a top view of two workpiece carriers according to

[0070] Figure 8 a top view of two workpiece carriers according to Figure 7 side view of the workpiece carrier shown in

[0071] Figure 9 a top view of two workpiece carriers according to Figure 1 a top view of two workpiece carriers according to DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] In the drawings, identical elements show identical items. Generally, the attributes of elements described in relation to one drawing also apply to other drawings. Directional information such as "upper", "lower" etc. relate to the drawing described and should be applied to other drawings in accordance with their meaning.

[0073] Figure 1 A perspective view of a workpiece carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. The workpiece carrier 1 comprises a workpiece base 11, which is shown in the upper side in the drawing, and a contact element 12, which is shown in the lower side in the drawing. In the shown embodiment, on the side towards the front left in the drawing, a spacer element 13 designed to be slidable in its position relative to the workpiece base 11 is arranged on the workpiece base 11. The workpiece base 11 and the contact element 12 are fixedly connected to each other.

[0074] The workpiece base 11 is provided for accommodating at least one workpiece on the workpiece carrier 1. For this purpose, the workpiece base 11 comprises a receiving surface 111, which is oriented forwards in the drawing. In the shown embodiment, the receiving surface 111 is designed to be oblong and flat. On the side of the workpiece base opposite to the receiving surface 111, a base surface 112 is provided, which is fixedly connected to the contact element 12.

[0075] The positioning plane PE represents a notional auxiliary geometry for describing the workpiece carrier 1, which is shown in dashed lines. The positioning plane PE is oriented perpendicular to the contact surface 121 of the contact element 12, which in the drawing is directed downwards. When the workpiece carrier 1 rests on a horizontally oriented sub-surface, such as a conveyor belt, the positioning plane PE is oriented perpendicular to this sub-surface, which means vertically. The positioning plane PE bisects the workpiece carrier 1 along the length of the workpiece carrier 1 in the direction of the first movement direction B1, which is shown in the drawing by an arrow. In the shown embodiment, the positioning plane PE also bisects the receiving surface 111, which is represented by the dashed line in the center of the receiving surface 111. In the following description of the workpiece carrier 1 and of the interaction of multiple workpiece carriers with each other in a conveying system, the positioning plane PE is used as a reference geometry. The second movement direction B2 is represented in a similar manner by an arrow, which is shown in the front left side of the workpiece carrier 1. The first movement direction B1 and the second movement direction B2 are the preferred directions of movement of the workpiece carrier 1 in the conveying system. In Figure 3 and Figure 4 various properties of the workpiece carrier 1 when moving in the first movement direction B1 are shown and described in relation to the various properties when moving in the second movement direction B2.

[0076] In the shown embodiment, the contact element 12 is composed of a first section 12a arranged on the upper side in the direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121 and a second section 12b arranged on the lower side in the direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121. The first section 12a arranged on the upper side is fixedly connected to the base surface 112 of the workpiece base 11. The second section 12b is connected to the first section 12a on the side of the first section 12a facing away from the workpiece base 11. On the contact surface 121, on which the workpiece carrier 1 rests on a sub-surface, for example on a transport element of a transport system, the contact surface 121 is arranged on the side of the second section 12b facing away from the first section 12a. In the shown embodiment, the contact surface 121 is designed flat and extends in the illustration over the entire surface of the lower side of the second section 12b. In the shown embodiment, the contact surface 121 and the receiving surface 111 are oriented parallel to each other. However, it is also possible to orient the two surfaces at an angle to each other. The contact element 12 comprises two holes 123a and 123b, respectively, wherein one hole 123a is arranged in the first section 12a and the second hole 123b is arranged in the second section 12b. In the shown embodiment, the two holes 123a and 123b have a triangular shape in the top view of the contact surface 121. The two holes 123a and 123b are arranged above each other in such a way that the two holes 123a and 123b are offset from each other in the direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121. The openings of the two holes 123a and 123b are provided on opposite sides of the contact element 12. The contact element 12 further comprises two protrusions 124a and 124b, which are also arranged in the direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121 in such a way that the two protrusions 124a and 124b are offset with respect to each other. In the shown embodiment, the first protrusion 124a is formed by a triangular protruding tip of the upper first section 12a facing to the right rear in the illustration. In the direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121, the first hole 123a is arranged adjacent to the second protrusion 124b and the second hole 123b is arranged adjacent to the first protrusion 124a. The protrusions 124a and 124b are designed complementarily in shape, so that the protrusions 124a and 124b can be inserted into the adjacent holes 123a and 123b, respectively, of the workpiece carrier 1. When two identically designed workpiece carriers 1 are moved towards each other perpendicular to their positioning plane PE or parallel to the first movement direction B1, the protrusion 124a arranged closer to the workpiece base 11 in the direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121 can be inserted into the hole 123a of the adjacent workpiece carrier 1 arranged closer to the workpiece base 11 in this direction. For example, Figure 3This state is illustrated in the diagram. Simultaneously, during the approach of the two identically designed workpiece carriers 1, a second protrusion 124b, arranged closer to the contact surface 121 in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121, can be inserted into a second hole 123b of another workpiece carrier 1, also arranged closer to the contact surface 121 in that direction. By inserting the protrusions 124a and 124b into the holes 123a and 123b, adjacent workpiece carriers 1 are stacked on top of each other, and the center distance S is significantly reduced compared to the state where the protrusions 124a and 124b are not inserted into the holes 123a and 123b. This center distance S is equal to the distance between the respective positioning planes PE of the adjacent workpiece carriers 1. Since the two adjacent workpiece carriers 1 are partially inserted into each other, these workpiece carriers 1 can be temporarily stored in a space-saving manner in a clustered state in the conveying system. According to the invention, both holes 123a and 123b can extend partially along the first direction of movement on both sides of the positioning plane PE. The first hole 123a begins at the end of the V-shaped first segment 12a facing left-front and extends along the first movement direction B1 to the inner tip of the first segment 12a, which is hidden by the workpiece base 11 in the diagram. The second hole 123b, mirrored relative to the positioning plane PE, extends from the rear-right end of the second segment 12b to its inner tip, and is also V-shaped, visible on the left-front side of the spacer element 13 in the diagram. Therefore, the lengths of the two holes 123a and 123b are greater than half the overall length of the workpiece carrier 1 in the first movement direction B1. Figure 1 As clearly seen, both holes 123a and 123b extend through the positioning plane PE. In the illustrated embodiment, the two protrusions 124a and 124b are formed by the outwardly facing outer surfaces of segments 12a and 12b designed in a V-shape. The first protrusion 124a should be understood as a portion of the first segment 12a that begins from the two guide members 125a and 125b located on the outer side and extends to a tip pointing towards the right rear. It can be clearly seen that the first protrusion 124a also extends partially on two opposite sides of the positioning plane PE. The same applies to the second protrusion 124b arranged on the second segment 12b, which, in a top view of the contact surface 121, is a mirror image of the first protrusion 124a about the positioning plane PE.

[0077] In the shown embodiment, the first segment 12a and the second segment 12b are formed substantially identically and have the same size. However, the orientation of the first segment 12a and the second segment 12b with respect to the positioning plane PE is different. In the plan view of the contact surface 121, each segment 12a and 12b has an outer contour on the first side which substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the segment 12a and 12b on the opposite side thereof in the direction of the first movement direction B1. In the shown embodiment, the two outer contours which are positioned opposite to each other are designed as V-shaped, respectively. In this way, the protrusions 124a and 124b formed by the first outer contour are designed to be complementary in shape to the holes 123a and 123b formed by the second oppositely arranged outer contour and can be inserted into each other in this way very well. In the plan view of the contact surface, the entire contact element 12 is formed such that it is symmetrical with respect to the positioning plane PE, the contact element 12 being formed by the two segments 12a and 12b which are arranged above and below each other. The plan view of the contact surface 121 can be seen in, for example Figure 5 and Figure 7 In addition, in the plan view of the contact surface 121, the contact element 12 as well as each segment 12a and 12b of the contact element 12 itself is designed to be axially symmetrical with respect to an axis which is oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane PE. In the shown embodiment, the axis of symmetry extends through the tips of the two outwardly facing protrusions 124a and 124b. In the shown embodiment, each segment 12a and 12b is formed in the plan view of the contact surface as a V-shape. The two arms of the V-shape extend in line and are aligned at an angle of approximately 70° with respect to each other. However, the angle between the arms of the V-shape can also be realized differently and is preferably in the range of 5° to 150°. The V-shape of the two segments 12a and 12b shown is advantageous on the one hand because the V-shape is easy to produce and easy to assemble into the contact element 12. On the other hand, the V-shape with a flat, straight outer contour also gives as much lateral accumulation of workpiece carriers as possible, which will be described later. The two segments 12a and 12b can of course also have other shapes, for example be double-V-shaped, or can also be shapes which comprise a circular or curved outer contour in the direction of the first movement direction B1.

[0078] In the shown embodiment, the contact element 12 comprises four guide parts 125a and 125b in total, of which two are arranged on the first section 12a and two are arranged on the second section 12b, respectively. These guide parts 125a and 125b are arranged to at least temporarily and / or partially abut on a guide during transport of the workpiece carrier 1 through the transport system. In the shown embodiment, each guide part 125a and 125b is formed by a flat guide surface. Alternatively, however, each guide part 125a and 125b can also be formed by a combination of two guide points or by a guide line. The guide parts 125a and 125b are arranged on the outside of the contact element 12 in a direction perpendicular to the first movement direction B1. In the shown embodiment, the guide parts 125a and 125b are arranged at the free ends of the arms of the sections 12a and 12b which are designed in a V-shape. Here, a free end is to be understood as an end which is not connected to each other at the tip of the V-shape. The guide parts 125a and 125b are arranged at the front side of the free ends of the arms, while the guide parts 125a and 125b located at the first section 12a are flush with the guide parts 125a and 125b located at the second section 12b. In the shown embodiment, the guide parts 125a and 125b which are embodied as guide surfaces extend parallel to the first movement direction B1 and perpendicular to the positioning plane PE. The guide parts 125a and 125b serve for guidance in the transport system during movement of the workpiece carrier parallel to the first movement direction B1. In the case of movement of the workpiece carrier 1 in the second movement direction B2, the guide parts 125a and 125b can also serve as mutual abutment surfaces of two adjacent workpiece carriers 1. For example, Figure 4 This state is shown.

[0079] In Figure 1 , the first movement direction B1 and the second movement direction B2 are symbolically shown by arrows, it is possible for the plurality of workpiece carriers 1 to be inserted into each other in the first movement direction B1, while it is not possible for the plurality of workpiece carriers 1 to be inserted into each other in the second movement direction B2. However, in addition thereto, it is also possible for the plurality of workpiece carriers 1 to be inserted into each other in a direction which lies between the first movement direction B1 and the second movement direction B2. For example, starting from Figure 1 the shown state, it is possible for the plurality of workpiece carriers 1 to be inserted into each other in the second movement direction B2, as shown in Figure 1A second workpiece carrier 1 (not shown) which is spaced apart and oriented transversely to the illustrated workpiece carrier 1 can be moved from the upper left of the illustration in a direction towards the illustrated workpiece carrier 1 which deviates by, for example, 30° to the left rear with respect to the first movement direction B1 characterized by the arrow. In this case, the first protrusion 124a of the conveyed second workpiece carrier 1 also enters the first hole 123a of the illustrated workpiece carrier 1, however, from a direction which is oriented transversely to the first movement direction B1. Here, the outer contour of the first protrusion 124a of the conveyed workpiece carrier encounters the inner contour of the first hole 123a of the illustrated workpiece carrier 1. Since both the outer contour of the first protrusion 124a and the inner contour of the first hole 123a are designed to be flat, these two contours slide along each other, whereby the transverse delivery of the second workpiece carrier 1 is converted into a movement of the second workpiece carrier parallel to the first movement direction B1. As a result of this conversion between the two contours, the first protrusion 124a will eventually be inserted into the first hole 123a, even in the case of a transverse delivery of the second workpiece carrier 1. The same applies to the second protrusion 124b and the second hole 123b. This transverse conveyability also makes it possible for adjacent workpiece carriers 1 to be inserted into each other and thus to form a cluster, which facilitates guiding the workpiece carriers in different directions in the conveying system. Since the adjacent workpiece carriers 1 guide themselves during the transverse mutual delivery, other sections of the conveying system can be implemented in a relatively simple and thus more reliable and cost-effective manner. In particular, the expenditure of stations for rotating or deflecting the workpiece carriers in the conveying system is avoided. The V shape shown in the illustrated embodiment of the two sections 12a and 12b is particularly advantageous for this transverse delivery of the workpiece carriers 1, since the flat outer contours of the sections 12a and 12b give the transverse delivery two possible transverse directions. Furthermore, the workpiece carriers can also be moved in the transverse direction from Figure 3 The illustrated cluster state is again separated from Figure 3 From the illustrated cluster state, the workpiece carriers can be moved in a direction between the first movement direction B1 and the second movement direction B2. In this case, the outer contours of the protrusions 124a, 124b will also first slide along the inner contours of the holes 123a, 123b until the protrusions 124a, 124b exit the holes 123a, 123b. From that point on, the released workpiece carriers 1 can be moved individually in the new movement direction. For this transverse delivery or clustering in the transverse direction and the subsequent separation, it is particularly advantageous if the outer surface of the outer contour of the sections 12a and 12b is designed at least partially flat. Preferably, the two arms of the sections 12a and 12b which are designed in the shape of a V are each oriented at an angle of 1° to 89° to the positioning plane PE. In order to give as uniform a transverse clustering or separation in the opposite transverse direction as possible, the angles of the two arms of the V are preferably oriented at the same angle to the positioning plane PE. Figure 9 A state during the transverse clustering of two workpiece carriers 1 is shown.

[0080] exist Figure 1 The workpiece carrier 1 in the illustrated embodiment includes a spacer element 13 configured to cooperate with at least one stop 14 to adjust the distance between two adjacent workpiece carriers 1 along a first movement direction B1. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer element 13 is implemented as a plate. The spacer element 13 is laterally arranged on the workpiece base 11, located between a first segment 12a of the contact element 12 and a receiving surface 111. The spacer element 13 is movably connected to the workpiece base 11. This movable connection is achieved by an elongated hole extending through the spacer element 13 in a direction parallel to the first movement direction B1, the elongated hole being incorporated within the spacer element 132. The spacer element 13 is connected to the workpiece base 11 by two screws, one of which extends through an elongated hole. The spacer element 13 is held in a slide located on the workpiece base 11 by the screw heads. The elongated holes are longitudinally aligned and oriented perpendicular to the first movement direction B1. This allows the spacer element 13 to move perpendicular to the first movement direction B1 and parallel to the positioning plane PE. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer element includes two circular holes 131, which extend through the spacer element 13 along a first moving direction B1. When the spacer element 13 moves parallel to the positioning plane PE, the position of the holes 131 relative to the workpiece base 11 changes. On the side of the workpiece base 11 opposite to the spacer element 13, two stops 14 are arranged. Figure 1 Only a portion is visible in the illustration. These two stops 14 can be, for example... Figure 5 As can be seen more clearly, each stop 14 extends in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane PE and parallel to the receiving surface 111. The shape and size of each stop 14 are such that it can be inserted into a hole 131 of the spacer element 13 of another workpiece carrier 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each stop 14 is implemented as a protrusion, formed into a cylindrical shape, and protrudes from the side of the workpiece base 11. In a first position of the spacer element 13 relative to the workpiece base 11, a hole 131 is flush with a stop 14. In a second position of the spacer element 13 relative to the workpiece base 11, the hole 131 shifts relative to the stop 14 perpendicular to the first movement direction B1. Due to the change in position of the spacer element 13 relative to the workpiece base 11, during the convergence of multiple workpiece carriers 1 along the first movement direction B1, the insertion of the stop 14 into the hole 131 of an adjacent workpiece carrier 1 can be adjusted. In this way, the center distance S between two adjacent workpiece carriers 1 can be adjusted. Figures 5 to 8This adjustability is shown and described accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the spacer element 13 can be automatically adjusted during the transport of the workpiece carrier 1 through the conveyor system. For this reason, the workpiece base 11 includes a cavity 113 on each front side along the second direction of movement B2, the cavity 113 extending through the workpiece base 11 in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane PE. Each of the two cavities 113 is open on the front side of the workpiece base 11, which is implemented as a cuboid. Figure 1 In the illustrated state, the spacer element 13 is considered to protrude from the first movement direction B1 into the cavity 113 located at the left rear. However, the spacer element 13 does not protrude into the cavity 113 at the right front. Starting from the illustrated state, by inserting an object into the cavity 113 located at the left rear, the spacer element 13 can be moved to the right front relative to the workpiece base 11; specifically, the object is a blade of the conveyor system. In this moved state, the spacer element 13 then protrudes into the cavity 113 at the right front. By protruding an object into one of the two cavities 113, the position of the spacer element 13 relative to the workpiece base 11 can be adjusted. This adjustment also adjusts the position of the two holes 131, which in turn affects whether the stop 14 of the adjacent workpiece carrier 1 can be inserted into the hole 131. Instead of providing two cavities 113, the spacer element 13 can also be designed to be longer than the workpiece base 11, such that the spacer element 13 always protrudes beyond the workpiece base 11 on at least one side. In this case, the total length of the spacer element 13 is greater than the total length of the workpiece base 11 parallel to the positioning plane PE. In this case, the spacer element 13 is transferred from the outside of the object without entering the cavity 113. In this case, the cavity 113 is not provided, and the cavity 113 is not needed.

[0081] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 The front view of the workpiece carrier 1 in the embodiment shown is along the first moving direction B1. Figure 2 It shows that it is in the same position as Figure 1 The same implementation in the same state. Therefore, for the combination Figure 2 For components not described in detail, please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 1 The description. In Figure 2In the front view, the first section 12a and the second section 12b are clearly seen arranged vertically relative to each other, with guide components 125a and 125b respectively arranged on these sections 12a and 12b flush with each other. Distances exist between the second section 12b and the first section 12a, and between the first section 12a and the workpiece base 11, defined by spacers arranged between these components. These distances prevent adjacent workpiece carriers 1 from blocking or jamming during aggregation along the first movement direction B1. In the illustrated embodiment, along the second movement direction B2, the width of the contact element 12 is greater than the width of the workpiece base 11. This width of the contact element 12 and the resulting contact surface 121 also give the workpiece carrier 1 higher anti-tilting resistance in the first movement direction B2. Figure 2 In the view, it can be clearly seen that the spacer element 13 is inserted into or stacked on the cavity 113 arranged on the left. However, the spacer element 13 does not protrude into the cavity 113 arranged on the right, or only protrudes to a very small extent. From Figure 2 The state shown begins, and the spacer element 13, guided by the elongated hole disposed therein, can be moved to the right, so that the spacer element 13 then protrudes into the cavity 113 disposed on the right side. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in the front view, both the contact surface 121 and the receiving surface 111 are designed to be flat, and these two planes are oriented parallel to each other.

[0082] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment shows a perspective view of the two workpiece carriers 1 in a state of convergence along the first moving direction B1. It can be seen that the two workpiece carriers 1 and... Figure 1 The two workpiece carriers 1 are identical. They are pushed into each other along the first moving direction B1. It can be clearly seen that the second protrusion 124b of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the right rear is inserted into the second hole 123b of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the left front. The second protrusion 124b of the right workpiece carrier 1 is inserted into the second hole 123b of the left workpiece carrier 1, extending beyond the positioning plane PE of the left workpiece carrier 1. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first sections 12a and second sections 12b of the two workpiece carriers 1 are spaced apart from each other and oriented parallel to each other. All guide components 125a of the two workpiece carriers 1 are flush with each other in the shown converged state. The same applies to all guide components 125b. In the shown state, the two workpiece carriers 1 abut against each other, with the two stops 14 of the left workpiece carrier 1 abutting against the spacer element 13 of the right workpiece carrier 1, but not entering the hole 131 of the spacer element 13. Figure 7The abutment is more clearly seen in a top view of the workpiece carrier 1 and is described in context. The distance between the two positioning planes PE of the adjacent workpiece carriers 1 is the centre distance S. The centre distance S is also equal to the centre distance of the mounted workpiece in the case that the workpiece is placed on the workpiece carrier 1 with the centre plane of the workpiece coinciding with the positioning planes PE. The length L or overall length of the workpiece carrier 1 in the first movement direction Bl extends from the end of the first section 12a facing to the left to the end of the second section 12b facing to the right. The length L can also be defined as the distance between the tips of the sections 12a and 12b designed in a V-shape. In the Figure 3 In the assembled state, it is clear that the centre distance S is smaller than half the length of the workpiece carrier 1. In this way, a plurality of workpiece carriers 1 can be assembled in a space-saving manner, while the workpiece carrier 1 has a relatively long length L, so that a high resistance to tilting in the first movement direction Bl is obtained. In a transport system not shown, the guide parts 125a, 125b abut at least temporarily on a guide. In the shown state, the guide direction determined by the guide of the transport system substantially corresponds to the first movement direction Bl. The abutment of the guide parts 125a, 125b on the guide is such that the orientation of the positioning planes PE relative to the guide direction always remains the same, and the workpiece carrier 1 cannot be turned. In this transport system, the contact surface 121 rests on a surface of a transport element, which can be formed by, for example, a transport belt.

[0083] Figure 4 A perspective view of two workpiece carriers 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is shown in an assembled state along the second movement direction B2. In contrast to the Figure 1 and Figure 3 The positioning planes PE of the two workpiece carriers 1 are oriented transversely to the Figure 4the second movement direction B2. The positioning planes PE are oriented parallel to the guiding direction of the transport system. In this orientation, adjacent workpiece carriers 1 cannot push into each other. In the shown state of the aggregation along the second movement direction B2, the guiding member 125a of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the left abuts against the guiding member 125b of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the right. In this orientation, the aggregated workpiece carriers 1 do not stack. The positioning planes PE of the aggregated workpiece carriers 1 are flush with each other. In the transport system, the guiding direction extends parallel to the second movement direction B2 in the shown state. During the transport of the workpiece carriers 1 through the transport system, the protrusions 124a, 124b of the workpiece carriers 1 at least temporarily abut against the guiding elements of the transport system, so that the workpiece carriers 1 are guided and cannot rotate during the transport. In the shown state of the aggregation along the second movement direction B2, each positioning plane PE is easily accessible from a direction perpendicular to the second movement direction B2, which facilitates the handling of workpieces placed on the workpiece carriers 1. For example, when a plate-shaped workpiece is placed on a workpiece carrier 1 and the central plane of the plate-shaped workpiece coincides with the positioning plane PE, the large side faces of the plate-shaped workpiece can be handled in a particularly easy manner, while the workpiece can be held on the workpiece carrier 1. A particular advantage of the workpiece carriers 1 according to the application is that the workpiece carriers 1 can be used both in the state of the aggregation along the first movement direction B1 and in the state of the aggregation along the second movement direction B2. Figure 4 the state shown in Figure 3 the state shown in. In the transport system, the workpiece carriers can be converted from the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 3 , and the workpiece carriers can be converted from the state shown in Figure 3 to the state shown in Figure 4 . This allows a very high flexibility in the handling of workpieces placed on the workpiece carriers 1. Depending on the handling steps to be performed, the orientation of the positioning planes PE relative to the guiding direction of the transport system can be easily changed.

[0084] In Figures 5 to 8 , it is shown how the spacing element 13 adjusts the center distance S between the positioning planes PE of adjacent workpiece carriers 1 in the case of an aggregation of the workpiece carriers along the first movement direction B1. This adjustment of the center distance S can be used, for example, to perform a method of engaging the respective workpieces mounted on the workpiece carriers 1 during the transport.

[0085] Figure 5 a top view of two workpiece carriers 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in the aggregated state, the two workpiece carriers 1 having a first center distance S along the first movement direction B1. Figure 5 is shown in a top view from above in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 121 in the state shown in Figure 3 . With regard to the elements and components of Figure 5 , reference is also made complementarily to the description of Figure 1 andFigure 3 In the plan view, the positioning plane PE of the workpiece carriers 1 is shown in dashed lines. The center distance S is equal to the distance between the positioning planes PE of two cluster workpiece carriers 1 arranged next to each other. In the shown state, the spacing element 13 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the upper side is in a second position in which the two holes 131 in the spacing element 13 are not located on opposite sides of the two stop pieces 14 in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane PE. In the shown state, the two holes 131 are offset relative to the two stop pieces 14 in a direction parallel to the positioning plane PE. As a result, the two stop pieces 14 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the lower side cannot be inserted in the two holes 131 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the upper side, but rather abut against the surface of the spacing element 13 of this workpiece carrier 1 that faces away from the workpiece base 11. In the shown state, this abutment of the stop pieces 14 on the surface of the spacing element 13 determines the center distance S. This center distance S can be influenced or adjusted structurally by the length of the stop pieces 14 in the direction perpendicular to the positioning plane PE. It is also possible to design the stop pieces 14 such that they are replaceable, so that the center distance S can be influenced in a simple manner by replacing the stop pieces 14 if necessary. In Figure 5 In the plan view, it can be seen that there is a distance between the segments 12a, 12b of adjacent workpiece carriers 1. This distance can be seen, for example, between the two tips of segments 12a, 12b designed in a V shape.

[0086] Figure 6 A side view of the workpiece carrier 1 shown in Figure 5 In this illustration, the workpiece carrier 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view in the same state as Figure 5 B-B in Figure 5 The cross-section is designated in Figure 6 In the cross-sectional view, it can be seen that the stop piece 14 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the left abuts against the left-facing surface of the spacing element 13 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the right. Between the first segment 12a and the second segment 12b of the two workpiece carriers 1, there is a distance in the first movement direction B1.

[0087] Figure 7 A plan view of two workpiece carriers 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the plan view, it can be seen that the two workpiece carriers 1 have a second, shortened center distance S in the first movement direction B1 in the clustered state. Figure 7 A state is shown in which the spacing elements 13 of the two workpiece carriers 1 are displaced from Figure 5 and Figure 6The state shown indicates a shift to the right. This shift can occur automatically, for example, by inserting the blade from the side into the cavity 113 located on the workpiece base 11. Alternatively, the spacer element 13 can be moved in other ways, such as by electrically controlling it using a servo drive, magnetic switch, etc. The spacer element 13 is established by shifting it parallel to the positioning plane PE. Figure 7 In this configuration, the hole 131 in the spacer element 13 is flush with the stop 14 arranged on the opposite side of the workpiece base 11. In this manner, the stop 14 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the lower side can enter the hole 131 of the spacer element 13 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the upper side. In this way, the two workpiece carriers 1 can be further pushed into each other until the surface of the stop 14 abuts against the surface of the workpiece base 11 of the adjacent workpiece carrier 1, or the workpieces on the adjacent workpiece carriers 1 come into contact with each other. Figure 7 The center distance S between the two positioning planes PE is therefore less than Figure 5 The center distance S in the state shown. There is still a very small distance between sections 12a and 12b of the adjacent workpiece carrier 1, which can be clearly seen, for example, at the tip of the first section 12a, which is designed in a V-shape.

[0088] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The image shows a side view of the workpiece carrier 1. In this view, the workpiece carrier 1 is shown in cross-section as if positioned with... Figure 7 Same state. Figure 7 The AA section specifies this profile. Figure 8 In the cross-sectional view, it can be seen that the stop 14 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the left enters the holes 131 of the spacer element 13 of the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the right, extends through these holes 131, and abuts against the left-facing surface of the workpiece base 11. The first section 12a and the second section 12b of the two workpiece carriers 1 have a very small distance along the first moving direction B1, which is much smaller than... Figure 6 The distances between these elements in the shown state. In order to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 During the initial accumulation period shown, the center distance S is increased again, and the two workpiece carriers 1 must be separated from each other so that the spacer element 13 can be pushed back. Figure 5 and Figures 5 to 8 The degree of the state shown. The increase in center distance S can also occur automatically during the transport of workpiece carrier 1 in the conveyor system.

[0089] Combination Figure 9The adjustable center distance S between two adjacent workpiece carriers 1, as described, can be used to perform a joining method between the workpieces. Each workpiece is first placed on a workpiece carrier 1 positioned with a greater center distance S between them. Then, a joining material, such as an adhesive, is introduced or applied between the workpieces. The actual joining process of the workpieces is then achieved by shortening the center distance S as described. In this way, the distance between the workpieces is also shortened, allowing the workpieces to join, particularly by bonding with an embedded joining material. This joining process can be performed automatically during passage through a conveyor system. The combination of multiple workpiece carriers 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for joining final products assembled from multiple individual plate-shaped parts. For example, a battery made from multiple individual plate-shaped cells can be easily and efficiently joined or assembled.

[0090] Figure 1 It shows according to Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows a top view of the two workpiece carriers 1 converging from the lateral movement direction B3. Figure 9 In the illustrated state, the workpiece carrier 1 shown on the upper side is stationary and, for example, in a waiting position where multiple workpiece carriers 1 are to be assembled. The workpiece carrier 1 arranged on the lower side in the diagram moves towards the stationary workpiece carrier 1 from a lateral movement direction B3. The lateral movement direction B3 differs from the first movement direction B1 and the second movement direction B2. The lateral movement direction B3 lies between the first movement direction B1 and the second movement direction B2 and is oriented at an acute angle to the first movement direction B1. This movement of the workpiece carrier 1 along the lateral movement direction B3 can occur, for example, when multiple workpiece carriers 1 move around the curves or bends of the conveying elements of the conveying system. Figure 3 As seen in the diagram, the workpiece carrier 1, moving along the lateral movement direction B3, can be clustered in a manner similar to the case where the workpiece carrier 1 moves along the first movement direction B1. In the illustrated state, the first protrusion 124a of the workpiece carrier 1 has entered the first hole 123a. Here, the outer contour of the first protrusion 124a of the workpiece carrier 1, designed to be flat and facing the upper left of the diagram, abuts against the inner contour of the first hole 123a of the upper workpiece carrier 1, which is also designed to be flat. Due to the flat design of these contours, the two workpiece carriers 1 slide relative to each other until the stop 14 of the lower workpiece carrier abuts against the spacer element 13 of the upper workpiece carrier. This state can be achieved, for example... Figure 5 or Figure 5The symmetry of the V-shape of the two segments 12a and 12b is particularly advantageous for the shown lateral gathering of the plurality of workpiece carriers 1. On the one hand, the V-shape provides a flat outer profile of the protrusions 124a and 124b as well as a flat outer profile of the holes 123a and 123b, which, as shown, can slide along each other. On the other hand, the V-shape allows for a lateral gathering along a lateral movement direction B3 which is oriented differently from the first movement direction B1. For example, the lower workpiece carriers 1 can also be moved towards the upper workpiece carriers along a lateral movement direction B3 which is mirror-inverted with respect to the shown lateral movement direction B3 with respect to the first movement direction B1. Thus, the workpiece carriers 1 can be reoriented with respect to the current movement direction in two different orientation directions. The larger the angle between the two arms of the segments 12a and 12b which are designed in a V-shape, the larger the angle which opens up between the first movement direction B1 and the lateral movement direction B3 can be. A particular advantage of the shown embodiment is that, for example Figure 9 The gathered state of the shown plurality of workpiece carriers 1 is always the same from a number of different lateral movement directions B3 as well as from the first movement direction B1. The shown embodiment of the workpiece carriers 1 is thus particularly versatile and allows for an easy gathering along a plurality of, even tolerance-affected or varying movement directions. To complement the not Figure 1 The details described with respect to the workpiece carriers 1 as well as the plurality of gathering options are referred to the description of the ​ .

[0091] List of reference signs:

[0092] 1 workpiece carrier

[0093] 11 workpiece base

[0094] 111 receiving surface

[0095] 112 base surface

[0096] 113 cavity

[0097] 12 contact element

[0098] 12a, 12b first segment, second segment

[0099] 121 contact surface

[0100] 123a, 123b first hole, second hole

[0101] 124a, 124b first protrusion, second protrusion

[0102] 125a, 125b first guide part, second guide part

[0103] 13 spacer element

[0104] 131 hole

[0105] 14 stop

[0106] B1, B2, B3 first, second, transverse movement direction

[0107] L length

[0108] PE positioning plane

[0109] S center distance

Claims

1. A workpiece carrier (1) for transporting a workpiece or product in a conveying system, the workpiece carrier (1) comprising: - at least one workpiece seat (11) arranged for accommodating at least one workpiece, wherein the workpiece seat (11) comprises a receiving surface (111) on which a workpiece can be mounted and further comprises a seat surface (112) arranged at a distance from the receiving surface (111), - at least one contact element (12) arranged for resting on a conveying element of the conveying system comprising a contact surface (121) during operation of the workpiece carrier (1), the contact element (12) being connected to the seat surface (112) of the workpiece seat (11), wherein a first movement direction (Bl) is provided for the workpiece carrier (1), the workpiece carrier (1) being movable in the conveying system along the first movement direction (Bl), and a positioning plane (PE) is defined, the positioning plane (PE) being oriented perpendicular to the contact surface (121) and perpendicular to the first movement direction (Bl), wherein the positioning plane (PE) intersects the receiving surface (111) and is arranged in the center of a length of the workpiece carrier (1) along the first movement direction (Bl), and wherein the contact element (12) comprises at least a first hole (123a) and a second hole (123b), at least the first hole (123a) and the second hole (123b) being arranged offset with respect to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121), and wherein the contact element (12) comprises at least a first protrusion (124a) and a second protrusion (124b), at least the first protrusion (124a) and the second protrusion (124b) being arranged offset with respect to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121), wherein a first protrusion (124a) of a first workpiece carrier arranged closer to the workpiece seat (11) in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121) is insertable in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE) into a first hole (123a) of a second workpiece carrier arranged closer to the workpiece seat (11) in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121), and a second protrusion (124b) of the first workpiece carrier arranged closer to the contact surface (121) in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121) is insertable in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE) into a second hole (123b) of the second workpiece carrier arranged closer to the contact surface (121) in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121), wherein each of the first hole (123a) and the second hole (123b) extends at least partially on two opposite sides of the positioning plane (PE).

2. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the first hole (123a) and the second hole (123b) extends through the positioning plane (PE).

3. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the first hole (123a) and the second hole (123b) and each of the first protrusion (124a) and the second protrusion (124b) extend at least partially on two opposite sides of the positioning plane (PE) such that when the first protrusion (124a) and the second protrusion (124b) of the first workpiece carrier are inserted into the first hole (123a) and the second hole (123b) of the second workpiece carrier, the first workpiece carrier and the second workpiece carrier can be positioned to each other such that the distance between the positioning planes (PE) of the first workpiece carrier and the second workpiece carrier is less than half the length of the workpiece carrier (1) in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE).

4. The workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The contact element (12) comprises at least a first guide part (125a) and a second guide part (125b), at least the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) comprising at least two guide points each arranged on the outside of the contact element (12) in a direction perpendicular to the first movement direction (B1), wherein connecting lines between the guide points of the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) are oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE) and are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the positioning plane (PE), wherein during operation of the workpiece carrier (1) the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) are arranged to at least temporarily or partially abut on a guide of a transport system.

5. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The contact element (12) comprises a first section (12a) and a second section (12b) arranged adjacent to and connected to each other in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface (121), wherein the first section (12a) and the second section (12b) have substantially the same shape and size, wherein the first section (12a) and the second section (12b) are differently positioned relative to the positioning plane (PE).

6. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The first section (12a) is connected to the workpiece base (11) and the second section (12b) is connected to the first section (12a) on a side of the first section (12a) opposite to the workpiece base (11), wherein the contact surface (121) is arranged on the second section (12b) on a side of the second section (12b) opposite to the first section (12a).

7. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that At least one of the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) is arranged on the first section (12a) and at least one of the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) is arranged on the second section (12b), and / or a first hole (123a) and a first protrusion (124a) are arranged on or in the first section (12a) and a second hole (123b) and a second protrusion (124b) are arranged on or in the second section (12b).

8. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that In a top view of the contact surface (121), the outer contour of each of the first sections (12a) and the second sections (12b) on a first side generally corresponds to the outer contour of the first sections (12a) or the second sections (12b) on a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side is located opposite the second side in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE), and / or in a top view of the contact surface (121), the contact element (12) is formed symmetrically about the positioning plane (PE), and / or in a top view of the contact surface (121), each first section (12a) and each second section (12b) is formed axially symmetric about an axis oriented perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE).

9. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that In a top view of the contact surface (121), each first section (12a) and each second section (12b) is formed as a V-shape, wherein each free end of the V-shape comprises a first guide part (125a) and a second guide part (125b) on a front side of the free end, wherein the first guide parts (125a) and the second guide parts (125b) of the first sections (12a) and the second sections (12b) arranged directly above and below each other are flush with each other at each end of the contact element (12).

10. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The two arms of the V-shape are arranged at an angle of 5° to 150° relative to each other.

11. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that In a top view of the contact surface (121), each first section (12a) and each second section (12b) is at least partially formed as a V-shape, wherein a first hole (123a) or a second hole (123b) is arranged between the arms of the V-shape and a convex outer side of the tip of the V-shape is formed as a first protrusion (124a) or a second protrusion (124b), wherein in a top view of the contact surface (121), each first section (12a) and each second section (12b) is formed as a V-shape, wherein the tips of the V-shapes of the first sections (12a) and the second sections (12b) that interconnect the two arms are arranged on opposite sides of the positioning plane (PE) and the first sections (12a) and the second sections (12b) are arranged symmetrically about the positioning plane (PE) relative to each other in a top view.

12. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that In a top view of the contact surface (121), each first section (12a) and each second section (12b) is at least partially formed as a V-shape, wherein the outer surfaces of the first sections (12a) and the second sections (12b), each lying opposite to each other perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE), are at least partially designed as flat, wherein the two arms of the V-shape are each oriented at an angle of 1° to 89° to the positioning plane (PE).

13. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The two arms of the V-shape are each oriented at the same angle to the positioning plane (PE).

14. The workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The workpiece carrier (1) is provided with a spacer element (13) which is movably connected to the workpiece base (11), wherein the spacer element (13) is arranged laterally on the workpiece base (11) between the first sections (12a) of the contact elements (12) and the receiving surface (111), and the spacer element (13) comprises at least one hole (131) which merges on the side of the spacer element (13) opposite to the workpiece base (11) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE) and parallel to the receiving surface (111), and the workpiece carrier (1) is provided with at least one stop (14) which extends in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE) and parallel to the receiving surface (111), wherein the stop (14) is mounted on the side of the workpiece base (11) opposite to the spacer element (13) in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE), and wherein the stop (14) at least partially has a size and shape which fits into the hole (131) of the spacer element (13), wherein in a first position of the spacer element (13) relative to the workpiece base (11) in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE), the hole (131) is located opposite to the stop (14) and flush with the stop (14), and in a second position of the spacer element (13) relative to the workpiece base (11) in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE), the hole (131) is not located opposite to the stop (14) and is not flush with the stop (14).

15. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The workpiece base (11) has a cuboid shape, wherein In a direction parallel to the positioning plane (PE), the overall length of the spacer element (13) is greater than the overall length of the workpiece base (11) such that the spacer element (13) protrudes beyond the workpiece base (11) in a direction parallel to the positioning plane (PE), or In a direction parallel to the positioning plane (PE), the overall length of the spacer element (13) is greater than the overall length of the workpiece base (11) such that the spacer element (13) protrudes beyond the workpiece base (11) in a direction parallel to the positioning plane (PE), or A cavity (113) extends through the workpiece base (11) in a direction perpendicular to the positioning plane (PE) and is open in the direction of the positioning plane (PE) on the front side of the workpiece base (11) embodied as a cuboid, the cavity (113) is arranged in the direction of the positioning plane (PE) at at least one end, and the spacer element (13) is inserted or superimposed on at least one of the cavities (113) arranged on the front side of the workpiece base (11) from the perspective of the first movement direction (B1), wherein the spacer element (13) can be transferred between the positions of the spacer element (13) relative to the workpiece base (11) by inserting an object into the cavity (113).

16. A workpiece carrier (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The object is a blade of a conveying system.

17. Conveying system for transporting workpieces and / or goods, comprising: - a conveying element, which is arranged to move a plurality of workpiece carriers (1) through the conveying system, and wherein the conveying element can be driven by a drive, - a guide, which delimits the conveying element on two opposite sides and is arranged to guide the workpiece carriers (1) moved by the conveying element, wherein the guide determines a guide direction at any position of the conveying element, - at least two workpiece carriers (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (121) of each workpiece carrier (1) rests on the conveying element and at least one section or at least one of the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) of the first protrusion (124a) or the second protrusion (124b) at least temporarily abuts on the guide.

18. The conveyor system of claim 17, wherein, The workpiece carrier (1) is provided with a spacer element (13) and the workpiece carrier (1) is provided with at least one stop (14), The workpiece carrier (1) is oriented with the positioning plane (PE) of the workpiece carrier (1) parallel to the guide direction and the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) of a first workpiece carrier abut on the first guide part (125a) and the second guide part (125b) of a second workpiece carrier or the workpiece base (11) of a first workpiece carrier abuts on the workpiece base (11) of a second workpiece carrier, wherein the two workpiece carriers (1) are not superimposed, wherein during the transport of the workpiece carriers (1) through the conveying system (100) the first protrusion (124a) and the second protrusion (124b) of both workpiece carriers (1) at least temporarily abut on the guide, and / or The object is a blade of a conveying system. The workpiece carriers (1) are oriented with their positioning planes perpendicular to the guiding direction and are partially stacked, with the first and second protrusions (124a, 124b) of a first workpiece carrier being inserted into the first and second holes (123a, 123b) of a second workpiece carrier and the first and second protrusions (124a, 124b) of the second workpiece carrier being inserted into the first and second holes (123a, 123b) of the first workpiece carrier, wherein during the transport of the workpiece carriers (1) through the conveying system (100), the first and second guiding members (125a, 125b) of each workpiece carrier (1) at least temporarily abut on the guides, wherein the stop member (14) of the first workpiece carrier abuts on the spacing element (13) of the second workpiece carrier.

19. A method of joining a plurality of workpieces using a conveying system according to claim 18, the method comprising the steps of: A) gathering a plurality of workpiece carriers (1), wherein the positioning planes (PE) of the workpiece carriers (1) are oriented perpendicular to the guiding direction for the gathering, the workpiece carriers (1) are stacked on each other, the workpiece carriers (1) are provided with spacing elements (13) and the workpiece carriers (1) are provided with at least one stop member (14), and the stop members (14) and the spacing elements (13) of adjacent workpiece carriers (1) are in contact with each other or space a plurality of workpiece carriers (1) apart, wherein adjacent workpiece carriers (1) are separated from each other and the positioning planes (PE) are oriented perpendicular or parallel to the guiding direction, B) applying a joining material on at least one workpiece at least locally, and C) pushing the workpiece carriers (1) together, wherein the spacing elements (13) of the workpiece carriers (1) are adjusted such that the stop members (14) are flush with the holes (131) of the workpiece carriers (1), such that the workpieces contact each other and are thereby joined by the joining material.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The workpiece carriers (1) are raised away from the conveying elements for performing the processing step B) and / or the processing step C). A) gathering a plurality of workpiece carriers (1), wherein the positioning planes (PE) of the workpiece carriers (1) are oriented perpendicular to the guiding direction for the gathering, the workpiece carriers (1) are stacked on each other, the workpiece carriers (1) are provided with spacing elements (13) and the workpiece carriers (1) are provided with at least one stop member (14), and the stop members (14) and the spacing elements (13) of adjacent workpiece carriers (1) are in contact with each other or space a plurality of workpiece carriers (1) apart, wherein adjacent workpiece carriers (1) are separated from each other and the positioning planes (PE) are oriented perpendicular or parallel to the guiding direction, B) applying a joining material on at least one workpiece at least locally, and C) pushing the workpiece carriers (1) together, wherein the spacing elements (13) of the workpiece carriers (1) are adjusted such that the stop members (14) are flush with the holes (131) of the workpiece carriers (1), such that the workpieces contact each other and are thereby joined by the joining material. The workpiece carriers (1) are raised away from the conveying elements for performing the processing step B) and / or the processing step C).

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