Drive belt having conducting element, linear drive and storage and removal unit

Abstract

The utility model relates to a transmission belt with a conducting element, a linear driver and a storage and take-out unit, the transmission belt is provided with a first conducting element (4) which is embedded in a polymer material (2) and is used for transmitting electric energy, the first conducting element (4) is formed by at least one tensile member (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the transmission belt (1), and the tensile member (4) is connected with the first conducting element (4). The transmission belt (1) is preferably formed by a plurality of tensile members (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the transmission belt (1) and arranged parallel to one another, the transmission belt (1) having at least one second conductive element (6) for transmitting data. The second conducting element (6) has a substrate (7) on which conductor tracks (8) are printed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a transmission belt. It also relates to a linear drive and a storage and retrieval unit. Background Technology

[0002] In many applications and fields, drive belts are used to drive operating machinery, transport devices, vehicles, etc., and to transmit force therein, specifically as rotary drive belts in traction drive systems, as well as as finite-length drive belts in linear drive systems or lifting facilities.

[0003] In particular, in the case of a linear drive, a portion of the corresponding device moves by means of a drive belt used therein, such as in the case of a carriage that moves in multiple directions in a working machine (e.g., a milling machine or a storage and retrieval unit) or in the case of a driven printhead in a 3D printer.

[0004] Typically, in the case of such linear drives used for transmitting energy and / or for transmitting measurement and control signals, something referred to as a "cable carrier" is additionally carried between the moving part of the working machinery and the drive or central control unit, which also handles signals from stationary operating devices connected thereto. The term "cable carrier" refers to an energy chain by which a long cable, energy supply unit, and control lines are guided on a supported, movable, chain-like holder of the mobile machinery or movable device. In this case, the cable carrier thus travels with the moving part of the working machinery and may also need to be deflected and requires corresponding installation space.

[0005] Alternatively, a variety of embodiments of sliding contacts, such as those in the form of current-carrying rails, can be used. Sliding contacts are particularly sensitive to contamination, and for this reason, maintaining sliding contacts for reliable current and / or signal transmission is very complex and expensive.

[0006] This type of powertrain, of course, complies with relevant regulations regarding repair and maintenance, and must be inspected regularly, as is the case with actual drives via drive belts. Therefore, complying with such regulations also requires regular monitoring and maintenance of the powertrain, thus involving considerable additional expenses.

[0007] DE 10 2012 011 230 A1 discloses an apparatus for force and / or motion transmission, particularly for a conveying device, having a drive belt with conductive reinforcing members designed to transfer electrical energy from an input coupling element to an output coupling element via the drive belt to supply electrical energy to one or more drives. Disadvantageously, the metallic reinforcing members have too low conductivity and too high attenuation characteristics to ensure optimal transmission of data signals. Therefore, the data signals must continue to be transmitted via cables provided for this purpose, which is related to the aforementioned disadvantages of the cable carrier.

[0008] EP 3 462 055 B1 discloses an elevator assembly having a carrier belt in the form of a drive belt with tensile members for signal or data transmission. Signals or data are fed in or read out between a signal transmission element and another line or signal processing device via cable clamps, contact connections at corresponding terminal connections or fastening points of the signal transmission element. Disadvantageously, as mentioned above, the tensile members have insufficient conductivity for transmitting data signals and too high attenuation, thus making reliable signal or data transmission impossible. Another disadvantage is the complex process for contacting the tensile members, as each individual tensile member must be manually released from the elastomeric material surrounding it before electrical contact can be made. To avoid the risk of short circuits, the tensile members must then be insulated from each other before being subsequently connected to the cable clamps. This complex contact connection of the tensile members results in correspondingly high production costs. Utility Model Content

[0009] This invention provides, for example, a drive belt for a linear drive, designed to transmit both current and data signals.

[0010] Alternatively or alternatively, the aim is to further improve the quality of data signals transmitted by the drive belt.

[0011] Alternatively or concurrently, tensile members are designed for quick and / or inexpensive and / or automated contact connections.

[0012] Another objective is to provide a linear drive with a drive belt, and a storage and retrieval unit with a linear drive, wherein no additional cable carrier is intended to be required to transmit current and data signals.

[0013] This objective is achieved by the transmission belt according to the present invention.

[0014] This objective is also achieved by a linear drive having a drive belt according to the present invention.

[0015] This invention also relates to a storage and retrieval unit having a linear drive according to this invention.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. Further advantages and features may be found in the general description and exemplary embodiments.

[0017] This application relates to a transmission belt having a first conductive element embedded in a polymer material for transmitting electrical energy, wherein the first conductive element is formed by at least one tensile member extending in the longitudinal direction of the transmission belt, preferably by a plurality of tensile members extending in the longitudinal direction of the transmission belt and arranged parallel to each other.

[0018] In other words, the tensile member, which can be made of a conductive material, preferably metal, can additionally carry current in addition to its actual force transmission function. This allows current to be conducted from the energy source to the load, such as an electric motor actuating the drive, via the belt without the need for additional cables to carry the current. Preferably, the polymer material of the belt is polyurethane.

[0019] In addition to a tensile member serving as a first conductive element for carrying current, the drive belt also has at least one second conductive element for transmitting data. This second conductive element has a substrate on which conductor tracks are printed. The conductor tracks can be applied to the substrate using conductive ink through commonly known printing processes. The conductivity and attenuation characteristics of the conductor tracks can be influenced by selecting a suitable conductive material for the ink. To improve signal transmission, the second conductive element exhibits lower attenuation compared to the first conductive element. Suitable conductive materials for the ink are, in particular, copper, silver, or gold. The conductive material can be in pure form, particulate form, or dispersion form. The second conductive element is designed to transmit data, such as sensor data for controlling and monitoring the position of an electric motor actuating its drive. The second conductive element can be applied to the surface of the drive belt or embedded in the polymer material of the drive belt as an integral component of the drive belt.

[0020] A particularly advantageous aspect is that it eliminates the need for a separate cable carrier or energy chain that must move and be guided as an independent component along with the moving device or mechanical parts. Therefore, maintenance of such a system can be carried out simultaneously with maintenance of the drive belt. Another advantage is that the conductivity and / or attenuation characteristics of the printed conductor track can be tailored to the desired quality of the data to be transmitted by selectively choosing the composition of the conductive ink. In other words, the quality of data transmission can be influenced in a simple and targeted manner without affecting the mechanical characteristics of the drive belt.

[0021] According to another aspect of this invention, the transmission belt is designed as a toothed belt, a flat belt, a V-belt, or a V-ribbed belt. Therefore, the characteristics and advantages explained at the outset can be applied to various types of transmission belts.

[0022] According to another aspect of this application, the transmission belt is a non-closed transmission belt having a predetermined length and two ends. Particularly advantageously, the transmission belt is cut to a specific size so that it can be supplied in any desired length without incurring the cost of separate tools for producing transmission belts of a particular length.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the substrate comprises the polymer material of the transmission belt. Preferably, the substrate is composed of the polymer material of the transmission belt. Advantageously, this allows for improved bonding between the substrate and the polymer material of the transmission belt, wherein the substrate can be integrally bonded to the polymer material of the transmission belt under the action of heat. This allows the substrate to become an integral component of the transmission belt, resulting in the transmission belt retaining its original mechanical properties.

[0024] According to another aspect of this invention, the substrate, and particularly the conductor tracks, are embedded in the polymer material of the drive belt. It has proven particularly advantageous that the polymer material of the drive belt can protect the substrate and the conductor tracks applied thereto from external influences, such as mechanical wear or other environmental effects. Therefore, data transmission can be ensured particularly reliably throughout the service life of the drive belt.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, the drive belt has at least one connecting adapter, which is specifically arranged at one end of the drive belt, preferably at the end side of the drive belt, wherein the first conductive element and the second conductive element are combined in the connecting adapter for feeding and / or tapping electrical energy and data. In other words, the connecting adapter can be designed as a standardized connector, such as a CAN bus connector. The drive belt can preferably have connecting adapters at both the first and second ends. The connecting adapter can advantageously have a number of pins corresponding to the sum of the number of tensile members of the first conductive element and the number of conductor tracks of the second conductive element. It has proven particularly advantageous that the pins of the connecting adapter at the first end of the drive belt can be assigned to corresponding pins of the connecting adapter at the second end and electrically connected thereto. This allows the connecting adapter to be connected particularly advantageously to devices such as voltage sources and / or control devices for machinery. Furthermore, the drive belt can be easily integrated into existing systems as a current and data transmission device via a standardized interface without further structural expenditure.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the drive belt has at least one contact connecting element, the first conductive element being electrically connected at its end to the at least one contact connecting element, wherein the contact connecting element connects the first conductive element to the connecting adapter. The drive belt may preferably have contact connecting elements at both a first end and a second end. It has proven particularly advantageous that an interface can be provided via the contact connecting element, allowing the first conductive element or tensile member to be electrically connected to additional devices for supplying and / or dissipating current.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the contact connection element is connected to a cable leading to the connection adapter. The cable can be designed as a ribbon cable. In other words, the first conductive element can be electrically connected to the contact connection element over a spatial distance via the cable. It has proven particularly advantageous that the connection adapter can be connected to a flexible cable instead of the rigid tensile member of the first conductive element, resulting in the first conductive element remaining reliably connected to the connection adapter even under dynamic mechanical loads.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, the contact connecting element has at least one pair, preferably multiple pairs of forked teeth arranged in the transverse direction, which extend in the vertical direction to receive at least one tensile member extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive belt, preferably multiple tensile members extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive belt and arranged parallel to each other. The contact connecting element is inserted into the polymer material in the vertical direction. The contact connecting element may preferably have the same number of forked teeth pairs as the tensile members. In other words, the contact connecting element can be electrically connected to the tensile members of the drive belt without the tensile members being released from the polymer material of the drive belt. In this case, the spacing between two forked teeth in the transverse direction may correspond at most to the diameter of the tensile member. The spacing between two forked teeth in the transverse direction preferably corresponds to 80 percent of the diameter of the tensile member. Particularly advantageously, when the spacing between two forked teeth is less than the diameter of the tensile member, a particularly good conductive contact can be established between the tensile member and the contact connecting element. Any deformation of the tensile member relative to the spacing of the pair of forked teeth (between which the tensile member can be received) advantageously increases the contact surface area between the tensile member and the pair of forked teeth of the contact connecting element. No polymer material is present in the contact area between the tensile member and the pair of forked teeth. The pair of forked teeth can be arranged relative to each other within the spacing between the tensile members. This ensures that the tensile member is not damaged when a tensile member is assigned to each pair of forked teeth and / or when the contact connecting element is inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt and / or when the position of the tensile member changes in the drive belt. However, a pair of forked teeth can also receive or contact multiple tensile members. To allow the contact connecting element to be inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt with the lowest possible force, the polymer material and / or the contact connecting element can be heated. Due to the effect of heat, the polymer material can soften, resulting in a reduction in the resistance of the polymer material to the insertion of the forked teeth of the contact connecting element. In addition, the fork-shaped teeth of the contact connector can have knife-shaped cutting edges, which makes it easier to insert the contact connector into the polymer material.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, the contact connection element has at least one cylindrical sleeve for receiving a tensile member. The cylindrical sleeve is inserted into the polymer material in the longitudinal direction and encloses the tensile member along a portion of its length in the longitudinal direction, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is pressed against the tensile member. Particularly preferably, the drive belt has the same number of cylindrical sleeves as the tensile members, such that each tensile member has a cylindrical sleeve as a contact connection element. In other words, the cylindrical sleeves can be electrically connected to the tensile members of the drive belt without the tensile members being released from the polymer material of the drive belt. To enable the cylindrical sleeves to be inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt with the lowest possible force, the polymer material and / or the cylindrical sleeves can be heated. Due to the effect of heat, the polymer material can soften, resulting in a reduction in the resistance of the polymer material to the insertion of the cylindrical sleeves. A force is applied to the drive belt in the vertical direction, causing the cylindrical sleeves to press together with the tensile members. This allows for improved and permanent assurance of the conductive connection between the cylindrical sleeves and the tensile members under dynamic loads of the drive belt. There is no polymer material in the contact area between the tensile member and the cylindrical sleeve.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the contact connecting element has at least one mandrel inserted longitudinally into the tensile member. To allow the mandrel to be inserted into the tensile member of the drive belt with minimal possible force, the polymer material of the drive belt and / or the mandrel can be heated. Due to the heat, the polymer material can soften, resulting in a reduction in the resistance of the polymer material to the widening of the diameter of the tensile member when the mandrel is inserted. The mandrel is preferably designed to have, for example, a tapered outer profile, such that the force required to insert the mandrel into the tensile member can be further reduced. Particularly preferably, the drive belt has the same number of mandrels as the tensile members, such that each tensile member has a mandrel serving as a contact connecting element. It has proven particularly advantageous that the contact surface area between the tensile member and the inserted mandrel for forming a conductive connection is particularly large. Inserting the mandrel into the tensile member allows any contact between the mandrel and the electrically insulating polymer material of the drive belt to be avoided. In other words, the contact resistance between the mandrel and the tensile member can be kept as low as possible, resulting in low electrical losses when carrying current.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, the contact connecting element has at least one clip, which in particular has a U-shaped design and is inserted vertically into the polymer material and contacts the tensile member. In other words, the contact connecting element can be designed as a U-shaped wire. In this case, the wire can be designed to have a U-shaped radius corresponding to the outer diameter of the tensile member. The wire can be inserted vertically into the polymer material of the drive belt in a U-shape with a first wire end and a second wire end, such that the tensile member is received between the first wire end and the second wire end. The wire can pass through the drive belt vertically, such that the first wire end and the second wire end protrude from opposite sides of the drive belt. The wire can be heated, for example, by applying a voltage, resulting in softening or melting the polymer material of the drive belt. As a result, the U-shaped portion of the wire can be moved through the polymer material to the tensile strand with a small force, and a conductive contact can be formed between the wire and the tensile strand. As described above, the point where the wire penetrates into the polymer material of the drive belt can be closed again by heating the wire and the polymer material surrounding the wire. The tensile members can be electrically connected via a first conductor end and a second conductor end to additional devices for supplying and / or consuming current. Particularly preferably, the drive belt has the same number of clips or conductors as the tensile members, such that the clips or conductors are assigned as contact connection elements to each tensile member.

[0032] Furthermore, this application relates to a linear drive having a drive belt according to the present invention. In addition to the drive belt, the linear drive may also include, for example, a drive in the form of an electric motor, at least one pulley around which the drive belt is wound, and a platform capable of linear movement along the drive belt. Therefore, the above-described features and advantages can be applied to a wide variety of embodiments of the linear drive.

[0033] This application also relates to a storage and retrieval unit having a linear drive according to the present invention. Particularly in the case of a storage and retrieval unit, it is necessary to keep the mass of the linear drive as low as possible in order to transport the heaviest possible load. In other words, since a separate cable is no longer needed to supply the electric drive or transmit data signals from the sensors, the weight reduction of the linear drive resulting from the solution according to the present invention can directly lead to an increase in the effective load of the storage and retrieval unit.

[0034] It should be clearly pointed out that each of the above-mentioned configurations of this utility model (used individually or in combination with each other in any technically meaningful way) can be combined with the subject matter of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be schematically shown and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A schematic cross-sectional view of a transmission belt according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention for contacting and connecting a first conductive element is shown.

[0037] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c A schematic diagram of a transmission belt according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention for contacting and connecting a first conductive element is shown.

[0038] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic side view of a transmission belt according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention for contacting and connecting a first conductive element is shown.

[0039] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A schematic cross-sectional view of a transmission belt according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention for contacting and connecting a first conductive element is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a transmission belt according to the present invention is shown, the transmission belt having a first conductive element and a connecting adapter.

[0041] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 According to the schematic diagram of the transmission belt of this utility model, the transmission belt has a second transmission element and a connecting adapter.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 1. Transmission belt

[0044] 2. Polymer materials

[0045] 4. First conductive element, tensile member

[0046] 5. Heat source

[0047] 6 Second Conducting Element

[0048] 7 substrate

[0049] 8 Conductor Tracks

[0050] 10 Connect the adapter

[0051] 12 Contact connection elements

[0052] 14 Fork-shaped teeth

[0053] 16 Cylindrical sleeve

[0054] 18 mandrels

[0055] 20 wires

[0056] F force

[0057] X represents the vertical direction; depth.

[0058] Y represents the horizontal direction; width.

[0059] Z represents the vertical direction and height.

[0060] X and Y horizontal planes; horizontal plane Detailed Implementation

[0061] The above figures are described in Cartesian coordinates, which have a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y as width Y, and the vertical direction Z as height Z. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form a horizontal plane X and Y, which can also be referred to as a horizontal plane X and Y. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the vertical direction Z can also be referred to together as spatial directions X, Y, Z or Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z.

[0062] Figure 1aA first embodiment of a transmission belt 1 according to the present invention is shown. The transmission belt has a first conductive element 4 embedded in a polymer material 2 for transmitting electrical energy. The first conductive element 4 is formed by at least one tensile member 4 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the transmission belt 1, preferably by a plurality of tensile members 4 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the transmission belt 1 and arranged parallel to each other. For data transmission, the transmission belt 1 has at least one second conductive element 6. The second conductive element 6 has a substrate 7 on which conductor tracks 8 are printed. The transmission belt 1 has a contact connection element 12 with six pairs of forked teeth 14, wherein the contact connection element 12 is designed to be electrically connected to the tensile members 4. The forked teeth 14 extend in the vertical direction Z and are arranged in six pairs in the transverse direction Y. The exemplary embodiment shown has six pairs or twelve forked teeth 14. The schematically shown transmission belt 1 has six tensile members 4 embedded in the polymer material 2 (preferably polyurethane). The tensile members 4 form the first conductive element 4 for current transmission and include a metallic material. Tensile members 4 extend in the longitudinal direction X of the transmission belt 1 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Y. The spacing between a pair of fork teeth 14 in the transverse direction Y corresponds to 80 percent of the diameter of the tensile member. The pair of fork teeth 14 are arranged relative to each other in the spacing between the tensile members 4. Thus, one tensile member 4 is assigned to each pair of fork teeth 14. When the contact connecting element 12 is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1, aligning the fork teeth 14 with respect to the tensile members 4 prevents damage to the tensile members 4. The polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1 and the contact connecting element 12 are heated by a heat source 5. Heating softens the polymer material 2 and presents lower resistance to the insertion of the contact connecting element 12 into the polymer material 2, resulting in the contact connecting element 12 being inserted into the polymer material 2 with a small amount of force in the vertical direction Z.

[0063] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a The transmission belt 1 and the contact connecting element 12 are configured such that the contact connecting element 12 is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1 and electrically connected to the tensile member 4. Each of the pair of fork teeth 14 receives a tensile member 4 between them. The contact connecting element 12 can be electrically connected to the tensile member 4 of the transmission belt 1 without the tensile member 4 being released from the polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1. Due to the fact that the spacing between the pair of fork teeth 14 is smaller than the diameter of the tensile member 4, the tensile member 4 deforms between the pair of fork teeth 14, resulting in an increase in the contact surface area between the tensile member 4 and the pair of fork teeth 14 of the contact connecting element 12.

[0064] Figure 2aA side view of another embodiment of a toothed drive belt 1 according to the present invention is shown. The contact element 12 is designed to receive a cylindrical sleeve 16 of a tensile member 4. The cylindrical sleeve 16 is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 in the longitudinal direction X and encloses the tensile member 4 for a portion of its length in the longitudinal direction X. To facilitate insertion of the cylindrical sleeve 16, the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 and the cylindrical sleeve 16 are heated by a heat source 5.

[0065] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment. It can be seen here that a cylindrical sleeve 16 is assigned as a contact connection element 12 to each tensile member 4 in each case.

[0066] Figure 2c As shown, due to the force F applied to the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z, the cylindrical sleeve 16 plastically deforms and electrically connects to the tensile member 4. There is no polymer material 2 in the contact area between the tensile member 4 and the cylindrical sleeve 16.

[0067] Figure 3a A side view of another embodiment of a toothed drive belt 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the contact connecting element 12 is designed as a spindle 18. To keep the force required to insert the spindle 18 into the tensile member 4 of the drive belt 1 in the longitudinal direction X as low as possible, the spindle 18 is heated by a heat source 5. Due to the heat, the polymer material 2 can soften, resulting in a reduction in the resistance of the polymer material 2 to the widening diameter of the tensile member 4 when the spindle 18 is inserted into the tensile member 4. The diameter of the spindle 18 widens conically, resulting in an additional reduction in the force required to insert the spindle 18 into the tensile member 4. The drive belt 1 has the same number of spindles 18 as the tensile members 4, such that each tensile member 4 has a spindle 18 serving as a contact connecting element 12.

[0068] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a The transmission belt 1 has a spindle 18 inserted into a tensile member 4 in the longitudinal direction X. The diameter of the tensile member 4 is widened in the region surrounding the spindle 18. The spindle 18 is essentially surrounded by the tensile member. Due to the contact between the spindle 18 and the tensile member 4, an electrical connection is formed between the spindle 18 and the tensile member 4.

[0069] Figure 4aA cross-section taken through another embodiment of the drive belt 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the contact connecting element 12 is designed as a U-shaped conductor 20. The conductor 20, in a U-shape, is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z with a first conductor end and a second conductor end, such that the tensile member 4 is received between the first conductor end and the second conductor end. The conductor 20 passes through the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z, such that the first conductor end and the second conductor end protrude from opposite sides of the drive belt 1. The conductor 20 is heated, for example, by applying a voltage to the first conductor end and the second conductor end, resulting in the softening or melting of the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1, thereby moving the U-shaped portion of the conductor 20 through the polymer material 2 as far as the tensile strand 4 with a small force. The drive belt 1 has the same number of conductors 20 as the tensile members 4, such that the conductors 20 are assigned as contact connecting elements 12 to each tensile member 4.

[0070] Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a The transmission belt 1 has a conductor 20 inserted vertically in the Z direction into the polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1, such that the tensile member 4 is surrounded by the conductor 20 in a U-shape and a conductive contact is formed between the conductor 20 and the tensile strand 4. The radius of the U-shape of the conductor 20 corresponds to the outer diameter of the tensile member 4.

[0071] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a toothed belt 1 according to the present invention is shown, the toothed belt having a body made of polymer material 2. Tensile members 4, arranged parallel to each other and forming first conductive elements 4 for carrying current, extend in the longitudinal direction X of the belt 1. The tensile members 4 converge in a connecting adapter 10, which is formed, for example, by a CAN bus connector. The connecting adapter 10 forms a standardized interface for feeding and / or tapping electrical energy, which is conducted from a voltage source through the belt 1 to a load (e.g., an electric motor) via the tensile members 4. Each tensile member 4 is individually contacted via a pin of the connecting adapter 10. In this case, the contact connection element can contact the belt according to the present invention. Figures 1a to 4b One of the variants of the connection adapter shown.

[0072] Figure 6 It shows that according to Figure 5According to the present invention, a transmission belt 1 is provided, wherein, in addition to the tensile member 4 serving as the first conductive element 4, a second conductive element 6 is formed from a substrate 7 having conductor tracks 8 printed on the substrate 7. The conductor tracks 8 and the tensile member 4 converge in a connecting adapter 10. In addition to the individual tensile member 4, pins of the connecting adapter 10 are assigned to each conductor track 8, such that each tensile member 4 and each conductor track 8 are individually contacted. Electrical energy and / or data can be fed into and / or read from the transmission belt 1 via the connecting adapter 10. The conductor tracks 8 of the second conductive element 6 have at least a composition of copper, silver, or gold, resulting in lower attenuation compared to the tensile member 4 of the first conductive element 4, thereby improving the quality of signal transmission via the conductor tracks 8.

Claims

1. Drive belt (1) having a first conducting element (4) for transmitting electrical energy embedded in a polymer material (2), wherein which first conducting element (4) is formed by at least one tensile member (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1), wherein the drive belt (1) has at least one second conducting element (6) for transmitting data, characterized in that the second conducting element (6) has a substrate (7) on which conductor tracks (8) are printed.

2. Drive belt (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conducting element (4) is formed by a plurality of tensile members (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1) and arranged parallel to each other.

3. Drive belt (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive belt (1) is designed as a toothed belt, a flat belt, a V-belt or a V-ribbed belt.

4. Drive belt (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive belt (1) is an open drive belt having a predetermined length and two ends.

5. Drive belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate (7) comprises the polymer material (2) of the drive belt (1).

6. Drive belt (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the substrate (7) consists of the polymer material of the drive belt.

7. Drive belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate (7) and in particular the conductor tracks (8) are embedded in the polymer material (2) of the drive belt (1).

8. Drive belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive belt (1) has at least one connection adapter (10) arranged at an end of the drive belt (1), wherein the first conducting element (4) and the second conducting element (6) are combined in the connection adapter (10) for feeding and / or tapping the electrical energy and the data.

9. Drive belt (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one connection adapter is arranged at the end side of the drive belt (1).

10. Drive belt (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the drive belt (1) has at least one contact connection element (12) to which the first conducting element (4) is electrically connected at the end, wherein the contact connection element (12) connects the first conducting element (4) to the connection adapter (10).

11. Drive belt (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the contact connection element (12) is connected to a cable leading to the connection adapter (10).

12. Drive belt (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the contact connection element (12) has at least one pair of fork tines (14) which extend in a vertical direction (Z) for receiving at least one tensile member (4) which extends in a longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1), wherein the contact connection element (12) is inserted into the polymer material (2) in the vertical direction (Z).

13. Drive belt (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the contact connection element (12) has at least one cylindrical sleeve (16) for receiving a tensile member (4), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (16) is inserted into the polymer material (2) in the longitudinal direction (X) and encloses the tensile member (4) over a partial length in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (16) is pressed onto the tensile member (4).

14. Drive belt (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the contact connection element (12) has at least one mandrel (18) which is inserted into the tensile member (4) in the longitudinal direction (X).

15. Drive belt (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the contact connection element (12) has at least one clip, in particular with a U-shaped design, which is inserted into the polymer material (2) in the vertical direction (Z) and contacts the tensile member (4) around.

16. Linear drive, characterized in that the linear drive has a drive belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Storage and retrieval unit, characterized in that the storage and retrieval unit has a linear drive according to claim 16.

Images