Transport system

Abstract

Transport system comprising a rail system and a vehicle arranged thereon that is movable, in particular a rail-guided vehicle, wherein the rail system has profile rail sections, each of which has a slotted waveguide, wherein a vehicle has antennas which each protrude into the opening of the slotted waveguide for radio transmission, characterized by the fact that the antennas are spaced apart from each other at a distance A in the direction of the rails such that an unserviced radio link area of ​​length B in the direction of the rails can be bridged, in particular, the distance A is greater than the length B, wherein the unpowered radio link area comprises an area of ​​a switch, in particular one that does not have a slotted waveguide and / or a switch that has a switch section to be traversed by the vehicle, which does not have a radio-powered slotted waveguide, in particular one that does not have a slotted waveguide, wherein the vehicle has a front and a rear module, each of which has a wheel of the vehicle, in particular a drive wheel or traction wheel of the vehicle, wherein a connecting element is connected to the front module via a pivot bearing and / or to the rear module via a pivot bearing, where each module has a fixed antenna without an additional movable guide structure, wherein the switch is passively designed, in particular where a respective switch piece can be activated by moving a holding part depending on the moving position, in particular where the activatable switch pieces are fixed on the holding part.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport system.

[0002] From DE 10 2004 008 571 A1, the closest prior art is a mounting rail profile with an integrated slotted waveguide for data transmission.

[0003] From DE 37 23 624 A1 a device for signal transmission between a magnetic train vehicle and track-fixed equipment is known.

[0004] A splitter is known from WO 2010 / 115 467 A1.

[0005] From DE 10 2009 052 871 A1 a device for energy and / or data transmission is known.

[0006] A slotted waveguide system is described in the publication DALICHAU, Harald: Transitions and vehicle couplers for slotted waveguide lines. In: Frequenz, Vol. 36, 1982, No. 6, pp. 168-175. - ISBN 0016-1136.

[0007] A line conductor loop arrangement is known from DE 197 43 998 A1.

[0008] EP 2 029 386 B1 discloses a system for electrical energy transmission for rail-bound devices.

[0009] A tongue switch for monorails is known from DE 10 36 890 A1.

[0010] A rail for a mobile transport system is known from DE 10 2005 001 117 A1.

[0011] DE 103 47 851 A1 discloses a device for the contactless transmission of electrical energy.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the object of further developing the data transmission in a transport system comprising a rail system.

[0013] According to the invention, the object is achieved in the transport system according to the features specified in claim 1.

[0014] Important features of the invention in the transport system are that it has a rail system and a vehicle movably arranged thereon, in particular a rail-guided vehicle, wherein the rail system comprises profile rail parts, each of which has a slotted waveguide, wherein a vehicle has antennas which protrude into the opening of the slotted waveguide for radio transmission, wherein the antennas are spaced apart from one another at a distance A in the rail direction such that an unsupplied radio link area of ​​length B in the rail direction can be bridged, in particular the distance A is greater than the length B.

[0015] The advantage here is that, on the one hand, slotted waveguides can be used for almost closed guidance of the radio waves, thus avoiding disruptive crosstalk, and, on the other hand, areas without radio waves can also be supplied by the bridging arrangement of the two antennas.

[0016] The slot of the slotted waveguide runs in the direction of the rail.

[0017] According to the invention, the non-powered radio link area comprises a switch area, in particular, it does not have a slotted waveguide, and / or a switch that has a switch section over which the vehicle has to travel, which does not have a radio-powered slotted waveguide, in particular, a slotted waveguide. Advantageously, the switch sections do not have to be designed with a slotted waveguide and / or do not have to be supplied with radio waves.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the opening, in particular the slot, of the slotted waveguide and / or the slotted waveguide is arranged track-symmetrically, In particular, the antennas are each arranged centrally relative to the opening, in particular the slot, of the slotted waveguide and / or to the slotted waveguide. This is advantageous because the antenna remains centered in the slot during movement. This enables uninterrupted data transmission even when cornering.

[0019] According to the invention, the vehicle has a front and a rear module, each of which has a wheel of the vehicle, in particular a drive wheel or a support wheel of the vehicle, A connecting element is connected to the front module via a pivot bearing and / or to the rear module via a pivot bearing. The advantage here is that the antenna is deflected precisely when cornering, or slightly from the center in the event of minor deviations from the rotation axis position. This enables uninterrupted data transmission - even when cornering. Furthermore, a stationary antenna device in the slotted waveguide, which couples high-frequency electromagnetic signals, i.e., radio waves, in the direction of the rail and against the direction of the rail, can be bridged, thus enabling uninterrupted data transmission even when driving over this point.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, an antenna is arranged in the region of a rotational axis of the vehicle, in particular in the region of a rotational axis of a pivot bearing of the vehicle, In particular, the axis of rotation is aligned perpendicular to the rail direction and perpendicular to the shaft axes of the vehicle's lateral guide wheels. The advantage here is that the antenna remains centered relative to the opening in the slotted waveguide when positioned along the axis of rotation.

[0021] According to the invention, a respective antenna is permanently connected to each module. The advantage here is that the antenna is "rigidly" guided in the center of the slot of the slotted waveguide. This eliminates the need for complex, movable mechanical antenna guidance.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the profile rail part has a wall support area connecting the upper and lower cheeks, to which a holding part can be clipped, into which a primary conductor or a contact conductor can be clipped to supply energy to the vehicle, In particular, the vehicle has a secondary winding that can be inductively coupled to the stationary primary conductor and to which a capacitor is electrically connected in parallel or in series such that the associated resonant frequency essentially corresponds to the frequency of the alternating current fed into the primary conductor. The advantage here is that even with deviations from the position of strongest inductive coupling, only a slight deterioration in efficiency occurs.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, an antenna is arranged in the slotted waveguide of a profile rail section. This antenna is connected to the profile rail section and allows high-frequency signals to be coupled, in particular coupled, into the slotted waveguide in the direction of the rail as well as against the direction of the rail. This is advantageous in that the supplied rail section is increased, particularly compared to a one-sided coupling of the radio waves.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, signals generated by an access point are fed to splitters so that several rail sections, in particular slotted waveguides of the profile rail parts, can be supplied from the access point, In particular, a split signal component is coupled into the slotted waveguide by an antenna arranged in the slotted waveguide of the profile rail section, both in the direction of the rail and against the direction of the rail. The advantage here is that long sections of track can be covered with a small number of access points.

[0025] According to the invention, the switch is designed to be passive. In particular, by moving a holding part, a respective switch section can be activated depending on the position of the movement, in particular with the activatable switch sections being fixed to the holding part. This is advantageous because a simple switch can be used and no radio wave supply is required in the area of ​​the switch.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, a rolling area for lateral guide wheels is arranged on the profile rail part, in particular on the upper and lower cheek area, and / or that a rolling area for a wheel, in particular a supporting wheel and / or drive wheel, of the vehicle is arranged on a cheek area of ​​the profiled rail section. This is advantageous in that a track guide can be implemented on the rail section. A rolling area for wheels is provided on the rail surface, which transfers the vehicle's weight force to the rail section.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, a distance sensor, in particular a barcode, is arranged on the profile rail part, which can be detected by a reading device, in particular a sensor, attached to the vehicle. The distance sensor is arranged, in particular glued, on a wall part of the profile rail part. This is advantageous because position determination can be easily provided on the vehicle.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, an electric motor for driving a wheel of the vehicle is arranged on a module, particularly the front module. Advantageously, the module supports the motor and has a bearing for the wheel driven by the motor, which acts as the drive wheel. Furthermore, lateral guide wheels are mounted on the module, so that the vehicle remains in the lane due to lateral guidance.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the profile rail part is a continuous casting, in particular a continuous casting of aluminum. This allows for simple and cost-effective production of the rail part using continuous casting.

[0030] Further advantages emerge from the dependent claims. The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0031] The invention will now be explained in more detail using schematic illustrations: In the Fig. 1 shows a section of a rail system which has a switch 3. In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the rail profile in the area of ​​a vehicle traveling on the rail. In the Fig. 3 shows a corresponding side view. In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the coupling of high frequency into rail sections of the rail system.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the system comprises track sections on which a vehicle 2 can travel. At least one passive switch 3 is also provided, which the vehicle 2 must pass through. The switch 3 is moved by an actuator to a first or second switch position. This process brings the corresponding switch section to be activated into position.

[0033] The profile rail 4 also has a slotted waveguide profile 24, as in Fig. 2 is shown in more detail. An antenna 1 extends into the outwardly open slot of the slotted waveguide profile 24, allowing electromagnetic waves to be coupled in and out. Stationary means for coupling and / or decoupling the waves are arranged at some points on the rail system.

[0034] Since the slotted waveguide does not have any stationary means for coupling and / or decoupling in the rail direction in area B of the switch, no data exchange with the vehicle is possible.

[0035] Therefore, the vehicle 2 has antennas 1 at a distance A in the rail direction, wherein the distance A is longer than the area B. Thus, data exchange is also possible in the switch area, although the switch sections do not have a slotted waveguide and only the rail profile parts located outside the switch area have slotted waveguide areas.

[0036] As in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the slotted waveguide region 24 is formed integrally on the profile rail part 23. Thus, it can be manufactured as a continuous casting together with the profile rail part 23 without any additional effort.

[0037] The profile rail part 23 has a central wall which has rolling areas for wheels of the vehicle 20 on its top and bottom.

[0038] On the one hand, a rolling area for a support wheel 22 is arranged on the upper side, which at least partially transfers the weight force of the vehicle 20 to the profile rail part 23.

[0039] Rolling areas for the lateral guide wheels 21 of the vehicle 20 are arranged laterally. Such lateral guide wheels can also roll on rolling areas on the underside, wherein these rolling areas at least partially represent the outer surface of the slotted waveguide 24.

[0040] The slotted waveguide 23 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the track, i.e., it has a plane of symmetry that is centrally located relative to the left and right rolling areas for the lateral guide wheels 21, as seen in the track direction. Thus, if a rolling area, for example, the left rolling area, is mirrored for lateral guidance at a plane of symmetry, it transitions into another rolling area, in particular the right rolling area.

[0041] This central arrangement of the slotted waveguide region 24 relative to the rail track enables an antenna 25 to be arranged on the vehicle, which antenna is also arranged centrally relative to the slotted waveguide region 24, in particular centrally relative to its downwardly directed opening, i.e. slot.

[0042] Undercuts are also formed on the central wall of the profile rail part 23 so that a holding part 27 can be clipped in, which is preferably made of plastic and into which primary conductor lines can be clipped. The primary conductor is laid as an electrical loop into which a medium-frequency alternating current is impressed. A frequency between 10 kHz and 1000 kHz is advantageous. The forward-conducting part of the loop projects towards the vehicle, and the return-conducting part of the loop can be clipped into the holding part 27 closer to the wall. The forward-conducting part, i.e. the forward conductor, is clipped into the clip-in area 28 for primary conductors, in particular line conductors, and the return-conducting part, i.e. the return conductor, is clipped into the clip-in area 29 for primary conductors, in particular line conductors.

[0043] The vehicle is provided with a secondary winding that is inductively coupled to the primary conductor. A capacitance is connected in parallel and / or in series to the secondary winding such that the associated resonant frequency essentially corresponds to the frequency of the alternating current impressed on the primary conductor. This allows energy to be transferred with high efficiency, especially when deviating from the position of maximum inductive coupling.

[0044] In addition, a distance sensor, such as a barcode, is arranged on the holding part 27 or alternatively on the profile rail part 23, so that the position of the vehicle in the rail system can be determined using a corresponding reader or sensor. A preferred location for attaching the distance sensor in the alternative embodiment is the cheeks of the profile rail part 23, wherein the cheeks provide the rolling areas for the lateral guide wheels. The cheeks are extended perpendicular to the rail direction and perpendicular to the axis of the lateral guide wheels, so that sufficient surface area is available where the distance sensor can be applied, for example, by gluing.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle has a front wheel, i.e. the drive wheel 31, which is driven by an electric motor 30, and a rear wheel that functions merely as a supporting wheel 32. To enable cornering, the vehicle has a first rigid module which has the electric motor 30 and on which the drive wheel 31 is mounted. A further module comprises the bearing for the merely supporting wheel 32. The two modules are connected via a connecting part 33, with a pivot bearing being arranged in the connecting region, the axis of rotation of which is oriented perpendicular to the rail direction and perpendicular to the axis of the lateral guide wheels 21. The respective antenna 25 is fastened to the two modules by means of a holding part 34. The antenna 25 projects into the opening of the slotted waveguide in region X.Preferably, the protrusion position is selected centrally relative to the support wheel or drive wheel 31, whereby the antenna 25 is arranged in the area of ​​the rotation axis between the module and the connecting part 33. Thus, when negotiating curves, the antenna 25 is always aligned and positioned centrally relative to the opening. The further the antenna 25 is positioned from the rotation axis, the further it deviates from the central position relative to the opening of the slotted waveguide 24 when negotiating curves.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rail system has an access point 47, which can be used to transmit a high-frequency signal to splitters for data transmission. The signal emitted by the access point 47 is split several times via the Fig. 4 shown splitter 46, so that the signal can be fed to the different rail sections (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45). In Fig.Figure 4 shows a six-way split. Preferably, the signal split by a splitter 46 is radiated in two opposite directions in a rail by a stationary antenna device located centrally in the slotted waveguide area. Thus, many rail sections can be supplied with the high-frequency signal for data transmission from a single access point 47, and thus from a single associated radio modem.

[0047] In this way, a single access point (47) can cover a large area, i.e., a single radio cell, thus avoiding frequent radio cell changes when vehicles move around the rail system. By avoiding these interference-prone radio cell changes, the error rate during data transmission can be reduced.

[0048] By integrating the slotted waveguide 24 into the lower cheek area of ​​the rail profile part 23, retrofitting of old systems without slotted waveguides can be carried out in a simple manner without the need to modify the vehicles - with the exception of the antennas and data transmission means to be installed. List of reference symbols 1 antenna 2 vehicles 3 Switch 4 profile rail 20 vehicles 21 side guide wheels 22 carrying wheel 23 Profile rail part 24 slotted waveguides 25 Antenna 26 lateral guide wheels 27 Holding part 28 Clip-in area for primary conductors, especially line conductors 29 Clip-in area for primary conductors, especially line conductors 30 electric motor 31 Drive wheel 32 carrying wheel 33 Connecting part 34 Antenna holder 40 rail sections 41 rail section 42 rail section 43 rail section 44 rail section 45 rail section 46 splinters 47 Access Point A Distance between the antennas on the vehicle B Switch area, i.e. distance without communication

Claims

[1] Transport system, comprising a rail system and a vehicle movably arranged thereon, in particular a rail-guided vehicle, wherein the rail system comprises profile rail parts, each of which has a slotted waveguide, wherein a vehicle has antennas which each protrude into the opening of the slotted waveguide for radio transmission, characterized by , that the antennas are spaced apart from each other at a distance A in the rail direction such that an unsupplied radio link area of length B in the rail direction can be bridged, in particular the distance A is greater than the length B, wherein the unsupplied radio link area comprises an area of a switch, in particular does not have a slotted waveguide and / or has a switch which has a switch section to be traversed by the vehicle, which does not have a radio-supplied slotted waveguide, in particular no slotted waveguide, wherein the vehicle has a front and a rear module, each of which has a wheel of the vehicle, in particular a drive wheel or a carrying wheel of the vehicle, wherein a connecting means is connected to the front module via a pivot bearing and / or to the rear module via a pivot bearing, whereby a respective antenna is firmly connected to the respective module without an additional movable guide structure, wherein the switch is designed to be passive, in particular by moving a holding part a respective switch piece can be activated depending on the moving position, in particular wherein the activatable switch pieces are fixed to the holding part. [2] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening, in particular the slot, of the slotted waveguide and / or the slotted waveguides are arranged symmetrically, in particular wherein the antennas are each arranged centrally to the opening, in particular slot, of the slotted waveguide and / or to the slotted waveguide. [3] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an antenna is arranged in the region of a rotational axis of the vehicle, in particular in the region of a rotational axis of a pivot bearing of the vehicle, in particular wherein the axis of rotation is aligned perpendicular to the rail direction and perpendicular to the shaft axes of lateral guide wheels of the vehicle. [4] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the profile rail part has a wall support area connecting the upper and lower cheeks, to which a holding part can be clipped, into which a primary conductor or a contact conductor can be clipped to supply power to the vehicle, in particular wherein the vehicle has a secondary winding which can be inductively coupled to the stationary primary conductor and to which a capacitance is electrically connected in parallel or in series such that the associated resonance frequency substantially corresponds to the frequency of the alternating current fed into the primary conductor. [5] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an antenna is arranged in the slotted waveguide of a profile rail part, which antenna is connected to the profile rail part and makes high-frequency signals in the rail direction as well as against the rail direction coupleable, in particular couples, into the slotted waveguide. [6] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that signals generated by an access point are fed to splitters so that several rail sections, in particular slotted waveguides of the profile rail sections, can be supplied from the access point, in particular wherein a split signal component is coupled into the slotted waveguide by an antenna arranged in the slotted waveguide of the profile rail part in the rail direction and against the rail direction. [7] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a rolling area for lateral guide wheels is arranged on the profile rail part, in particular on the upper and lower cheek areas, and / or that a rolling area for a wheel, in particular a supporting wheel and / or drive wheel, of the vehicle is arranged on a cheek area of the profile rail part. [8] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a distance sensor, in particular a barcode, is arranged on the profile rail part and can be detected by a reading device, in particular a sensor, arranged on the vehicle, in particular wherein the distance sensor is arranged on a wall part of the profile rail part, in particular is glued on. [9] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an electric motor for driving a wheel of the vehicle is arranged on a module, in particular on the front module. [10] Transport system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the profile rail part is a continuous casting, in particular a continuous casting of aluminum.

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