Transport device for transporting conveyed goods, transport arrangement with the transport device and method for operating the transport arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device 4 for transporting conveyed goods 5 in an operating plant 1, comprising a transport module 12 for receiving the conveyed goods 5, and a propulsion arrangement 13 for implementing propulsion in the operating plant 1, wherein the transport device 4 is assigned at least two propulsion modules 14, 15, 16 for different drive types, wherein the propulsion arrangement 13 can utilize the different drive types by selecting the propulsion module 14, 15, 16.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting conveyed goods in an operating plant, a transport arrangement with the transport device and a method for operating the transport arrangement. State of the art

[0002] In the field of discrete industrial production, a variety of different conveying systems are used to realize material flows in production systems.

[0003] In today's applications, belt and roller conveyor systems are probably the most widespread systems due to their high conveying capacity and reliability. As the names suggest, items are transported via belts (also called belts, chains, etc.) or moved by rollers (also called wheels, balls, etc.). A characteristic feature of these systems is the frictional connection between the belts or rollers and the conveyed goods.

[0004] In addition to belt and roller conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are becoming increasingly popular for industrial applications. AGVs are used in various sizes depending on the goods being transported. In current applications, AGVs are mostly found in factory halls and operate on wheeled surfaces on the hall floor. A wide variety of sensor technologies are used to ensure smooth navigation and safety of the AGVs.

[0005] In addition to AGVs, which are generally wheeled, there are conveyor systems (often referred to as "planar robots") that enable the transport of items using magnetic levitation technology. These systems require a special substructure (called a "stator") that provides the corresponding magnetic coils or permanent magnets to move products on levitating conveyors.

[0006] The publication DE 10 2014 106 400 A1 relates to a device for moving portions, each comprising at least one slice separated from a food product, in particular by means of a slicing device, in particular a high-speed slicer, with a plurality of individually movable transport movers for at least one portion each, with a track system for the transport movers in which the transport movers are movable along at least one predetermined track in a transport direction, and with a control device for controlling the movements of the transport movers in the track system, wherein the transport movers each comprise at least one runner cooperating with the track system and at least one carrier for at least one portion attached to the runner by means of a holder.Optionally, at least one transport mover has a hybrid runner comprising at least two runner sections or runner areas, one of which is compatible with one track type and / or track orientation and the other of which is compatible with a different track type and / or track orientation. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a transport device with the features of claim 1, a transport arrangement with the features of claim 6, and a method for operating the transport arrangement with the features of claim 8. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0008] The invention relates to a transport device which is suitable and / or designed for transporting conveyed goods in an operating plant.

[0009] The transport device includes a transport module for receiving the conveyed goods. In its simplest form, the transport module can provide a surface for receiving the goods. Alternatively, the transport module can have a receptacle, such as a tray, a box, or similar. Alternatively or additionally, securing devices for the conveyed goods can be provided, such as holding devices, straps, etc.

[0010] The transport device includes a propulsion mechanism for moving the device within the plant. The propulsion mechanism and the transport module are coupled together, allowing them to move as a single transport device. For example, the transport module may be attached to or mounted on the propulsion mechanism.

[0011] The transport device is in particular a driverless transport system (AGV) and / or an automated guided vehicle (AGV). The transport device may, in particular, be designed to move autonomously.

[0012] The invention proposes that the transport device, in particular the propulsion arrangement, be assigned at least two propulsion modules for different drive types. Specifically, the transport device comprises these at least two propulsion modules. The transport device, in particular the propulsion arrangement, can utilize the different drive types by selecting the appropriate propulsion module.

[0013] Because the transport device, in particular the propulsion system, can utilize different drive types by selecting the appropriate propulsion module, the transport device is designed as a hybrid runner that can freely use the adapted drive type depending on the environment within the plant. The invention is based on the consideration that flexibility in companies must continually increase. While conventional production systems were set up once and subsequently used unchanged for a long time, there is now an increasing need for systems that are reconfigurable in order to flexibly implement different production processes.In addition to the reconfigurability of the production units for the production processes, the logistics between the production units must also be reconfigurable to the same extent in order to be able to flexibly adapt the material flow in companies to the reconfigured production units.

[0014] Considering the use case where a plant undergoes only partial reconfiguration, the logistics between production units only need to be reconfigured section by section. However, this can lead to compatibility issues with the runners, as not all logistics sections are equipped for the same drive type. Previously, if logistics sections with different runner configurations needed to be connected, the runners had to be transferred to ensure compatible runners could be used in each section.

[0015] The proposed transport device allows logistics sections equipped for different drive types to be supplied by the same device, as it can utilize various drive types. Thus, the proposed transport device forms a key element for highly flexible operating systems that can be easily reconfigured. Furthermore, when planning logistics within the operating system, the proposed transport device enables the selection of the drive type for each logistics section that offers the best characteristics for that specific section.

[0016] The transport device is not limited to two propulsion modules, but can also utilize more, for example three or four propulsion modules, each assigned to a different drive type. Thus, the transport device can be designed as a hybrid runner for two, three, four, or more drive types.

[0017] The drive type is determined or defined in particular by the drive technology. The drive type and / or drive technology preferably comprises the propulsion module and the logistics section. Thus, the drive types differ in particular by the type of propulsion module and / or by the type of logistics section, especially in the type of equipment for the propulsion module. In particular, the propulsion module and the logistics section can interact to form the drive type. The propulsion module and / or the logistics section can provide the drive energy. Alternatively, the drive energy can be provided through an interaction between the propulsion module and the logistics section.

[0018] Different drive types are not formed, in particular, by scaling the logistics section and / or the propulsion module.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive types are selected from a group which includes and / or consists of the following drive types: Magnetic levitation drive type: Movement module: Magnetic levitation runners (rail-bound or free-running) Logistics section: Stator track

[0020] The drive energy is provided through an interaction between the propulsion module and the logistics section. Wheel-bound drive type: Movement module: Wheel module Logistics section: tread

[0021] The drive energy is provided by the propulsion module. Rail-bound drive type: Movement module: Rail wheel module Logistics section: Rail for the rail wheel module

[0022] The drive energy is provided by the propulsion module. Floating propulsion type: Movement module: Floating bodies Logistics section: Liquid path, especially water path

[0023] The drive energy is provided by the propulsion module and / or the fluid path (flow). Flying propulsion type: Movement module: Flight module, for example drone module Logistics section: trajectory

[0024] The drive energy is provided by the propulsion module. air cushion-based propulsion system Movement module: Floating bodies Logistics section: air cushions

[0025] The drive energy is provided by the propulsion module and / or the logistics section. Conveyor drive type Movement module: Interface for coupling with the conveyor system Logistics section: with the conveyor belt Conveyor track with mating interface for coupling

[0026] The drive energy is provided by the logistics section.

[0027] Preferably, the propulsion device comprises a first propulsion module for a magnetic levitation drive type as the first drive type and a second propulsion module for a wheel-bound drive type as the second drive type.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two or more of the propulsion modules, which are assigned to different drive types, are permanently arranged in the propulsion assembly, in particular jointly and / or integratedly and / or inseparably. Thus, the transport device, by virtue of its design, is configured as a universal transport device, possessing all the necessary properties to be compatible with a number of specified logistics segments. This embodiment has the advantage of combining maximum compatibility in a single transport device.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one, some, or all of the propulsion modules are arranged on the propulsion assembly in a way that allows them to be undocked and / or replaced with another propulsion module. In particular, the propulsion assembly comprises the propulsion modules in a docked and / or undocked state. Specifically, the propulsion assembly provides interfaces for the detachable mounting of at least one propulsion module. Optionally, the propulsion assembly has a universal interface to which different propulsion modules for different drive types can be docked.

[0030] It is also possible that one, two or more locomotion modules are permanently arranged as described and that another or more locomotion modules can be docked as needed.

[0031] The transport arrangement is particularly well-suited for automated docking and / or undocking and / or automated exchange of the transport module. This allows for a highly flexible design of the system, especially its configuration, and enables the transport device to be flexibly adapted to the various logistics stages.

[0032] A further aspect of the invention is a transport arrangement comprising at least one of the described transport devices. Preferably, the transport arrangement comprises a plurality of the transport devices, optionally in various versions described. In particular, the transport arrangement comprises more than 50, and specifically more than 100, of the transport devices.

[0033] Furthermore, the transport arrangement includes a logistics area, which is designed, for example, as a track for the transport device. The transport device can be arranged in contact with or without contact with the track and / or logistics area during movement. The logistics area can have any shape; for example, it can be structured like roads or alternatively, it can be an unstructured surface. The logistics area has at least two logistics sections, which form sub-areas of the logistics area. These at least two logistics sections are equipped for two different drive types. The logistics sections can include stator tracks, running surfaces, rails, fluid tracks, flight paths, air cushion areas, and mechanical conveyor tracks, etc.

[0034] The transport device is equipped with propulsion modules for the two different drive types. In this configuration, the transport device can move around the logistics area and use different propulsion modules as needed when changing between logistics sections.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the transport arrangement includes an exchange station, which is designed to automatically dock, undock, and / or exchange at least one propulsion module on the transport device. In this way, the transport device can be automatically and as needed equipped with the required propulsion module. Preferably, the exchange station is located at a transition between two logistics sections.

[0036] A further aspect of the invention is a method for operating the transport arrangement and / or the operating system with the transport arrangement, as previously described. In this method, the transport arrangement or the operating system is provided. In a first logistics section equipped for a first drive type, the propulsion device uses a first such propulsion module for the first drive type. In a second logistics section equipped for a second drive type, the propulsion device uses a second such propulsion module for the second drive type. The method is not limited to two logistics sections; rather, the propulsion device can use an nth such propulsion module for the nth drive type in an nth logistics section equipped for an nth drive type.

[0037] During preferred further training, an existing locomotion module is undocked from the locomotion device and / or a new locomotion module is docked to the locomotion device before or during the transition between two logistics sections. Alternatively or additionally, an active locomotion module is deactivated and / or a new locomotion module is activated during the transition between two logistics sections.

[0038] The conveyed goods can be designed, in particular, as operating materials and / or as production equipment. Specifically, the conveyed goods as operating materials include semi-finished products, intermediate products, packaging materials, raw materials, individual parts, etc. Preferably, the conveyed goods as production equipment include tools, production units, components for production units, etc.

[0039] The invention can alternatively or additionally be described as follows: The invention addresses hybrid runners as propulsion devices capable of traveling on stators and / or logistics sections based on different technologies. The resulting overall conveying systems, as transport arrangements, also have a hybrid design.

[0040] The invention thus aims to offer the following advantages: • Achieving compatibility and continuity between different conveying systems • Combining and utilizing specific properties of conveying systems to achieve economic and / or technological optimum

[0041] An example of a hybrid-designed runner is a wheeled runner that can be self-propelled, conveyed by a belt conveyor, or moved using a magnetic levitation system. Besides its compatibility with established systems (i.e., belt conveyors), it allows for cost-effective travel over longer distances (i.e., wheeled, without a complex stator). Additionally, high process accuracy and dynamics can be achieved using magnetic levitation technology (e.g., within a station specifically equipped with corresponding, expensive stators).

[0042] The invention thus relates to hybrid runners that, in the broadest sense, utilize different principles for locomotion and can therefore traverse different (stator) infrastructures. Examples of these principles include: magnetic levitation technology, wheeled or rail-bound locomotion, floating or fluidic buoyancy-based locomotion (e.g., on water), flying locomotion (e.g., quadcopters), and air cushion-based locomotion.

[0043] Essentially, two particularly advantageous design features of the runners emerge: • Universal rotors: This type refers to rotors whose design provides all the necessary properties to be compatible with a wide range of specified stator infrastructures. This type offers the advantage of combining maximum compatibility in a single rotor. • Compilable or (re-)configurable rotors: This design refers to rotors whose construction allows them to be combined with other modules, thereby expanding their functionality. Features required for corresponding stator infrastructures can thus be dynamically added or removed. This design offers advantages, for example, in the weight of individual rotors or the technological expandability of the overall system.

[0044] The key dimensions of compatibility and continuity between rotors and stator infrastructures that should be considered in the specific design of rotors are: • Principles of locomotion and transitions between principles of locomotion • Communication, coordination and control or regulation • Energy supply and energy exchange

[0045] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of an operating plant with a transport arrangement as an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a transport device as an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of a further transport device as a further embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a plant 1 with a transport arrangement 2 as an embodiment of the invention. The plant 1 can be configured as any production plant and / or logistics plant.

[0047] The transport arrangement 2 has a logistics area 3 on which transport devices 4 can move driverless. In particular, the transport devices 4 are designed as AGVs or AGVs. The transport arrangement 2 serves in particular to transport goods 5, for example, between production units 6, storage facilities 7, goods receiving and dispatch areas.

[0048] Logistics area 3 comprises two different logistics sections, 9 and 10, as illustrated in this example. These sections differ in their drive systems for the transport devices 4. For instance, logistics section 9 is designed for use with a wheel drive. Logistics section 10, on the other hand, is designed with a stator structure for use with a magnetic levitation drive. Further logistics sections may be equipped for additional drive systems, different from the first two.

[0049] Normally, the conveyed goods 5, which are to be transported via both the first logistics section 9 and the second logistics section 10, would have to be transshipped at a transition 11 between the two logistics sections 9, 10.

[0050] However, the transport devices 4 use at least two movement modules, so that the transport devices 4 can travel over the logistics sections 9, 10 without unloading the conveyed goods 5.

[0051] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the application using the example of two surfaces in which different drive types, in particular drive technologies, are used. The surfaces are positioned at a maximum distance from each other that allows movement from one surface to the other in such a way that at least one drive type can safely control the vehicle in every position of movement. When transitioning from the surface with wheel drive to the surface with magnetic levitation drive, the drive technology is switched as follows: 1. Movement via wheel drive. 2. Switching off the wheel drive. 3. Levitation using magnetic levitation propulsion. 4. Movement by means of magnetic levitation drive.

[0052] In the reverse transition of the surfaces: 1. Movement by means of magnetic levitation drive. 2. Deployment using magnetic levitation propulsion. 3. Switching off the magnetic levitation drive. 4. Movement by means of wheel drive.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of such a transport device 4, wherein the transport device 4 comprises a transport module 12 for receiving the conveyed goods 5 and a propulsion arrangement 13 for implementing movement within the plant 1 or on the transport surface 3. The transport module 12 and the propulsion arrangement 13 can be rigidly connected to each other or, in this embodiment, formed as a single unit.

[0054] In this embodiment, the propulsion arrangement 13 comprises three propulsion modules 14, 15, and 16. Propulsion module 14 is designed as a wheel module for propulsion on the first logistics section 9 using a wheel-based drive system. This propulsion module has actively driven wheels. Propulsion module 15 has a magnetic levitation runner and is designed for propulsion on the second logistics section 10 using a magnetic levitation drive system. Propulsion module 16 is designed as an interface for coupling with a conveyor, in particular a belt conveyor, to implement a conveyor drive system. The transport device 4 can be towed along the conveyor via propulsion module 16, which serves as the interface.

[0055] Optionally, the transport device 4 has a communication module 17 and / or a position module 18, such as a camera, so that control commands can be transmitted and / or its own position can be detected.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment in the Fig. 2. The movement modules 14, 15, and 16 are permanently integrated. During the transition 11 from one logistics section 9 to the next logistics section 10, the movement modules 14, 15, and 16 can be activated as needed, so that the movement modules 14, 15, or 16 appropriate to logistics section 9 or 10 are activated, and the other movement modules 14, 15, and 16 are deactivated.

[0057] Fig.Figure 1 shows the implementation as a vehicle that, with the aid of additional magnets, can also be moved through the stator of a magnetic levitation system. The magnets are not necessary for movement via wheels. In addition to this adaptation, position module 18 and communication module 17 are modified to meet the requirements of the magnetic levitation system.

[0058] The Fig.Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of such a transport device 4, wherein at least the propulsion module 15 is designed to be dockable and undockable, so that it is only arranged in the transport device 4 when needed. The propulsion arrangement 13 has a chassis 19, which includes the communication module 17 for the chassis and the position module 18. The propulsion modules 14 and 16 are also permanently and rigidly integrated into the chassis 19. The propulsion module 15, as a magnetic levitation vehicle, sits on the chassis 19 and has its own communication module 20. For such a transport device 4, the transport arrangement 2 can have an exchange station 21, in which the propulsion module 15 is coupled or uncoupled as required.

[0059] Fig.Figure 3 thus shows a configuration in which a magnetic levitation vehicle can also be moved by the wheel drive via a mechanical connection to the chassis 19. The connection is detachable, and can optionally be detachable automatically, so that the magnetic levitation vehicle can also be used independently of the chassis 19. In the Fig. In this configuration, the magnetic levitation walker is located above chassis 19, but other arrangements are possible. Position module 18 and communication module 20 of the magnetic levitation walker are used unchanged. Chassis 19 evaluates the position data of the magnetic levitation walker and controls its position by actuating the wheels. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2014 106 400 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Transport device (4) for transporting conveyed goods (5) in an operating plant (1) with a transport module (12) for receiving the conveyed goods (5), with a movement arrangement (13) for implementing movement in the plant (1), characterized by , that the transport device (4) is assigned at least two propulsion modules (14, 15, 16) for different drive types, wherein the propulsion arrangement (13) can use the different drive types by selecting the propulsion module (14, 15, 16). [2] Transport device (4) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the drive types selected from the group, encompassing and / or consisting of: - Magnetic levitation drive type; - wheel-bound drive type; - rail-bound drive type; - floating propulsion type; - flying propulsion type; - air cushion-based propulsion type; - Conveyor belt drive type. [3] Transport device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least two of the locomotion modules (14, 15, 16) are permanently arranged in the locomotion arrangement (13). [4] Transport device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the propulsion modules (14, 15, 16) is detachable and / or interchangeable with another propulsion module (14, 15, 16) on the propulsion arrangement (13). [5] Transport device (4) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the locomotion arrangement (13) is designed for automated docking and / or automated undocking and / or automated exchange of the locomotion module (14, 15, 16). [6] Transport arrangement (2) with at least one transport device (4) according to one of the preceding claims and with a logistics area (3) for the transport device (4), wherein the logistics area (3) has at least two logistics sections (9, 10) which are equipped for two different drive types, wherein the transport device (4) is assigned the propulsion modules (14, 15, 16) for the two different drive types. [7] Transport arrangement (2) according to claim 6, characterized by a changeover station (21), wherein the changeover station (21) is configured to dock, undock and / or exchange at least one locomotion module (14, 15, 16) on the locomotion device (13). [8] Method for operating a transport arrangement (2), in particular the transport arrangement (2) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in an operating plant (1), wherein the transport arrangement (2) and / or the operating plant (1) is provided, wherein in a first logistics section (9) with the equipment for a first drive type the propulsion device (4) uses a first propulsion module (14, 15, 16) for the first drive type and in a second logistics section (10) with the equipment for a second drive type the propulsion device (4) uses a second propulsion module (14, 15, 16) for the second drive type. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by, that before or during the transition (1) the first locomotion module (14, 15, 16) is undocked from the locomotion device (4) and / or the locomotion arrangement (13) and / or the second locomotion module (14, 15, 16) is docked to the locomotion device (4) and / or to the locomotion arrangement (13). [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that before or during the transition (11) the first locomotion module (14, 15, 16) is deactivated and / or the second locomotion module (14, 15, 16) is activated. [11] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the conveyed goods (5) are designed as operating material and / or as operating equipment and / or that the operating plant (1) is designed as a production plant or logistics plant.

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