Transport system having guide elements clamped to holding elements for guiding workpiece carriers

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport system for conveying objects along a transport section, at least comprising a belt body with a guide system, and at least one workpiece carrier, which is movable by motor along the guide system, for conveying the objects along the transport section, wherein the guide system of the belt body has, at least in sections along the transport section, at least one first and second guide device (9; 10) by means of which the at least one workpiece carrier is guided linearly, wherein the belt body has a plurality of holding elements (16) designed as carrier elements, wherein the holding elements (16) have a first clamping system (17) for the clamping fastening of the first guide device (9) to the holding element (16) and a second clamping system (18) for the clamping fastening of the second guide device (10) to said holding element (16), and wherein the first guide device (9) is formed from two first guide elements (9.1, 9.2) which are spaced apart parallel to each other and run along the transport section, and wherein the at least one second guide device (10) is formed from two second guide elements (10.1, 10.2) which are spaced apart parallel to each other and run along the transport section (TS).

Description

[0001] TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH CLAMPED TO HOLDING ELEMENTS

[0002] GUIDE ELEMENTS FOR GUIDING WORKPIECE CARRIER

[0003] The present invention relates to a transport system for conveying objects along a transport route.

[0004] A wide variety of transport systems for transporting objects have become known from the prior art. For example, those skilled in the art are familiar with linear transport systems with circulating transport elements formed by chain-like workpiece carriers, for example, in the form of transport pallets, which are attracted in various designs and for various applications. Furthermore, those skilled in the art are also familiar with linear transport systems whose workpiece carriers are merely moved back and forth along a transport path, i.e., are not conveyed in a continuous, continuous manner.

[0005] For example, from the document DE 10 2015 107 113 A1, which originates from the applicant, a circulating transport system has become known in which the movement of the transport pallets along the movement path and in particular also on the sections of the movement path extending between the chain wheels is linearly proportional to the rotational movement or to the angle of rotation of the chain wheels, and in which synchronization for the transport pallets is achieved specifically on the sections of the circulating path extending between the chain wheels in such a way that each rotational step of the chain wheels results in an equally large movement step of the transport pallets on the sections extending between the chain wheels.

[0006] In DE 10 2015 107 113 A1, the compensation curves provided on the at least two sprockets before the transport pallet inlet and after the transport pallet outlet are each completely accommodated within an angular range that extends between the transport pallet inlet and a plane enclosing the axis of the respective sprocket or between the plane extending between the transport pallet outlet and this plane enclosing the axis of the respective sprocket. This angular range is 45°. The compensation curves are therefore each completely within the angular range of the rotational movement of the respective sprocket, so that those sections of the movement path of the transport pallets that are between the at least two sprockets orthe intersection points of the above-mentioned planes with the respective pitch circle of the chain wheel in question, can be used over their entire length for the arrangement of work or treatment positions, etc. and preferably run in a straight line for this purpose.

[0007] In particular, transport systems referred to as accumulation conveyors are also known to those skilled in the art. Such transport systems are used, among other things, to transport objects, for example sheet metal car body parts. The workpiece carriers, sometimes also called pallet trucks, are in one known design motor-driven by a flexible pulling element, for example a chain or a belt, whereby the flexible pulling element is generally driven, preferably continuously, by an electric drive motor. The workpiece carriers are gear-connected to the flexible pulling element, for example a chain, by a sprocket, whereby when several workpiece carriers are accumulated, the frictional connection between the motor-driven flexible pulling element and the relevant sprocket is interrupted.The workpiece carriers can be loaded or unloaded manually or, preferably, by a robot. Typically, the parts of the flexible, endless tension element move in horizontal planes arranged one above the other. For this purpose, the flexible tension element is redirected at the end sections of the accumulation conveyor in reversing stations equipped with sprockets. The sprockets are mounted on horizontal shafts.

[0008] Regardless of the specific design and application of such transport systems, the guide devices of the conveyor body for guiding and positioning the workpiece carriers, in particular their articulated axes, along the transport path are complex and expensive to manufacture. For example, such guide devices in the prior art are designed as extruded profiles. The guide devices of the conveyor body can also be milled T-rails. Such guide devices designed as extruded profiles are system-specific, specially designed format parts that do not allow adaptation of the guide device to, for example, a different length of the transport path or a differently dimensioned workpiece carrier.The belt body of a transport system is therefore very inflexible in that it cannot be adapted to changing conditions of the transport system and is also expensive to manufacture and complex to assemble.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a transport system for conveying objects along a transport path that avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art and allows for flexible adaptation and cost-effective production of the belt body. To achieve this object, a transport system is designed according to claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The essential aspect of the present invention is a transport system for conveying objects along a transport route. The transport system according to the invention comprises at least one belt body with a guide system and at least one workpiece carrier that can be moved by motor along the guide system for conveying the objects along the transport route. For this purpose, the transport system can have a drive motor, for example an electric drive motor, preferably in the form of an electric direct drive. The electric drive motor can be designed so that it can be coupled, in particular mechanically coupled, to the at least one workpiece carrier by means of a pulling and / or pushing element without the interposition of a gear device. The pulling and / or pushing element driven by the drive motor can initiate a pulling and / or pushing movement on the at least one workpiece carrier.For example, the pull and / or push element can be designed as a flexible, continuously rotating pull and / or push element, for example, as a toothed belt, double-toothed belt, or a chain. Alternatively, the pull and / or push element can also be designed as a pinion rod, gear rack, or threaded rod. Several, in particular more than five, workpiece carriers can also be provided along the transport path.

[0011] The guide system of the belt body comprises, at least in sections along the transport path, at least one first and second guide device, by means of which the at least one workpiece carrier is guided linearly. Furthermore, the belt body comprises a plurality of holding elements designed as support elements, wherein the holding elements each comprise at least one first and second clamping system for clamping the guide system to the corresponding holding element, wherein the at least one first clamping system is designed for clamping the at least one first guide device to the holding element, and the at least one second clamping system is designed for clamping the at least one second guide device to this holding element.

[0012] Thus, the at least one first guide device is formed from two first guide elements which are spaced parallel to one another and run longitudinally to the transport path and which can be clamped to the corresponding holding element by means of the respective first clamping system, while the at least one second guide device is formed from two second guide elements which are spaced parallel to one another and run longitudinally to the transport path and which can be clamped to the corresponding holding element by means of the respective second clamping system.

[0013] According to the invention, a simple construction of a belt body with holding elements is provided which are simple and cost-effective to manufacture and which can be adapted to different structural conditions without great effort.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the belt body has a plurality of holding elements arranged transversely to the transport path and having a flat design and made of sheet metal, wherein the holding elements are designed as sheet metal holding elements which are provided distributed at uniform or approximately uniform intervals along the transport path.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the holding elements have a substantially H-shaped flat basic shape with a first and a second longitudinal section, wherein the first and second longitudinal section are connected to one another via a transverse section and the holding elements are designed mirror-symmetrically to a central longitudinal axis of the holding elements.

[0016] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective holding element has a first clamping system in the region of the upper and / or lower end of the first longitudinal section and has a second clamping system in the region of the upper and / or lower end of the second longitudinal section.

[0017] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least one holding element, preferably all holding elements, have four clamping systems, namely two first clamping systems and two second clamping systems, wherein the two first clamping systems and the two second clamping systems are preferably each identical to one another and mirror-symmetrical to a central longitudinal plane.

[0018] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and second guide elements of the guide system are held clamped on the holding elements by means of the first and second clamping systems in such a way that the first and second guide elements each run at an identical or approximately identical distance along their longitudinal extent to the central longitudinal plane.

[0019] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first and / or second guide elements of the guide system are designed as rod-shaped shafts, in particular as hollow or solid shafts, and / or as square profiles, in particular as hollow profiles.

[0020] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that at least one profile element extending along the transport path is clamped in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner between the upper and lower first clamping system of the first longitudinal section of at least one holding element and / or that at least one profile element extending along the transport path is clamped in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner between the upper and lower second clamping system of the second longitudinal section of at least one holding element. According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that an upper and a lower guide for a push and / or pull element is provided on both sides of the holding elements between the longitudinal sections in the region of the transverse section.

[0021] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a cover is provided on an upper side of the belt body, which cover is clamped onto the holding elements and arranged on the holding elements, said cover being formed from a plurality of cover elements which are attached to the holding elements in a locking manner in such a way that between two cover elements above the upper guide along the central longitudinal plane a parallel distance is formed between the longitudinal sides of two cover elements adjacent transversely to the transport path.

[0022] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective first clamping system has a first and a second clamping device, wherein the respective first clamping device is designed for clamping one of the two first guide elements and the respective second clamping device is designed for clamping the respective one further first guide element.

[0023] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective first and second clamping device each has at least one first recess adapted to the outer contour of the first guide element to be clamped, a first clamping spring clamping the first guide element, and a first clamping element clamping the first clamping spring.

[0024] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective first recess formed on the holding element is adapted to the outer contour of the first guide element that can be arranged thereon in such a way that at least half of the cross-section, preferably between 2 / 3 and 3 / 4 of the cross-section of the first guide element, can be encompassed by the respective first recess in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective first recess is formed in two parts, wherein a partial section of the respective first recess forms the elastically deformable first tension spring, which is formed integrally on the holding element.

[0025] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the first clamping element has a bevelled surface on a first side and a nut and a washer on a second side opposite the first side, wherein the bevelled surface of the first clamping element is provided for contact between the first tension spring and the holding element.

[0026] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that by tightening the nut of the respective first clamping element and holding the washer in place, the beveled surface is pulled in the direction of the second side in such a way that the respective first tensioning spring presses against the outer contour of the corresponding first guide element as a resulting force and the respective first guide element is held in a clamping manner in the corresponding first recess.

[0027] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective second clamping system has a first and a second clamping device, wherein the respective first clamping device is designed for clamping one of the two second guide elements and the respective second clamping device is designed for clamping the respective one further first guide element.

[0028] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective first and second clamping device each has at least one second recess adapted to the outer contour of the second guide element to be clamped, a second tension spring clamping the second guide element, and a second tension element tensioning the second tension spring. According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective second recess formed on the holding element is adapted to the outer contour of the second guide element that can be arranged thereon in such a way that at least half of the cross-section, preferably between 2 / 3 and 3 / 4 of the cross-section of the second guide element can be encompassed by the second element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0029] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the respective second recess is formed in two parts, wherein a partial section of the respective second recess forms the elastically deformable second tension spring, which is formed in one piece on the holding element.

[0030] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the second clamping element has a bevelled surface on a first side and a nut and a washer on a second side opposite the first side, wherein the bevelled surface of the second clamping element is provided for contact between the second tension spring and the holding element.

[0031] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that by tightening the nut of the respective second clamping element and holding the washer in place, the beveled surface is pulled in the direction of the second side in such a way that the respective second clamping spring presses against the outer contour of the corresponding second guide element as a resulting force and the respective second guide element is held in a clamping manner in the corresponding first recess.

[0032] In the context of the present invention, "clocked" refers to intermittent movements which, in contrast to continuous movement, are characterized by step-by-step or periodically recurring movement sequences, with a standstill before or after each movement step. An intermittently moving element, which can, for example, be a rotor moving a defined distance, executes a movement profile in which the rotor is periodically accelerated to a certain speed with almost no impact and / or jerking and then decelerated again. The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0033] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0034] Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it should be understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in the context of or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be carried out by (or using) a hardware device such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the key method steps may be carried out by such an device.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a simplified perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a transport system according to the invention;

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a belt body of a transport system according to the invention with a cover; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a belt body of a transport system according to the invention without a cover;

[0038] Fig. 4 in front view the belt body without covering the figure

[0039] 3;

[0040] Fig. 5 an enlarged section of the guidance system of the

[0041] Belt body with workpiece carrier accommodated therein;

[0042] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged section of a partially shown

[0043] Tensioning system of the belt body in a sectional view; and

[0044] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section of a partially shown

[0045] Tensioning system of the belt body.

[0046] Identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. Furthermore, the invention is shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the basic principle of the invention. For reasons of clarity, all components of the transport system have been omitted.

[0047] In the figures, 1 denotes an exemplary embodiment of a transport system according to the invention for conveying objects along a transport path TS. The transport system 1 comprises at least one motor-driven pulling and / or pushing element 2 by means of which a pulling and / or pushing movement can be initiated or transmitted to at least one workpiece carrier 3. For example, the pulling and / or pushing element 2 can be designed as a flexible, endlessly rotating pulling and / or pushing element 2, for example as a hinged belt or chain-like transport element, toothed belt, double toothed belt, or as a chain.

[0048] According to the embodiment variant of Figure 1, the pulling and / or pushing element 2 is a transport element forming a closed loop, which is guided, for example, over two chain wheels 4 and 5 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction relative to a floor plane BE, as shown in more detail in Figure 1. In more detail, the pulling and / or pushing element 2 can be a multi-link chain.

[0049] At least one of the two sprockets 4 and 5, preferably the sprocket 4, can be driven directly, ie gearlessly, by an electric motor EM, preferably by a torque motor or asynchronous motor, in at least one transport direction A. The two sprockets 4 and 5 are oriented with their axes 4.1 and 5.1 in the vertical direction or essentially in the vertical direction to the floor plane BE and are received in a machine frame 13 and rotatably mounted there.

[0050] The transport system 1 further comprises a belt body 7 with a guide system 8 and at least one workpiece carrier 3, which is motor-movable along the guide system 8 and is designed to convey the objects along the transport path TS. The belt body 7 is also connected to the machine frame 14 or arranged on it. The transport system 1 preferably has a plurality of workpiece carriers 3, all of which are movable along the transport path TS.

[0051] The belt body 8 forms a rear run HT on its upper side OS and a return run RT on its lower side US, wherein the rear run HT and the return run RT are connected via the two sprockets 4, 5 such that the sprockets 4, 5 form a deflection station for the continuously circulating push and / or pull means 2. The rear run HT and return run RT connected by the sprockets 4, 5 thus form a continuously circulating conveyor section for a workpiece carrier 3, wherein the transport section TS is provided for conveying objects along the rear run HT and a return section RS is provided for returning the workpiece carriers 3 along the return run RT.

[0052] The transport system 1 is particularly advantageously designed as an accumulation conveyor in which the workpiece carriers 3 are in a switchable and detachable, i.e. detachable, geared connection with the flexible pushing and / or pulling means 2, such that when several workpiece carriers 2 accumulate, the frictional connection between the motor-driven flexible pushing and / or pulling means 2 and the workpiece carrier in question can be interrupted, i.e. switched off, and then re-established, i.e. switched on, for further conveyance of the corresponding workpiece carrier 2. Preferably, each individual workpiece carrier 2 is in an operative connection with the flexible pushing and / or pulling means 2 via a gear that can be individually switched on and off. Thus, a transport system 1 designed as an accumulation conveyor is created in which each individual workpiece carrier 2 can be individually switched on and off.

[0053] According to the invention, the guide system 8 of the belt body 7 has, at least in sections along the transport path TS, at least one first and second guide device 9, 10, by means of which the at least one workpiece carrier 3 is guided linearly. Figure 1 shows a variant of the transport system 1, in which the transport path TS is provided on the rear strand HT and extends between the two sprockets 4, 5, and the return strand RT forms the return path RS for the workpiece carriers 3.

[0054] The figures further show an embodiment variant in which the workpiece carriers 3 are guided along the entire transport path TS formed on the rear strand HT and along the entire return path RS provided on the return strand RT, in each case on both sides, by means of the first and second guide devices 9, 10 formed in the belt body 7.

[0055] In the embodiment variant of the figures, the first and second guide devices 9, 10 arranged in the belt body 7 extend at least between the first and second sprockets 4 and 5 both in the rear section HT and in the return section RT and guide the individual workpiece carriers 3 at least in these transport section sections, ie along the transport section TS and along the return section RS, in which the workpiece carriers 3 are not in operative engagement with the first and second sprockets 4 and 5, respectively.

[0056] As can be seen in particular from Figures 2 and 3, the belt body 7 has a plurality of holding elements 16 designed as carrier elements, wherein the holding elements 16 each comprise at least a first and second clamping system 17, 18 for clamping the guide system 8 to the corresponding holding element 16. Furthermore, the first clamping system 17 is designed for clamping the first guide device 9 to the holding element 16, and the second clamping system 18 is designed for clamping the second guide device 10 to this holding element 16.

[0057] The holding elements 16 are made or formed from sheet metal and have a thickness between 5 mm and 3 cm, preferably a thickness between 0.75 cm and 2 cm. The holding elements 16 are advantageously designed as sheet metal holding elements. Furthermore, the holding elements 16 are advantageously one-piece, in particular one-piece, and are flat with a front side V and a back side R. Also advantageously, the belt body 7 has a plurality of flat holding elements 16 arranged transversely to the transport path TS, which are distributed at uniform or approximately uniform intervals along the transport path TS. The holding elements 16 are advantageously provided at a distance of between 25 cm and 75 cm from one another, preferably at a distance of approximately 50 cm.

[0058] As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, the holding elements 16 have a substantially H-shaped, flat basic shape with a first and a second longitudinal section 20.1, 20.2, wherein the first and second longitudinal sections 20.1, 20.2 are connected to one another via a transverse section 20.3. In more detail, the holding elements 16 are designed to be mirror-symmetrical to a central longitudinal axis LA of the holding elements 16 and are provided in the belt body 7 transversely to the transport direction TS in such a way that a plane intersecting the belt body 7 as a central longitudinal plane ME coincides with the central longitudinal axes LA of all holding elements 16. The first and second longitudinal sections 20.1, 20.2 of a holding element 16 are also designed to be mirror-symmetrical to the central longitudinal axis LA. Furthermore, the holding elements 16 advantageously have, at least in the region of the two upper ends of the first and second longitudinal sections 20.1, 20.2, i.e., on the side of the holding element 16 facing away from the floor plane BE, each has a first and second clamping system 17, 18. In more detail, a first clamping system 17 is provided in the upper region of the first longitudinal section 20.1 and a second clamping system 18 is provided in the upper region of the second longitudinal section 20.2 of the same holding element 16.

[0059] The first guide device 9 is formed from two first guide elements 9.1, 9.2 which are spaced parallel to one another and run longitudinally to the transport path TS and which can be clamped to the corresponding holding element 16 by means of the first clamping system 17 provided in the upper region of the first longitudinal section 20.1, while the second guide device 10 is formed from two second guide elements 10.1, 10.2 which are spaced parallel to one another and run longitudinally to the transport path TS and which can be clamped to the corresponding holding element 16 by means of the second clamping system 18 provided on the second longitudinal section 20.2.

[0060] In other words, the guide system 8 assigned to the belt body 7 comprises the first and second guide devices 9, 10 and the respective first and second guide devices 9, 10 each comprise the assigned first and second guide elements 9.1, 9.2 and 10.1, 10.2.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment, the guide system 8 of the transport system 1 comprises at least two first and two second guide devices 9, 10, by means of which the at least one workpiece carrier 3 is guided linearly. Furthermore, in this advantageous embodiment, the belt body 7 also has a plurality of holding elements 16 designed as support elements, wherein the holding elements 16 then each comprise at least two first and two second clamping systems 17, 18 for clamping the guide system 8 to the corresponding holding element 16.

[0062] The at least two first clamping systems 17 are each designed for clamping fastening of one of the two first guide devices 9 to the holding element 16, while the at least two second clamping systems 18 are each designed for clamping fastening of one of the two second guide devices 10 to this holding element 16.

[0063] For this purpose, the respective holding element 16 has, in more detail, a first clamping system 17 in the region of the upper and lower ends of the first longitudinal section 20.1, i.e., two first clamping systems 17 on the first longitudinal section 20.1, and a second clamping system 18 in the region of the upper and lower ends of the second longitudinal section 20.2. Thus, two second clamping systems 18 are also provided on the second longitudinal section 20.2 of the holding element 16.

[0064] As a result, the two first guide elements 9.1, 9.2 of the two first guide devices 9, which are spaced parallel to one another and run longitudinally to the transport path TS, can then be clamped to the corresponding holding element 16 by means of the respective first clamping system 17 provided in the upper and lower region of the first longitudinal section 20.1, while the two second guide elements 10.1, 10.2 of the two second guide devices 10, which are spaced parallel to one another and run longitudinally to the transport path TS, can be clamped to the corresponding holding element 16 by means of the respective second clamping system 18 provided in the upper and lower region of the second longitudinal section 20.1.

[0065] In other words, such a variant of a holding element 16 has four clamping systems, namely two first clamping systems 17 and two second clamping systems 18. Advantageously, the two first clamping systems 17 and the two second clamping systems 18 are each identical to one another and mirror-symmetrical to the central longitudinal plane ME.

[0066] Preferably, the first and second guide elements 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 of the guide system 8 are clamped to the holding elements 16 by means of the first and second clamping systems 17 and 18 in such a way that they each extend at an identical or approximately identical distance along their longitudinal extent (of the first and second guide elements 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2) from the central longitudinal plane ME. Preferably, the first and second guide elements 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 of the guide system 8 are clamped to the holding elements 16 by means of the first and second clamping systems 17 and 18 in such a way that all of the first and second guide elements 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 extend parallel to one another. In more detail, the corresponding first and second guide elements 9.1 and 9.2 or 10.1 and 10.2 run parallel in pairs along the rear run HT and along the return run RT.

[0067] The first and / or second guide elements 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 of the guide system 8 can be designed as rod-shaped shafts, in particular as hollow or solid shafts, and / or as square profiles, in particular as hollow profiles.

[0068] Between the two pairs of parallel first and second guide elements 9.1 and 9.2 or 10.1 and 10.2, a workpiece carrier 3 with its rollers 3.1 is guided linearly along the guide system 8, as indicated in Figure 5.

[0069] Furthermore, at least one profile element 22 extending along the transport path TS can be clamped in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner between the upper and lower first clamping systems 17 of the first longitudinal section 20.1. Alternatively or additionally, at least one profile element 22 extending along the transport path TS can also be clamped in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner between the upper and lower second clamping systems 18 of the second longitudinal section 20.2.

[0070] In addition, an upper guide 21 for the push and / or pull element 2 can be provided or arranged on the holding element 16 on both sides between the longitudinal sections 20.1, 20.2 in the region of the transverse section 20.3, i.e. facing the upper side OS, and a lower guide 21 for the push and / or pull element 2, i.e. facing the lower side US, which guide is designed for further vertical stability and alignment of the plurality of holding elements 16 to one another.

[0071] As can be seen in particular from Figure 2, the transport system 1 can have a cover 23 on the upper side OS of the belt body 7, which is clamped onto the holding elements 16 and arranged on the holding elements 16. The cover 23 is formed from a plurality of cover elements 24 which are attached to the holding elements 16 in a locking manner in such a way that between two cover elements 24 above the upper guide 21 along the central longitudinal plane ME, a parallel distance is formed between the longitudinal sides of two adjacent cover elements 24 which are arranged transversely to the transport path TS. Thus, the workpiece carrier 2, which is moved linearly above the cover 23, can easily establish a geared operative connection with the push and / or pull element 2 provided below the cover 23.

[0072] In more detail, the respective first clamping system 17 comprises a first clamping device 30.1 and a second clamping device 30.2, wherein the respective first clamping device 30.1 is used for clamping one of the two first guide elements 9.1 and the respective second clamping device 30.2 is used for clamping the respective further first guide element

[0073] 9.2. The respective first and second clamping devices 30.1, 30.2 of the respective first clamping system 17 are provided on the holding element 16 such that the two first guide elements 9.1, 9.2 are clamped parallel to one another and at the same parallel distance from the central longitudinal plane ME by means of the first clamping system 17.

[0074] The respective first and second clamping devices 30.1, 30.2 of the respective first clamping system 17 each have at least one first recess 32.1, 32.2 adapted to the outer contour of the first guide element 9.1, 9.2 to be clamped, one first tension spring 33.1, 33.2 clamping the first guide element 9.1, 9.2 and one first tension spring 33.1, 33.2 clamping the first guide element 9.1, 9.2,

[0075] 33.2. The first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 can be a detachable or non-detachable clamping element. A detachable first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 can be a screw, for example, while a non-detachable first clamping element 34.1,

[0076] 34.2 can be designed as a riveted connection. A detachable clamping connection using a first and / or second clamping element 34.1, 34.2, 40.1, 40.2 designed as a screw is described below as an example.

[0077] In more detail, the first recess 32.1, 32.2 is formed on the holding element 16. In particular, the first recess 32.1, 32.2 is adapted to the outer contour of the first guide element 9.1 that can be arranged thereon in such a way that at least half of the cross-section, preferably between 2 / 3 and 1 / 2 of the cross-section of the first guide element 9.1, can be encompassed by the first recess 32.1, 32.2 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0078] Furthermore, the first recess 32.1, 32.2 is formed in two parts, with a partial section of the first recess 32.1, 32.2 forming the elastically deformable first tension spring 33.1, 33.2, which is integrally formed on the holding element 16. For example, the first tension spring 33.1, 33.2 can be punched or lasered out of the holding element 16. The first tension element 34.1, 34.2 can be arranged between the integrally formed partial section of the first recess 32.1, 32.2, formed as the first tension spring 33.1, 33.2, and the holding element 16.

[0079] The first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 extends elongated along a central longitudinal axis MLA and can be rotationally symmetrical to the central longitudinal axis MLA. Furthermore, the first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 penetrates the front side V and rear side R of the holding element 16 when installed. In more detail, the first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 has a beveled surface F on a first side S1 and a nut M and a washer S on a second side S2 opposite the first side S1. The beveled surface F of the first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 is provided for contact between the first tension spring 33.1, 33.2 and the holding element 16. On the second side S2 opposite the beveled surface F, the first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 has a threaded portion GA onto which the nut M can be screwed. The washer S can be arranged on the second side S2 between the nut M and the holding element 16.By tightening the nut M of the first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 and counter-holding the washer S, the beveled surface F is pulled toward the second side S2 such that the first tension spring 33.1, 33.2 presses against the outer contour of the first guide element 9.1, 9.2 as a resultant force and clamps the first guide element 9.1, 9.2 in the first recess 32.1, 32.2. Preferably, the first clamping element 34.1, 34.2 is a countersunk head screw.

[0080] Furthermore, the respective second clamping system 18 also has a first clamping device 31.1 and a second clamping device 31.2, wherein the respective first clamping device 31.1 is designed for the clamping fastening of one of the two second guide elements 10.1 and the respective second clamping device 31.2 is designed for the clamping fastening of the respective further first guide element 10.2. The respective first and second clamping devices 31.1, 31.2 of the respective second clamping system 18 are also provided on the holding element 16 such that the two second guide elements 10.1, 10.2 are clamped parallel to one another and at the same parallel distance from the central longitudinal plane ME by means of the second clamping system 18.

[0081] The respective first and second clamping devices 31.1, 31.2 of the second clamping system 18 each have at least one second recess adapted to the outer contour of the second guide element 10.1, 10.2 to be clamped

[0082] 38.1, 38.2, a second tension spring 39.1, 39.2 clamping the second guide element 10.1, 10.2 and a second tension spring

[0083] 39.1, 39.2. The first clamping element 40.1, 40.2 can be a detachable or a non-detachable clamping element. A detachable first clamping element 40.1, 40.2 can be a screw, for example, while a non-detachable first clamping element

[0084] 40.1, 40.2 can be designed as a riveted connection.

[0085] In more detail, the second recess 38.1, 38.2 is formed on the holding element 16. In particular, the second recess 38.1, 38.2 is adapted to the outer contour of the second guide element 10.1 that can be arranged thereon in such a way that at least half of the cross-section, preferably between 2 / 3 and 1 / 2 of the cross-section of the second guide element 10.1, can be encompassed by the second recess 38.1, 38.2 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0086] Furthermore, the second recess 38.1, 38.2 is formed in two parts, with a partial section of the second recess 38.1, 38.2 forming the elastically deformable second tension spring 39.1, 39.2, which is integrally formed on the holding element 16. For example, the second tension spring 39.1, 39.2 can be punched or lasered out of the holding element 16. The second tension element 40.1, 40.2 can be arranged between the molded-on partial section of the second recess 38.1, 38.2, designed as a second tension spring 39.1, 39.2, and the holding element 16. The second tension element 40.1, 40.2 extends elongatedly along a central longitudinal axis MLA and can be rotationally symmetrical to the central longitudinal axis MLA. Furthermore, the second clamping element 40.1, 40.2 penetrates the front side V and back side R of the holding element 16 when installed. In more detail, the second clamping element 40.1, 40.2 has a bevelled surface F on a first side S1 and a nut M and a washer S on a second side S2 opposite the first side S1. The bevelled surface F of the second clamping element 40.1, 40.2 is provided for contact between the second tension spring 39.1, 39.2 and the holding element 16. On the second side S2 opposite the bevelled surface F, the second clamping element 40.1, 40.2 has a threaded section GA onto which the nut M can be screwed. The washer S can be arranged between the nut M and the holding element 16 on the second side S2. By tightening the nut M of the second tensioning element 40.1, 40.2 and holding the washer S in place, the bevelled surface F is pulled in the direction of the second side S2 in such a way that the second tensioning spring 39.1, 39.2 presses against the outer contour of the second guide element 10.1, 10.2 as a resultant force and the second guide element 10.1, 10.2 is clamped in the second recess 38.1, 38.2. Preferably, the second clamping element 40.1, 40.2 is a countersunk screw.

[0087] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Transport system (1) for conveying objects along a transport path (TS), comprising at least a belt body (7) with a guide system (8) and at least one workpiece carrier (3) movable along the guide system (8) by a motor for conveying the objects along the transport path (TS), wherein the guide system (8) of the belt body (7) has at least one first and second guide device (9, 10) at least sectionally along the transport path (TS), by means of which the at least one workpiece carrier (3) is guided linearly, wherein the belt body (7) has several retaining elements (16) designed as support elements, wherein the retaining elements (16) each comprise at least one first and second clamping system (17, 18) for clamping the guide system (8) to the corresponding retaining element (16),wherein the at least one first clamping system (17) is designed for clamping the at least one first guide device (9) to the holding element (16) and the at least one second clamping system (18) is designed for clamping the at least one second guide device (10) to this holding element (16), and wherein the at least one first guide device (9) is formed from two first guide elements (9.1, 9.2) that are spaced parallel to each other and extend along the transport track (TS), which can be clamped to the corresponding holding element (16) by means of the respective first clamping system (17), and wherein the at least one second guide device (10) is formed from two second guide elements (10.1, 10.2) that are spaced parallel to each other and extend along the transport track (TS), which can be clamped to the corresponding holding element (16) by means of the respective second clamping system (18).

2. Transport system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the belt body (7) has several retaining elements (16) arranged transversely to the transport path (TS) and having a planar form and made of sheet metal, wherein the retaining elements (16) are designed as sheet metal retaining elements which are distributed at uniform or approximately uniform intervals along the transport path (TS).

3. Transport system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining elements (16) have a substantially H-shaped planar basic form with a first and a second longitudinal section (20.1, 20.2), wherein the first and second longitudinal sections (20.1, 20.2) are connected to each other via a transverse section (20.3) and the retaining elements (16) are designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to a central longitudinal axis (LA) of the retaining elements (16).

4. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective holding element (16) has a first clamping system (17) in the area of ​​the upper and / or lower end of the first longitudinal section (20.1) and has a second clamping system (18) in the area of ​​the upper and / or lower end of the second longitudinal section (20.2).

5. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one holding element (16), preferably all holding elements (16), have four clamping systems, namely two first clamping systems (17) and two second clamping systems (18), wherein the two first clamping systems (17) and the two second clamping systems (18) are preferably each identical to each other and mirror-symmetrical to a central longitudinal plane (ME).

6. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second guide elements (9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2) of the guide system (8) are clamped to the holding elements (16) by means of the first and second clamping systems (17, 18) such that the first and second guide elements (9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2) each extend at an identical or approximately identical distance along their longitudinal extent to the central longitudinal plane (ME).

7. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second guide elements (9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2) of the guide system (8) are designed as rod-shaped shafts, in particular as hollow or solid shafts, and / or as square profiles, in particular as hollow profiles.

8. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the upper and lower first clamping system (17) of the first longitudinal section (20.1) at least one retaining element (16) at least one profile element (22) extending along the transport section (TS) is clamped in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner and / or that between the upper and lower second clamping system (18) of the second longitudinal section (20.2) at least one retaining element (16) at least one profile element (22) extending along the transport section (TS) is clamped in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

9. Transport system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the retaining elements (16) an upper and a lower guide (21) for a push and / or pull element (2) is provided on both sides between the longitudinal sections (20.1, 20.2) in the area of ​​the transverse section (20.3).

10. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover (23) is provided on an upper surface (OS) of the belt body (7), which is clamped onto and arranged on the retaining elements (16) and is formed from several cover elements (24) which are snapped onto the retaining elements (16) in such a way that a parallel distance is formed between the longitudinal sides of two cover elements (24) adjacent to the transport path (TS) above the upper guide (21) along the central longitudinal plane (ME).

11. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective first clamping system (17) has a first and second clamping device (30.1, 30.2), wherein the respective first clamping device (30.1) is designed for clamping fastening of one of the two first guide elements (9.1, 9.2) and the respective second clamping device (30.2) is designed for clamping fastening of the respective one further first guide element (9.1, 9.2).

12. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective first and second clamping device (30.1, 30.2) each have at least one first recess (32.1, 32.2) adapted to the outer contour of the first guide element (9.1, 9.2) to be clamped, each have a first clamping spring (33.1, 33.2) clamping the first guide element (9.1, 9.2) and each have a first clamping element (34.1, 34.2) clamping the first clamping spring (33.1, 33.2).

13. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the respective first recess (32.1, 32.2) formed on the retaining element (16) is adapted to the outer contour of the first guide element (9.1, 9.2) that can be arranged thereon, such that at least half of the cross-section, preferably between 2 / 3 and % of the cross-section of the first guide element (9.1, 9.2) can be engaged by the respective first recess (32.1, 32.2) in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

14. Transport system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the respective first recess (32.1, 32.2) is formed in two parts, wherein a partial section of the respective first recess (32.1, 32.2) forms the elastically deformable first tension spring (33.1, 33.2) which is integrally formed on the retaining element (16).

15. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping element (34.1, 34.2) has a chamfered surface (F) on a first side (Sl) and a nut (M) and a washer (S) on a second side (S2) opposite the first side (Sl), wherein the chamfered surface (F) of the first clamping element (34.1, 34.2) is provided for contact between the first clamping spring (33.1, 33.2) and the retaining element (16).

16. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by tightening the nut (M) of the respective first clamping element (34.1, 34.2) and holding the washer (S) against it, the chamfered surface (F) is pulled in such a way towards the second side (S2) that the respective first clamping spring (33.1, 33.2) presses against the outer contour of the corresponding first guide element (9.1, 9.2) as a resultant force and the respective first guide element (9.1, 9.2) is held clampingly in the corresponding first recess (32.1, 32.2).

17. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective second clamping system (18) each has a first and second clamping device (31.1, 31.2), wherein the respective first clamping device (31.1) is for clamping attachment of one of the two second guide elements (10.1, 10.2) and the respective second clamping device (31.2) for clamping the respective further first guide element (10.1, 10.2) is trained.

18. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective first and second clamping device (31.1, 31.2) each has at least one second recess (38.1, 38.2) adapted to the outer contour of the second guide element (10.1, 10.2) to be clamped, each has a second clamping spring (39.1, 39.2) clamping the second guide element (10.1, 10.2) and each has a second clamping element (40.1, 40.2) clamping the second clamping spring (39.1, 39.2).

19. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective second recess (38.1, 38.2) formed on the retaining element (16) is adapted to the outer contour of the second guide element (10.1, 10.2) that can be arranged thereon, such that at least half of the cross-section, preferably between 2 / 3 and % of the cross-section of the second guide element (10.1, 10.2) can be engaged by the second recess (38.1, 38.2) in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

20. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective second recess (38.1, 38.2) is formed in two parts, wherein a subsection of the respective second recess (38.1, 38.2) forms the elastically deformable second tension spring (39.1, 39.2) which is integrally formed on the retaining element (16).

21. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second clamping element (40.1, 40.2) has a chamfered surface (F) on a first side (Sl) and a nut (M) and a washer (S) on a second side (S2) opposite the first side (Sl), wherein the chamfered surface (F) of the second clamping element (40.1, 40.2) is provided for contact between the second clamping spring (39.1, 39.2) and the retaining element (16).

22. Transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by tightening the nut (M) of the respective second clamping element (40.1, 40.2) and holding the washer (S) in place, the chamfered surface (F) is pulled in such a way towards the second side (S2) that the respective second tension spring (39.1, 39.2) presses against the outer contour of the corresponding second guide element (10.1, 10.2) as a resultant force and the respective second guide element (10.1, 10.2) is held clampingly in the corresponding first recess (32.1, 32.2).

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