Connection Assembly

Abstract

A connection assembly for electrically connecting a plurality of transport modules to form a transport system, each transport module having a control mechanism, the connection assembly comprising: a housing having a plurality of spaced apart openings; and a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed within the housing, the PCB including a plurality of electrical connection points, each of which is aligned with one of the plurality of openings in the housing, each opening configured to receive a portion of the control mechanism of the transport module so as to establish an electrical connection with the enclosed PCB within the housing by a direct physical connection between the control mechanism of the transport module and a corresponding electrical connection point on the enclosed PCB.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport system for transporting objects along a transport surface formed by a plurality of transport modules, and more particularly to a connection assembly that facilitates electrical connection between the plurality of transport modules and a control system of the transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] The transport system includes a plurality of transport modules each having at least one rotatable element including an engagement surface for receiving an object to be transported, whereby rotation of the rotatable element acts to rotationally transport the received object. The transport system also includes a transport frame having a plurality of openings, each opening forming an array of transport modules that together provide a transport surface for receiving a transport module and transporting the object. The transport frame includes a control system configured to communicate with the control mechanisms of the transport modules to control the rotatable elements.

[0003] The control system can be electrically connected to the control mechanism in a variety of different ways. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 112603 [Patent Document 2] French Patent Application Publication No. 2668863 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The manner in which the control system is electrically connected to the control mechanism is preferably simple and inexpensive to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a connection assembly for electrically connecting a plurality of transport modules to form a transport system, each transport module including a control mechanism. The connection assembly includes a housing having a plurality of spaced-apart openings. The connection assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed within the housing. The PCB includes a plurality of electrical connection points, each of which is aligned with one of the plurality of openings in the housing. Each opening is configured to receive a portion of a control mechanism of a transport module to establish an electrical connection with the encapsulated PCB by a direct physical connection between the control mechanism of the transport module and a corresponding electrical connection point on the encapsulated PCB.

[0007] Thus, one such connection assembly can provide electrical connection to multiple transport modules in a transport system. The connection assembly houses a PCB with multiple electrical connection points (which can include one or more electrical connectors), each located under a corresponding opening in a housing enclosing the PCB. The connection assembly can form a rail onto which multiple transport modules can be mounted to establish electrical connections between the transport modules and the electrical connection points on the PCB. The PCB can form part of a control system for the transport modules, which can include PCBs in multiple such connection assemblies connected to many such transport modules, which together can form a transport surface for the transport system.

[0008] The connection assembly advantageously protects the PCB from the external environment and from contaminants such as dust and water while facilitating electrical connection between the control mechanism and the PCB. In this way, the risk of electrical failure due to fluids and other contaminants is significantly reduced.

[0009] A PCB may form part of the control mechanism of each transport module, and electrical connection points may be configured to establish a direct physical connection with said PCB. Each electrical connection point may be configured to receive at least a portion of a PCB forming part of the control mechanism of a transport module. This may facilitate providing a direct physical connection between the control mechanism of the transport module and a corresponding electrical connection point on the encapsulated PCB.

[0010] The term "direct physical connection" preferably means that the connection assembly is configured for a "plug-and-play" connection with the transport module. Thus, the transport module can be simply inserted into the connection assembly, and an electrical connection is established. Thus, an electrical connection can be established between the transport module and the connection assembly without having to form wire bonds between them. This configuration makes insertion and removal of transport modules much easier and faster in transport systems where accessibility to the transport module and connection assembly may be limited during use.

[0011] Each electrical connection point may be located at the opening of an aperture on the first housing portion, for example, to provide a socket on the top surface of the first housing portion. Alternatively, each electrical connection point may be located substantially below an opening on the first housing portion, for example, so that an electrical connection is established within an enclosed PCB within the housing. Preferably, the number of electrical connection points is the same as the number of openings. Each electrical connection point may extend away from the PCB and may extend at least partially within the opening.

[0012] The electrical connection points may include PCI connectors (e.g., in the form of PCI sockets) and / or JST connectors. The electrical connection points may be arranged in an elongated configuration. In some examples, the elongated configuration of the electrical connection points may correspond at least in part to the elongated configurations of the first and second housing portions. In this manner, the electrical components are arranged in a substantially linear manner rather than a grid-like manner. A linear configuration is more space-efficient than a grid-like configuration, thus reducing the overall cost of manufacturing the electrical components and electrical connection points. For example, an elongated array of electrical connection points can result in an elongated PCB that may be smaller than a square PCB, meaning less wasted space and therefore reducing the manufacturing cost of the linear PCB. In some cases, the overall size of the electrical connection points and / or the PCB may be reduced by up to 50%, more preferably up to 80%, and more preferably up to 90%.

[0013] Each opening may form part of a socket configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical connector of the transport module, the socket may be used to establish an electrical connection between the transport module and at least one of the electrical connection points.

[0014] The housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion configured to enclose the PCB between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, which may provide a simple housing structure that can effectively accommodate the PCB and protect the PCB from damage due to external factors.

[0015] In some examples, each opening may be centrally located relative to the width of the first housing portion, thereby ensuring that the transport module is received in a substantially central location relative to the connection assembly, thereby enabling a substantially linear connection assembly to be electrically connected to multiple transport modules in a row.

[0016] The first and second housing portions may each have an elongated configuration. In this manner, the housing may have an elongated configuration. The plurality of openings may be spaced apart in a row, preferably extending along the length of the elongated housing, to position the received transport modules in a row. The row of openings is preferably spaced apart along an outer surface of the housing, e.g., a common surface of the housing. The openings are preferably located in the first housing portion. Each of these preferred configurations can provide a space-efficient way of positioning the attached transport modules.

[0017] The first housing portion may be formed from a polymer. The first housing portion may be formed using injection molding. The second housing portion may be formed from a polymer. The second housing portion may be formed using extrusion molding. The first and second housing portions may be formed from plastic. These materials are inexpensive and effective materials for manufacturing components. However, any suitable manufacturing process may be used to form the first and second housing portions. The first and second housing portions may be formed using the same manufacturing process or different manufacturing processes.

[0018] Preferably, the elongated configuration has a substantially straight (or linear) configuration. The elongated configuration may also be a substantially rectangular configuration. This configuration provides a simple and effective structure in which the transport modules can be mounted such that the mounted transport modules are arranged in a line. A linear configuration is also simple to manufacture and reduces overall costs.

[0019] In some examples, the multiple openings may be spaced apart in a linear configuration, for example, the openings may be arranged in a line along the first housing portion.

[0020] In some examples, the apertures may be arranged in an alternating offset pattern along the first housing portion. In some examples, the electrical connection points may be arranged in an alternating offset pattern that substantially corresponds to the pattern of the apertures. In the present disclosure, a linear array of apertures may include apertures arranged in a straight line and apertures arranged in a linear, elongated offset pattern. The same applies to the electrical connection points and / or sockets of the connection assembly.

[0021] The opening may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive a portion of the control mechanism such that the control mechanism substantially closes, and preferably seals, the opening from the external environment. For example, the opening and control mechanism may have a substantially rectangular configuration. Preferably, the PCB is enclosed within the housing and externally accessible only through the opening configured to receive the control mechanism of the transport module, such that the control mechanism fills the opening, thereby effectively closing / sealing the opening. Alternatively, the electrical connector itself may be configured to fit inside the opening such that the opening is substantially sealed from the external environment; for example, the electrically connected connector is further configured to receive a portion of the control mechanism of the transport module, thereby providing a socket (such as a PCI connector) for establishing a direct physical and electrical connection.

[0022] In some configurations, each opening can include a raised perimeter, which may extend substantially around the entire perimeter of the opening. The raised perimeter can act to at least partially shield or protect the opening from the ingress of debris and fluids, which helps to protect electrical components within the connection assembly.

[0023] The raised periphery can include a sloped portion that can help ensure that fluid or debris contacting the raised periphery flows along the sloped side and away from the opening, thereby preventing fluid or debris from building up around the bottom of the periphery.

[0024] The raised perimeter may be integrally formed with the first housing portion, which helps reduce the total number of separate components and provides a stronger attachment point between the perimeter and the first housing portion.

[0025] The first and second housing portions may be arranged to be attached to one another. The first and second housing portions may form a housing. The first and second housing portions may be attached together using an interlocking hook arrangement. Any other suitable arrangement may be used to attach the first and second portions together. In this manner, the first and second housing portions may at least partially enclose electrical components within a space formed by the attached first and second housing portions, providing a safe environment for placing the electrical components. This also helps protect the electrical components from external factors, such as water and dust, that may damage the electrical components.

[0026] The interlocking hook arrangement can extend along at least a portion of the length of both the first and second housing portions. Preferably, the interlocking hook arrangement extends along substantially the entire length of both the first and second housing portions. This provides a secure attachment mechanism that helps ensure that the first and second housing portions remain attached to one another.

[0027] Preferably, the plurality of electrical connection points are arranged alternately such that the orientations of adjacent electrical connection points are different.

[0028] In some examples, the orientations of adjacent electrical connection points may differ by 90 degrees or 180 degrees from each other, which can facilitate the electrical connection between the transport module and the PCB. The electrical connection points may be arranged alternately on either side of the longitudinal centerline of the first housing portion.

[0029] The connection assembly can include a plurality of connectors configured to mount the connection assembly to a transport frame of the transport system. The connectors help ensure that the connection assembly remains in place relative to the transport frame, which helps maintain an electrical connection between the transport module and the connection assembly when the transport module is mounted within the transport frame.

[0030] In some examples, the connectors may include snap-fit ​​hooks. Any suitable mechanism for connecting the connection assembly to the carrier frame may be used, such as interlocking hooks or interlocking flanges. These provide a simple and effective means of connecting the assembly to the carrier frame. The snap-fit ​​hooks also allow the connection assembly to be attached to the carrier frame without the use of additional components (e.g., screws) or additional tools.

[0031] The connectors may be configured to mate with one or more slots on the carrier frame, providing a simple and effective means of connecting the connection assembly to the carrier frame.

[0032] Preferably, multiple connectors may be disposed in the first housing portion. In some examples, the multiple connectors may be arranged in pairs along at least a portion of the length of the first housing portion. Arranging the connectors in pairs may provide a more secure means for attaching the connection assembly to the carrier frame.

[0033] The connectors and openings may be arranged in an alternating pattern along at least a portion of the length of the first housing portion. For example, each connector may have an opening on either side of the connector, and / or vice versa. This may ensure that there are enough connectors along the length of the first housing portion so that the first housing portion can be securely attached to the carrier frame.

[0034] A connection assembly can be provided for providing electrical connection to a plurality of transport modules in a transport system. The connection assembly includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion configured to at least partially enclose a plurality of electrical components. The connection assembly also includes a plurality of openings in the first housing portion, each opening associated with at least one of the plurality of electrical components. The first and second housing portions each have an elongated configuration. Each opening is configured to receive a portion of a transport module and facilitates electrical connection between each of the plurality of transport modules and at least one of the plurality of electrical components. The plurality of openings are spaced apart such that each of the received transport modules is arranged in a row.

[0035] Each electrical connection point can extend away from the PCB (located within the housing) and at least partially into the opening. Each opening can form a portion of an electrical socket configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical connector of the transport module. The socket can be used to establish an electrical connection between the transport module and at least one of the electrical components. The electrical components can be staggered such that adjacent electrical components have different orientations. The electrical components can be electrical connection points (e.g., electrical contacts and / or electrical sockets).

[0036] As described above, a transport module configured to establish a direct physical and electrical connection with the connection assembly can be provided. The transport module can include at least one rotatable element having an engagement surface configured to engage with a surface of an object to be transported, a drive mechanism configured to rotate the at least one rotatable element such that rotation of the at least one rotatable element causes rotation of the engagement surface, thereby causing movement of the object, and a control mechanism configured to control the rotation of the rotatable element, wherein the drive mechanism and the control mechanism are vertically aligned. The drive mechanism is preferably a motor.

[0037] The control mechanism can extend away from the transport module and can be positioned to establish an electrical connection with at least one of the plurality of electrical connection points of the connection assembly.

[0038] In use, the control mechanism may be located below the drive mechanism. Preferably, at least a portion of the control mechanism may be arranged to be received by an opening in the connection assembly.

[0039] The transport module may further comprise a casing configured to at least partially house the control mechanism and at least partially house the drive mechanism, the casing being capable of protecting the drive mechanism and the control mechanism from damage, for example, from fluids and dust.

[0040] The control mechanism may extend at least partially through the casing. The control mechanism may include a PCB.

[0041] The transport module can include a through passageway extending between a first opening at the top of the transport module and a second opening in a chute. The chute is preferably configured to extend away from the transport module, thereby allowing debris that collects in the through passageway to pass through the transport module and out the chute without depositing on or interfering with the connection assembly.

[0042] In some examples, the chute may extend less than half the length of one side of the transport module, ensuring that the chute does not interfere with the connection assembly when the transport module is electrically connected to the connection assembly.

[0043] A connection rail for the transport system can be provided that includes a plurality of electrical connection points arranged linearly along the connection rail, each electrical connection point being arranged to receive (e.g., electrically connect to) a control mechanism of a transport module.

[0044] A transport system for transporting an object may be provided, comprising a plurality of transport modules, each transport module having at least one rotatable element with an engagement surface configured to engage with the surface of the object to be transported, a control mechanism configured to control rotation of the rotatable element, a transport frame having a plurality of openings, each opening configured to receive the transport modules to form an array of the transport modules that together provide a substantially flat surface for transporting the object, and a control system configured to communicate with the control mechanisms of the transport modules, the control system comprising a connection rail having a plurality of electrical connection points arranged along the connection rail, each electrical connection point configured to receive (e.g., electrically connect to) the control mechanism of the transport module.

[0045] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any apparatus feature described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. It will also be understood that specific combinations of various features described and defined in any aspect or embodiment described herein may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently. Furthermore, it will be understood that the various examples and embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments, and that one or more features from one embodiment may be combined with one or more features from another embodiment within the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, any "means-plus-function" features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a transport module. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the transfer module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a transfer module. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the transport module and transport frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the transport module and transport frame. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a connection assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an end view of a portion of a connection assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of a connection assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two transport modules, a portion of the transport frame, and a connection assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of two transfer modules. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a transport module and a connection assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a connection assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an end view of a portion of a connection assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a side view of a connection assembly. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a top view of the connection assembly. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a side view of two transport modules, a portion of the transport frame, and a connection assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The transport system is used to move objects on a surface of the transport system. In the following description, packages are used as an example of the type of object that can be moved using the transport system.

[0049] Generally, the transport system includes a plurality of transport modules and a transport frame. Each transport module includes at least one rotatable element having an engagement surface configured to engage a surface of a package. Each transport module also includes a drive mechanism configured to rotate the at least one rotatable element. In this manner, rotation of the at least one rotatable element causes rotation of the engagement surface, thereby resulting in movement of the package on the engagement surface. A control mechanism of the transport module is configured to control the rotation of the rotatable element via the drive mechanism and communicates with a control system external to the transport module.

[0050] Typically, the transport frame includes a plurality of openings, each configured to receive a transport module, forming an array of transport modules. Together, the array of transport modules provides a substantially flat surface for transporting packages. Each transport module is configured to be removably mounted within an opening in the transport frame. Mounting the transport module within the opening establishes an electrical connection between the transport module and a control system, facilitating electrical communication between the control system and the mounted transport module.

[0051] In use, a package placed on the engagement surface of a transport module is moved across the formed substantially flat surface by rotation of the rotatable element, such that the package moves from the engagement surface of one transport module to the engagement surface of an adjacent transport module, which has the effect of the package moving across a substantially flat surface.

[0052] An exemplary transport module 2 is shown in Figure 1. The transport module 2 can be referred to as a motorized wheel system (MWS). Generally, the transport module 2 is a single unit that includes a rotatable element in the form of two actuated omnidirectional wheels 4. These wheels 4 allow a force to be applied to the package in one direction while allowing the package to passively roll vertically on the omnidirectional wheels 4.

[0053] The transport module 2 includes a control mechanism 28 in the form of a printed circuit board. The control mechanism 28 is connected to the motor 20 and is capable of controlling the rotation of the omni-directional wheel 4.

[0054] The control mechanism 28 is also configured to communicate with a control system 60 that is external to the transport module 2 and is typically part of the transport frame 40. In this manner, the control mechanism 28 can receive commands from the control system 60 and control the motors 20 accordingly.

[0055] 4, the housing 6 of the transfer module 2 includes a chute 30 that projects from the bottom of the housing 6 away from the body of the transfer module 2. Here, the bottom of the housing 6 corresponds to the portion of the housing 6 opposite the top cover 8.

[0056] The chute 30 includes a passageway 34 extending into the body of the transport module 2 to a chamber 36 in which the omnidirectional wheel 4 is positioned so that it can rotate freely. The chamber 36 is fluidly connected to an opening 10 in the top cover 8 of the transport module 2. The chute 30 acts as a water and dust exhaust system, allowing dust and water entering the opening 10 to flow through the chamber 36 and the passageway 34 and exit the chute 30 via the opening 32. In use, the passageway 34 of the transport module 2 is substantially vertical. This has the advantage that any debris collected in the chamber 36 can flow downward through the passageway 34 under the influence of gravity and out the opening 32 in the chute 30. This prevents debris, particularly water and dust, from accumulating in the chamber 36 or space surrounding the omnidirectional wheel 4 and affecting the rotational movement of the wheel 4. Thus, the transport module 2 can be considered to have a through passageway extending between a first opening at the top of the transport module 2 (i.e., opening 10 in top cover 8) and a second opening at the base of the transport module (i.e., opening 32 in chute 30). The omnidirectional wheel 4 is at least partially disposed within this through passageway.

[0057] 2 and 3, at least a portion of the motor 20 and the control mechanism 28 are disposed within a casing 7 that is separate from the housing 6. In this manner, the motor 20 and the control mechanism 28 are independent of the housing 6.

[0058] The casing 7 includes a generally cylindrical body 9 that houses the motor 20. The casing 7 also includes a channel 13 for receiving at least a portion of the control mechanism 28, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Locating the motor 20 and a portion of the control mechanism 28 within the casing 7 separate from the housing 6 provides easier access to both the motor 20 and the control mechanism 28, allowing for rapid replacement of these components. This advantage can be seen at least from Figure 2, which shows that the casing 7 is external to the housing 106 and accessible independently of the housing 6.

[0059] The casing 7 can be secured to the housing 6 using an interlocking mechanism 15 consisting of a first hooked protrusion 15a on the casing 7 and a second hooked protrusion 15b on the housing 6. The first and second hooked protrusions 15a, 15b are arranged to releasably engage with each other to releasably secure the casing 7 to the housing 6. The use of a separate casing 7 and interlocking mechanism 15 reduces the overall complexity of the housing 6, resulting in reduced manufacturing and material costs. Furthermore, isolating the control mechanism 28 from the housing 6 by locating it within a separate casing 7 allows for replacement of the casing 7 rather than the entire housing 6 in the event of a failure of the control mechanism 28. This improves the usable life of the transport module 2.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary transport frame 40 is shown in the form of a metal grid frame. The transport frame 40 has a plurality of openings 42 regularly arranged in a grid across the transport frame 40. Each opening 42 in the transport frame 40 is for receiving a transport module 2, as shown in FIG. 6, forming an array of transport modules 2 that together form a transport surface for transporting packages received thereon. The transport frame 40 thus acts as a support structure for holding many transport modules 2 together to form a transport surface along which packages can be transported.

[0061] The control system 60 is arranged to communicate with a main control system (not shown) and each transport module 2, for example, to allow for individual control of each transport module 2. The control system 60 is preferably mounted to the transport frame 40, for example, mounted to the underside of the transport frame 40. The main control system may be separate from the transport frame 40 and the control system 60.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the control system 60 forms part of the transport frame 40 and is in the form of a PCB system including multiple PCBs 62 arranged below the transport frame 40. The PCBs 62, also known as Mod-PCBs (module PCBs), have a generally square shape sized to cover multiple openings 42. For example, PCB 62a may have an area sized to cover a 4×4 opening 42 in the transport frame 40. Of course, any n×n configuration can be used. This arrangement of PCBs 62 covers the entire area of ​​the transport frame 40. The multiple PCBs 62 can be connected together using one or more wired connectors suitable for transmitting electrical signals and / or power. The control system 60 is connected to a main control system and / or power source, which are typically separate from the transport frame 40. For example, they may be arranged below the transport frame 40.

[0063] As mentioned above, each transport module 2 is designed to be inserted into an opening 42 in the transport frame 40, preferably from above, as shown in Figure 6, to form a transport surface consisting of multiple transport modules 2.

[0064] The transport module 2 is designed so that when the transport module 2 is inserted into the opening 42 of the transport frame 40, at least a portion of the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 automatically establishes an electrical connection with the control system 60 of the transport frame 40, particularly the PCB 62, and therefore also with the main control system and / or power supply to which the control system 60 is electrically connected.

[0065] Preferably, the electrical connection is established by a "direct physical" connection (e.g., engagement or contact) between the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 and the PCB 62 of the transport frame 40. For example, the control mechanism 28 (in the form of a PCB) of each transport module 2 can directly engage with a corresponding Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connector mounted on the PCB 62 of the transport frame 40 (e.g., a direct "plug and socket" physical connection). In this manner, the transport module 2 can be "releasably attached" to the transport frame 40. Such a configuration is also referred to as a "plug and play" electrical connection.

[0066] This therefore has the effect that when the transport module 2 is inserted into the opening 42 of the transport frame 40, the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 is automatically connected to the main control system (not shown) via an electrical connection with the control system 60 of the transport frame 40.

[0067] Automatically establishing an electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the transport frame 40 when the transport module 2 is inserted into the transport frame 40 means that an electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the main control system (not shown) is automatically established when the transport module 2 is inserted into the transport frame 40.

[0068] As a result, each PCB 62 in the control system 60 located below the transport frame 40 is electrically connected to the multiple transport modules 2 above the PCB 62, and is also electrically connected to, for example, a main power supply (not shown) and / or a main control system (not shown) separate from the transport frame 40 located below the PCB 62 of the transport frame 40. In this way, each transport module 2 is electrically connected to the main power supply and / or the control system via the PCB 62 of the transport frame 40.

[0069] When the transport module 2 is inserted into the opening 42, a portion of the control mechanism 28 is positioned to establish a direct electrical connection with the PCB 62, as described above, thereby electrically connecting the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 to the control system 60 of the transport frame 40.

[0070] While the above-described arrangement facilitates an advantageous "plug and socket" electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the control system 60, the control system 60, including the PCB 62, is exposed to the external environment, which risks potential damage to the system due to contact with fluids and other contaminants, which may result in electrical failure.

[0071] Additionally, a control system 60 having a large PCB 62 covering n×n aperture areas (n is greater than 1) may require a relatively large PCB and may be expensive to manufacture.

[0072] 8 and 9, a connection assembly 100 is now described that is configured to facilitate direct (“plug and socket”) physical and electrical connection of multiple transport modules 2 to a control system 60, allowing them to be individually controlled and / or powered, for example, as described above. In connection with the connection assembly 100, a PCB that forms part of the control system 60 is hereinafter referred to as PCB 110.

[0073] The connection assembly 100 is for providing an electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the control system 60 of the transport frame 40 so that the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 (which controls the rotation of the rotatable element 4) can communicate with the control system 60, which itself is configured to electrically communicate with a separate main control system and / or to receive power from a power source.

[0074] Advantageously, the connection assembly 100 facilitates the desired direct physical and electrical connection between the multiple transport modules 2 and the control system 60, while reducing the risk of potential damage to the control system 60, and particularly the PCB 110, by limiting exposure of the PCB 110 (and therefore the control system 60) to the external environment.

[0075] Generally, the connection assembly 100 comprises a housing 106 including a first housing portion 102 and a second housing portion 104 configured to at least partially house a plurality of electrical components. Specifically, the first and second housing portions 102, 104 are arranged to at least partially house a PCB 110 that forms part of the control system 60.

[0076] In this manner, the PCB 110 can be considered to be at least partially enclosed by the first and second housing portions 102, 104, and thus the housing 106. In use, the first housing portion 102 is disposed above the second housing portion 104, and therefore the first housing portion 102 can also be referred to as the "upper" housing portion, and the second housing portion 104 can also be referred to as the "lower" housing portion.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first and second housing portions 102, 104 are arranged to be attached together to form the housing 106. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the first and second housing portions 102, 104 may be attached together using an interlocking hook arrangement, whereby the first and second housing portions 102, 104 may slidably engage to form the housing 106. In this case, the second housing portion 104 includes two hook portions 116a, 116b that extend away from the body of the second housing portion 104 and are upward extensions when the connection assembly 100 is in use. The hook portions 116a, 116b are located on opposite sides of the second housing portion 104 and extend along substantially the entire length of the second housing portion 104. The first housing portion 102 also includes two hook portions 118a, 118b that extend downward when the connection assembly 100 is in use. Each hook portion 118a, 118b defines a corresponding groove 120a, 120b. The grooves 120a, 120b and hook portions 118a, 118b are located on opposite sides of the first housing portion 102 and extend along substantially the entire length of the second housing portion 102.

[0078] The hook portions 118a, 118b on the first housing portion 102 are sized and shaped to cooperate with the hook portions 116a, 116b on the second housing portion 104. In this manner, when the first and second housing portions 102, 104 are connected to one another, the hook portions 116a, 116b of the second housing portion 104 interlock with the hook portions 118a, 118b of the second housing portion 104, and the hook portions 116a, 116b of the second housing portion 104 are retained within the grooves 120a, 120b, as shown in FIG.

[0079] Although the hook portions 118a, 118b; 116a, 116b have been described as extending along substantially the entire length of the first and second housing portions 102, 104, in some examples the hook portions 118a, 118b; 116a, 116b may extend partially along the first and second housing portions 102, 104, or there may be a series (i.e., a plurality) of spaced-apart hook portions 118a, 118b; 116a, 116b on each of the first and second housing portions 102, 104.

[0080] Any other suitable arrangement for attaching the first and second housing portions 102, 104 may be used, for example a snap-fit ​​arrangement.

[0081] The housing 106, i.e., the first and second housing portions 102, 104, are preferably formed from a polymer. The first housing portion 102 is preferably formed by injection molding, and the second housing portion 104 is preferably formed by extrusion. Of course, any other suitable process for manufacturing the first and second housing portions 102, 104 may be used.

[0082] 8 , the first housing portion 102 includes a plurality of openings 108. Each opening 108 is configured to receive a portion of the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 and facilitate electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the control system 60. Accordingly, the housing 106 has a plurality of spaced-apart openings 108 (i.e., a plurality of openings arranged in a spaced-apart configuration). The openings 108 may further be described as being spaced apart along a surface (i.e., outer surface) of the housing 106, and more preferably along a surface of the first housing portion 102. The openings open upwardly in the housing 106 and receive at least a portion of the control mechanism 28 therein.

[0083] The first and second housing portions 102, 104 each have an elongated configuration. More specifically, the first and second housing portions 102, 104 have a substantially linear rectangular configuration. The plurality of openings 108 are spaced apart in a linear configuration, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10 , such that when a transport module 2 is received in each of the openings 108, the transport modules 2 are aligned in a straight line or row along the first housing portion 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the openings 108 are evenly spaced apart.

[0084] A PCB 110 contained within the housing 106 forms part of the control system 60. Figure 9 shows the PCB 110 located within the housing 106. In this example, the PCB 110 also has an elongated configuration that substantially corresponds to the elongated configuration of the housing 106. The PCB 110 includes a plurality of electrical connection points 130 (which may also be referred to as electrical socket points) configured to receive and / or engage PCBs of the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2.

[0085] Each opening 108 on the first housing portion 102 forms a portion of a socket 112 configured to allow a portion of the PCB of the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 to be received within the housing 106. The socket 112 facilitates making an electrical connection with an electrical connector of the transport module 2 such that electrical communication is established between the transport module 2 and the PCB 110.

[0086] Each opening 108 is substantially surrounded by a raised perimeter, also called a "berm," that partially defines a socket 112. The raised perimeter acts as a collar to prevent debris and fluids from passing through the opening 108 into the housing 106 and contacting the PCB 110 and other electrical components therein.

[0087] Opening 108 may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive a portion of control mechanism 28 such that, when received therein, the control mechanism substantially closes, and preferably seals, opening 108 from the external environment. In other words, the size and shape of the portion of control mechanism 28 received within opening 108 may substantially correspond to the size and shape of the opening, although opening 108 would, of course, be slightly larger to ensure a good fit. For example, opening 108 and control mechanism 28 may have a substantially rectangular configuration.

[0088] As previously mentioned, the PCB 110 is arranged to establish an electrical connection with the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 inserted within the opening 42 of the transport frame 40. Thus, the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 (i.e., in the form of a PCB) provides an electrical connector on the transport module 2.

[0089] To allow the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 to electrically connect with the PCB 110 of the control system 60, each electrical connection point 130 on the PCB 110 that electrically connects with the control mechanism 28 is disposed / positioned substantially below an opening 108 in the first housing portion 102. In this manner, each opening 108 may be associated with (correspond to) one of the electrical connection points 130. Thus, there are as many openings 108 as there are electrical connection points 130. The socket 112 may be formed by at least a combination of the openings 108 and their associated electrical connection points 130.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the connection assembly 100, the electrical connection point 130 on the PCB 110 of the connection assembly 100 comprises a PCI connector mounted on the PCB 110, which is positioned to receive at least a portion of a PCB forming part of the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2, thereby forming a direct physical ("plug and play") electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the control system 60 of the transport frame 40. In another example, the connection point on the PCB 110 of the connection assembly 100 includes a JST connector configured to receive an appropriate corresponding portion of the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2.

[0091] As previously mentioned, each transport module 2 is configured to be releasably mounted within an opening 42 in the transport frame 40 that establishes an electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the control system 60 of the transport frame 40. However, the PCBs 110 in the connection assembly 100 are configured such that, instead of the PCBs 62 being associated with the n×n openings 42 in the transport frame 40, the PCBs 110 are associated with the 1×n openings 42 in the transport frame 40. Thus, the PCBs 110 connect the multiple transport modules 2 in a row rather than in a grid.

[0092] 10 and 13, the connection assembly 100 includes a plurality of connectors 122 that enable the connection assembly 100 to be attached to the carrier frame 40. In the illustrated example, the connectors 122 take the form of a plurality of snap-fit ​​hooks 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d (which may be collectively referred to as snap-fit ​​hooks 126). The snap-fit ​​hooks 126 are arranged in two inwardly facing hook pairs (in this case, a first hook pair 124a, 124b and a second hook pair 124c, 124d) so as to be able to clamp onto a portion of the carrier frame 40. An arrangement of two (or more) sets of hooks 126 may be referred to as a "group" of snap-fit ​​hooks 126. As can be seen in FIG. 11 , the protrusions on each end of the snap-fit ​​hooks 126 engage (or snap) into corresponding slots on the carrier frame 40, thereby holding the connection assembly 100 in place relative to the carrier frame 40 and attaching it to the carrier frame 40 by the snap-fit ​​hooks 126.

[0093] Snap-fit ​​hooks 126 are disposed on the first housing part 102 and extend upwardly away from the first housing part 102. As shown in FIG. 10 , the openings 108 and groups of snap-fit ​​hooks 126 are alternately arranged along at least a portion of the length of the first housing part 102. In this manner, a group of hooks 126 is disposed between a pair of openings 108. At the end of the first housing part 102, instead of the groups of snap-fit ​​hooks 126, there are two half pairs of snap-fit ​​hooks 127. These half pairs of snap-fit ​​hooks 127 connect to the carrier frame 40 in the same manner as described above, as seen in FIG. 11 .

[0094] The connectors 122 attach the connection assemblies 100 to the carrier frame 40 (via one or more corresponding holes in the carrier frame 40) so that the connection assemblies 100 are substantially centered relative to the openings 42 in the carrier frame 40. As such, the openings 108 in the housing 106 are approximately centered in the x and y directions within the openings 42 in the carrier frame 40. Each opening 108 is also approximately centered relative to the width of the first housing portion 102. Because each opening 108 forms a portion of a respective socket 112, each socket 112 is centered within the openings 42 in the carrier frame 40 and is approximately centered relative to the width of the first housing portion 102.

[0095] 4 , the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 is offset relative to the centerline of the transport module 2. Because the opening 108 of the connection assembly 100 is substantially centrally located relative to the opening in the transport frame 40 (as described above), certain modifications can be made to the transport module such that the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 can establish an electrical connection with the PCB 110 of the connection assembly 100 when the transport module 2 is mounted within the opening 42 of the transport frame 40.

[0096] In particular, the casing 107 of the transport module 2 can be modified so that the control mechanism 28 is centered in the x and y directions within the transport module 2. The modified casing 107 allows the control mechanism 28 to be located below the motor 20, rather than next to it (as in FIG. 4).

[0097] FIG. 12 shows the underside of two transport modules 2, each having a control mechanism 28 within a casing 107. Line XX in FIG. 12 is a centerline passing through the transport modules 2 along the x-axis. Lines Y1-Y1 and Y2-Y2 indicate centerlines passing through each transport module 2 along the y-axis. In this case, the x-axis and y-axis are orthogonal and both lie in a horizontal plane. As can be seen, each control mechanism 28 is located on the centerline. In this way, the control mechanism 28 is centered within the opening 42 of the transport frame 40 and is therefore aligned with the socket 112 of the connection assembly 100 (and therefore with the electrical connection points 130 on the PCB 110).

[0098] 11 and 12 , adjacent transport modules 2 are alternately positioned along the connection assembly 100 and rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. This staggering provides better tessellation of the transport modules 2 when they are mounted within the transport frame 40. As a result of this staggering, the orientations of the control mechanisms 28 on adjacent transport modules 2 also alternate and are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. This means that adjacent electrical connection points 130 on the PCBs 110 within the connection assembly 100 must also be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other so that the control mechanisms 28 of adjacent transport modules 2 can each form an electrical connection with the PCBs 110 of the control system 60 of the transport frame 40.

[0099] For example, referring back to the previous example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the chute 30 extends substantially the entire length of one side of the transport module 2. To avoid potential interference between the chute 30 and the connection assembly 100 when the transport module 2 is mounted within the transport frame 40 and the connection assembly 100 is mounted to the transport frame 40, certain modifications must be made to the chute to ensure that the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 can establish an electrical connection with the PCB 110 of the connection assembly 100 when the transport module 2 is mounted within the opening 42 of the transport frame 40.

[0100] FIG. 13 shows an example of a modified chute 131. In this example, the width of the chute 131 is reduced compared to the width of the previous chute 30, so that the modified chute 131 extends only a portion of the length of one side of the transport module 2. For example, the modified chute 131 may extend less than half the length of one side of the transport module 2, as shown in FIG. 12. This configuration allows the modified chute 131 to pass through the connection assembly 100 and extend downward along one side of the connection assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 13. The modified chute 131 functions as before in that, when the transport module 2 is inserted into the opening 42 of the transport frame 40, the chute 131 extends through the connection assembly 100, and the opening 132 at the end of the chute 131 also extends through the connection assembly 100, allowing dust and water to be discharged from the inside to the outside of the housing 6 of the transport module 2. As the PCB 110 and electrical connection points 130 are positioned within the connection assembly 100, the modified chute 131 configuration ensures that the discharged dust and water do not accumulate on the PCB 110 and come into contact with other encapsulated electrical components.

[0101] 14 illustrates another embodiment of a connection assembly 200. The connection assembly 200 generally has similar features and functions in a similar manner to those described in connection with the previous connection assembly 100, and therefore, for ease of understanding, the following description of the connection assembly 200 uses the same reference numerals for these features.

[0102] As described above, the connection assembly 200 includes a plurality of openings 108, each corresponding to at least one of the electrical connection points 130 on the PCB 110 within the housing 106. The openings 108 are spaced apart from one another along the elongated first housing portion 102, as shown in FIG. 17 , for example. The openings 108 are alternately offset from one another along the length of the first housing portion 102. In other words, with respect to the centerline 133 of the first housing portion 102, adjacent openings 108 are alternately positioned on one side of the centerline 133 and the other side of the centerline 133. Furthermore, the electrical connection points 130 are configured to fit inside the openings 108 such that the openings 108 are substantially closed or sealed from the external environment. Accordingly, the sockets 112 are disposed within the openings 108.

[0103] When the control mechanisms 28 of the transport modules 2 are received in their respective sockets 112, the transport modules 2 are positioned in a row along the first housing portion 102. In this case, instead of the control mechanisms 28 being substantially centrally positioned within each transport module 2 (as shown in FIG. 12), the control mechanisms 28 may be offset to one side (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-4), as seen in FIG.

[0104] As before, a PCB 110 forming part of the control system 60 is housed within a housing 106 formed by the first and second housing portions 102, 104, as shown in Figure 15. An opening 108 forms part of a socket 112 for receiving the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2, establishing an electrical connection between the transport module 2 and the control system 60 of the transport frame 40, as described above.

[0105] As previously mentioned, each electrical connection point 130 on the PCB 110 that electrically connects with the control mechanism 28 of the transport module 2 is associated with an opening 108, so that the control mechanism 28 electrically connects with the PCB 110. Each electrical connection point 130 is located substantially below the opening 108 in the first housing portion 102. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , at least a portion of the electrical connection point 130 extends away from the PCB 110 through the opening 108. In this case, the electrical connection point 130 may take the form of a PCI connector attached to the PCB 110. In some examples, the connection point does not extend through the opening 108.

[0106] 14, the connection assembly 200 includes a connector 122 that allows the connection assembly 200 to be attached to the carrier frame 40 via mounting holes 123 provided in the carrier frame 40 in the same manner as described above. As shown in at least FIG. 16, two openings 108 are positioned between the groups of hooks 126, one opening 108 being positioned on one side of the centerline 133 of the first housing portion 102 and the other opening 108 being positioned on the other side of the centerline 133 of the first housing portion 102.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 18 , the connector 122 attaches the connection assembly 200 to the transport frame 40 so that the connection assembly 200 is approximately centered between two openings 42 in the transport frame 40. In this manner, one connection assembly 200 is associated with two adjacent rows (or columns) of openings in the transport frame 40. The offset arrangement of the openings 108 allows one connection assembly 200 to be used with two adjacent rows or columns of transport modules 2. For example, the opening 108 offset on one side is associated with a first row (or column) of transport modules 2, and the opening 108 offset on the other side is associated with the adjacent row (or column) of transport modules 2. This configuration reduces the number of such connection assemblies that need to be used with the transport frame 40. For example, when using the connection assembly 200 of FIGS. 14-18 , the number of connection assemblies can be reduced by half compared to the connection assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 8-13 . To enable the transport module 2 to be received by the opening 108 and an electrical connection to be established with the PCB 110, the transport module 2 used in this configuration of the connection assembly 200 should have a control mechanism 28 that is offset relative to the center of the transport module 2, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 2.

[0108] While the foregoing is directed to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that the invention is described herein purely by way of example and that modifications in detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Indeed, other and further embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this specification and may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection assembly for electrically connecting a plurality of transport modules to form a transport system, each transport module having a control mechanism, the connection assembly comprising: a housing having a plurality of spaced apart openings; a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed within the housing, the PCB including a plurality of electrical connection points, each of which is aligned with one of the plurality of openings in the housing; Equipped with each opening configured to receive a portion of a control mechanism of a transport module to establish an electrical connection with the encapsulated PCB by a direct physical connection between the control mechanism of the transport module and a corresponding electrical connection point on the encapsulated PCB; Connection assembly.

2. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein a PCB forms part of the control mechanism of each transport module, and the electrical connection points are configured to establish direct physical connections with the PCB.

3. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection point comprises a PCI connector.

4. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the number of electrical connection points is the same as the number of openings.

5. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the opening is configured to receive the portion of the control mechanism such that the control mechanism substantially closes, and preferably seals, the opening to the external environment.

6. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein each electrical connection point extends away from the PCB and at least partially into the opening.

7. 2. The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein each opening forms part of a socket configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical connector of a transport module, and electrical communication is established between the transport module and at least one of the electrical connection points.

8. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein each opening is centrally located relative to the width of the first housing portion.

9. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein each opening includes a raised periphery.

10. The connection assembly of claim 9 , wherein the raised perimeter edge includes a sloped portion.

11. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion configured to enclose the PCB therebetween.

12. The connection assembly of claim 11 , wherein the first and second housing portions each have an elongated configuration with the plurality of openings spaced apart to align the received transport modules.

13. 2. The connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second housing portions are configured to be attached together using an interlocking hook arrangement, preferably extending along at least a portion of a length of both the first and second housing portions.

14. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrical connection points are staggered such that adjacent electrical connection points have different orientations.

15. 15. The connection assembly of claim 14, wherein the orientations of adjacent electrical connection points differ by 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

16. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electrical connection points are disposed alternately on either side of a longitudinal centerline of the first housing portion.

17. The connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the connection assembly includes a plurality of connectors configured to attach the connection assembly to a transport frame of a transport system.

18. The connection assembly of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of connectors are configured to engage one or more slots on a carrier frame.

19. The connection assembly of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of connectors are disposed on the first housing portion.

20. The connection assembly of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of connectors are arranged in pairs along at least a portion of the length of the first housing portion.

21. 18. The connection assembly of claim 17, wherein the connectors and openings are alternately positioned along at least a portion of the length of the first housing portion.

22. 10. A transport module configured to form a connection with the connection assembly of claim 1, comprising: at least one rotatable element having an engagement surface configured to engage a surface of an object to be conveyed; a drive mechanism configured to rotate the at least one rotatable element such that rotation of the at least one rotatable element causes rotation of the engagement surface, thereby causing movement of the object; a control mechanism configured to control the rotation of the rotatable element; Equipped with the drive mechanism and the control mechanism are aligned in a vertical direction, the control mechanism extends away from the transport module and is positioned to make an electrical connection to at least one of the plurality of electrical connection points of the connection assembly. Transport module.

23. 23. The transport module of claim 22, wherein the control mechanism includes a printed circuit board (PCB).

24. 23. The transport module of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the control mechanism is positioned to be received by an opening in the connection assembly.

25. 25. A transport module according to claim 24, wherein said part of said control mechanism is arranged to substantially close, preferably seal, said opening to the external environment.

26. 23. The transport module of claim 22, further comprising a casing configured to at least partially house the control mechanism and at least partially house the drive mechanism.

27. 27. The transport module of claim 26, wherein the control mechanism extends at least partially through the casing.

28. 23. The transport module of claim 22, further comprising a through passage extending between a first opening at the top of the transport module and a second opening in the chute, the chute being configured to extend away from the transport module, preferably extending over less than half the length of one side of the transport module.

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