Tooling Assembly and System for Use in a Carrier Guide Rail System - Patent application

Abstract

A tool assembly for attachment to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system, the two transporters being movable relative to each other along the transporter guide rail, the tool assembly comprising a base and a linear actuator movable relative to the base, the base comprising a first coupler for attachment to one of the two transporters, the linear actuator comprising a second coupler for attachment to the other of the two transporters, the base comprising a first base portion attached to the first coupler, the first base portion being positioned between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the two couplers in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to tooling assemblies and systems for use in transporter guide rail systems, and more particularly to tooling assemblies and systems for positioning at least two transporters of a transporter guide rail system onto the transporter guide rails of the transporter guide rail system. [Background technology]

[0002] Carrier guide rail systems are commonly used in production lines, particularly with automation equipment such as manufacturing robots, for example for manufacturing or assembly. Such a carrier guide rail system typically comprises a plurality of carriers and a carrier guide rail, where the plurality of carriers can be controlled and / or moved independently of each other in a transition path. The plurality of carriers are arranged and run linearly along the carrier guide rail, such as those known from the prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,876,896, U.S. Pat. No. 9,555,720, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,196,073.

[0003] In the production line, the manufacturing robots can be positioned near a transporter guide rail, and the transporters can travel linearly along the transporter guide rail and pass by each one of the manufacturing robots. Each one of the transporters can be used to carry a part, and as each transporter passes each of the manufacturing robots, the manufacturing robot can either take a part from the transporter, or place another part on the transporter, or attach a part to a part on the transporter.

[0004] A production line is usually arranged with multiple carriers, so that a factory usually requires a considerable number of carriers. These carriers can be mainly constructed from mechanical parts or with simple electronic parts, so that the cost of manufacturing / assembly can be reduced. Also, in order to reduce the design cost of the carrier guide rail system and increase the design stability, the movement of the carrier is generally only possible in one direction along the transition path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,876,896 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,555,720 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10,196,073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When manufactured products comprise more and more parts or need to be assembled in more steps or more complex movements, the demand for the number and complexity of manufacturing robots is also increased. However, the cost of each manufacturing robot is usually significant, so there is a demand to introduce a configuration that can be placed on a transporter, and such a configuration can also provide several movements to assist the manufacturing / assembly process, so that such a production line can be used to produce more complex products without having more manufacturing robots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention is defined by the appended claims to which reference should now be made.There is therefore provided a tool assembly for attachment to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system, the two transporters being movable relative to one another along the transporter guide rail, the tool assembly comprising a base and a linear actuator movable relative to the base, the base comprising a first coupling for attachment to one of the two transporters and the linear actuator comprising a second coupling for attachment to the other of the two transporters, the base comprising a first base portion attached to the first coupling, the first base portion being disposed between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the two couplings in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail.

[0008] As such, such tooling assemblies can be used to carry different equipment or mechanical configurations to assist in manufacturing / assembly processes on the base, and because the linear actuator is movable relative to the base, when the two carriers move relative to each other, movement of the linear actuator relative to the base can be used to initiate movement of such equipment or mechanical configurations such that they can output movement to assist in the manufacturing / assembly process.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first base part is configured to carry an actuating assembly or a tool set, and at least a part of the linear actuator is configured to act on the actuating assembly or the tool set, and when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters, the base moves relative to the linear actuator such that a rotational and / or translational movement of at least a part of the actuating assembly or the tool set relative to the transporter guide rail is initiated by at least a part of the linear actuator.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator extends along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail between a first end and a second end.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first base portion has a slot extending in a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail and in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, and the linear actuator has a support attached to a first end of the linear actuator, the support of the linear actuator being movable within the slot.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the second end of the linear actuator is configured to act on an actuation assembly or tool set when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters.

[0013] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the linear actuator is adjacent to the first base portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator is spaced from the base.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the tool assembly may be used in a system with an actuation assembly.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the actuation assembly comprises an extension element, the extension element extending along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail between a first end and a second end.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the extension element is connected to the drive in the direction of the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the extension element includes a driver disposed between the first and second ends, and the actuation assembly includes a driven member engaged with the driver.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the extension element is configured to be releasably attached to the linear actuator.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the extension element is configured to be pushed or pulled by an actuator body of the linear actuator when the linear actuator is attached to the extension element and the linear actuator moves relative to the base.

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first end or the second end of the extension element comprises a first transverse process and a second transverse process.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first transverse process is provided with a wheel that is rotatable about a central axis of the first transverse process, and the second transverse process is provided with a wheel that is rotatable about a central axis of the first transverse process.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the actuator body includes a first mating transverse protrusion configured to be positioned between the first transverse protrusion and the second transverse protrusion in the direction of the transition path defined by the carrier guide rail.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the base includes a guide arm and the actuator body includes a guide protrusion configured to move along the guide arm when the linear actuator moves towards the base.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first mating transverse projection has at least one of a first inclined surface angled with respect to a plane parallel to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and a direction perpendicular to the plane parallel to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and facing toward the base, and a second inclined surface angled with respect to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and a direction perpendicular to the plane parallel to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and facing toward the linear actuator.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator includes a drive device attached to a second end of the linear actuator, and the actuation assembly includes a driven member engaged with the drive device.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the actuation assembly comprises a rotating body attached to a first base part, the rotating body comprising a circular body, the driven member being disposed on an outer surface portion of the circular body, the outer surface portion being spaced from a rotation axis about which the rotating body is configured to rotate.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the driven member is a cam, the cam extending radially from an outer surface portion of the circular body.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the driven member is a protrusion projecting from an outer surface portion of the circular body.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the driven member comprises a cogwheel and the driver comprises a set of ratchet teeth that mesh with the cogwheel.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the actuation assembly comprises a linear actuator follower, the rotating body comprises a shifting member, the linear actuator follower comprises a mating shifting member, and the shifting member is engaged with the mating shifting member.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the shifting member is a plurality of ratchet teeth, the cogwheel is the shifting member, and the plurality of ratchet teeth mesh with the cogwheel.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the rotor is disposed between a set of ratchet teeth on the driver and a plurality of ratchet teeth on the linear actuator follower.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator follower extends along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail between a first end and a second end, the linear actuator follower is movably mounted to the first base portion in a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail, and a plurality of ratchet teeth are attached to the second end of the linear actuator follower.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the actuation assembly or tool set comprises a first gripping portion with a first gripping surface and a second gripping portion with a second gripping surface oriented toward the first gripping surface, the second gripping portion configured to protrude from the base in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, and the first gripping portion is movable relative to the second gripping surface along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first gripper is fixedly attached to the linear actuator.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first gripper is fixedly attached to the base.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the second gripper is fixedly attached to the base.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second gripper is attached to a linear actuator follower.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the actuation assembly includes a lift member extending along a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail between a first end and a second end.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the lifting member is a driven member.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the second end of the lift member is closer to the second end of the linear actuator than the first end of the lift member.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the driven member is at the second end of the lifting member.

[0044] According to one embodiment, at least one of the driving device and the driven member has an inclined surface extending between a first end and a second end in a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail and in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, and the second end is offset relative to the first end both in the direction parallel to the transporter guide rail and in the direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail.

[0045] According to one embodiment, at least one of the driver and the driven member comprises a cam surface.

[0046] According to one embodiment, at least one of the driver and the driven member comprises a guide track, the inclined surface forms part of the guide track, the driven member is attached to the second end of the lifting member, and the driven member is positioned in the guide track.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the base comprises a second base portion, the second base portion attached to the first base portion, and the linear actuator is disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the second base part comprises a base opening, and at least a portion of the actuation assembly is disposed between the first base part and the second base part.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the rotating body has a circular body comprising a central shaft, the central shaft having a protruding end that protrudes through an opening in the second base portion, and a spinner is attached to the protruding end of the circular body.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the lifting member is disposed between a first base portion and a second base portion, and a first end of the lifting member protrudes through an opening in the second base portion, whereby the lifting member is immovable relative to the base in a direction parallel to the carrier guide rail.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second base part comprises a block, the first end being adjacent to the block, whereby the lifting member is immobile relative to the base in a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first connector comprises a central passage, a first portion, a second portion, a locking base, and a locking control device, the locking control device being pivotable relative to the central passage between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking base comprises a locking unit, and the locking control device comprises a locking frame surrounding the locking unit.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the second connector comprises a central passage, a first portion, a second portion, a locking base, and a locking control device, the locking control device being pivotable relative to the central passage between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking base comprising a locking unit, and the locking control device comprising a locking frame surrounding the locking unit.

[0054] According to one embodiment, at least one of the base and the linear actuator comprises a coupling portion, the coupling portion comprising a neck portion, the neck portion adjacent a locking opening in the locking base.

[0055] According to one embodiment, when the locking control device is in the unlocked position the locking unit is spaced apart from the neck portion of the coupling and when the locking control device is in the locked position the locking unit is engaged with the neck portion.

[0056] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tool assembly may be used with a transporter guide rail system.

[0057] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the system may be used with a transporter guide rail system.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the transporter guide rail system comprises a transporter guide rail extending along an X-axis, a first transporter and a second transporter, the first transporter being movable relative to the second transporter along the X-axis in the transporter guide rail, a first coupler being attached to the first transporter and a second coupler being attached to the second transporter.

[0059] According to another aspect of the invention, the tool assembly may be operated by a method including the steps of attaching a first coupler to one of two transporters of the transporter guide rail system, attaching a second coupler to the other of the two transporters of the transporter guide rail system, moving the two transporters relative to each other along the transporter guide rail, and performing one or more rotational and / or translational movements of the actuation assembly or tool set relative to the transporter guide rail in response to movement between the two transporters along the transporter guide rail by contact between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the actuation assembly or tool set.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool assembly for attachment to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system, the two transporters being movable along the transporter guide rail relative to one another, the tool assembly comprising a linear actuator for attachment to one of the two transporters and a base for attachment to the other of the two transporters, the base being disposed between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the transporter guide rail in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, the base being configured to carry an actuation assembly or tool set, at least a portion of the linear actuator being configured to act on the actuation assembly or tool set, and when a first transporter moves relative to a second transporter, the linear actuator moves relative to the base to initiate a rotational and / or translational movement of at least a portion of the actuation assembly or tool set relative to the cartridge guide rail.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool assembly for attachment to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system, the two transporters being movable along the transporter guide rail relative to one another, the tool assembly comprising a base and a linear actuator adjacent to the base, the base comprising a first coupler for attachment to one of the two transporters and the linear actuator comprising a second coupler for attachment to the other of the two transporters, the base being positioned between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the transporter guide rail.

[0062] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a tool assembly for attachment to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system with a transporter guide rail, the transporter guide rail extending along an X axis, the two transporters being movable along the X axis on the transporter guide rail relative to the transporter guide rail and relative to each other, the tool assembly extending along X, Y and Z axes, the Y axis being perpendicular to the X axis and the Z axis being perpendicular to an XY plane defined by the X and Y axes, the tool assembly comprising a base, a first coupler, a second coupler and a linear actuator, the base being fixedly attached to the first coupler, the base being movable in the X axis direction relative to the second coupler, the base being movable in the Z axis direction between a first surface and a second surface. the linear actuator extends in the X-axis direction from a first end to a second end, the linear actuator is fixedly attached to the second coupler by a support extending in the Z-axis direction between the second coupler and the first end of the linear actuator, the linear actuator is movable relative to the first coupler in the X-axis direction, the first coupler is configured to be attached to only one of two transporters of the transporter guide rail system and the second coupler is configured to be attached to only the other of the two transporters of the transporter guide rail system, the first coupler is adjacent a first surface of the first base portion and a second end of the linear actuator is adjacent a second surface of the first base portion.

[0063] In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "one / that element, device, part, means, etc." are to be openly interpreted as a reference to at least one example of the element, device, part, means, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0064] Embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a transporter guide rail system with at least two transporters and a transporter guide rail in a production line. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a transporter guide rail system with at least two transporters and a transporter guide rail in a production line. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first transporter and a second transporter used in the transporter guide rail system of FIGS. 1A-1B. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first coupler configured to be attached to the first carrier of FIG. 2 and a second coupler configured to be attached to the second carrier of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a tool assembly in one embodiment for use in a transporter guide rail system such as that shown in FIG. 1; FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic perspective view of a linear actuator from the tool assembly of FIG. 4 attached to the second transporter of FIG. 2 by the second coupler of FIG. 3, and the first coupler of FIG. 3 attached to the first transporter of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first layer of a first base portion of a base, a linear guide unit of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a second part of the first coupler of FIG. 3, and a second part of the second coupler of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a linear guide rail and linear guide follower for forming a linear guide unit for the tool assembly of FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a schematic perspective view of a linear actuator of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a first base portion of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, and a linear guide unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a drive for mounting to the linear actuator of FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an actuation assembly of the tool assembly of FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an actuation assembly of the tool assembly of FIG. [Figure 11] 10A-10B is a schematic perspective view of the example actuation assembly of FIGS. 10A-10B actuated by a linear actuator with the drive of FIG. 9. [Figure 12A] 10A-10B are schematic perspective views of an example of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a first base part of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a linear actuator of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, and a second base part for the actuation assembly of FIGS. 10A-10B. [Figure 12B] 12B is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 4 with the second base part of FIG. 12A, in which the tool assembly is attached to the first and second carriers by the first and second connectors. FIG. [Figure 13A] 10A-10B, a linear actuator of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, another example of a layer of a first base portion for the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a second part of the first coupler of FIG. 3, and a schematic perspective view of an example linear actuator follower for the second part of the second coupler of FIG. 3. [Figure 13B] 10A-10B, a linear actuator of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, another example of a layer of a first base portion for the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a second part of the first coupler of FIG. 3, and a schematic top view of an example linear actuator follower for the actuation assembly of FIG. 10A-10B, a linear actuator of the tool assembly of FIG. 4, another example of a layer of a first base portion for the tool assembly of FIG. 4, a second part of the first coupler of FIG. 3, and a second part of the second coupler of FIG. 3. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a tool assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a tool assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the partially disassembled tool assembly of FIG. [Figure 16B] FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of the partially disassembled tool assembly of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a tool assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] 18 is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 17 and a schematic exploded view of the second base part of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 9 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a drive unit mounted on the linear actuator of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 20] 20 is a schematic perspective view of the linear actuator of FIG. 19, the drive device of FIG. 19, an exemplary first base portion of the base, and a lifting member. [Figure 21A] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a lifting member. [Figure 21B] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the interaction of a lift member with the drive arrangement of FIG. 19; [Figure 22] 20, the lifting member of FIG. 20, and an exemplary second base portion, in this example the first base portion and the second base portion forming a base. [Diagram 23] 23 is a schematic side view of a tool assembly having the actuation assembly of FIGS. 20-22, in which the tool assembly is attached to the first carrier of FIG. 2 by the first connector of FIG. 3 and to the second carrier of FIG. 2 by the second connector of FIG. 3. [Figure 24] 9 is a schematic side view of another example of a drive mechanism mounted on the linear actuator of FIG. 8 and another example of an actuation assembly for the tool assembly of FIG. 4. [Diagram 25] 3 is a schematic perspective view of another example of a base mounted to the first transporter of FIG. 2 and a linear actuator mounted to the second transporter of FIG. 2. [Figure 26] 3 is a schematic perspective view of another example of a base mounted to the first transporter of FIG. 2 and a linear actuator mounted to the second transporter of FIG. 2. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIGS. 25-26 along with an actuation assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIGS. 25-26 together with an actuation assembly in another embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIGS. 25-26 together with an actuation assembly in another embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIGS. 25-26 together with an actuation assembly in another embodiment. [Diagram 31] 27 is a schematic perspective view of the base of FIGS. 25-26 mounted on the first transporter of FIG. 2 and the linear actuator of FIGS. 25-26 mounted on the second transporter of FIG. 2. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a first connector and a second connector in another example. [Figure 33A] FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the first connector of FIG. 32. [Figure 33B] FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the first connector of FIG. 32. [Figure 33C] FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the first connector of FIG. 32. [Figure 34A] FIG. 33 is a schematic top view of a portion of the first coupler of FIG. 32. [Figure 34B] FIG. 33 is a schematic top view of a portion of the first coupler of FIG. 32. [Diagram 35] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the tool assembly of FIGS. 25-26 without the first coupler and the second coupler. [Diagram 36] 3 is a schematic perspective view of another example of a base mounted to the first transporter of FIG. 2 and a linear actuator mounted to the second transporter of FIG. 2. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of a connection between the linear actuator of FIG. 36 and the extension element in the base of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view of the linear actuator of FIG. 37. [Figure 39] FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view of the linear actuator of FIG. 37. [Diagram 40] 38 is a schematic perspective view of the extension element of FIG. 37 at the base of FIG. 36. [Diagram 41] 37 at the base of FIG. 36 and a schematic perspective view of a drive device in another example. [Diagram 42] 37 at the base of FIG. 36 and a schematic perspective view of a drive device in another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] An embodiment of the present invention provides a tooling assembly for the attachment of a transporter guide rail system with a transporter guide rail 1 to two transporters 2a, 2b (as shown in FIG. 2), as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Such a transporter guide rail system is commonly used in a production line together with automated equipment and / or manufacturing robots. The transporter guide rail 1 is configured to define a single axis transition path for a transport positioned on the transporter guide rail 1.

[0067] The tool assembly comprises a base and a linear actuator adjacent to the base. The base comprises a first coupler 3a; 3a' for mounting to one of the two transporters, and the linear actuator comprises a second coupler 3b; 3b' for mounting to the other of the two transporters. The base 4; 4'; 14; 24; 34 comprises a first base part 40; 401'; 140; 240; 340 mounted to the first coupler 3a; 3a', the first base part being disposed between at least a part of the linear actuator 5; 5' and the two couplers 3a; 3a', 3b; 3b' in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail (i.e. the transition path for the transporter). That is, at least a part of the linear actuator 5;5', the first base part 40;401';140;240;340 and the two couplers 3a;3a',3b;3b' are axially offset relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the carrier guide rail, the first base part 40;401';140;240;340 being closer to the two couplers 3a;3a',3b;3b' in a direction perpendicular to the carrier guide rail than the at least a part of the linear actuator 5;5'. Possible configurations are illustrated by the following two examples.

[0068] In a first example, at least a portion of the linear actuator 5 is adjacent to the first base part 40; 140; 240; 340 as shown in Figures 1 to 24 such that the first base part 40; 140; 240; 340 is positioned directly between at least a portion of the linear actuator 5 and the two couplers 3a; 3a', 3b; 3b' in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail.

[0069] In the second example, at least a part of the linear actuator 5' is not adjacent to the first base part 401'. Instead, the linear actuator 5' is spaced apart from the first base part as shown in Figs. 25-26. However, at least a part of the linear actuator 5', the first base part 401' and the two couplers 3a', 3b' are also axially offset relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail in this example, with the first base part 401' being closer to the two couplers 3a', 3b' in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail than the at least a part of the linear actuator 5'. Thus, the first base part 401' is disposed between at least a part of the linear actuator 5' and the two couplers 3a', 3b' in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, as in the previous example. As with the previous example, because the linear actuator 5' is positioned farther from the coupler than the first base portion 401', movement of the linear actuator 5' along the transporter guide rail relative to the base 4' can bring at least a portion of the linear actuator 5' into contact with a tool set or actuation assembly located on the first base portion 401'. Regardless, the linear actuator is aligned with the first base portion 401' in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail.

[0070] In order to clearly explain the invention in detail, the tool assembly is defined to extend along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. As shown in FIG. 3, the X-axis is defined as an axis extending along the transition path defined by the carrier guide rail 1 (as shown in FIG. 1A), and the Y-axis is defined as an axis perpendicular to the X-axis and transverse to the transition path defined by the carrier guide rail 1. The X-axis and the Y-axis form an XY plane. The XY plane is parallel to the carrier guide rail 1. The Z-axis is defined as an axis perpendicular to the XY plane so as to be perpendicular to the transition path defined by the carrier guide rail 1. The carriers 2a, 2b are designed to move in only one dimension on the carrier guide rail 1. In all the examples disclosed in this description, the carriers 2a, 2b are only movable in the X-axis direction on the carrier guide rail 1. The tool assembly is configured to be attached to two such carriers 2a, 2b that are independently movable relative to each other in the X-axis direction on the carrier guide rail 1.

[0071] It should be noted that, as disclosed by the cited art referred to above, there are many different designs of transporter guide rail systems involving at least two transporters that are only movable in a single axial translation path, and how the transporters are controlled to move in the transporter guide rail system, or the design of the transporter guide rails, or the designs of the transporters disposed on the transporter guide rails, do not form part of this disclosure and since a variety of different such functionalities can be achieved, this feature will not be discussed in further detail herein.

[0072] In order to explain the present invention in detail, the following description will use two independently (in one dimension only) movable carriers on a carrier guide rail 1 as an example to explain the configuration of the tool assembly and the interaction between the tool assembly and the two carriers. The two independently movable carriers 2a, 2b can be defined as a first carrier 2a and a second carrier 2b. Also, for the sake of simplicity, the following example of the tool assembly as shown in all figures and described in all examples is based on the assumption that the carrier guide rail is placed on the factory ground, all carriers are placed on the carrier guide rail, and the carrier guide rail runs in a straight line parallel to the factory ground, although it can also be curved.

[0073] It should be noted that the tool assemblies in all embodiments can also be mounted to other types of transporter guide rail system configurations, such as a transporter guide rail system constructed as a suspension system in which the transporter guide rail is mounted to the factory ceiling and the transporter is linearly movably attached to the transporter guide rail, for example by a system of magnets or suspension rails.

[0074] As mentioned above, the first coupler 3a; 3a is intended to be attached to one of the two carriers of the carrier guide rail system, and in the following example, the first coupler 3a; 3a' is configured to be attached to the first carrier 2a and not to the second carrier 2b, and the second coupler 3b; 3b' is intended to be attached to the other of the two carriers of the carrier guide rail system, and in the following example, the second coupler 3b; 3b' is configured to be attached to the second carrier 2b and not to the first carrier 2a. In one example, as shown in Figure 3, the first coupler 3a and the second coupler 3b each comprise a first part 31, and the first part 31 of the first coupler 3a and the first part 31 of the second coupler 3b are identical. The first part 31 of the first coupler 3a is configured to be fixed to the first carrier 2a and not to the second carrier 2b, for example by one or more screw locks, rivet locks or magnets, and the first part 31 of the second coupler 3b is configured to be fixed to the second carrier 2b and not to the first carrier 2a, for example by one or more screw locks, rivet locks or magnets. In a preferred embodiment, such fixation between the first parts 31 of the first coupler 3a and the second coupler 3b and the carriers 2a, 2b is releasable so that the first carrier 2a and the second carrier 2b can be selectively attached to different tool assemblies or possibly used without tool assemblies depending on the manufacturing / assembly requirements.

[0075] The first coupler 3a comprises a second part 32a and the second coupler 3b comprises a second part 32b. The second part 32a of the first coupler 3a and the second part 32b of the second coupler 3b are adapted to be fixed to two different attachments of a tool assembly, which will be explained in detail later.

[0076] The first part 31 and the second part 32a of the first connector 3a can be a single integral part or can be formed as two separate items that are directly or indirectly fastened together, for example by screws, rivets, pins or snap-fastening elements. The first part 31 and the second part 32b of the second connector 3b can be a single integral part or can be formed as two separate items that are directly or indirectly fastened together, for example by screws, rivets, pins or snap-fastening elements.

[0077] The tool assembly comprises a base and a linear actuator, a first example of which is shown in Figures 4-5. Figure 4 shows the base 4 in one embodiment, and since the first part 31 of the first coupler 3a and the first part 31 of the second coupler 3b are identical to each other, Figure 4 shows only the second part 32a of the first coupler 3a and the second part 32b of the second coupler 3b.

[0078] Meanwhile, in another example, the first coupler 3a' and the second coupler 3b' can be fixed to the linear actuator and / or the base via a pivot lock mechanism as shown in Figs. 31-35. In this example, the first coupler 3a' and the second coupler 3b' can comprise a first part 31 for coupling with the two carriers as mentioned above, but the corresponding second part can be identical in this example. Alternatively, the first coupler 3a' and the second coupler 3b' can be identical to each other and attached to the two carriers through any suitable coupling, such as screws, rivets, or magnets. In this example, the cost and complexity of manufacturing and assembling the tooling assembly can be reduced. Since the first coupler 3a' and the second coupler 3b' in this example are identical to each other, the following description of the first coupler 3a' and / or the second coupler 3b' should apply to both the first coupler 3a' and the second coupler 3b'.

[0079] The first coupler 3a' as shown in Figure 32 comprises a central passage configured to receive a coupling in either the base 4;4' or the linear actuator 5';5'.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 33A, the first connector 3a' (and in this example the second connector 3b') comprises a first portion 30a', a second portion 30b', a locking base 31', optionally a locking element 32', and a locking control device 33'.

[0081] The first portion 30a' is attached to the second portion 30b'. The first portion 30a' and the second portion 30b' at least partially overlap each other in the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the XY plane, the first portion 30a' and the second portion 30b' can be generally any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, or a trapezoid. Similarly, when viewed from either the plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis or the plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis, the first portion 30a' and the second portion 30b' can be generally any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an ellipse, or a trapezoid.

[0082] In a preferred example, the length of the first portion 30a' measured along the X-axis or Y-axis is greater than the length of the first portion 30a' and the length of the second portion 30b' measured along the Z-axis. Similarly, the length of the second portion 30b' measured along the X-axis or Y-axis is greater than the length of the first portion 30a' and the length of the second portion 30b' measured along the Z-axis when the first portion 30a' is attached to the second portion 30b'. Furthermore, the length of the first portion 30a' and the length of the second portion 30b' measured along the X-axis or Y-axis is greater than the length of the first portion 30a' and the length of the second portion 30b' measured along the Z-axis.

[0083] The second portion 30b' is configured to engage either the first transporter 2a or the second transporter 2b. The first portion 30a' is configured to engage either a base or a linear actuator.

[0084] The second portion 30b' is configured to be secured to either the first carrier 2a or the second carrier 2b. The second portion 30b' can be secured to either the first carrier 2a or the second carrier 2b by any suitable fastening mechanism, such as screws, rivets, adhesives, or magnets.

[0085] The first portion 30a' is configured to support either a base or a linear actuator. It is not necessary that the first portion 30a' is securely fixed to either the base or the linear actuator. For example, if the transporter guide rail system is constructed on the ground at a factory, in this example, either the base or the linear actuator will be placed on the first portion 30a', and it is not necessary that the first portion 30a' is securely fixed to either the base or the linear actuator.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the first portion 30a' comprises a central opening and the second portion 30b' comprises a central recess. The central opening is aligned with the central recess in the Z-axis direction when the first portion 30a' is attached to the second portion 30b'. In another preferred embodiment, the first portion 30a' comprises a first recess and the central opening is disposed within the first recess. The second portion 30b' comprises a second recess and the central recess is disposed within the second recess. The first recess and the second recess face each other in the Z-axis direction when the first portion 30a' is attached to the second portion 30b'.

[0087] In a preferred example, the locking base 31', the locking element 32' and the locking control device 33' are configured to be received within a first recess in the first part 30a' and a second recess in the second part 30b' when the first connector 3a' itself is assembled.

[0088] In a preferred example, the second recess of the second portion 30b' comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second recess of the second portion 30b' comprises a first length measured along the Z-axis direction. The second portion of the second recess of the second portion 30b' comprises a second length measured along the Z-axis direction. The sum of the first length and the second length is equal to the length of the second portion 30b' measured along the Z-axis direction.

[0089] In a preferred example, as shown in Figure 33B, the locking base 31' comprises a locking unit 310', a mounting base 311a' for mounting to the second part 30b', a tubular body 311b' extending from the mounting base 311a', and a locking opening 311c' in the tubular body 311b'. The locking unit 310' can be a spherical, or disc-shaped, or any other shaped element.

[0090] In a preferred example, the mounting base 311a' is positioned in a second portion of the second recess of the second part 30b'. The mounting base 311a' can be secured to the second part 30b' in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by any suitable fastening mechanism, such as adhesive, welding, magnets, snap-fitting, form-fitting, screws, or rivets. For example, when the mounting base 311a' is positioned in the second portion of the second recess of the second part 30b', the mounting base 311a' can be any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, or a trapezoid, and the second portion of the second recess of the second part 30b' is a corresponding shape that is matched to the shape of the mounting base 311a'. When the mounting base 311a' is positioned within the second portion of the second recess in the second part 30b', the shape of the mounting base 311a' is closely surrounded by the second portion of the second recess in the second part 30b', such that the mounting base 311a' and the second portion of the second recess in the second part 30b' are fixed to each other in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the locking base 31' may include more locking openings and more locking units. In this example, the number of locking openings should be equal to or greater than the number of locking units.

[0092] The tubular body 311b' comprises a central tube portion configured to align with both the central opening of the first portion 30a' and the central recess of the second portion 30b'.

[0093] The locking element 32' is an optional element of the first coupler 3a'. When viewed from the XY plane, the locking element 32' may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a triangle, or a trapezoid. Similarly, when viewed from either the plane defined by the X and Z axes or the plane defined by the Y and Z axes, the locking element 32' may be generally any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an ellipse, or a trapezoid.

[0094] The locking element 32' includes a central cutout configured to align with a central opening of the first portion 30a' and a central recess of the second portion 30b'. The tubular body 311b' of the locking base 31' is configured to be positioned in the central cutout of the locking element 32'.

[0095] The locking control device 33' may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, or a trapezoid, or combinations thereof, when viewed from the XY plane. Similarly, when viewed from either the plane defined by the X and Z axes or the plane defined by the Y and Z axes, the locking control device 33' may be generally any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an ellipse, or a trapezoid.

[0096] The locking control device 33' comprises a cutout and optionally a handle portion 330'. In a preferred example, when the first connector 3a' comprises a locking element 32', the cutout of the locking control device 33' is formed as a corresponding shape that is matched to the shape of the locking element (when viewed from the XY plane).

[0097] The cutout of the locking control device 33' defines an inner frame around the cutout as the locking frame 331'. The locking control device 33' is at least partially disposed within a first portion of the second recess of the second part 30b'. The cutout is concentric with the central opening of the first part 30a', the central recess of the second part 30b', the central tube portion of the tubular body 311b' of the locking base 31', and the central cutout of the locking element 32' (if the first connector 3a' comprises a locking element 32').

[0098] The central passage of the first connector 3a' extends through the central opening of the first part 30a', the central recess of the second part 30b', the central tube portion of the tubular body 311b' of the locking base 31', the central cutout of the locking element 32' and is interrupted in a second portion of the second recess of the second part 30b' so that a connection of either the base or the linear actuator can pass through the first part 30a', the locking base 31', the locking element 32' and the locking control device 33'.

[0099] In a preferred example, the locking control device 33' is pivotable relative to the central passageway and is disposed within a first portion of the second recess in the second portion 30b'.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the locking base 31' is at least partially concentrically disposed within the locking frame 331' of the locking control device 33' and is attached to the second portion 30b' as previously described.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 33C, the central cutout of the locking element 32' defines an inner frame 320' with edges of the central cutout facing radially towards the central passage. The inner frame 320' defined by the central cutout of the locking element 32' is configured to at least partially surround the tubular body 311b', and thus surround the locking unit 310' and the locking opening 311c'.

[0102] The locking element 32' is also concentrically disposed within the locking frame 331' of the locking control device 33'. The locking frame 331' abuts the locking element 32' such that the locking element 32' is rotated when the user pivots the locking control device 33' at the handle 330' relative to the central passageway, thereby causing the locking frame 331' to be rotated together with the locking control device 33'.

[0103] The inner frame 320' defined by a central cutout of the locking element 32' comprises a release portion 321' and a locking portion 322'. The radial distance between each release portion 321' to the central passageway is greater than the radial distance between each locking portion 322' to the central passageway. In a preferred embodiment, the number of release portions and the number of locking portions is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of locking units 310'.

[0104] A plurality of locking units 310' abut an inner frame 320' of the locking element 32'.

[0105] The locking element 32' is concentrically disposed between the locking frame 331' of the locking control device and at least a portion of the locking element 32'. The inner frame 320' of the locking element 32' is molded to surround the locking unit 310' and the locking opening 311c'.

[0106] Figure 34A shows the locking element 32' in the unlocked position of the locking control device 33'. In the unlocked position, the locking unit 310' is received between the release portion 321' of the locking element 32' and the tubular body 311b' of the locking element 32'. When the locking control device 33' is rotated along the arrow T to the locked position of the locking control device 33', as shown in Figure 34B, the locking element 32' is also rotated by the locking frame 331' of the locking control device 33'. When the locking portion 322' of the inner frame 320' of the locking element 32' is rotated to align with the locking unit 310', since the radial distance from the locking portion 322' to the central passage is smaller than the radial distance from the release portion 321' to the central passage, the locking unit 310' is pushed into the locking opening 311c' as shown in FIG. 34B, so that the locking unit 310' protrudes into the central passage.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 35, the coupling in either the base 4;4' or the linear actuator 5;5' comprises a rod 4a' with a neck 4b'. The rod 4a' is configured to be at least partially received in a central passage of either the first coupler 3a' or the second coupler 3b' so as to be at least partially surrounded by the tubular body 311b' of the locking base 31'. The neck 4b' is aligned with the locking opening 311c' such that when the locking element is in the locked position as shown in FIG. 34B, the locking unit 310' protrudes from the locking opening 311c' and engages with the neck 4b' of the rod 4a', so that the coupling and either the base or the linear actuator are locked to the first and / or second coupler.

[0108] It should be noted that the locking element 32' is not required for a pivoting locking mechanism. For example, the locking and releasing portions in the inner frame 320' of the locking element 32' can be arranged on the locking frame of the locking control device such that rotation of the locking control device 33 can move the locking unit 310' into the locking opening 311c' when the locking control device moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0109] The base 4;4' is fixedly attached to the first connector 3a;3a' in the X-axis direction and is movable relative to the second connector 3b;3b' in the X-axis direction. The base 4;4' comprises a first base part 40;401' and optionally a second base part 43. The first base part 401' can be formed as a single layer rectangular plate-shaped part, as shown in Fig. 25, or as a multi-layer rectangular plate-shaped part, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0110] In an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first base portion 40 comprises a first layer 40' and a second layer 40''.

[0111] The coupling surface of the first layer 40' of the first base part 40 is fixed to a mating coupling surface of the second layer 40" of the first base part 40, for example by magnets, screws or rivets, such that the first layer 40' is fixed to the second layer 40". The second base part 43 is fixed to the first base part 40. In this example, the first base part 40 is fixed to the first connector 3a in the X-axis direction, for example via a screwed or riveted connection between the fixing part 42 of the first layer 40' of the first base part 40 and the mating fixing part 32a' of the second part 32a of the first connector 3a, such that the first base part 40 is immobile relative to the first connector 3a in the X-axis direction, so that the base 4 is fixedly attached to the first connector 3a. On the other hand, there is no fixed connection in the X-axis direction between the base 4 and the second connector 3b, so that the second connector 3b is not prevented from moving relative to the base 4 in the X-axis direction. Preferably, the fixing part 42 and the counter fixing part 32a' are releasably fixed to each other so that the first connector 3a can be reusable or selectively attachable to different types of foundations for tool assemblies, depending on manufacturing / assembly requirements.

[0112] The first base part is configured to carry an actuating assembly or a tool set, and at least a portion of the linear actuator 5;5' is configured to act on the actuating assembly or the tool set, such that when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters, the base moves relative to the linear actuator 5;5' such that a rotational and / or translational movement of at least a portion of the actuating assembly or the tool set relative to the transporter guide rail is initiated by at least a portion of the linear actuator 5;5'.

[0113] The tool set can be any suitable tool / equipment for a production line or manufacturing / assembly process in the market, and the design of such a tool set itself does not form part of the present invention. The present invention includes the detailed design of the actuation assembly, which will be described in detail later.

[0114] The operating assembly or tool set may be carried by the first base part 40; 401', in the illustrated example by the first layer 40' or the second layer 40" of the first base part 40, or, if the first base part is a single-layer part, the operating assembly or tool set may be carried by one surface of the first base part, or the operating assembly or tool set may be received between the first base part and the second base part.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the linear actuator 5;5' comprises an actuator body 50;50';50" extending along an X-axis between a first end 51;51';51" and a second end 52;52';52", as shown in Figures 5 and 25. The actuator body 50;50';50" may be of any suitable shape, such as a rod-like shape, a tubular shape, a generally rectangular shape, or a combination of different polygonal shapes.

[0116] In another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first end 51 comprises a support 51a extending in the Z-axis direction. The support 51a can be an integral part of the first end 51 of the linear actuator 5 or can be releasably attached to the first end 51 of the linear actuator 5. The support 51a is configured to be attached to the second connector 3b (as shown in the example) via a connection, e.g. a screw or rivet connection, between the support 51a and a fixed part 32b' in the second part 32b of the second connector 3b. Alternatively, the support 51a may comprise a connecting element with the rod 4a and the neck 4b such that the support can be fixed to the second connector 3b' by a pivot locking mechanism as described above.

[0117] As such, the support 51a is fixedly attached to both the first end 51 of the linear actuator 5 and the second coupler 3b; 3b' such that the linear actuator 5 is fixed to the second coupler 5b by the support 51a. There is no fixed connection between the linear actuator 5 and the first coupler 3a; 3a' / base 4 in the X-axis direction such that the linear actuator 5 is movable relative to both the first coupler 3a; 3a' and the base 4. Preferably, the support 51a and the fixed part 32b' are releasably attached to each other such that the linear actuator 5 and the second coupler 3b are reusable and the tool assembly can be made more compact by keeping the tool assembly disassembled during storage and / or transport.

[0118] The second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' is configured to act directly or indirectly on at least a part of an actuating assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4;4'. The first base part 40;401' may be positioned as close as possible to the first carrier 2a so as to keep the center of gravity of the first base part 40;401' together with the actuating assembly or tool equipment carried by the first base part 40;401' close to the first carrier 2a, so that the tool assembly can be tightly gripped in the first carrier 2a.

[0119] The second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' is configured to directly or indirectly interact with an actuating assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4;4' such that interposing the first base portion 40;401' between at least a part of the linear actuator 5;5' and the two couplers 3a;3a', 3b;3b' may provide greater design flexibility in the design of the tool assembly.

[0120] 5-24, the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 can be positioned adjacent to a portion of an actuation assembly or tool set carried by the first base portion 40, and the second end 52 can be fixed to a drive (described in more detail below) or an extension, such drive or extension being adjacent to a portion of the actuation assembly or tool set. The extension can extend from the second end 52 of the linear actuator in at least one of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0121] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25, the actuation assembly carried by the base 4′ may comprise an extension element 13 with a drive 6′; 36 adjacent to the actuation assembly. The extension element 13 extends along the X-axis direction between a first end 13a and a second end 13b. At least one of the first end 13a and the second end 13b protrudes from the first base portion 401′ in the X-axis direction, and the protruding first end 13a and / or second end 13b are configured to be moved by a second end 52′; 52″ of the linear actuator 5′ when the second transporter 2b moves relative to the first transporter 2a.

[0122] The extension element 13 may be formed as any suitable shape, such as a rod-like shape, a tube-like shape, or a generally rectangular shape. For example, as shown in Figures 25-30, the extension element 13 is a rod-like shaped element. Preferably, the extension element 13 comprises an elongated body in the X-axis direction. In another preferred example, a portion of the extension element 13 protrudes from the base 4' in the X-axis direction, such that the linear actuator 5' can easily contact the extension element 13 to move it.

[0123] The location of the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' depends on the location of the actuation assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4;4'.

[0124] In an example such as that shown in FIG. 5, the position of the second end of the linear actuator 5 in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted by the length of the support 51a in the Z-axis direction. In a preferred example, the first base part includes a slot extending through one or more layers of the first base part, and the support 51a of the linear actuator 5 protrudes partially or entirely through the slot when the linear actuator 5 is attached to the first base part 40. In the example shown in FIGS. 4-5, the slot 41 extends through both the first layer 40' and the second layer 40" of the first base part 40, and the support 51a of the linear actuator 5 protrudes through the slot 41 in both the first layer 40' and the second layer 40" of the first base part 40 when the linear actuator 5 is attached to the first base part 40 such that the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5, or a drive / extension fixed to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5, can be placed adjacent to a part of an actuation assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4.

[0125] The base 4; 4' is fixed to the first coupler 3a; 3a' but not to the second coupler 3b; 3b', so that the base 4; 4' is fixed to the first carrier 2a but not to the second carrier 2b, and the linear actuator 5; 5' is fixed to the second coupler 3b; 3b' but not to the first coupler 3a; 3a', so that the linear actuator 5; 5' is fixed to the second carrier 2b but not to the first carrier 2a (as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 25), and because the first carrier 2a and the second carrier 2b are movable relative to each other in the X-axis direction, the linear actuator 5; 5' is movable relative to the base 4; 4' (together with the second coupler 3b; 3b' and the second carrier 2b) in the X-axis direction.

[0126] The slot 41 provides space in the X-axis direction for the support portion 51a of the linear actuator 5 so that the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 can move relative to the base 4 and an actuation assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4.

[0127] The second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' is configured to directly or indirectly contact (via a drive or extension) a portion of an actuation assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4;4' and / or to directly or indirectly move (via a drive or extension) such portion during movement of the linear actuator 5;5' relative to the base 4;4' in the X-axis direction.

[0128] Such contact or movement may be designed as an actuation movement for such a tool set received / carried by the base 4;4', for example the base 4;4' may receive an oscillator configured to be switched on by such an actuation movement, or such contact or movement may be designed as a step movement for a part fixed to such a tool set received / carried by the base 4;4', for example the base 4;4' may carry a shelf for carrying a part and the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' may be fixed to a pin with a stamp head (in this example the stamp head is the extension) so that such step movement can stamp such a part, or in another example the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' may be fixed to an inspection probe (in this example the inspection probe is the extension) so that such step movement brings the inspection probe sufficiently close to such a part to perform an inspection.

[0129] It should be noted that the support 51a may need to protrude through the first base part, in which case the first base part 40 may not need to have the slot 41. The linear actuator may be moved closer or farther relative to the base to adjust the distance between the second end of the linear actuator, or the driver / extension fixed to the second end of the linear actuator, and the actuation assembly or tool set received / carried by the base 4 in the X-axis direction. Moving closer relative to the base may be more user friendly since the distance between the linear actuator and the base in the X-axis direction may be fixed, providing the user with a "zero" reference position, so that the user can easily calculate the speed or distance of the movement of the second carrier towards the first carrier that may result in such an actuation / stroke movement. Moving farther relative to the base may provide better design flexibility.

[0130] In another example, the base 4;4' can also be slidably connected to the second connector 3b. In this example, the base 4;4' is movably fixed to the first connector 3a in the X-axis direction as described above and movably placed (in the X-axis direction) on the second connector 3b. Such a configuration is preferred when the base 4;4' is heavy or relatively long in the X-axis direction, so that the first connector 3a (together with the first carrier 2a) and the second connector 3b (together with the second carrier 2b) can support the base 4;4' in the Z-axis direction. In examples such as those shown in Figures 4-7, the base 4;4' can only be placed on the second connector 3b without being attached to the base 4;4' and the second connector 3b. In other examples, particularly where the tool assembly is mounted on a carrier guide rail system that is a suspension system, the base may be positioned below the second connector 3b, in which case the base may be connected to the second connector by a suspension rail connection.

[0131] In a preferred example, an optional linear guide unit 45 may be arranged between the base 4;4' and the second coupler 3b to reduce friction between them created during the relative sliding movement. In the example shown in Figs. 6-7, the linear guide unit 45 may be formed by a linear guide rail 45a and a linear guide follower 45b. In one example shown in Fig. 6, the second coupler 3b comprises a linear guide rail 45a and the base 4;4' comprises a linear guide follower 45b configured to be slidably arranged (along the X-axis) in the linear guide follower 45b, for example by means of a groove and ridge (pointing towards each other) connection. Such groove and ridge connections may be designed to point towards each other in the Z-axis and / or Y-axis directions. Alternatively, the second coupler may comprise a linear guide follower and the base may comprise a linear guide rail.

[0132] The same linear guide unit can also be arranged between two other elements that are slidable relative to each other, so that friction created during the relative sliding movement between such two elements can be reduced. For example, another linear guide unit 45' can be arranged between the linear actuator 5 and the first base part 40, as shown in FIG. 8. The linear actuator 5 can be releasably attached to a linear guide rail, for example at a portion 53 between a first end 51 and a second end 52 of the linear actuator 5. The first base part 40 can be releasably attached to a linear guide follower, or alternatively, the linear actuator can comprise a linear guide follower and the first base part can comprise a linear guide rail. The linear guide follower is slidably arranged (along the X-axis) in the linear guide rail.

[0133] The present invention can provide one or more movements to participate in the manufacturing / assembly process, and all of the movements provided by the tooling assembly can be initiated by linear movement of the second carrier 2b in the carrier guide rail 1 along the X-axis relative to the first carrier 2a by moving the linear actuator 5;5' in the X-axis direction. As mentioned above, the linear actuator 5;5' is fixed to the second coupler 3b;3b' and not to the first coupler 3a;3a', such as by a support 51a or a pivot locking mechanism, so that the linear actuator 5;5' is fixed to the second carrier 2b via the second coupler 3b;3b' but not to the first carrier 2a. The base 4; 4' is fixed to the first coupler 3a; 3a' but not to the second coupler 3b; 3b' and therefore the linear actuator 5; 5' is movable relative to the base 4; 4' (together with the second coupler 3b; 3b' and the second carrier 2b) in the X-axis direction because the base 4; 4' is fixed to the first carrier 2a but not to the second carrier 2b and the first carrier 2a and the second carrier 2b are movable relative to each other in the X-axis direction.

[0134] The linear actuator 5;5' is configured to interact with an actuation assembly or tool set received or carried by the base, and the linear actuator 5;5' is also configured to control (by a second end of the linear actuator) one or more movements of the actuation assembly or tool set / equipment received or carried by the base by relative movement along the X-axis between the linear actuator 5;5' and the base.

[0135] It should be noted that the first base part is configured to receive or carry at least a part of the working assembly or tool set / instrument, such that the shape of the first base part can be changed depending on the size and / or shape of such working assembly or tool set. In the presented example, as shown in the figures, the first base part is formed by a plurality of rectangular plates attached to each other, and the second base part is a rectangular plate. However, the first and / or second base part may also be formed, for example, by circular, oval or triangular plates, or in the shape of a cube, such plates or cubes being attachable to each other.

[0136] Four embodiments of the actuation assembly are outlined below, describing the linear movement of the second carrier 2b on the carrier guide rail 1 in the X-axis direction relative to the first carrier 2a, or more specifically, the linear movement of the linear actuator 5; 5' along the X-axis relative to the first carrier 2a, for controlling in a generally mechanical manner one or more movements that the tool assembly and actuation assembly intend to provide to the manufacturing / assembly process. The actuation assembly in these four embodiments may optionally comprise an extension element 13.

[0137] In the first, second and fourth embodiments, the actuation assembly is preferably constructed of purely mechanical parts and components so that the cost of the tool assembly can be reduced.

[0138] The actuation assembly is attached to the base, for example the actuation assembly may be carried by the first base portion or may be received between the first base portion and the second base portion. The actuation assembly is configured to be in direct or indirect contact with the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5', either in contact with the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' or in contact with a drive or extension fixed to the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' (as described above). The actuation assembly may be coupled to a tool set configured to output one or more movements (such as at least one of a rotation, a gripping movement, and a straight movement in the Z axis) to a manufacturing / assembly process in response to relative movement in the X axis direction between the linear actuator 5;5' and the base (particularly, relative movement in the X axis direction between the second end 52;52';52" of the linear actuator 5;5' and the actuation assembly) or configured to be controlled by the linear actuator 5;5' (as described above).

[0139] In the first, second and fourth embodiments of the actuation assembly, the linear actuator 5 comprises a drive 6; 16; 26, alternatively the linear actuator 5' does not comprise a drive and instead the actuation assembly mounted to the base 4' comprises an extension element 13 which comprises a drive 6'; 36. The actuation assembly comprises a driven member which is engaged with the drive such that when the drive is moved together with the linear actuator 5; 5' in the X-axis direction the driven member is moved by the drive.

[0140] In a first embodiment of the actuation assembly, the second end of the linear actuator is adjacent to the actuation assembly. The driver 6 may be an integral part of the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 or may be fixedly attached to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5. The driver is preferably releasably attached to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5. In a preferred example, the driver 6 comprises a driver body 60 with a set of ratchet teeth 61 facing in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0141] On the other hand, in the first embodiment of the actuation assembly, the actuation assembly may comprise an extension element 13. The linear actuator 5' in this example is configured to interact with the actuation assembly by contacting the extension element 13. The driver 6' can be an integral part of the extension element 13 or can be fixedly attached to the extension element 13. The driver is preferably releasably attached to the extension element 13. In a preferred example, the driver 6' comprises a driver body 60' with a set of ratchet teeth 61' facing in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 27.

[0142] In a first embodiment of the actuation assembly, as shown in Figures 10A-10B and 27, the actuation assembly is a rotor 7; 7'. The actuation assembly disclosed in the example as shown in Figures 10A-10B is similar to the example disclosed in Figure 27, and therefore most of the following description of the example as shown in Figures 10A-10B is applicable to the example shown in Figure 27.

[0143] The rotor 7 comprises a circular body 70 and a central shaft 72. The central shaft 72 extends along a Z-axis direction and comprises a protruding end. The protruding end extends in the Z-axis direction away from the first base part 40, or, as shown in FIG. 11, extends in the Z-axis direction away from the second layer 40″ of the first base part 40. In one example as shown in FIG. 12A, the protruding end extends in the Z-axis direction away from the first base part 40 towards the second base part 43, and protrudes through a base opening 44 of the second base part 43 when the actuation assembly is attached to the base 4.

[0144] The foundation opening 44 is arranged in the second foundation part as a through hole in the example presented in FIG. 12A, and although the foundation opening 44 is a circular through hole, the foundation opening may be formed in other shapes, such as an ellipse, a rectangle, or a square. The second foundation part may have a generally flat surface parallel to the XY plane, and the foundation opening may be arranged in such a flat surface, or the foundation part may have a generally flat surface parallel to the XY plane, and the flat surface has a recessed portion recessed in the Z axis direction. The foundation opening may be arranged in such a recessed portion. As an example as shown in FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B, when the rotating body 7 is attached to the base 4 between the first foundation part 40 and the second foundation part 43 in the Z axis direction, the protruding end will protrude through the foundation opening 44 in the Z axis direction, and therefore protrude from the second foundation part 43.

[0145] The rotating body 7 optionally includes a spinner 73 woven into the protruding end of the central shaft 72, as shown in Figs. 12A-12B. The recessed portion of the second base part 43 is configured to receive the spinner 73. In a preferred example, the rotating body 7 is rotatable about the Z-axis. In a preferred example, as shown in Figs. 12A-12B, the linear actuator 5 and the actuation assembly are positioned between the first base part 40 and the second base part 43 in the Z-axis direction, such that the second base part 43 can provide a covering function to prevent dust, parts, or pieces of parts from entering or interfering with the linear actuator 5 and / or the actuation assembly, thereby causing the tool assembly to malfunction.

[0146] In this embodiment, the driven member 71; 71' of the actuation assembly is disposed on an outer surface portion of the circular body 70, which is circumferential from an axis of rotation about which the rotor 7 is configured to rotate, so that when the driven member 71; 71' is rotated (as described in more detail below), the rotor 7; 7' (circular body 70, central shaft 72 and spinner 73) is also rotated.

[0147] Preferably, the driven member is a cogwheel 71; 71' that rotates around a rotation axis as the rotor 7; 7'. In the example shown in Figures 10A-10B and 27, the rotor 7; 7' and the cogwheel 71; 71' are configured to rotate around the Z axis.

[0148] The rotating body 7;7' is attached to the first base part 40;401', for example, by a central shaft 72 that is rotationally fixed to the first base part 40;401' or in the form of a part of the first base part 40;401' that linearly limits the circular body 70 of the rotating body 7;7' in the X-axis direction. For example, if the rotating body 7;7' is fixed to the first base part 40;401' by the central shaft 72, the first base part 40;401' may comprise a fixing member. The fixing member generally surrounds the central shaft 72 so that the central shaft 72 can rotate relative to the first base part 40 without linear movement in the X-axis direction or with only a small linear movement (due to tolerances / friction).

[0149] In another example, the rotating body 7;7' is fixed to the first base part 40;401' by the shape of a part of the first base part 40;401', which may have a curved recess (e.g. a recess shaped like a circle with a part removed) curved towards the Y axis to partially surround the circular body 70 of the rotating body 7;7' or, more specifically, in the example presented in FIG. 11, to partially surround the cogwheel 71;71' such that the cogwheel 71;71' and the rotating body 7;7' are slidably fixed and rotatable relative to the first base part 40;401'.

[0150] In this example, the linear actuator 5;5' acts on the actuation assembly via the drive 6. The linear actuator 5;5' is slidable relative to the first base part 40 and the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5, the extension element 13 is adjacent to the cogwheel 71;71', and a set of ratchet teeth 61;61' on the drive 6;6' is meshed with the cogwheel 71;71'. As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 27, for example, when the second transporter 2b slides relative to the first transporter 2a along the X-axis in a direction as indicated by the arrow X1, the second coupler 3b;3b' and the linear actuator 5;5' also slide along the X-axis relative to the base 4;4' in the X1 direction. Due to the meshing between the set of ratchet teeth 61;61' and the cogwheel 71;71', linear movement of the linear actuator 5;5' in the X1 direction rotates the cogwheel 71;71' and thus the rotor 7;7' in a clockwise direction (as shown by arrow R). Thus, in this case, the actuation assembly generates a rotational movement (by way of the rotor 7;7' and / or spinner 73) in response to the linear movement of the linear actuator 5;5' relative to the base 4;4'.

[0151] On the other hand, when the drive 6' is fixed to the extension element 13, the linear actuator 5' acts on the actuation assembly via the extension element 13, as shown in Figs. 26-27, and when the linear actuator 5' is slidable relative to the first base part 401' and the extension element 13 is adjacent to the cogwheel 71', a set of ratchet teeth 61' on the drive 6' is meshed with the cogwheel 71'. As shown in Fig. 27, for example, when the second transporter 2b slides relative to the first transporter 2a along the X-axis in a direction as shown by arrow X1, the second coupler 3b' and the linear actuator 5' also slide along the X-axis relative to the base 4' in the X1 direction. Due to the meshing between the set of ratchet teeth 61' and the cogwheel 71', the linear movement of the linear actuator 5' in the X1 direction rotates the cogwheel 71' and thus the rotor 7' in a clockwise direction (as shown by arrow R). Thus, in this case, the actuation assembly generates rotational movement (by way of the rotor 7' and / or spinner 73) in response to linear movement of the linear actuator 5' relative to the base 4'.

[0152] The rotation angle of the cogwheel can be determined by the linear movement distance of the second transporter along the X-axis towards the first transporter, and the spinner may be coupled to the central shaft in a configuration that conditions the rotation ratio, e.g., an eccentric gear, such that the rotation angle of the rotor can be different from the spinner.

[0153] It should be noted that, alternatively, the rotating body may comprise a cam protruding radially from an outer surface portion of the circular body as the driven member, the outer surface portion being circumferential from an axis of rotation about which the rotating body is configured to rotate, or, in another alternative, the rotating body may comprise a protrusion (as the driven member) protruding along the Z-axis from the outer surface portion of the circular body. In this case, the outer surface portion of the circular body may comprise a ledge or a ring-shaped portion extending radially, the protrusion being located on such ledge or ring-shaped portion. The drive may comprise a protrusion extending in the direction of the Y-axis, the protrusion engaging with the cam or protrusion of the rotating body. In this example, the rotating body may only output a certain angle of rotation while the second carrier 2b is sliding relative to the first carrier 2a. The angle may be determined by the location of the cam or protrusion relative to the rotating body.

[0154] Spinner 73 is configured to rotate with the rotor due to the coupling between central shaft 72 and spinner 73. Spinner 73 is configured to interact with a manufacturing / assembly part or other manufacturing / assembly machine, such as a manufacturing robot, such that the output rotation can be transmitted to the manufacturing / assembly part or manufacturing / assembly machine. Spinner 73 may have a shape depending on the manufacturing / assembly requirements.

[0155] 12B, the spinner 73 can be in the form of a plate so that the manufacturing / assembly parts can be placed on the plate, or the spinner can be a shaft configured to protrude at least partially into the manufacturing / assembly parts, and the spinner 73 can be the only working assembly positioned in the second base part 43 so that the manufacturing / assembly parts / tools / equipment can be placed in the remainder of the space in the second base part 43 without affecting the working assembly.

[0156] In a second embodiment of the actuation assembly, the actuation assembly comprises a linear actuator follower 8; 8' as shown in Figures 13A-13B and 28. In this embodiment, the first and second couplers 3a; 3a', 3b; 3b', base 14; 4', linear actuator 5; 5', driver 6; 6', rotor 7; 7' and their connections are similar to those described in the first embodiment of the actuation assembly.

[0157] The linear actuator follower 8;8' is configured to be moved by the rotating body while the rotating body is rotated by the linear actuator 5;5'. The rotating body 7;7' comprises a variable speed member, which is configured to engage a mating variable speed member in the linear actuator follower. The actuation assembly disclosed in the example as shown in Figures 13A-13B is similar to the example disclosed in Figure 28, so most of the following description of the example as shown in Figures 13A-13B is applicable to the example shown in Figure 28.

[0158] For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the linear actuator follower 8 extends along the X-axis between a first end 81 and a second end 82. The linear actuator follower 8 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to a first base part 140 (shown in FIG. 14). Preferably, another linear guide unit 45" may be disposed between the linear actuator follower 8 and the first base part 140 to reduce friction between the linear actuator follower 8 and the first base part 140. The linear guide unit 45" is similar to that mentioned in the first embodiment of the actuation assembly. In the example as shown in FIG. 13A, the part 140' of the first base part 140 comprises a linear guide rail, and the first end 81 of the linear actuator follower 8 comprises a linear actuator follower that is slidable in the linear guide follower. Alternatively, the part 140' of the first base part 140 may comprise a linear guide follower, and the first end 81 of the linear actuator follower 8 may comprise a linear guide rail.

[0159] In a preferred example, the first base part 140 comprises a slot as described in the above embodiment. The support 51a of the linear actuator 5 is configured to protrude through the slot of the first base part.

[0160] In the same example, the second end 82 of the linear actuator follower 8;8' comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth 82a;82a' as a mating transmission member. The second end 82 of the linear actuator follower 8;8' abuts the first base portion 140.

[0161] The rotating body 7 may include a cogwheel 71 as mentioned in one example in the first embodiment of the actuation assembly. In this example, the cogwheel 71 is the driven member of the actuation assembly and the variable speed member of the rotating body 7. A plurality of ratchet teeth 82a are meshed with the cogwheel 71. In a preferred example, the cogwheel 71 is positioned between a set of ratchet teeth 61;61' of the driver 6;6' at the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 and a plurality of ratchet teeth 82a;82a' at the second end 82 of the linear actuator follower 8;8'.

[0162] The base 14 in this embodiment is fixedly attached to the first coupler 3a in the X-axis direction and is movable relative to the second coupler 3b in the X-axis direction, as described above. The linear actuator 5;5' can therefore move relative to the base 14 in the X-axis direction when the second carrier 2b moves relative to the first carrier 2a, as described above. As shown in FIG. 13B, the cogwheel 71 is meshed with both the set of ratchet teeth 61 and the plurality of ratchet teeth 82a. When the linear actuator 5;5' moves along the X-axis in the X1 direction relative to the base 14 (or only a portion 140' of the first base portion 140 is seen in FIG. 13B), such linear movement causes the cogwheel 71 to rotate in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow R. Therefore, rotation of the cogwheel 71, in the illustrated example, causes the linear actuator follower 8; 8' to move linearly along the X axis in the X2 direction relative to the portion 140' of the first base portion 140.

[0163] It should be noted that the linear actuator follower can be of different shapes and / or include movements in different directions depending on the requirements of the manufacturing / assembly process. For example, the linear actuator follower 8; 8' in the example shown in Fig. 13A-13B and Fig. 28 is configured to move linearly in the X-axis direction, so that the tool assembly can output (by the actuation assembly) two translational movements along the X-axis in opposite directions, together with one rotational movement used in the manufacturing / assembly process, when the linear actuator 5; 5' moves relative to the base along the carrier guide rail. The linear actuator follower can also be configured to move linearly in the Y-axis direction by arranging the contact point between the linear actuator and the cogwheel and arranging the contact point between the linear actuator follower and the cogwheel at 90 degrees offset. Alternatively, the linear actuator follower can be designed as another cogwheel that meshes with the cogwheel 71 of the rotor 7. In this alternative example, the linear actuator follower will rotate in the opposite direction relative to the cogwheel 71 of the rotor 7 as the linear actuator 5; 5' moves linearly in the X1 direction. In this example, the tool assembly can output (by the actuation assembly) two rotational motions, one clockwise and one counterclockwise, along with one translational motion used in the manufacturing / assembly process as the linear actuator 5 moves relative to the base along the carrier guide rail.

[0164] Also, instead of using a cogwheel as the driven member of the actuation assembly as described above, the driven member can also be a cam or protrusion located on the outer surface of the circular body of the rotor. In these cases, the rotor can have a cam or protrusion on one half of the outer surface of the circular body of the rotor and a series of ratchet teeth on the other half of the outer surface of the circular body of the rotor to move the linear actuator follower with a plurality of ratchet teeth (as shown in Figures 13A-13B and 28, or where the linear actuator follower has a cogwheel).

[0165] The linear actuator follower 8' may also include a spring 83, as shown in Fig. 28. In the illustrated example, when the extension element 13 is moved by the linear actuator 5' in the X1 direction, the linear actuator follower 8' moves in the X2 direction (due to the engagement between the shifting member and the counter shifting member). When the linear actuator 5' is no longer in contact with one end of the extension element 13, the spring 83 pushes the linear actuator follower 8' in the X1 direction, and due to the engagement between the shifting member and the counter shifting member, the extension element 13 is moved in the X2 direction.

[0166] In another example, the rotor may comprise a tubular shaped body extending along the Z axis direction. In this example, the driven member and the variable speed member may both be disposed around the periphery of the rotor's tubular body, the periphery of the tubular body being circumferential from the rotor's axis of rotation and offset relative to each other along the Z axis, so that the linear actuator follower may be offset relative to the linear actuator 5 along the Z axis, or may be moved in different dimensions, e.g., moved linearly along the Y axis when the linear actuator 5;5' moves in the X1 direction.

[0167] In other examples, the shifting member and the counter shifting member can be guide tracks and pins, for example, the rotating body can include a pin at an outer surface portion of its circular body, and the pin can extend along the Z axis. The linear actuator follower can include a guide track configured to receive the pin. In this example, the linear movement of the linear actuator in the X1 direction can, for example, cause the linear actuator follower to move in the directions of the X and Y axes, or in a curved path depending on the design of the guide track.

[0168] In a third embodiment of the actuation assembly, as shown in Figs. 14-15, the tool assembly includes a first gripping portion 9a and a second gripping portion 9b. In this embodiment, the base 14 is fixedly attached to the first connector 3a and is movable relative to the second connector 3b in the X-axis direction, as described above. In one example, at least one of the first gripping portion 9a and the second gripping portion 9b is configured to protrude from the base 14 in the Z-axis direction, and the other of the first gripping portion 9a and the second gripping portion 9b is movable relative to the base 14 along the X-axis. The first gripping portion 9a includes a first gripping surface 91a, and the second gripping portion 9b includes a second gripping surface 91b. The first gripping surface 91a and the second gripping surface 91b face each other in the X-axis direction. The first gripping portion 9a comprises a first gripping body 90a, and the second gripping portion 9b comprises a second gripping body 90b.

[0169] In one example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first gripping body 90a comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first gripping body 90a extends along the Z-axis between a first end and a second end. The second portion of the first gripping body 90a extends along the X-axis between a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion of the first gripping body 90a is coupled to the first end of the second portion of the first gripping body 90a. The first gripping surface 91a is fixed to the second end of the second portion of the first gripping body 90a. In a preferred example, the first end of the first portion of the first gripping body 90a is directly or indirectly fixed to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 (not shown) in the X-axis direction. The second gripping body 90b comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second gripping body 90b extends along the Z-axis between the first end and the second end. The second portion of the second gripping body 90b extends along the X-axis between the first end and the second end. The second end of the first portion of the second gripping body 90b is coupled to the first end of the second portion of the second gripping body 90b. The second gripping surface 91b is fixed to the second end of the second portion of the second gripping body 90b. In one example, the first end of the first portion of the second gripping body 90b is fixedly attached to the base 14, either directly or indirectly.

[0170] In this example, the tool assembly does not need to be arranged with an actuation assembly, and the first gripper 9a is attached to the linear actuator 5 and the second gripper 9b is attached to the base, so that when the linear actuator 5 together with the second carrier 2b is moved in the X-axis direction towards the second gripper 9b via the second coupler 3b, the first gripper surface 91a will also move linearly towards the second gripper surface 91b so that the part can be gripped between the first gripper surface 91a and the second gripper surface 91b. In this example, the tool assembly does not need to include a drive in the linear actuator 5, and the actuation assembly does not need to include a driven member that is matched with the drive.

[0171] Alternatively, the first gripper body can be formed as a rod extending along the Z axis or inclined along both the Z axis and the X axis between the first end and the second end, and the second gripper body can be formed as a rod extending along the Z axis or inclined along both the Z axis and the X axis between the first end and the second end. The first end of the first gripper is attached to the linear actuator and the first end of the second gripper is attached to the base. The first gripping surface is disposed at the second end of the first gripping body and the second gripping surface is disposed at the second end of the second gripping body.

[0172] The base 14 in this embodiment comprises a first base part 140 and a second base part 143. The first base part 140 is similar to the first base part 40 used in the first and second embodiments of the actuation assembly. The linear actuator 5 is movable along the X-axis relative to the first base part 140 as mentioned in the first and second embodiments. In a preferred example, the linear actuator 5 and the actuation assembly are positioned between the first base part 140 and the second base part 143 in the Z-axis direction such that the second base part 143 can provide the covering function as described above.

[0173] Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the tool assembly optionally includes a cover set 92a, 92b for covering the first and second gripping portions 9a, 9b. In one example, the cover set includes a first cover 92a and a second cover 92b. The first cover 92a is configured to cover the first gripping portion 9a, and the second cover 92b is configured to cover the second gripping portion 9b. In the example as shown in FIG. 15, the first cover 92a can cover a second portion of the first gripping body 90a, and the second cover can cover a second portion of the second gripping body 90b. The first cover 92a can include a first cover opening, and the second cover 92b can include a second cover opening, such as a second opening 92b' as shown in FIG. 15. The first and second gripping surfaces 91a and 91b may extend outwardly from the first and second covers 92a and 92b through the first and second cover openings, respectively.

[0174] In another example, the first gripper 9a and the second gripper 9b may both be configured to move relative to the base 14 in the X-axis direction. For example, the tool assembly may be arranged with an actuation assembly, preferably with a linear actuator follower, in which a first end of a first portion of the first gripper body 90a may be fixed directly or indirectly to a second end 52 of the linear actuator 5, and a first end of a first portion of the second gripper body 90b may be fixed directly or indirectly to a second end 82 of the linear actuator follower 8, as shown in Figures 16A-16B (the linear actuator follower 8 is described in detail in the second embodiment of the actuation assembly above). Translational movement of the linear actuator follower 8 moves the second gripper 9b towards the first gripper 9a.

[0175] In one example, the tool assembly includes a first connecting element 93a, the example first connecting element 93a extending along the X-axis between a first end and a second end, the first end of the first connecting element 93a being attached to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 and the second end of the first connecting element 93a being attached to the first end of the first portion of the first gripping body 90a. Similarly, the example second connecting element 93b extending along the X-axis between a first end and a second end, the first end of the second connecting element 93b being attached to the second end 82 of the linear actuator follower 8 and the second end of the second connecting element 93b being attached to the first end of the first portion of the second gripping body 90b, as shown in FIG.

[0176] It should be noted that alternatively, the first coupling element may be integral with the linear actuator or may be releasably attached to the linear actuator, for example at the second end of the linear actuator. The second coupling element may be integral with the linear actuator follower or may be releasably attached to the linear actuator, for example at the second end of the linear actuator follower. Also, the first gripping body may be integral with the linear actuator or may be releasably attached to the linear actuator, for example at the second end of the linear actuator. The second gripping body may be integral with the linear actuator follower or may be releasably attached to the linear actuator, for example at the second end of the linear actuator follower.

[0177] In the example shown in Fig. 16A-16B, the actuation assembly may comprise a driven member such as a rotor 7, as described above in the second embodiment of the actuation assembly. The rotor 7 may comprise a cogwheel 71 as a driven member. The linear actuator 5 may comprise a drive at the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5. The drive in this example comprises a set of ratchet teeth 61. The linear actuator follower 8 in this example comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth 82a. In this example, the cogwheel 71 is meshed with both the set of ratchet teeth 61 and the plurality of ratchet teeth 82a. The linear actuator 5 may move relative to the base 14 in the X-axis direction when the second transporter 2b moves relative to the first transporter 2a, as described above. When the linear actuator 5 moves along the X-axis in the X1 direction relative to the base 14 (or only the first base portion 140 is seen in Fig. 16A), such linear movement will rotate the cogwheel 71 in a clockwise direction. Rotation of the cogwheel 71 therefore causes the linear actuator follower 8 to move linearly along the X axis in the X2 direction relative to the first base portion 140 in the illustrated example.

[0178] The first gripping portion 9a is moved in the X1 direction together with the linear actuator 5, and the second gripping portion 9b is moved in the X2 direction together with the linear actuator follower 8, such that the first gripping surface 91a and the second gripping surface 91b are moved linearly towards each other in the X-axis direction, such that the part can be gripped between the first gripping surface 91a and the second gripping surface 91b.

[0179] Also, in another example, the base optionally comprises a gripping support 10 for supporting the part to be gripped between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface. The gripping support 10 can be fixed to the base, for example to a second base part as shown in FIG. 17, or the gripping support can be fixed to a rotating body spinner or other such as a motor-driven spinner unit so that the gripping support can rotate the part placed on it. In the former example, the gripping support can make the grip on the part more stable, and in the latter example, it can be adapted to the part that needs to be processed. For example, the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface may be equipped with a blade, for example so that the part can be ground evenly in a tool assembly.

[0180] The gripping support part 10 may be disposed between the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface in the X-axis direction and shifted in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first gripping surface and the second gripping surface.

[0181] Further, the base optionally includes a gripping guide rail 11, as shown in FIG. 17. In this example, the first gripping portion 9a and the second gripping portion 9b include a first rail connector 94a and a second rail connector 94b, respectively. The gripping guide rail 11 extends along the X-axis in one example. The guide rail 11 is preferably formed by two cylinders. The first rail connector 94a may be attached to the first gripping body 90a or may be an integral part of the first gripping body 90a. The first rail connector 94a is attached to the gripping guide rail 11 and is slidable in the gripping guide rail 11 in the X-axis direction. In a preferred example, the first rail connector 94a includes two ring-shaped portions, each of which is configured to surround one of the cylinders of the gripping guide rail 11. The second rail connector 94b is attached to the second gripping body 90b or can be an integral part of the second gripping body 90b. The structure of the second rail connector 94b is identical to the first rail connector 94a. Alternatively, the connection between the first and second rail connectors and the gripping guide rail can be formed by grooves and ridges facing each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0182] In other examples, the first gripping portion 9a includes the first rail connector 94a and the second gripping portion 9b does not include the second rail connector 94b, particularly when only the first gripping portion is configured to move relative to the base 140 and the second gripping portion is fixedly attached to the base 140. Also, in other examples, the gripping guide rail 11 may be inclined in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, depending on the design of the movement paths for at least the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion.

[0183] The gripping guide rail 11 can support at least one of the first gripping part 9a and the second gripping part 9b, and in particular can support the first gripping part 9a and / or the second gripping part 9b that are movable in the X-axis direction. In one example, as shown in FIG. 17, the gripping guide rail 11 is fixed to the second base part 143, and in an example in which the first gripping part 9a is fixed to the second end of the linear actuator 5, the gripping guide rail 11 can support the weight of the first gripping part 9a in the Z-axis direction. In an example in which the tool assembly is arranged on the first carrier 2a and the second carrier 2b, the linear actuator 5 does not need to support the normal force created by the weight of the first gripping part 9a, and therefore the friction between the linear actuator 5 and the first base part can be reduced. In an example where the first and second carriers are used in a suspended carrier guide rail system, the linear actuator 5 does not have to support the weight of the first gripper 9a, so that such weight of the first gripper 9a does not pull or bend the linear actuator 5 in the Z-axis direction. In an example where the second gripper 9b is fixed to the linear actuator follower 8, the gripper guide rail 11 can again support the weight of the first gripper 9a in the Z-axis direction. Similarly as described above, in an example where the tool assembly is arranged on the first and second carriers 2a and 2b, the linear actuator follower 8 does not have to support the normal force created by the weight of the second gripper 9b, so that friction between the linear actuator follower and the first base part can be reduced. In an example where the first and second transporters are used in a suspended transporter guide rail system, the linear actuator follower 8 does not need to support the weight of the second gripping portion 9b, and therefore such weight of the second gripping portion 9b does not pull or bend the linear actuator follower in the Z-axis direction.

[0184] The gripping guide rail 11 can also provide flexibility to design the relative movement between the first gripping part 9a and the second gripping part 9b, for example, the relative movement between the first gripping part 9a and the second gripping part 9b can be a movement in the Y-axis direction or a movement in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Such a relative movement between the first gripping part 9a and the second gripping part 9b can be designed by the selected position and / or orientation of the gripping guide rail 11. It should be noted that in order to maintain the gripping function, the first gripping surface 91a needs to face the second gripping surface 91b, and even the relative movement between the first gripping part 9a and the second gripping part 9b can be changed.

[0185] In this example, the first and second base parts may comprise parts capable of carrying and / or receiving the gripping guide rail arrangement. An example can be found in FIG. 18. The second base part 143 may comprise three plate-shaped parts arranged adjacent to each other, each plate-shaped part comprising one or two slots for the first and second gripping bodies to protrude through the second base part 143 and slide relative to the second base part 143. One plate-shaped part of the three plate-shaped parts comprises a support surface on which the gripping guide rail can be arranged, another plate-shaped part of the three plate-shaped parts comprises an opening that can receive the gripping guide rail, preferably such a plate-shaped part is arranged in a layer with a support surface, and the remaining plate-shaped parts of the three plate-shaped parts are configured to cover both the gripping guide rail and the first and second rail connectors, preferably such a plate-shaped part is arranged in a plate-shaped part with an opening or a plate-shaped part with a support surface.

[0186] It should be noted that the above mechanisms and configurations are also applicable when the tool assembly is constructed with the linear actuator 5' spaced apart from the base 4', as shown in Figures 25 to 31, and the actuation assembly comprises an extension element 13, preferably accompanied by a drive device 6'.

[0187] 19-24 and 29-30 show two examples for implementing the operation of the actuation assembly in the fourth embodiment of the actuation assembly, in which the first and second couplers 3a; 3a', 3b; 3b', the base, the linear actuator 5; 5' and their connections are similar to those described in the first embodiment of the actuation assembly. The actuation assembly in the fourth embodiment comprises a driven member, which is configured to contact a drive device attached to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 or a drive device attached to the extension element 13.

[0188] In one example, the driver 16; 26 used in the fourth embodiment of the actuation assembly includes an inclined surface 162; 261 extending in the X-axis and Z-axis directions between a first end 162a; 261a and a second end 162b; 261b. The second end 162b; 261b (shown in FIGS. 21B and 24) is offset in the X-axis and Z-axis directions relative to the first end 162a; 261a.

[0189] In one example, the driver 16 comprises a driver body 160 fixedly attached (e.g., releasably / non-releasably attached or an integral part of the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5) to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5. The driver body 160 comprises a guide track 161. The guide track 161 may be formed by a cutout or recess. The cutout or recess comprises an opening facing in the direction of the Y-axis. The angled surface 162 forms part of the guide track 161 as shown in FIG. 19.

[0190] The actuation assembly in this embodiment includes a lifting member 17; 27 as shown in Figures 20 and 24. The actuation assembly in this embodiment is configured to output translational motion in the Z axis direction by the lifting member 17; 27 when the linear actuator 5 moves relative to the base 24, 34.

[0191] In one example, the lifting member 17;27 extends along the Z axis between a first end 170a,270a and a second end 170b,270b as shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. 24. The driven member 171;271 of the actuation assembly is disposed at the second end 170b,270b of the lifting member 170;270. The driven member 171;271 engages the inclined surface 162;261, and the driven member 171;271 is configured to move along the inclined surface 162;261 from the first end to the second end of the inclined surface 162;261.

[0192] The lifting members 17; 27 are immovable in the X-axis direction relative to the base, and preferably the lifting members are also immovable in the Y-axis direction relative to the base, so that the lifting members 17; 27 can provide linear movement in the Z-axis direction when the second transporter 2b moves linearly along the X-axis relative to the first transporter 2a.

[0193] For example, the lifting member may be obstructed in the X-axis direction by a part of the first base part or a part of the second base part, or by a manufacturing / assembly robot or tool other than the tool assembly of the present invention. Also, when the lifting member is obstructed in the Y-axis direction, the lifting member may be obstructed by a part of the first base part or a part of the second base part, or by a manufacturing / assembly robot or tool other than the tool assembly of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the base 24 comprises a first base part 240 and a second base part 243. The first base part 240 is similar to the first base part in the first embodiment of the actuation assembly.

[0194] For example, the first base portion 240 may be provided with a slot, and the support portion 51a of the linear actuator 5 is configured to protrude through the slot. The second base portion 243 is provided with a base opening 244.

[0195] The base opening 244 is arranged in the second base part 243 as a through hole in the example presented in Fig. 22, and although the base opening 244 is a circular through hole, the base opening may be formed in other shapes, such as an oval, a rectangle, or a square. The second base part 243 may comprise a generally flat surface parallel to the XY plane, and the base opening 244 may be arranged on such a flat surface, as shown in Fig. 22. However, the second base part 243 may comprise a surface that is convex and / or concave with respect to the XY plane.

[0196] When the actuation assembly is attached to the base 24, between the first base part 240 and the second base part 243 in the Z-axis direction, the first end 170a of the lift member 17 protrudes through the base opening 244. Preferably, the shape of the inner contour of the base opening 244 matches the shape of the outer contour of the portion of the lift member 17 such that the base opening 244 closely surrounds the portion of the lift member 17 and thus impedes movement of the lift member 17 in the X-axis direction relative to the second base part 243 and movement of the lift member 17 in the Y-axis direction relative to the second base part 243.

[0197] Blocking the lifting member in both the X-axis direction relative to the base and the Y-axis direction relative to the base reduces the force transmitted from the linear actuator, through the driver and driven member, to the lifting member which is directed in multiple directions, thereby making the lifting member in this example suitable for pushing / lifting ridges or heavy parts.

[0198] In a preferred example, the linear actuator 5 and actuation assembly are positioned between the first base part 240 and the second base part 243 in the Z-axis direction such that the second base part 243 can provide the covering function as described above. In a preferred example, the lifting members 17, 27 are disposed between the first base part 240, 340 and the second base part 243, 343.

[0199] In one example, the driven member 171 includes a guide track 161, as shown in FIG 21B. The driven member 171 protrudes in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG 21A. When the lifting member 17 is attached to the drive device 16, the driven member 171 protrudes at least partially into a cutout or recess in the guide track 161. The base 24 in this embodiment is fixedly attached to the first coupler 3a in the X-axis direction and is movable relative to the second coupler 3b in the X-axis direction, as described above.

[0200] When the guide track 161 and the inclined surface 162 move in the X1 direction together with the linear actuator 5, the second coupler 3b, and the linear movement of the second carrier 2b, the driven member 171 is moved from the first end 162a to the second end 162b as shown in Fig. 23 (the second carrier 2b is moving in the X1 direction relative to the first carrier 2a). This is because the lifting member 17 is immovable relative to the base 24 in the X-axis direction, so the driven member 171 and the lifting member 17 can only move in the Z-axis direction (in this example, the lifting member 17 and the driven member 171 are moved in the Z1 direction) when the inclined surface 162 moves in the X-axis direction together with the linear actuator 5, the second coupler 3b, and the second carrier 2b.

[0201] In another example, as shown in Fig. 24, the driver 26 is fixedly disposed at the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5 as described above. The driver 26 has an inclined surface 261 but does not have a guide track. The lifting member 27 is similar to that mentioned above, but since the driver 26 in this example does not have a guide track, the driven member 271 does not need to protrude in the direction of the Y axis. The driven member 271 in this example can simply be the second end 270b of the lifting member 27.

[0202] The base in this embodiment is fixedly attached to the first connector 3a in the X-axis direction and is movable relative to the second connector 3b in the X-axis direction, as described above, and the first base portion 340 extends along the Z-axis, as described above.

[0203] The lifting member 27 in this example is immovable in the X-axis direction relative to the base (only the first base part 340 and the second base part 343 are shown in FIG. 24 ) and, optionally, is also immovable in the Y-axis direction relative to the base as described above. When the driver 26 and the ramp 261 move in the X-axis direction as described above together with the linear movement of the linear actuator 5, the second coupler 3b and the second transporter 2b, the driven member 271 is moved from the first end 261 a to the second end 261 b, and because the lifting member 27 is immovable relative to the base in the X-axis direction, the driven member 271 and the lifting member 27 can only move in the Z-axis direction.

[0204] The second base part 343 does not comprise a base opening in this example. Instead, the second base part 343 may comprise a block. The block may be formed by two protrusions aligned in the X-axis direction. The two protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The first end 270a of the lifting member 27 is located between such two protrusions in the X-axis direction. In another example, the block may be a recess arranged in the second base part and directed toward the first end 270a of the lifting member 27 in the Z-axis direction. Such a recess may be circular, elliptical, rectangular and / or triangular, and the recess may comprise an inner contour, which is adjacent to the first end 270a of the lifting member 27 in the X-axis direction when the first end 270a of the lifting member 27 protrudes at least partially into the recess. In a preferred example, the shape and size of the recess depend on the shape of the lifting member 27, in particular on the shape of the first end 270a of the lifting member 27. In this example, the first end 270a of the lifting member 27 at least partially projects into such a recess, and the first end 270a of the lifting member 27 is closely surrounded by the inner contour of the recess. Thus, movement of the lifting member 27 in the X-axis direction relative to the base can be impeded by the block of the second base part 343. In this example, the second base part can act as a lifting plate in a production line, such as the one shown in FIG. 24. A load L, such as a part or subassembly of a product, can be placed on the second base part and can be raised or lowered when the second carrier 2b moves linearly along the X-axis in the carrier guide rail 1 relative to the first carrier 2a.

[0205] The lifting member 27 optionally includes a spring 272 disposed between the second base portion 343 and the second end 270b of the lifting member 27. Preferably, the spring is a compression spring, and preferably the spring is configured to keep the second end 270b of the lifting member engaged with the ramp surface 261 at all times.

[0206] It should be noted that instead of locating the ramp 162, 261 as part of the driver 16, 26 attached to the second end 52 of the linear actuator 5, the ramp could also be located as part of the driven member. In this example, the second end 170b, 270b of the lifting member 17, 27 comprises a ramp that extends in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions between the first and second ends, the first end of the ramp being offset relative to the second end of the ramp in both the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0207] In this example, the second end 52'; 52" of the linear actuator 5' can act as a drive without attaching extra parts or the linear actuator can be as described above. The drive in this example can be fixed to the extension element 13 of the actuation assembly. The drive can be formed with a spherical, elliptical or rectangular head configured to engage with the inclined surface at the second end 170b, 270b of the lifting member 17, 27. As described above, when the linear actuator 5' moves in the X-axis direction relative to the base and the lifting member 17, 27, the drive will move along the inclined surface at the second end 170b, 270b from the first end to the second end of the inclined surface. The lifting member 17, 27 is stationary in the X-axis direction as described above, so that when the head of the drive moves along the inclined surface at the second end 170b, 270b from the first end to the second end of the inclined surface, the lifting member 17, 27 moves in the Z-axis direction relative to the base as described above.

[0208] In another example, as shown in Figs. 29-30, the inclined surface 372 is part of the lifting member 37. The lifting member 37 in this example will also act as a driven member of the actuation assembly. The driver 36 is fixed to the extension element 13. The driver 36 extends in the Z-axis direction between a first end 361 and a second end 362. In a preferred embodiment, the extension element 37 comprises a guide track 371, and the inclined surface 372 is part of the guide track 371. The first end 361 of the driver 36 is at least partially disposed adjacent to the inclined surface 372 in the guide track 371. In this example, the base 4' comprises a block 44'. The block 44' can be disposed in the second base part or as an independent element attached to the base 4'. In a preferred example, the block 44' comprises an inner frame 441' configured to at least partially surround the extension element 37 such that movement of the extension element 37 in the X-axis direction is hindered. As mentioned above, when the linear actuator 5' (together with the second transporter 2b) moves relative to the base 4' in the X-axis direction, the extension element 13 is pushed by the second end 52'; 52" of the linear actuator 5' such that the first end 361 of the drive device 36 moves along the inclined surface 372, thereby causing the lifting member 37 to move in the Z-axis direction.

[0209] The lifting member 37 may have a protrusion 373 as shown in FIG. 30, and the block 44' may have an opening 442' through which the protrusion 373 protrudes when the lifting member 37 moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0210] The ramps may be replaced by cam surfaces to be either part of the driver or part of the driven member depending on the requirements of the manufacturing / assembly process.

[0211] The linear actuator 5' may comprise two or more actuator bodies 50'; 50", all of which comprise a first end 51'; 51" and a second end 52'; 52". In this example, the linear actuator 5', when mounted on a transporter guide rail with multiple transporters with multiple bases 4', is slidable relative to the bases. One of the second ends 52' of the linear actuator is configured to act on an extension element. The extension element of an actuation assembly mounted on one of the bases may abut a cogwheel of the actuation assembly, with a set of ratchet teeth on a drive of that actuation assembly meshing with the cogwheel. Due to the meshing between the set of ratchet teeth and the cogwheel, the linear movement of the linear actuator rotates the cogwheel and thus the rotor 7. On the other side of the linear actuator 5', the other base may comprise an actuation assembly with an inclined surface that is part of the lifting member. The drive is fixed to the extension element. The drive extends in the Z-axis direction between a first end and a second end. When the linear actuator moves relative to the base in the X-axis direction, the extension element 13 will be pushed by the other second end 52' of the linear actuator 5' such that the first end of the drive moves along the inclined surface, thereby causing the lifting member to move in the Z-axis direction.

[0212] Stated another way, the linear actuator 5' comprises two or more actuator bodies 50'; 50" that can provide one or more movements to participate in the manufacturing / assembly process, and all of the movements provided by the tooling assembly can be initiated by relative linear movement, preferably along the X-axis, between the transporter to which the linear actuator 5' is attached and two or more transporters in the transporter guide rail 1 by moving the linear actuator back and forth in the X-axis direction.

[0213] Because the linear actuator 5;5' is configured to interact with one or more actuating assemblies or tool sets received or carried by the one or more bases, the linear actuator is also configured to control (by way of multiple second ends of the linear actuator) one or more movements of the actuating assemblies or tool sets received or carried by the base by relative movement along the X-axis between the linear actuator and the one or more bases, as described above.

[0214] Furthermore, the extension element 13 may comprise a compression or tension spring disposed between the extension element 13 and the base 4 along the X-axis direction such that when the linear actuator 5' contacts the extension element 13, thereby initiating a rotational / translational movement of the actuation assembly carried by the base 4', and when the linear actuator 5' moves away from the extension element 13, the extension element 13 is moved by the spring back to its original position, thereby generating a second rotational / translational movement of the actuation assembly.

[0215] In another example, as shown in Figures 37-40, the extension element 13' is configured to be releasably attached to a linear actuator 5". In this example, most of the parts of the tool assembly are similar to those described above, e.g., the coupler, the drive, and the driven member. Additionally, most of the structure of the base as described below is similar to the base 4' as described above, most of the structure of the extension element 13' as described below is similar to the extension element 13 as described above, and most of the structure of the linear actuator 5" as described below is similar to the linear actuator 5' as described above. Only the connection between the extension element 13' and the actuator body 50''' as described below differs from the previous description.

[0216] In this example, at least one of the first end or the second end of the extension element 13' protrudes from the first base portion 401' in the X-axis direction. At least one of the first end or the second end of the extension element 13' protruding from the first base portion 401' (e.g., the first end 13a' as shown in FIG. 37) comprises a first transverse process 131 and a second transverse process 132. In a preferred example, the first transverse process 131 comprises a wheel rotatable around the central axis of the first transverse process, and the second transverse process 132 comprises a wheel rotatable around the central axis of the first transverse process. Optionally, the base 4' comprises a guide arm 47 extending in the direction of the X-axis. The guide arm 47 comprises a first surface 47a and a second surface 47b. In one example, the first surface is inclined with respect to the XY plane and the Z axis, and in another example, the first surface 47a is a curved surface and extends in the direction of the Z axis from a position closer to the first connector 3a; 3a' to a position farther away from the first connector. In one example, the second surface is parallel to the XY plane, and in another example, the second surface is formed between a first edge parallel to the Y axis and a second edge parallel to the Y axis, the first edge being offset relative to the second edge in the direction of the Z axis, and preferably, the second surface in this example is a curved surface that curves between the first edge and the second edge.

[0217] In one example where the base 4' comprises a guide arm 47, the first transverse process 131 extends in the direction of the Y axis towards the guide arm 47. The second transverse process 132 extends in the direction of the Y axis towards the guide arm 47. In one example where the extension element 13' comprises a first transverse process 131 and a second transverse process 132, the first transverse process 131 and the second transverse process 132 are offset in the direction of the X axis and aligned in the direction of the Z axis, as shown in Figures 37 and 40.

[0218] As shown in Figures 37-39, the second end 52''' of the actuator body 50'' includes a first mating transverse projection 54 and optionally a guide projection 55. The first mating transverse projection 54 is configured to be positioned between the first transverse projection 131 and the second transverse projection 132 in the direction of the X-axis, as shown in Figure 37.

[0219] In a preferred example, the first mating transverse projection 54 has at least one of a first inclined surface 54a angled with respect to the XY plane and the Z axis and facing toward the base 4' and a second inclined surface 54b angled with respect to the XY plane and the Z axis and facing toward the linear actuator 5'.

[0220] The optional guide protrusion 55 is configured to move along a first surface 47a of the guide arm 47 and a second surface 47b of the guide arm 47 as the linear actuator 5' moves along the X-axis towards the base 4'. In a preferred example, the guide protrusion 55 comprises a wheel rotatable about a central axis of the guide protrusion 55. In a preferred example, the guide protrusion 55 extends in a direction angled relative to both the XY and YZ planes, as shown in FIG.

[0221] In an example where the first transverse projection 131 comprises a wheel, the first counter transverse projection 54 can move together with the wheel rotated by the first counter transverse projection 54 such that when the linear actuator 5′ moves towards the base 4′, either the base 4′ or the linear actuator 5′ can be moved in the direction of the Z-axis away from the first or second coupling by the engagement between the first counter transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131. Thereby, the first counter transverse projection 54 moves between the first transverse projection 131 and the second transverse projection 132 in the direction of the X-axis. Thereby, the actuator body 50′″ is attached to the extension element 13′ in the direction of the X-axis, whereby the movement of the linear actuator 5′ along the X-axis can pull or push the extension element 13′ via the engagement between the first counter transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131 and between the first counter transverse projection 54 and the second transverse projection 132.

[0222] The actuator body 50''' can be detached from the extension element 13' in the X-axis direction either by moving the linear actuator 5' in the X-axis direction at a predetermined speed away from the base 4' or by moving the extension element 13' in the X-axis direction to a stop position, i.e. to a position where the movement of the extension element 13' in the X-axis direction towards the linear actuator 5' is blocked by a part of the base 4'. Thereby, either the base 4' or the linear actuator 5' can be moved in the Z-axis direction by the engagement between the first mating transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131, whereby the first mating transverse projection 54 can move together with the wheel rotated by the first mating transverse projection 54 in the X-axis direction away from the base 4' so that the linear actuator 5' moves away from the base 4'.

[0223] The first and second inclined surfaces 54a and 54b are configured to facilitate the movement of the base 4' or the linear actuator 5' in the Z-axis direction away from the first or second connector by the first mating transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131 when both of them are raised in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 39, in an example where the first and second inclined surfaces 54a and 54b are facing away from the second connector 3b; 3b' in the Z-axis direction, the base 4' is configured to be lifted in the Z-axis direction by the engagement between the first mating transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131. This allows the linear actuator 5' to be attached and detached from the base 4'.

[0224] The guide arm 47 and the guide protrusion 55 are configured to facilitate the movement of the base 4' or the linear actuator 5' in the direction of the Z axis by the first mating transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131 when the guide arm 47 extends in the direction of the Z axis. In one example where the first surface 47a is a curved surface and moves in the direction of the Z axis from a position closer to the first connector 3a; 3a' to a position farther away from the first connector in the direction of the Z axis, the base 4' is configured to be moved in the direction of the Z axis away from the first or second connector by the engagement between the first mating transverse projection 54 and the first transverse projection 131. This allows the attachment and removal of the linear actuator 5' from the base 4'.

[0225] In this example, the drivers 6'; 16; 26; 36 may be arranged between the first and second ends of the extension element 13' as described above. Alternatively, the drivers 6" may be arranged to be pushed and / or pulled by the extension element 13'. For example, as shown in Figs. 41-42, the extension element 13' comprises a first end 13a' and a second end 13b'. In a preferred example, the driver body 60" of the driver 6" comprises a tubular section. The tubular section extends in the direction of the X-axis either between an open end 60a" and a closed end 60b" or between a first open end 60a" and a second open end 60b". In this example, the driver body 60" comprises a tubular section extending in the direction of the X-axis either between an open end 60a" and a closed end 60b" or between a first open end 60a" and a second open end 60b". A first end 13a' of the extension element 13' is configured to be pushed and / or pulled by the actuator body 50''', as described above. A second end 13b' of the extension element 13' is positioned within the tubular section of the driver body 60'' through an open end / first open end 60a''. In one example, the extension element 13' comprises a flange 13c'. The flange 13c' is configured to abut the open end / first open end 60a'' of the driver body 60''. The driver 6'' is moved by the extension element 13'. In one example where the extension element 13' is designed to only be pushed by the extension element, the flange 13c' of the extension element 13' is configured to abut the open end / first open end 60a" with a surface facing the open end / first open end 60a" of the driver 6" in the direction of the X-axis. In one example where the driver 6" is designed to be pushed or pulled by the extension element, the flange 13c' is immobile with respect to the driver body 60" in the direction of the X-axis. In this example, the flange is fixed to the wall of the driver body 60". The extension element 13' may be positioned within a recess formed by the driver body 60" forming a tubular section of the driver body 60". In an example where the tubular section of the driver body includes a closed end 60b", the second end 13b' of the extension element 13' is configured to abut the closed end 60b" of the driver body 60" such that the extension element 13' can push the driver 6". In other examples, the second end of the extension element is snapped into the tubular section of the driver body 60" such that the extension element can push or pull the driver 6".Further, in one example where the driver body does not have a tubular section, the extension element is configured to directly push against the driver body to move the driver. It should be noted that the example as shown in Figures 41-42 uses a driver 6" with a set of ratchet teeth 61" to illustrate the interaction between the driver 6" and the extension element 13, and that this described interaction is also applicable to the previously illustrated drivers 16; 26; 36.

[0226] In another example, the linear actuator 5; 5' and / or the base 4; 4' comprise one or more support wheels 46a, 46b. The support wheels are configured to rest on a platform that is normally located on one or both sides of the transporter guide rail (located in the direction of the Y axis). The support wheels are configured to lift the base or a part of the linear actuator when on the platform. Thereby, the linear actuator 5; 5' and / or the base 4; 4' bears a force applied in the direction of the Z axis towards the first and / or second coupler 3a, 3b (e.g., when carrying heavy items or items that will be pressed by other assembly tools), and the force is not transmitted to the transporter guide rail so that damage to the transporter guide rail can be prevented.

[0227] The inventive concept has been described above primarily with reference to certain examples. However, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments other than those disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended claims.

[0228] Certain aspects of the invention are described in clauses below. 1. A tooling assembly for attachment to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system, the two transporters being movable along the transporter guide rail relative to one another, the tooling assembly comprising: a base and a linear actuator movable relative to the base; the base includes a first connector for attachment to one of the two carriers; the linear actuator includes a second coupling for attachment to the other of the two transporters; the base includes a first base portion attached to the first connector; The first base portion is disposed between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the two couplers in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, the tool assembly.

[0229] 2. A tool assembly as described in clause 1, wherein the first base part is configured to carry an actuating assembly or a tool set, and at least a part of the linear actuator is configured to act on the actuating assembly or the tool set, and when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters, the base moves relative to the linear actuator such that rotational and / or translational movement of at least a part of the actuating assembly or the tool set relative to the transporter guide rail is initiated by at least a part of the linear actuator.

[0230] 3. A tool assembly as described in clause 1 or 2, wherein the linear actuator extends along a direction parallel to the carrier guide rail between a first end and a second end.

[0231] 4. A tool assembly as described in clause 3, wherein the second end of the linear actuator is configured to act on an actuation assembly or tool set when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters.

[0232] 5. A tool assembly as described in clause 3 or 4, wherein the first base portion has a slot extending in a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail and in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, and the linear actuator has a support attached to a first end of the linear actuator, the support of the linear actuator extending movably within the slot.

[0233] 6. A tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the linear actuator is adjacent to the first base portion.

[0234] 7. A tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the linear actuator is spaced from the base.

[0235] 8. A tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the base comprises a second base portion, the second base portion attached to the first base portion, and the linear actuator is disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion.

[0236] 9. A tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first connector comprises a central passage, a first portion, a second portion, a locking base, and a locking control device, the locking control device being pivotable relative to the central passage between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking base comprising a locking unit, and the locking control device comprising a locking frame surrounding the locking unit.

[0237] 10. A tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the second connector comprises a central passage, a first portion, a second portion, a locking base, and a locking control device, the locking control device being pivotable relative to the central passage between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking base comprising a locking unit, and the locking control device comprising a locking frame surrounding the locking unit.

[0238] 11. A tool assembly as described in clause 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the base and the linear actuator comprises a coupling portion, the coupling portion comprising a neck portion, the neck portion adjacent a locking opening in the locking base.

[0239] 12. A tool assembly as described in clause 11, wherein when the locking control device is in the unlocked position the locking unit is spaced apart from the neck portion of the connection and when the locking control device is in the locked position the locking unit is engaged with the neck portion.

[0240] 13. A system comprising a tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, the system comprising an actuation assembly, the actuation assembly comprising a driven member engaged with the drive device.

[0241] 14. A system as described in clause 13, wherein the actuation assembly is disposed on the base and configured to be actuated by the linear actuator when the linear actuator moves relative to the base in the direction of the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail.

[0242] 15. A system as described in clause 13 or 14, subject to any one of clauses 3 to 6 or clauses 8 to 12, wherein the drive device is attached to the second end of the linear actuator.

[0243] 16. A system as described in clause 13 or 14 dependent on any one of clauses 3 to 5 or clauses 7 to 12, wherein the actuation assembly comprises an extension element, the extension element extending along a direction parallel to the conveyor guide rail between a first end and a second end, the extension element comprising a drive device disposed between the first end and the second end.

[0244] 17. A system as described in clause 13 or 14 dependent on any one of clauses 3 to 5 or clauses 7 to 12, wherein the actuation assembly comprises an extension element, the extension element extending along a direction parallel to the conveyor guide rail between a first end and a second end, the extension element being coupled to the drive device in the direction of the transition path defined by the conveyor guide rail.

[0245] 18. A system as described in clause 16 or 17, wherein the extension element is configured to be releasably attached to the linear actuator.

[0246] 19. A system as described in clause 18, wherein the extension element is configured to be pushed or pulled by an actuator body of the linear actuator when the linear actuator moves relative to the base, with the linear actuator attached to the extension element.

[0247] 20. The system as described in any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end of the extension element comprises a first transverse process and a second transverse process.

[0248] 21. A system as described in clause 20, wherein the first transverse process is provided with a wheel that is rotatable about a central axis of the first transverse process, and the second transverse process is provided with a wheel that is rotatable about a central axis of the first transverse process.

[0249] 22. A system as described in clause 19, or as described in clause 20 or 21 when dependent on clause 19, wherein the actuator body has a first mating transverse projection, the first mating transverse projection being configured to be positioned between the first transverse projection and the second transverse projection in the direction of the transition path defined by the carrier guide rail.

[0250] 23. A system as described in clause 22, wherein the base comprises a guide arm, and the actuator body comprises a guide protrusion configured to move along the guide arm when the linear actuator moves towards the base.

[0251] 24. A system as described in clause 22 or 23, wherein the first mating transverse projection comprises at least one of a first inclined surface angled relative to a plane parallel to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and a direction perpendicular to the plane parallel to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and facing towards the base, and a second inclined surface angled relative to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and a direction perpendicular to the plane parallel to the transition path defined by the transporter guide rail and facing towards the linear actuator.

[0252] 25. A system as described in any one of clauses 15 to 24, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a rotor attached to the first base portion, the rotor having a circular body, the driven member being disposed on an outer surface portion of the circular body, the outer surface portion being spaced from an axis of rotation about which the rotor is configured to rotate.

[0253] 26. A system as described in clause 25, wherein the driven member is a cam, the cam extending radially from an outer surface portion of a circular body.

[0254] 27. A system as described in clause 25, wherein the driven member is a projection projecting from an outer surface portion of the circular body.

[0255] 28. A system as described in clause 25, wherein the driven member comprises a cogwheel and the driver comprises a set of ratchet teeth meshed with the cogwheel.

[0256] 29. A system as described in any one of clauses 25 to 28, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a linear actuator follower, the rotating body comprises a variable speed member, the linear actuator follower comprises a mating variable speed member, and the variable speed member is engaged with the mating variable speed member.

[0257] 30. A system as described in the combination of clause 29 and clause 14, wherein the shifting member is a plurality of ratchet teeth, the cogwheel is the shifting member, and the plurality of ratchet teeth mesh with the cogwheel.

[0258] 31. A system as described in clause 29, wherein the rotor is disposed between a set of ratchet teeth on the driver and a plurality of ratchet teeth on the linear actuator follower.

[0259] 32. A system as described in clause 29 or 31, wherein the linear actuator follower extends along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail between a first end and a second end, the linear actuator follower is movably mounted to the first base portion in a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail, and the plurality of ratchet teeth are mounted to the second end of the linear actuator follower.

[0260] 33. A system as described in any one of clauses 13 to 32, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a first gripping portion with a first gripping surface and a second gripping portion with a second gripping surface oriented towards the first gripping surface, the second gripping portion configured to protrude from the base in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail, and the first gripping surface is movable relative to the second gripping surface along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail.

[0261] 34. A system as described in clause 33, wherein the first gripper is fixedly attached to the linear actuator.

[0262] 35. A system as described in clause 33 in combination with any one of clauses 15 to 23, wherein the first gripping portion is fixedly attached to the base.

[0263] 36. A system as described in clause 33, wherein the second gripping portion is fixedly attached to the base.

[0264] 37. A system as described in any one of clauses 34 to 36 dependent on clause 17, wherein the second gripper is attached to a linear actuator follower.

[0265] 38. A system as described in any one of clauses 14 to 24, wherein the actuation assembly includes a lifting member extending along a direction perpendicular to the conveyor guide rail between a first end and a second end.

[0266] 39. A system as described in clause 38, wherein the lifting member is a driven member.

[0267] 40. A system as described in clause 39, wherein the second end of the lifting member is closer to the second end of the linear actuator than the first end of the lifting member, and the driven member is at the second end of the lifting member.

[0268] 41. A system as described in any one of clauses 38 to 40, wherein at least one of the driver and driven member has an inclined surface extending between a first end and a second end in a direction parallel to the carrier guide rail and in a direction perpendicular to the carrier guide rail, and the second end is offset relative to the first end in both the direction parallel to the carrier guide rail and the direction perpendicular to the carrier guide rail.

[0269] 42. A system as described in any one of clauses 38 to 40, wherein at least one of the driver and the driven member comprises a cam surface.

[0270] 43. A system as described in any one of clauses 40 to 42, wherein one of the driver and driven member is provided with a guide track, the inclined surface forms part of the guide track, the driven member is attached to a second end of the lifting member, and the driven member is positioned in the guide track.

[0271] 44. A system as described in any one of clauses 13 to 43 dependent on clause 8, wherein the second base portion has a base opening and at least a portion of the actuation assembly is disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion.

[0272] 45. A system as described in any one of clauses 25 to 32 subordinate to clause 8, wherein the circular body of the rotor has a central shaft, the central shaft having a protruding end that protrudes through an opening in the second base part, and the spinner is attached to the protruding end of the circular body.

[0273] 46. ​​A system as described in clause 44 dependent on any one of clauses 38 to 43, wherein the lifting member is disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion, and a first end of the lifting member protrudes through an opening in the second base portion, whereby the lifting member is immovable relative to the base in a direction parallel to the carrier guide rail.

[0274] 47. A system as described in clause 44 when subject to any one of clauses 38 to 43, wherein the second base portion comprises a block and a first end of the lifting member is adjacent the block, whereby the lifting member is immovable relative to the base in a direction parallel to the carrier guide rail.

[0275] 48. A transporter guide rail system comprising a tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, a carrier guide rail extending along the X-axis; A first carrier and a second carrier; Equipped with the first transporter is movable relative to the second transporter along an X-axis on the transporter guide rail; A transporter guide rail system, wherein the first coupler is only attached to the first transporter and the second coupler is only attached to the second transporter.

[0276] 49. A conveyor guide rail system comprising a system as described in any one of clauses 13 to 47, a carrier guide rail extending along the X-axis; A first carrier and a second carrier; Equipped with the first transporter is movable relative to the second transporter along an X-axis on the transporter guide rail; A transporter guide rail system, wherein the first coupler is only attached to the first transporter and the second coupler is only attached to the second transporter.

[0277] 50. A method of operating a tool assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, comprising: attaching a first coupler to one of two carriages of a carriage guide rail system; attaching a second coupler to the other of the two carriages of the carriage guide rail system; moving two transporters relative to each other along transporter guide rails; performing one or more rotational and / or translational movements of the actuation assembly or tool set relative to the transporter guide rail in response to movement between the two transporters along the transporter guide rail by contact between at least a portion of the linear actuator and the actuation assembly or tool set; The method includes: [Explanation of symbols]

[0278] 1 Transporter guide rail 2a, 2b Transporter 3a, 3a' First coupler 3b, 3b' Second connector 4, 4' base 4a, 4a' Rod 4b, 4b' neck 5, 5', 5" Linear Actuator 5b Second Coupler 6, 6', 6" Drive Unit 7, 7' Rotating body 8, 8' Linear Actuator Follower 9a First gripping portion 9b Second gripping part 10 Gripping support part 11 Grip guide rail 13, 13' extension element 13a, 13a' First end 13b, 13b' second end 13c' flange 14 Base 16 Drive unit 17 Lifting member 24 Base 26 Drive unit 27 Lifting member 30a' First Part 30b' Second part 31 First Part 31' Locking base 32' Locking element 32a, 32b Second part 32a' Mating fixed part 32b' Fixing parts 33' Locking control device 34 Base 36 Drive unit 37 Lifting member 40 First Basic Part 42 Fixed part 43 Second Basic Part 44 Foundation opening 44' Block 45, 45', 45" Linear Guide Unit 45a Linear guide rail 45b Linear guide follower 46a, 46b Support wheels 47 Guide Arm 50', 50', 50", 50'' Actuator Body 51, 51', 51" First end 51a Support part 52, 52', 52", 52'' Second End 53 A part of the linear actuator 5 54 First opposing transverse process 54a First inclined surface 54b Second inclined surface 55 Guide protrusion 60, 60', 60" Drive unit body 60a" open end, first open end 60b" closed end, second open end 61, 61' ratchet teeth 70 Circular body 71, 71' Driven member, cogwheel 72 Central Shaft 73 Spina 81 First End 82 Second End 82a, 82a' ratchet teeth 83 Spring 90a First gripping body 90b Second gripping body 91a first gripping surface 91b Second gripping surface 92a First Cover 92b Second cover 92b' Second opening 93a First connecting element 93b Second connecting element 94a First rail connector 94b Second rail connector 131 First transverse process 132 Second transverse process 140 First Basic Part 140' A part of the first base part 140 143 Second Basic Part 160 Drive unit body 161 Guideway 162 Slope 162a First end 162b Second end 170 Lifting member 170a First end 170b Second end 171 Driven member 240 First Base Part 243 Second Basic Part 244 Foundation opening 261 Slope 261a First End 261b Second End 270 Lifting member 270a First end 270b Second end 271 Driven member 272 Spring 310' Locking unit 311a' Mounting base 311b' tubular body 311c' Locking opening 320' Inner Frame 321' Released part 322' Locking part 330' Handle 331' Locking frame 340 First Base Part 343 Second Foundation 372 Slope 373 Protrusion 401' First base part 441' Inner Frame 442' opening L load

Claims

1. 1. A tooling assembly for mounting to two transporters of a transporter guide rail system, said two transporters being movable relative to each other along a transporter guide rail (1) of said transporter guide rail system, said tooling assembly comprising: Base (4; 4'; 14; 24) and a linear actuator (5; 5') movable relative to said base (4; 4'; 14; 24); Equipped with said base (4; 4'; 14; 24) comprises a first connector (3a; 3a') for attachment to one of said two carriers; said linear actuator (5; 5') comprises a second coupling (3b; 3b') for attachment to the other of said two carriers; said base (4; 4'; 14; 24) comprises a first base part (40; 401'; 140; 240; 340) attached to said first connector (3a; 3a'); a locking control device pivotable relative to the central passage between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking base including a locking unit, and the locking control device including a locking frame surrounding the locking unit.

2. 2. The tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first base part (40; 401'; 140; 240; 340) is arranged between at least a part of the linear actuator (5; 5') and the two couplers (3a; 3a', 3b; 3b') in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail (1).

3. 3. The tool assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first base part (40; 401'; 140; 240; 340) is arranged closer to the two couplers (3a; 3a', 3b; 3b') than at least a part of the linear actuator in a direction perpendicular to the transporter guide rail (1).

4. 4. The tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first base part (40; 401'; 140; 240; 340) is configured to carry an actuation assembly or a tool set, and wherein the at least part of the linear actuator (5; 5') is configured to act on the actuation assembly or the tool set, and wherein the base (4; 4'; 14; 24) moves relative to the linear actuator (5; 5') such that, when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters, a rotational and / or translational movement of at least part of the actuation assembly or the tool set relative to the transporter guide rail (1) is initiated by at least part of the linear actuator (5; 5').

5. 5. The tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuator (5; 5') extends along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail (1) between a first end (51; 51'; 51") and a second end (52; 52'; 52"), the second end (52; 52'; 52") of the linear actuator (5; 5') being configured to act on an actuation assembly or a tool set when one of the two transporters moves relative to the other of the two transporters.

6. 6. The tool assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the base and the linear actuator comprises a coupling portion, the coupling portion comprising a neck portion, the neck portion adjacent a locking opening in the locking base.

7. 7. The tool assembly of claim 6, wherein when the locking control device is in the unlocked position, the locking unit is spaced from the neck portion of the coupling, and when the locking control device is in the locked position, the locking unit is engaged with the neck portion.

8. 8. A system comprising a tool assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, said system comprising an actuation assembly comprising a driven member (71; 71'; 171; 271; 37) engaged with a drive (6; 6'; 16; 26; 36).

9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the drive (6; 16; 26) is attached to a second end (52) of the linear actuator (5).

10. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the actuation assembly comprises an extension element (13), the extension element extending along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail (1) between a first end (13a) and a second end (13b), and the drive device (6'; 36) is disposed between the first end (13a) and the second end (13b) of the extension element (13).

11. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the actuation assembly comprises an extension element (13), the extension element extending along a direction parallel to the transporter guide rail (1) between a first end (13a) and a second end (13b), the extension element being coupled to the drive device (6") in the direction of a transition path defined by the transporter guide rail.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the extension element is configured to be releasably attached to the linear actuator.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first end or second end of the extension element comprises a first transverse process and a second transverse process.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the actuator body comprises a first mating transverse protrusion, the first mating transverse protrusion being configured to be located between the first transverse protrusion and the second transverse protrusion in a direction of a transition path defined by the transporter guide rail.

15. 15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the base comprises a guide arm, and the actuator body comprises a guide protrusion configured to move along the guide arm when the linear actuator moves towards the base.

16. A transporter guide rail system comprising a tool assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a carrier guide rail extending along the X-axis; A first carrier and a second carrier; Equipped with the first transporter is movable relative to the second transporter along the X-axis on the transporter guide rails; A transporter guide rail system, wherein the first coupler is only attached to the first transporter and the second coupler is only attached to the second transporter.

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