Conveying device for a linear transport system, and linear transport system

Abstract

The invention relates to: a conveying device (20) for transporting goods; a linear transport system (10); and a method for operating the linear transport system (10). The conveying device (20) comprises: a roller assembly (90) having at least a first roller (125) and a second roller (130) offset with respect to the first roller (125); a carrier unit (95) having a first carrier (115) and a second carrier (120); a first magnet assembly (100); a second magnet assembly (105); and a guide (110), wherein the first roller (125) is mounted on the first carrier (115) so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation (140), and the first magnet assembly (100) is fastened to the first carrier (115), while the second roller (130) is mounted on the second carrier (120), at a distance from the first roller (125), so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation (160), and the second magnet assembly (105) is fastened to the second carrier (120), at a distance from the first magnet assembly (100), wherein the guide (110) connects the first carrier (115) to the second carrier (120) in a manner allowing them to be displaceable along a sliding axis (250), the sliding axis (250) being inclined obliquely at an angle (α) relative to the second axis of rotation (160) in such a way that, when the first carrier (115) and the second carrier (120) are displaced relative to one another, a roller distance (l) between the first axis of rotation (140) and the second axis of rotation (160) can be varied.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Conveyor system for a linear transport system and linear transport system

[0003] The invention relates to a conveyor device for transporting goods, a linear transport system with the conveyor device and a method for operating the linear transport system.

[0004] The patent application claims priority from German patent application 10 2024 103 437.8, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0005] EP 3 476 773 A1 discloses a conveyor system comprising a carriage and a guide rail. The carriage has a plurality of rollers of a roller assembly and a pressing device. The pressing device is connected to one of the rollers, and the other rollers are arranged on the guide rail opposite the roller connected to the pressing device. The pressing device has a spring arrangement that presses the roller against the guide rail opposite the other rollers.

[0006] The spring arrangement in EP 3476 773 A1 is designed to ensure reliable contact between the rollers and the guide rail. However, as the rollers wear, the spring tension of the spring arrangement decreases, so that the rollers are pressed less tightly against the guide rail with increasing wear. This can lead to unwanted play between the conveyor and the guide rail. Furthermore, the design of the conveyor with the spring arrangement is complex and difficult to install.

[0007] EP 3 028 965 A1 discloses a conveyor device for conveying products. The conveyor device comprises a plurality of carriages, which can be moved individually relative to one another, for receiving the products, and a guide rail on which the carriages are guided. A linear motor drive unit serves to drive the carriages, wherein the carriages each have permanent magnets that are operatively connected to coils of the linear motor drive unit. Each carriage has a horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped base support with two legs that surround the guide rail on opposite sides. The base support is divided into at least two interconnected sections, each of which comprises a leg. The sections are movable relative to one another, whereby an opening width between the legs can be adjusted.From DE 10 2017 108 572 A1 a linear transport system for conveying an object is known, wherein the linear transport system comprises a stationary guide rail and a movable conveyor device, wherein the conveyor device comprises a first guide unit with a first roller, a second roller and a first turntable, wherein the first roller and the second roller are rotatably mounted on the first turntable and bear against the guide rail, wherein the guide rail has a longitudinal rail axis running in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first turntable is rotatably mounted about a turntable axis, wherein the turntable axis is arranged inclined, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal rail axis.

[0008] From DE 10 2021 107 189 A1 a transport system for conveying objects along a transport route is known, wherein the transport route is formed from at least one first transport route section and at least one second transport route section, wherein the transport system comprises at least one stationary guide rail and at least one runner movable along the guide rail for conveying the objects along the transport route.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a simply constructed conveyor device for a linear transport system, a linear transport system that is free of play over its service life and an improved method for operating the linear transport system.

[0010] This object is achieved by means of a conveyor device according to claim 1, by means of a linear transport system according to claim 11, and by means of a method for operating the linear transport system according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] It has been recognized that an improved conveyor device for a linear transport system can be provided in that the conveyor device has a roller arrangement with at least one first roller and a second roller arranged offset to the first roller, a carrier unit with a first carrier and a second carrier, a first magnet arrangement, a second magnet arrangement and a guide. The first roller is mounted on the first carrier so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation. Furthermore, the first magnet arrangement is fastened to the first carrier. The second roller is mounted on the second carrier so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation at a distance from the first roller. The second magnet arrangement is fastened to the second carrier at a distance from the first magnet arrangement. The first roller and second roller are designed to guide the carrier unit displaceably on the guide rail.The guide connects the first support to the second support so that it can be moved along a sliding axis. The sliding axis is oriented at an angle to the second rotational axis such that, upon displacement of the first support and the second support relative to each other along the sliding axis, the roller spacing between the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis can be changed.

[0012] This design has the advantage that the adjustable roller spacing of the conveyor system along the guide rail ensures optimal contact between the rollers and the guide rail. Furthermore, it can compensate for play between the rollers.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the first magnet arrangement is arranged on the first carrier facing the second magnet arrangement and provides a first magnetic field. The second magnet arrangement is arranged on the second carrier facing the first magnet arrangement and provides a second magnetic field. This configuration has the advantage that the first magnet arrangement and / or the second magnet arrangement can each act on a stator module in the assembled state and are each attracted towards the stator module even when the stator module is deactivated. Activation of the stator module is not necessary in order to position the rollers at the optimal distance on the guide rail. The conveyor device is therefore self-adjusting.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the first support is U-shaped and has a first support section, a second support section, and a third support section. The first support section and the third support section are arranged on a common side of the second support section and extend in a common direction away from the second support section. The first roller is rotatably mounted and attached to the first support section. This configuration has the advantage that, thanks to the U-shaped configuration, the first support can circumferentially enclose sections of the stator module of the linear transport system. Furthermore, the first support can be produced particularly easily and cost-effectively, for example using an injection molding process.Furthermore, the U-shaped design of the first support has the advantage that the first support can be designed to be particularly rigid and deformation-stable, and as a result, high loads can be supported on the first roller via the first support. In a further embodiment, the second support is U-shaped and has a fourth support section, a fifth support section, and a sixth support section. The fourth support section and the sixth support section are arranged on a common side of the fifth support section and extend away from the fifth support section in a common direction. The second roller is rotatably attached to the fourth support section. Furthermore, the first support section and the fourth support section bear against one another. Due to the U-shaped design, the second support can be arranged on the inside of the first support.Likewise, the second carrier, like the first carrier, can be designed simply and cost-effectively, for example, by injection molding. Thanks to the U-shaped design, the second carrier, together with the first carrier, can also define an interior space into which the stator module engages.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the first support section and the fourth support section abut one another. As a result, the first support and the second support guide one another.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first carrier has a first receptacle in the first carrier section. The first receptacle has at least one first receptacle side surface which extends along a first direction inclined to the sliding axis. The second carrier engages with the fourth carrier section in the first receptacle and bears against the first receptacle side surface to guide the first carrier and the second carrier. This configuration has the advantage that the engagement of the fourth carrier section in the second receptacle can prevent unwanted rotation of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. This ensures that the first carrier and the second carrier only have one degree of freedom in their movement relative to one another.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the first magnet arrangement is arranged on the first support section on a side facing away from the first roller. On the sixth support section of the second support, the second magnet arrangement is arranged facing the first magnet arrangement. This configuration has the advantage that the conveyor device requires particularly little space and is particularly slim in design, particularly in the direction of the first axis of rotation. In a further embodiment, the guide has at least one guide pin and at least one first guide bushing. The guide pin extends along the sliding axis and is connected to the first support. The first guide bushing is connected to the second support. The guide pin passes through at least the first guide bushing such that the guide pin guides the second support in a movement along the sliding axis.This design has the advantage that the guide pin and the guide bush can be formed from simple, known machine elements and, in particular, can be easily adapted to each other in their dimensions.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the first carrier has a second receptacle arranged in the second carrier section. The fifth carrier section of the second carrier engages in the second receptacle, the first guide bushing being arranged on the fifth carrier section, and the guide pin extending through the second receptacle and the first guide bushing. This configuration has the advantage that the installation space requirement is further reduced by the engagement of the fifth carrier section in the first receptacle, and in particular, the conveying device is thereby designed to be particularly compact.

[0019] A displacement of the first support and the second support relative to each other along the sliding axis is limited by the fifth support section of the second support abutting against a first stop surface of the second receptacle in the first support. This configuration has the advantage that an unintentional release or decoupling of the first support from the second support or an unintentional release of the guide can be prevented by the first support abutting against the second support in the respective first and second end positions.

[0020] A particularly high contact force for pressing the first roller and the second roller onto the guide rail can be provided by the angle being from 1° to 7°, in particular from 2° to 5°.

[0021] An improved linear transport system can be provided in that the linear transport system has a stationary guide rail, a stator module, and a conveyor device. The conveyor device is designed as described above. The guide rail has a first rail running surface and a third rail running surface arranged offset from the first rail running surface. The first roller rests on the first rail running surface, and the second roller rests on the third rail running surface. The stator module is arranged at least in sections between the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement and has a stator tooth arrangement with at least one ferromagnetic stator tooth. The first magnet arrangement is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth of the stator tooth arrangement and provides a first magnetic force acting in the direction of the stator module.The second magnet arrangement is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth of the stator tooth arrangement opposite the first magnet arrangement and provides a second magnetic force acting in the direction of the stator module, wherein the guide translates the first magnetic force at least partially into a first contact force and the first carrier presses the first roller against the first rail running surface with the first contact force, wherein the guide translates the second magnetic force at least partially into a second contact force and the second carrier presses the second roller against the third rail running surface with the second contact force.

[0022] This design has the advantage that the first and second rollers are pressed onto the rail surfaces on both sides, ensuring that the conveyor system is guided along the rail without play. In particular, this also ensures that the rollers are securely seated on the rail while the conveyor system is being driven by the traveling field to move the conveyor system along the sliding axis. This ensures that the rollers are securely seated on their respective rail surfaces both when the conveyor system is traveling in a straight line and when cornering. Additional devices for pressing the rollers onto the rail surfaces are not required. This means that both the conveyor system and the rail, as well as the stator module, are particularly simple in design.

[0023] Furthermore, the first and second contact pressures ensure tolerance compensation of the conveyor system on the guide rail, so that, for example, even with increasing wear of the rollers and / or the guide rail, the secure contact of the rollers on the guide rail is ensured over the service life of the conveyor system.

[0024] An improved operating method for operating the linear transport system described above can be provided in that the first magnet arrangement is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth of the stator tooth arrangement and a first magnetic force attracts the first magnet arrangement in the direction of the stator module, wherein the second magnet arrangement is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth of the stator tooth arrangement and a second magnetic force attracts the second magnet arrangement in the direction of the stator module. The guide translates the first magnetic force into the first contact force, which acts at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the first axis of rotation. Furthermore, the guide translates the second magnetic force into the second contact force, which acts at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the first axis of rotation. The first carrier transmits the first contact force to the first roller and presses the first roller against the guide rail with the first contact force.The second carrier transmits the second contact force to the second roller and presses the second roller against the guide rail with the second contact force. This design has the advantage that the contact forces can, for example, press the two rollers against the guide rail on both sides, ensuring that the rollers rest on the guide rail without play, both when cornering and traveling straight. Furthermore, the magnetic coupling ensures that the center distance between the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis can be adjusted during travel, while simultaneously keeping the number of moving parts to a minimum. In particular, spring elements can be dispensed with.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous if, in order to drive the conveyor device, a defined number of coils of the stator module are supplied with an electric current to generate a traveling magnetic field. The traveling field is magnetically coupled to the first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement in such a way that the first magnetic force acts on the first magnet arrangement and the second magnetic force acts on the second magnet arrangement, at least partially along the first axis of rotation. The traveling field can amplify the magnetic force acting on the associated magnet arrangement, so that during operation of the conveyor device, in particular during travel along the guide rail, the rollers are pressed more forcefully against the guide rail.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a linear transport system;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane AA shown in Figure 1 through the linear transport system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of a conveyor device of the linear transport system along a sectional plane EE shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the conveyor device shown in Figure 3 of the linear transport system shown in Figures 1 to 3;

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first carrier of the conveyor device shown in Figure 4;

[0031] Figure 6 is a sectional view along a sectional plane BB shown in Figure 5 through the first carrier shown in Figure 5;

[0032] Figure 7 is a further perspective view of the first carrier shown in Figures 4 to 6;

[0033] Figure 8 is a further perspective view of the first carrier shown in Figures 4 to 7;

[0034] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second carrier shown in Figure 4;

[0035] Figure 10 is a sectional view along a section plane BB shown in Figure 5 through the conveyor device;

[0036] Figure 11 is a sectional view along the section plane FF shown in Figure 2 through the conveyor device on the guide rail;

[0037] Figure 12 is a sectional view along the section plane FF shown in Figure 2 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 2 in an unassembled state in a first position;

[0038] Figure 13a shows a first sectional view along the sectional plane FF shown in Figure 2 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 2 on the guide rail and the stator module in a first intermediate position;

[0039] Figure 13b shows a second sectional view along the sectional plane F-F shown in Figure 2 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 2 on the guide rail and the stator module in a second intermediate position; Figure 14 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane CC marked in Figure 3 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 3;

[0040] Figure 15 is a sectional view along a section plane DD marked in Figure 4 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 4; and

[0041] Figure 16 is a sectional view along the section plane EE shown in Figure 4 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 4 in a second position.

[0042] The following figures refer to a coordinate system. The coordinate system has an x-axis (vertical direction), a y-axis (transverse direction), and a z-axis (longitudinal direction). The coordinate system is designed as a right-hand system for illustrative purposes. The coordinate system can also be designed differently and is used below to facilitate the explanation of the following figures.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a linear transport system 10.

[0044] The linear transport system 10 has a stationary guide rail 15, at least one conveyor device 20 and a drive device 25 with at least one stator module 30, a connecting carrier 35 and a control unit 40.

[0045] The connecting support 35 can be attached to the underside of a machine bed 39 of the linear transport system 10. In the embodiment, the drive device 25 has a plurality of stator modules 30 arranged adjacent to one another. Each of the stator modules 30 can have a coil arrangement with a plurality of electrical coils (not shown in Figure 1) that can be energized separately from one another, and a stator tooth arrangement 31 with a plurality of stator teeth 32. The coils are arranged adjacent to one another and around at least one of the stator teeth 32. Each of the coils can be electrically connected to the control unit 40. The stator tooth 31 comprises a ferromagnetic material.

[0046] The control unit 40 is designed, during operation of the linear transport system 10, to energize some of the coils with electrical energy such that an electromagnetic traveling field is provided by means of the energized coils, which emerges from the stator module 30. The traveling field and its magnetic field lines are not shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows, for example, several conveyor devices 20, which can preferably be designed identically to one another. The conveyor devices 20 are arranged, for example, at a distance from one another on the guide rail 15. Each of the conveyor devices 20 can, for example, be moved independently of the other conveyor device 20, for example along a travel plane 182. The conveyor device 20 can, for example, transport an object between two stations, for example a production plant.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane AA shown in Figure 1 through the linear transport system 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0048] In the embodiment, the guide rail 15 is arranged at a distance from the stator module 30 arranged parallel to the guide rail 15. The connecting support 35 connects, for example, the stator module 30 to the guide rail 15. Furthermore, in Figure 2, the connecting support 35 is supported on the underside of the machine bed 39 (shown schematically in dashed lines in Figure 2).

[0049] In this embodiment, the design of the drive device 25 and the guide rail 15 is selected such that they essentially enclose a circular path, which is, for example, O-shaped. Of course, the design of the guide rail 15 and the drive device 25 can be adapted to the respective intended use of the linear transport system 10.

[0050] The stator module 30 has a first stator side surface 45 and a second stator side surface 50. The first stator side surface 45 faces the guide rail 15. The second stator side surface 50 faces away from the guide rail 15 and is aligned parallel to the first stator side surface 45. The first stator side surface 45 and the second stator side surface 50 can each be arranged in different yz planes.

[0051] A stator tooth 32 extends between the first stator side surface 45 and the second stator side surface 50. The stator tooth 32 extends essentially in the x-direction through the stator module 30.

[0052] A free space 55 is arranged between the guide rail 15 and the first stator side surface 45. The conveyor device 20 engages at least partially in the free space 55. The guide rail 15 has a substantially plate-shaped configuration. The guide rail 15 has a first running area 60 and a second running area 65 arranged opposite the first running area 60 in the y-direction. The conveyor device 20 is guided by the first running area 60 and the second running area 65, and the forces on the guide rail 15 are supported via the first and second running areas 60, 65.

[0053] Figure 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of the linear transport system 10 along the section plane EE shown in Figure 1.

[0054] The guide rail 15 has a first rail running surface 70 and preferably a second rail running surface 75 in the first running region 60. For example, the first rail running surface 70 and the second rail running surface 75 are aligned obliquely to a guide rail side surface 76, which can be aligned parallel to the first stator side surface 45, for example. For example, the first rail running surface 70 can be arranged at a right angle to the second rail running surface 75. It would also be possible for the guide rail 15 to have an arcuate configuration, in particular a semicircular configuration, in the first running region 60.

[0055] The second running area 65 is arranged at a distance from the first running area 60 in the transverse direction (y-direction). The second running area 65 has a third rail running surface 80 and, for example, a fourth rail running surface 85. The third rail running surface 80 is aligned parallel to the second rail running surface 75, and the fourth rail running surface 85 is aligned parallel to the first rail running surface 70. The first rail running surface 70 and the third rail running surface 80 are arranged on the side facing the stator module 30, and the second rail running surface 75 and the fourth rail running surface 85 are arranged on the side facing away from the stator module 30 and adjacent to the running rail side surface 76.

[0056] In the transverse direction (y-direction) the guide rail 15 has a maximum width s.

[0057] The conveyor device 20 comprises a roller assembly 90, a carrier unit 95, a first magnet assembly 100, a second magnet assembly 105, a detection flag 195, and a guide 110. The guide 110 is schematically indicated in Figure 3 by dashed lines. The carrier unit 95 comprises a first carrier 115 and a second carrier 120, wherein the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 slidably engage with one another.

[0058] The roller assembly 90 has at least a first roller 125 and a second roller 130. Additionally, the roller assembly 90 may also have, for example, a third roller 135, which is concealed by the first roller 125 in Figure 3.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the conveyor device 20 shown in Figure 3.

[0060] The first roller 125 is mounted on the first support 115 for rotation about a first axis of rotation 140. The first axis of rotation 140 is aligned, for example, parallel to the x-axis.

[0061] The first roller 125 has a first guide groove 145 on its circumference, which completely encircles the first rotation axis 140. The first guide groove 145 is preferably formed corresponding to the guide rail 15 in the first running area 60.

[0062] The first roller 125 has, for example, a first roller running surface 150 and a second roller running surface 155 on the first guide groove 145. The first roller running surface 150 and the second roller running surface 155 are preferably aligned correspondingly to the first rail running surface 70 and the second rail running surface 75.

[0063] The second roller 130 is arranged offset from the first roller 125 in the y-direction. The second roller 130 is mounted on the second support 120 for rotation about a second axis of rotation 160. The first axis of rotation 140 and the second axis of rotation 160 are aligned parallel to one another. Furthermore, the second axis of rotation 160 can extend parallel to the x-axis. The second roller 130 can be configured identically to the first roller 125 in order to minimize the number of parts on the conveyor device 20.

[0064] The second roller 130 has a second guide groove 165 extending in the circumferential direction completely around the second rotation axis 160. In the embodiment, the second guide groove 165 can, in particular, be formed to correspond to the second running area 65 of the guide rail 15. The second roller 130 can have a third roller running surface 170 on the second guide groove 165 and a fourth roller running surface 175 arranged at an angle to the third roller running surface 170. The first roller running surface 150 can, for example, be aligned parallel to the fourth roller running surface 175, and the second roller running surface 155 can be aligned parallel to the third roller running surface 170.

[0065] In the embodiment, the first roller running surface 150 and the third roller running surface 170 are arranged on the side facing away from the carrier unit 95 and the second roller running surface 155 and the fourth roller running surface 175 are arranged on the side facing the carrier unit 95.

[0066] In the z-direction, the optional third roller 135 is mounted on the first support 115, offset from the first roller 125 and the second roller 130, for rotation about a third axis of rotation 180. The first axis of rotation 140, the second axis of rotation 160, and the third axis of rotation 180 are aligned parallel to one another and each perpendicular to the travel plane 182. The third roller 135 is arranged together with the first roller 125 in a common xz-plane. Furthermore, the third roller 135 can be configured identically to the first roller 125, so that what was explained for the first roller 125 also applies to the third roller 135.

[0067] The first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 engage with each other. Both the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 have, for example, a substantially U-shaped basic form. The first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 circumferentially enclose a stator receiving space 181 in sections. The stator module 30 engages in the stator receiving space 181 in the assembled state.

[0068] The first magnet arrangement 100 is arranged on the first support 115 on a side facing away from the roller arrangement 90. The first magnet arrangement 100 is arranged, for example, between the first roller 125 and the second roller 130 in the transverse direction. The first magnet arrangement 100 can have one or more first permanent magnets 185, wherein the first magnet arrangement 100 provides a first magnetic field by means of the first permanent magnets 185.

[0069] The second magnet arrangement 105 is arranged opposite the first magnet arrangement 100 in the x-direction and preferably has at least one or more second permanent magnets 190. The second magnet arrangement 105 provides a second magnetic field. In addition, the conveyor device 20 can have a detection flag 195, wherein the detection flag 195 is connected to the first carrier 115 on a side facing away from the first roller arrangement 90. In this case, the detection flag 195 can engage in the free space 55 when the linear transport system 10 is in the assembled state. The detection flag 195 can be used to determine a position of the conveyor device 20 on the drive device 25, in particular the stator module 30.

[0070] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first carrier 115 of the conveyor device 20 shown in Figure 4.

[0071] To form the U-shaped basic shape, the first support 115 has a first support section 200, a second support section 205, and a third support section 210, which is shown essentially hidden in Figure 5. The first support section 200 is plate-shaped and extends essentially in a yz plane and is arranged on a side of the first support 115 facing the roller arrangement 90.

[0072] The second support section 205 is also essentially plate-shaped and, for example, extends essentially in an xz plane. The third support section 210 is arranged at a distance in the height direction (x direction) from the first support section 200 and has a plate-shaped basic shape. Both the first support section 200 and the third support section 210 are arranged on the second support section 205 and extend in a common direction away from the second support section 205. The second support section 205 thus connects the first support section 200 to the third support section 210. The first support section 200 and the third support section 210 can be aligned essentially parallel to one another. Furthermore, the third support section 210 can be shorter in the transverse direction.

[0073] In the embodiment, the first, second and third carrier sections 200, 205, 210 are, for example, formed in one piece and made of the same material.

[0074] The second support section 205 has a fastening surface 215, which is shown as an example on the top side in Figure 5, wherein further components can be fastened to the fastening surface 215 on the conveyor device 20. For example, a carrier plate of a component to be transported can be fastened to the fastening surface 215. It would also be possible for the fastening surface 215 to be arranged on the third support section 210 or for a further fastening surface 215 to be arranged on the third support section 210.

[0075] Furthermore, a second receptacle 220 is arranged in the second support section 205. The second receptacle 220 is designed as a through-opening and extends from the fastening surface 215 to a first inner side 225 of the first support 115. With the first inner side 225, the first support 115 delimits the stator receiving space 181. The second receptacle 220 can, for example, have a rectangular configuration with a viewing direction perpendicular to the fastening surface 215.

[0076] A first receptacle 230 can also be arranged in the first support section 200. The first receptacle 230 extends along the first support section 200 in the transverse direction and is shaped as a through-opening. When viewed perpendicularly to the first support section 200, the first receptacle 230 can have a rectangular configuration.

[0077] The first receptacle 230 has at least one first receptacle side surface 235 and preferably a second receptacle side surface 240 arranged opposite the first receptacle side surface 235 in the z-direction. The first receptacle side surface 235 and the second receptacle side surface 240 are preferably arranged parallel to one another and can each extend in an xy plane.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a sectional view along a sectional plane BB shown in Figure 5 through the first carrier 115 shown in Figure 5.

[0079] The guide 110 has a guide pin 245. The guide pin 245 extends through the second receptacle 220. The guide pin 245 extends along a sliding axis 250. The sliding axis 250 is preferably aligned at an angle to the second rotation axis 160. "Angle" refers to a non-perpendicular and non-parallel alignment of the sliding axis 250 with respect to the second rotation axis 160.

[0080] The second rotation axis 160 and the sliding axis 250 can, for example, be arranged in a common plane. This plane is, for example, an xy plane. The second rotation axis 160 and the sliding axis 250 intersect in this plane. The sliding axis 250 forms an angle a inclined to the second rotation axis 160. To be able to graphically represent the angle a in Fig. 6, the second rotation axis 160 is shown in Fig. 6 shifted upwards in the y direction toward the sliding axis with the reference symbol 160A.

[0081] The angle a is between 0° and 90°, excluding the angle. The first angle a preferably has a value of between 1° and 7°, preferably between 2° and 5°.

[0082] In this embodiment, the guide pin 245 is cylindrical, for example. On its circumference, the guide pin 245 has a guide surface 255. The guide surface 255 is arranged at a distance from the second receptacle 220.

[0083] To fix the guide pin 245, the first carrier 115 can have a first pin receptacle 260 and / or a second pin receptacle 265, wherein the first pin receptacle 260 and the second pin receptacle 265 are designed, for example, as through-openings in the embodiment. The first pin receptacle 260 is arranged facing the first carrier section 200. The second pin receptacle 265 is arranged facing the third carrier section 210 and facing away from the first carrier section 200. In the embodiment, the first and second pin receptacles 260, 265 are formed in conjunction with the guide surface 255 in a press-fit system, such that the guide pin 245 is pressed into the first pin receptacle 260 and second pin receptacle 265.

[0084] Of course, it would also be possible for the guide pin 245, for example, to be secured differently in the first support 115. For example, the guide pin 245 could also be screwed and / or glued into the first and / or second pin receptacles 260, 265.

[0085] Due to the oblique arrangement of the guide pin 245 to the second rotation axis 160, the first pin receptacle 260 is arranged in the transverse direction at a closer distance to the fastening surface 215 and further away from the first rotation axis 140 and / or second rotation axis 160 than the second pin receptacle 265.

[0086] In the embodiment, the first bolt receptacle 260 and the second bolt receptacle 265 are designed as through-openings, for example. Of course, it would also be possible for at least one of the two bolt receptacles 260, 265 to be designed, for example, as a blind hole or in combination with an internal thread. In the embodiment, the first receptacle 230 is designed, for example, as a through-opening. In this case, the first receptacle 230 is also designed, for example, to be open on the side facing the first roller 125. The first receptacle side surface 235 and the second receptacle side surface 240 are arranged parallel to one another, wherein the first and second receptacle side surfaces 235, 240 are aligned parallel to a further plane in which the sliding axis 250 runs.

[0087] The first support section 200 completely encloses the first receptacle 230 on the circumference, so that the first support section 200 is rigidly formed and bending of the first support section 200, in particular about a z-axis, can be avoided or minimized.

[0088] Figure 7 shows a further perspective view of the first carrier 115 and the guide pin 245 shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0089] The second receptacle 220 extends, for example, at least over a minimum extent a in the longitudinal direction of the second support section 205, wherein the second receptacle 220 has a receiving contour with at least a first stop surface 270 and a second stop surface 275. The first stop surface 270 is arranged on a side of the second receptacle 220 facing the first support section 200, and the second stop surface 275 is arranged on a side of the second receptacle 220 facing away from the first support section 200. The first stop surface 270 and the second stop surface 275 are arranged at an incline to the sliding axis 250 and the first rotation axis 140.

[0090] The first bolt receptacle 260 can open into the first stop surface 270, and the second bolt receptacle 265 can open into the second stop surface 275. In the exemplary embodiment, the first stop surface 270 and the second stop surface 275 are parallel to each other.

[0091] Furthermore, the second receptacle 220 can have a third receptacle side surface 280 and a fourth receptacle side surface 285 arranged in the z-direction to the third receptacle side surface 280, which are aligned, for example, parallel to one another and to the sliding axis 250. The third and fourth receptacle side surfaces 280, 285 are preferably aligned at a distance from the guide pin 245. The first receptacle side surface 235 of the first receptacle 230 and the third receptacle side surface 280 of the second receptacle 220 can be arranged in a common plane and, if appropriate, merge directly into one another. Likewise, the second receptacle side surface 240 of the first receptacle 230 and the fourth receptacle side surface 285 can be arranged in a common (further) plane and, preferably, merge directly into one another.

[0092] Figure 8 shows a further perspective view of the first carrier 115 shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0093] In addition, the first carrier 115 can have a third receptacle 290, wherein the third receptacle 290 is arranged on the first inner side 225 of the third carrier section 210 facing the first carrier section 200. In contrast to the first receptacle 230 and the second receptacle 220, the third receptacle 290 is closed on the outside on the side facing away from the first carrier section 200 (in the x-direction), so that the third receptacle 290 essentially has a groove-shaped configuration toward the first inner side 225.

[0094] The third receptacle 290 has a fifth receptacle side surface 295 and a sixth receptacle side surface 300 arranged offset in the z-direction from the fifth receptacle side surface 295. The fifth receptacle side surface 295 can be arranged parallel to the sixth receptacle side surface 300. In particular, the fifth receptacle side surface 295 and the third receptacle side surface 280 can be arranged in a common plane, which is designed, for example, as an xy plane, and preferably merge into one another. The sixth receptacle side surface 300 and the fourth receptacle side surface 285 can also be arranged in a common (further) plane, for example, an xy plane, and preferably merge into one another.

[0095] On the side facing the first inner side 225, the first carrier section 200 has a first magnet fastening surface 305. The first magnet arrangement 100 (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 8) is fastened to the first magnet fastening surface 305. The fastening can be achieved, for example, by means of a screw or an adhesive connection.

[0096] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the second support 120 shown in Figure 4. The second support 120 has a substantially U-shaped basic form. The second support 120 has a fourth support section 310, a fifth support section 315, and a sixth support section 320. The fourth support section 310 and the sixth support section 320 are arranged on a common side of the fifth support section 315 and offset from one another in the vertical direction (x-direction). The fourth support section 310 and the sixth support section 320 extend away from the fifth support section 315 on a common side and, in the disassembled state, can be aligned parallel to one another and along the y-axis. In the embodiment, the sixth support section 320 is, for example, shorter in the transverse direction than the fourth support section 310.

[0097] Due to the U-shaped design of the second carrier 120, with the fourth to sixth carrier sections 310, 315, 320, the second carrier 120 partially encloses the stator receiving space 181 with a second inner side 340, into which the stator module 30 engages in the assembled state of the linear transport system 10.

[0098] The fourth support section 310 can be beam-shaped. Opposite the fifth support section 315 in the y-direction, the second roller 130 can be mounted on a first free end of the fourth support section 310 for rotation about the second rotation axis 160.

[0099] On a second free end of the sixth support section 320 facing away from the fixed end 335 of the sixth support section 320, the sixth support section 320 has a widened region 330. The widened region 330 projects in the z-direction on both sides beyond the narrow region 331 of the sixth support section 320 arranged between the widened region 330 and the fixed end 335. As a result, the sixth support section 320 has an exemplary T-shaped basic shape in a side view (the viewing direction of the side view is indicated in Fig. 9 by an arrow).

[0100] On the side of the widened region 330 facing the second inner side 340, which side faces the fourth support section 310, the sixth support section 320 has a second magnet fastening surface 345. In the assembled state of the conveyor device 20, the second magnet arrangement 105 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 9) is fastened, for example screwed, to the second magnet fastening surface 345. The second support 120 has a first end face 351 on the side facing the viewer. The first end face 351 can, for example, be flat and extend over the fourth support section 310, the fifth support section 315, and the narrow region 331 of the sixth support section 320. The widened region 330 projects beyond the first end face 351 in the z-direction on the sixth support section 320.

[0101] Opposite the first end face 351 in the z-direction, the second carrier 120 has a second end face 352, which is preferably arranged parallel to the first end face 351. The second end face 352 preferably extends over the fourth carrier section 310, the fifth carrier section 315, and the narrow region 331 of the sixth carrier section 320, wherein, for example, the second end face 352 is projected beyond by the widened region 330 in the z-direction.

[0102] Figure 10 shows a sectional view along a section plane BB shown in Figure 4 through the conveyor device 20.

[0103] In Figure 10, the roller arrangement 90, the first magnet arrangement 100 and the first carrier 115 are not shown for clarity.

[0104] The second support 120 has a through-opening 350 in the fifth support section 315. The through-opening 350 extends along the sliding axis 250 and is thus aligned obliquely to the first axis of rotation 140, the second axis of rotation 160, and / or the third axis of rotation 180. The through-opening 350 is preferably stepped in such a way that the through-opening 350 has a first socket receptacle 355 on one side and a second socket receptacle 360 ​​opposite in the x-direction.

[0105] The first socket receptacle 355 is arranged, for example, on the side facing the fourth support section 310, while the second socket receptacle 360 ​​is arranged on the side facing away from the fourth support section 310. Furthermore, the first socket receptacle 355 is arranged at a greater distance from the fourth support section 310 in the y-direction than the second socket receptacle 360.

[0106] Between the first bushing receptacle 355 and the second bushing receptacle 360, an inner circumferential side 365 of the through-opening 350 is formed with a smaller radius than in the region of the first and second bushing receptacles 355, 360. A first guide bushing 370 is inserted, preferably pressed, into the first bushing receptacle 355 and a second guide bushing 375 is inserted, preferably pressed, into the second bushing receptacle 360, so that the respective guide bushing 370, 375 is connected to the second carrier 120.

[0107] The guide bushings 370, 375 can have a different material than the second carrier 120 and the guide pin 245.

[0108] Figure 11 shows a sectional view along the section plane BB shown in Figure 4 through the conveyor device 20 on the guide rail 15 and the stator module 30.

[0109] The first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 engage with each other, with the second carrier 120 being arranged at least partially on the inside of the first carrier 115. Together, the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 enclose the stator receiving space 181, into which one of the stator modules 30 engages.

[0110] Furthermore, the first and second magnet arrangements 100, 105 are arranged substantially opposite one another in the x-direction. However, the second magnet arrangement 105 can have a height offset h relative to the first magnet arrangement 100. Furthermore, the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 are arranged displaceably relative to one another by the guide 110, so that a distance b between the first magnet arrangement 100 and the second magnet arrangement 105 can be varied relative to one another in the x-direction.

[0111] In the assembled state of the conveyor device 20, the guide pin 245 not only passes through the second receptacle 220, but also through the first guide bushing 370, the second guide bushing 375 and the through opening 350. The guide pin 245 rests with its circumferential guide surface 255 on the inside of the guide bushing 370, 375, whereby the guide bushings 370, 375 and the second carrier 120 connected to the guide bushings 370, 375 are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the guide pin 245 and thus along the sliding axis 250.

[0112] A radial gap is provided between the guide surface 255 and the through-opening 350 in the fifth carrier section 315, so that unnecessary wear on the guide surface 255 and unwanted rubbing of the fifth carrier section 315 directly on the guide pin 245 is avoided during a movement of the second carrier 120 and the first carrier 115 relative to each other.

[0113] Furthermore, the fifth carrier section 315 of the second carrier 120 engages substantially completely in the second receptacle 220. Furthermore, the sixth carrier section 320 projects into the third receptacle 290 with the narrow region 331. The widened region 330, to which the second magnet arrangement 105 is attached, is arranged outside the third receptacle 290 of the first carrier 115 on the side facing away from the fifth carrier section 315.

[0114] Furthermore, the second support 120 engages the first receptacle 230 with the fourth support section 310. The fourth support section 310 is arranged relative to the first support section 200 such that the second roller 130 is arranged on the guide rail 15 substantially opposite the first roller 125 and the third roller 135 in the y-direction.

[0115] The second support 120 is arranged displaceably relative to the first support 115 by means of the guide 110 between a first position and a second position along the sliding axis 250. Both the first position and the second position form a limit position beyond which no further displacement of the first support 115 and the second support 120 relative to one another is possible. The first position and the second position can only be assumed when the conveyor device 20 is disassembled, i.e., when the conveyor device 20 is not mounted on the guide rail 15 or when the rollers 125, 130, 135, 140 are worn far beyond a permissible level.

[0116] Due to the displaceability, the first support 115 and the second support 120 can be arranged relative to each other in different intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. The intermediate position represents a normal, regular operating state of the conveyor device 20 when mounted on the guide rail 15, particularly when, for example, the wear limits of the rollers 120, 125, 130, 135 are maintained.

[0117] Furthermore, due to the displaceability and the sliding axis 250 arranged obliquely to the first to third rotational axes 140, 160, 180 and the travel plane 182, a roller distance I, which is determined in relation to the y-axis between the first and third rotational axes 140, 180 to the second rotational axis 160 in the embodiment, can be changed.

[0118] Thus, in the first position, the roller spacing I can be minimized and in the second position, the roller spacing I can be maximized. The first position is discussed in detail in Figure 12 and the second position in detail in Figure 16. Examples of possible intermediate positions between the first position and the second position of the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 are shown in Figures 13a and 13b.

[0119] The roller spacing I and thus the alignment of the first support 115 and the second support 120 relative to one another is ideal when the first roller 125 and preferably analogously the third roller 135 with the first roller running surface 150 rests on the first rail running surface 70 and with the second roller running surface 155 on the second rail running surface 75 and the second roller 130 with the third roller running surface 170 rests on the third rail running surface 80 and with the fourth roller running surface 175 on the fourth rail running surface 85.

[0120] The stator module 30 is designed to be magnetically conductive at least in the area of ​​the stator receiving space 181.

[0121] When the conveyor device 20 is mounted on the stator module 30, the first magnetic field acts on the ferromagnetic stator tooth 32 of the stator tooth arrangement 31, which is arranged opposite in the x-direction, in such a way that the first magnet arrangement 100 is attracted in the direction of the stator module 30 with the first magnetic force F1. The second magnetic field acts on the ferromagnetic stator tooth 32 of the stator tooth arrangement 31, which is arranged opposite in the x-direction, in such a way that the second magnet arrangement 105 is attracted in the direction of the stator module 30 with the second magnetic force F2. The first magnetic force F1 and the second magnetic force F2 are directed opposite to one another and have different values. The first magnetic force F1 and the second magnetic force F2 act in the x-direction.

[0122] The first magnetic force F1 is coupled via the first carrier 115 and the guide 110 to the first roller 125 and preferably to the third roller 135. The guide 110 translates a first portion of the first magnetic force F1 acting along the x-axis at least partially into a first contact force FA1 acting in the y-direction. The first contact force FA1 presses the first roller 125 and / or the third roller 135 in the y-direction against the guide rail 15. As a result, the first magnetic force F1 acts indirectly via the first carrier 115 and the guide 110 on the first and third rollers 125, 135. The guide rail 15 provides a first counterforce FG1 at the first running area 60 that corresponds to the first contact force FA1 and acts counter to the first contact force FA1.

[0123] The second magnetic force F2 acts from the second magnet arrangement 105 via the second carrier 120 and the guide 110 onto the second roller 130. The guide 110 translates a second portion of the second magnetic force F2 acting in the x-direction into a second contact force FA2 acting in the y-direction. The second contact force FA2 acts opposite to the first contact force FA1 in the y-direction such that the second roller 130 is pressed toward the guide rail 15 on the side facing away from the first roller 125. Furthermore, the first guide rail 15 provides a second counterforce FG2 at the second running area 65, which corresponds to the second contact force FA2 but is directed against the second contact force FA2.

[0124] Both the first counterforce FG1 and the second counterforce FG2 prevent further displacement of the first support 115 and the second support 120 relative to each other, so that the first and second supports 115, 120 remain in the intermediate position. This makes the conveyor device 20 self-adjusting on the guide rail 15.

[0125] Furthermore, in the intermediate position, a longitudinal gap is arranged between the first stop surface 270 and the fifth support section 315 and between the second stop surface 275 and the fifth support section 315.

[0126] The first contact force FA1 and the second contact force FA2 also ensure that the first roller 125 and / or third roller 135 are securely seated on the first running area 60 and that the second roller 130 is securely seated on the second running area 65 of the running rail 15.

[0127] In particular, a play-free engagement of the rollers 125, 130, 135 on the guide rail 15 can be ensured. Furthermore, tolerance compensation can be ensured even in the event of wear of the roller 125, 130, 135 and a concomitant reduction in the rolling diameter of the roller 125, 130, 135 and / or the running areas 60, 65. To compensate for the tolerances, the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 are displaced relative to one another by means of the first magnetic force F1 and the second magnetic force F2 in such a way that the first and second rollers 125, 130 each bear against the respectively assigned first running area 60 and the second roller 130 bears against the second running area 65.

[0128] The rigid design of the first support 115 and the engagement of the first roller 125 and the third roller 135 on the guide rail 15 causes the second support 120 in particular to move relative to the first support 115 along the sliding axis 250 in order to minimize the distance b.

[0129] Figure 12 shows a sectional view along the section plane BB shown in Figure 4 through the conveyor device 20 shown in Figure 4 in the unassembled state.

[0130] In Figure 12, the second carrier 120 is arranged in the first position relative to the first carrier 115 and displaced along the guide 110. In the first position, the roller spacing I relative to the first rotational axis 140 and the second rotational axis 160 in the y-direction is at its maximum. Furthermore, the distance b between the first magnet arrangement 100 and the second magnet arrangement 105 is at its maximum.

[0131] In the first position, the fifth carrier section 315 rests against the first stop surface 270 of the second receptacle 220, which is arranged on the side facing away from the first carrier section 200 and the fourth carrier section 310. Further movement along the sliding axis 250, during which the sixth carrier section 320 and thus the second magnet arrangement 105 are removed from the first magnet arrangement 100 and the first carrier section 200, is blocked by the stop, so that the distance b cannot be increased beyond the first position. This prevents the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 from accidentally becoming detached from one another.

[0132] The first position represents the reassembled state of the conveyor unit 20, which is avoided when the conveyor device 20 is mounted on the guide rail 15. In the reassembled state, the first and second magnetic forces F1, F2 do not act on the first magnet arrangement 100 and the second magnet arrangement 105, so that no magnetic force-induced displacement of the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 relative to one another occurs. The reassembled state is a state in which the conveyor unit 20 is not integrated in the linear transport system 10, i.e., is not fastened to the guide rail 15 and the stator module 30. Figure 13a shows a first sectional view along the sectional plane F-F shown in Figure 2 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 2 on the guide rail and the stator module in a first intermediate position.Figure 13b shows a second sectional view along the sectional plane FF shown in Figure 2 through the conveyor device shown in Figure 2 on the guide rail and the stator module in a second intermediate position different from the first intermediate position.

[0133] A first air gap 380 with a first air gap width s1 is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first magnet arrangement 100 and the first stator side surface. A second air gap 385 with a second air gap width s2 is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the second magnet arrangement 105 and the first stator side surface 50.

[0134] As already explained in the context of Figure 11, the displacement of the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 relative to one another occurs primarily through a movement of the second carrier 120 along the sliding axis 250 relative to the first carrier 115. Due to the rigid design of the first carrier 115 and a determination of a rail distance of the running rail 15 to the stator module 30, the first air gap 380 in the first air gap width s1 is essentially constant in movement.

[0135] Figure 13a shows the first intermediate position of the first carrier 115 and the second carrier of the conveyor device 20 on the guide rail 15. The roller spacing I, the first air gap 380, the second air gap 385, and the distance b of the magnet arrangements 100, 105 are shown, which are varied by displacing the second carrier 120 relative to the first carrier 115 to suit the respective geometry of the rollers 125, 130, 135, 140 and the guide rail 15.

[0136] Due to the reduced roller spacing I, the magnet arrangements 100, 105 are arranged at a closer distance b to each other in the first intermediate position than in the first position, so that the distance b is reduced.

[0137] The first air gap width s1 can be different from the second air gap width s2. In particular, the second carrier 120 can be displaced relative to the first carrier such that the second air gap width s2 is reduced compared to the first air gap width. This further causes the first magnetic force F1 to be different, in particular smaller, than the magnetic force F2. In Figure 13b, the first and second carriers 115, 120 are arranged in the second intermediate position, which is different from the first intermediate position.

[0138] In particular, in the second intermediate position, the second carrier 120 can be displaced further from the first intermediate position toward the second position relative to the first carrier 115. As a result, the second air gap width s2 can be further reduced compared to the second air gap width s2 in the first intermediate position and compared to the first air gap width s1. As a result, the second magnetic force F2 is greater than the first magnetic force F1, and thus the first contact force FA1 is also smaller than the second contact force FA2.

[0139] The different roller spacing I, the different first and second air gap widths s1 and s2, and the different spacing b of the magnet arrangements 100, 105 can be caused by a different width s of the guide rail 15 and / or by wear of the rollers 125, 130, 135, 140. The air gap width s1, s2 directly affects the first contact force FA1 and the second contact force FA2 via the first and second magnetic forces, and thus the preload with which the conveyor device 20 is attached to the guide rail 15.

[0140] Along its extension in the z-direction, the guide rail 15 can have different widths s, which may arise, for example, due to wear and tear during use or due to cornering. During self-adjustment, the conveyor device 20 assumes various intermediate positions in which the conveyor device 20 is pre-tensioned on the guide rail 15. In the intermediate positions, further movement of the first support 115 and the second support 120 is essentially limited by the geometry of the guide rail 15.

[0141] The slight inclination of the sliding axis 250 relative to the first rotation axis 140 has the advantage that high first and second contact forces FA1, FA2 can be provided even with low first and second magnetic forces F1, F2. The first contact force FA1 to the second contact force FA2 between the rollers 125, 130, 135 can be, for example, between 700 Newtons and 1100 Newtons, even if the magnetic force F1, F2 between the two magnet arrangements 100, 105 is, for example, in the range from 80 Newtons to 100 Newtons. Furthermore, the guide 110 and the different materials of the guide pin 245 and the guide bushings 370, 375 ensure a low-wear guide that is particularly compact and ensures a high contact force FA1, FA2 on the rollers 125, 130, 135.

[0142] The automatic adjustment of the roller spacing I by the magnet assemblies 100, 105 also ensures tolerance compensation. In particular, with increasing wear of the rollers 125, 130, 135, the roller spacing I is reduced, so that the second carrier 120 moves toward the second position, thereby reducing the distance between the first and second magnet assemblies 100, 105.

[0143] Even when traveling around curves along the guide rail 15, for example when the guide rail is curved around the z-axis, the conveyor device 20 with the roller arrangement 90 can optimally adapt to a curve radius of the guide rail 15 due to the displaceability of the first and second supports 115, 120 and the variability of the roller spacing I, so that a secure fit of all rollers 125, 130, 135 on the guide rail 15 is ensured.

[0144] Figure 14 shows a sectional view along a section plane CC marked in Figure 3 through the conveyor device 20 shown in Figure 3.

[0145] With the fourth support section 310, the second support 120 engages the first receptacle 230 of the first support section 200 of the first support 115. The fourth support section 310 rests with the first end face 351 against the first receiving side surface 235 and with the second end face 352 against the second receiving side surface 240. The engagement of the fourth support section 310 with the first and second receiving side surfaces 235, 240 prevents unwanted rotation of the second support 120 about the sliding axis 250.

[0146] In addition, the maximum rotation of the first carrier 115 and the second carrier 120 about the sliding axis 250 is limited by abutment of the fifth carrier section 315 with the first end face 351 on the third receiving side surface 280 and / or abutment of the second end face 352 on the fourth receiving side surface 285. Figure 15 shows a sectional view along a section plane DD marked in Figure 4 through the conveyor device 20 shown in Figure 4.

[0147] Furthermore, in the third receptacle 290 of the first carrier 115, the first end face 351 of the second carrier 120 rests against the fifth receptacle side surface 295, and the second end face 352 rests against the sixth receptacle side surface 300. The third receptacle 290 is configured in the y-direction such that, in the first position, a gap is provided between the narrow region 331 and a receptacle base of the third receptacle 290.

[0148] By the first end face 351 and the second end face 352 being in contact with the respectively associated receiving side surface 235, 240, 280, 285, 295, 300, a rotation of the second carrier 120 relative to the first carrier 115 along the sliding axis 250 is avoided even when the conveyor device 20 is moved along the guide rail 15.

[0149] Furthermore, during the movement between the first position and the second position, a reliable displacement of the second carrier 120 relative to the first carrier 115 in the respective associated first to third receptacles 220, 230, 290 is ensured. This prevents rattling, swinging, or tilting of the conveyor device 20 on the guide rail 15.

[0150] Figure 16 shows a sectional view along the section plane BB shown in Figure 4 through the conveyor device 20 shown in Figure 4 in the second position and disassembled state.

[0151] In the second position, the second carrier 120 is displaced along the sliding axis 250 relative to the first position in such a way that the second carrier 120 abuts against the second stop surface 275 of the second receptacle 220, which is arranged on the side facing the first carrier section 200 and the fourth carrier section 310, and thereby further movement of the second carrier 120 relative to the first carrier 115 is blocked.

[0152] In the second position, the roller spacing I is minimized. Thus, in the second position, the second roller 130 is shifted relative to the first position toward the first and third rollers 125, 135. The configuration of the linear transport system 10, in particular of the conveyor device 20, described in Figures 1 to 16 has the advantage that when the traveling field is provided by some of the coils of the stator module 30, the traveling field can interact with the first magnetic field of the first magnet arrangement 100 and the second magnetic field of the second magnet arrangement 105 in order to move the conveyor device 20 along the guide rail 15.

[0153] By abutting the fifth support section 315 with the respective stop surface 270, 275 in the second receptacle 220 in the first and second positions, it is further ensured that, in the limiting case of a maximum displacement of the first support 115 relative to the second support 120, no further displacement is possible. For example, adhesion of the magnet assemblies 100, 105 to the stator module 30 is prevented if, for example, no guide rail 15 is arranged between the rollers 125, 130, 135.

[0154] Furthermore, the conveyor device 20 has a small number of components, making it particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture. In particular, additional spring elements, in particular coil springs, can be dispensed with to press the rollers 125, 130, 135 in a defined manner against the guide rail 15. The contact force FA1, FA2 is also significantly increased compared to coil springs.

[0155] List of reference symbols

[0156] 10 Linear transport system

[0157] 15 guide rail

[0158] 20 conveyor system

[0159] 25 Drive device

[0160] 30 Stator module

[0161] 31 Stator tooth arrangement

[0162] 32 stator teeth

[0163] 35 connecting beams

[0164] 39 Machine bed

[0165] 40 Control unit

[0166] 45 first stator side surface

[0167] 50 second stator side surface

[0168] 55 open space

[0169] 60 first running area

[0170] 65 second running area

[0171] 70 first rail running surface

[0172] 75 second rail running surface

[0173] 76 Track side surface

[0174] 80 third rail running surface

[0175] 85 fourth rail running surface

[0176] 90 roller arrangement

[0177] 95 carrier unit

[0178] 100 first magnet arrangement

[0179] 105 second magnet arrangement

[0180] 110 Guide

[0181] 115 first carrier

[0182] 120 second carrier

[0183] 125 first roller

[0184] 130 second roller

[0185] 135 third roller

[0186] 140 first axis of rotation

[0187] 145 first guide groove

[0188] 150 first roller running surface

[0189] 155 second roller running surface

[0190] 160 second rotation axis second guide groove third roller running surface fourth roller running surface third rotation axis stator receiving space travel plane first permanent magnet second permanent magnet detection flag first carrier section second carrier section third carrier section fastening surface second receptacle first inner side first receptacle first receptacle side surface second receptacle side surface guide pin sliding axis plane guide surface first bolt receptacle second bolt receptacle first stop surface second stop surface third receptacle side surface fourth receptacle side surface third receptacle fifth receptacle side surface sixth receptacle side surface first magnet fastening surface fourth carrier section fifth carrier section sixth carrier section widening area narrow area 335 fixed end of the sixth carrier section

[0191] 340 second inside page

[0192] 345 second magnetic mounting surface

[0193] 350 passage opening

[0194] 351 first frontal surface

[0195] 352 second frontal surface

[0196] 355 first socket receptacle

[0197] 360 second socket holder

[0198] 365 inner circumference

[0199] 370 first guide bush

[0200] 375 second guide bush

[0201] 380 first air gap

[0202] 385 second air gap

[0203] 390 Longitudinal gap a minimum extension b distance

[0204] F1 first magnetic force

[0205] F2 second magnetic force

[0206] FA1 first contact force

[0207] FA2 second contact force

[0208] I Roller distance h Height offset a Angle s1 First air gap width s2 Second air gap width

Claims

Patent claims 1. Conveyor device (20) for a linear transport system (10) with a stationary guide rail (15) - wherein the conveyor device (20) - a roller arrangement (90) with at least one first roller (125) and a second roller (130) arranged offset from the first roller (125), - a carrier unit (95) with a first carrier (115) and a second carrier (120), - a first magnet arrangement (100), - a second magnet arrangement (105) and - has a guide (110), - wherein the first roller (125) is mounted on the first support (115) so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation (140) and the first magnet arrangement (100) is fastened to the first support (115), - wherein the second roller (130) is mounted on the second support (120) so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation (160) at a distance from the first roller (125), - wherein the second magnet arrangement (105) is attached to the second carrier (120) at a distance from the first magnet arrangement (100), - wherein the first roller (125) and the second roller (130) are designed to guide the carrier unit (95) displaceably on the guide rail (15), - wherein the guide (110) connects the first support (115) to the second support (120) displaceably along a sliding axis (250), wherein the sliding axis (250) is oriented at an angle (a) inclined obliquely to the second axis of rotation (160) such that upon displacement of the first support (115) and the second support (120) relative to one another along the sliding axis (250), a roller distance (I) of the first axis of rotation (140) to the second axis of rotation (160) can be changed.

2. Conveying device (20) according to claim 1, - wherein the first magnet arrangement (100) is arranged on the first carrier (115) facing the second magnet arrangement (105) and provides a first magnetic field, - wherein the second magnet arrangement (105) is arranged on the second carrier (120) facing the first magnet arrangement (100) and provides a second magnetic field.

3. Conveying device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the first support (115) is U-shaped and has a first support section (200), a second support section (205) and a third support section (210), - wherein the first support section (200) and the third support section (210) are arranged on a common side of the second support section (205) and extend away from the second support section (205) in a common direction, - wherein the first roller (125) is rotatably mounted on the first support section (200).

4. Conveyor device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the second support (120) is U-shaped and has a fourth support section (310), a fifth support section (315) and a sixth support section (320), - wherein the fourth support section (310) and the sixth support section (320) are arranged on a common side of the fifth support section (315) and extend away from the fifth support section (315) in a common direction, - wherein the second roller (130) is rotatably attached to the fourth support section (310).

5. Conveying device (20) according to claim 4, - wherein the first carrier (115) has a first receptacle (230) in the first carrier section (200), - wherein the first receptacle (230) has at least one first receptacle side surface (235) extending along a first direction inclined to the sliding axis (250), - wherein the second carrier (120) engages with the fourth carrier section (310) in the first receptacle (230) and bears against the first receptacle side surface (235) for guiding the first carrier (115) and the second carrier (120).

6. Conveying device (20) according to claim 5, - wherein the first magnet arrangement (100) is arranged on the first support section (200) on a side facing away from the first roller (125), wherein the second magnet arrangement (105) is arranged on the sixth carrier section (320) of the second carrier (120) facing the first magnet arrangement (100).

7. Conveyor device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the guide (110) has at least one guide pin (245) and at least one first guide bush (370), - wherein the guide pin (245) extends along the sliding axis (250) and is connected to the first carrier (115), - wherein the first guide bush (370) is connected to the second carrier (120), - wherein the guide pin (245) extends through at least the first guide bushing (370) such that the guide pin (245) guides the second carrier (120) in a movement along the sliding axis (250).

8. Conveying device (20) according to claim 7, - wherein the first carrier (115) has a second receptacle (220) arranged in the second carrier section (205), - wherein the fifth carrier section (315) of the second carrier (120) engages in the second receptacle (220), - wherein the first guide bush (370) is arranged on the fifth support section (315), - wherein the guide pin (245) passes through the second receptacle (220) and the first guide bush (370).

9. Conveying device (20) according to claim 7 or 8, - wherein a displacement of the first carrier (115) and the second carrier (120) relative to one another along the sliding axis (250) is limited by a stop of the fifth carrier section (315) of the second carrier (120) on a first stop surface (270) of the second receptacle (220) in the first carrier (115).

10. Conveyor device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, - the angle (a) being from 1° to 7° inclusive, in particular from 2° to 5° inclusive.

11. Linear transport system (10) - comprising a stationary guide rail (15), a stator module (30) and a conveyor device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the guide rail (15) has a first rail running surface (70) and a third rail running surface (80) arranged offset from the first rail running surface (70), - wherein the first roller (125) rests on the first rail running surface (70) and the second roller (130) rests on the third rail running surface (80), - wherein the stator module (30) is arranged at least in sections between the first magnet arrangement (100) and the second magnet arrangement (105) and has a stator tooth arrangement (31) with at least one ferromagnetic stator tooth (32), - wherein the first magnet arrangement (100) is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth (32) of the stator tooth arrangement (31) and provides a first magnetic force (F1) acting in the direction of the stator module (30), - wherein the second magnet arrangement (105) is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth (32) of the stator tooth arrangement (31) opposite the first magnet arrangement (100) and provides a second magnetic force (F2) acting in the direction of the stator module (30), - wherein the guide (110) translates the first magnetic force (F1) at least partially into a first contact force (FA1) and the first carrier (115) presses the first roller (125) against the first rail running surface (70) with the first contact force (FA1), - wherein the guide (110) translates the second magnetic force (F2) at least partially into a second contact force (FA2) and the second carrier (120) presses the second roller (130) against the third rail running surface (80) with the second contact force (FA2).

12. Method for operating a linear transport system (10) according to claim 11, - wherein the first magnet arrangement (100) is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth (32) of the stator tooth arrangement (31) and a first magnetic force (F1) attracts the first magnet arrangement (100) in the direction of the stator module (30), - wherein the second magnet arrangement (105) is magnetically coupled to at least one of the stator teeth (32) of the stator tooth arrangement (31) and a second magnetic force (F2) attracts the second magnet arrangement (105) in the direction of the stator module (30), - wherein the guide (110) translates the first magnetic force (F1) into the first contact force (FA1), which acts inclined, in particular perpendicular, to the first axis of rotation (140), and the second magnetic force (F2) into the second contact force (FA2), which acts inclined, in particular perpendicular, to the first axis of rotation (140), - wherein the first carrier (115) transmits the first contact force (FA1) to the first roller (125) and presses the first roller (125) against the guide rail (15) with the first contact force (FA1), - wherein the second carrier (120) transmits the second contact pressure force (FA2) to the second roller (130) and presses the second roller (130) against the guide rail (15) with the second contact pressure force (FA2).

Images