Buffer device comprising at least one self-propelled shuttle and two slotted waveguides and method for operating the buffer device

Abstract

The invention relates to a buffer device (18) having at least one self-propelled shuttle (12, 30, 32) for accommodating objects to be buffered, wherein each shuttle is movable along a path and comprises at least two antennas (13, 14, 29, 31, 45, 46), and having two slotted waveguides (1, 2, 23, 39, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86), which in each case comprise segments (3, 4, 5, 6, 24-28, 40-44) arranged one behind the other along the path and are configured to accommodate antennas, which interact for signal transmission with the respective slotted waveguide in which they are accommodated. The first slotted waveguide is operated at a first frequency. The second slotted waveguide is operated at a second frequency. The first and second frequencies are different. The invention further relates to a method for operating the buffer device (18), comprising: introducing the first antenna (13, 29, 31) of a self-propelled shuttle (12, 30, 32) into the first slotted waveguide (1, 23), introducing the second antenna (14, 45, 46) of the self-propelled shuttle into the second slotted waveguide (2, 39), operating the first slotted waveguide at the first frequency, and operating the second slotted waveguide at the second frequency.

Description

[0001] Buffer device comprising at least one self-propelled shuttle and two slotted hollow waveguides and a method for operating the buffer device. The invention relates to a buffer device comprising at least one self-propelled shuttle and two slotted hollow waveguides and a method for operating the buffer device according to the independent claims.

[0002] State of the art

[0003] In machines or systems where individual shuttles, carts, or transport vehicles move along tracks, power and data are transmitted via sliding tracks. These can be classic sliding tracks where spring-loaded metal contacts slide along a metal rail (direct contact). Slotted hollow waveguides can be used for data transmission, with spring-loaded antennas (or read heads) moving within a hollow profile and receiving the radio waves injected into it (Wi-Fi). Slotted hollow waveguides are used, for example, by automotive manufacturers in their production lines. Since the radio waves can only be injected into the slotted hollow waveguides over a limited length, and only a limited number of antennas are permitted within that length, it is necessary to segment the slotted hollow waveguides over the required transmission length.For this purpose, the shuttles generally have two antennas arranged one behind the other in a designated direction of travel, spaced far enough apart that the front antenna has already transitioned from the first segment to the next segment of the slotted waveguide before the rear antenna leaves the first segment, crosses the interface between the first and second segments, and transitions into the second segment. Thus, as the shuttle travels along the slotted waveguide, at least one of the two antennas always maintains contact and can receive the injected radio waves.

[0004] Task

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a buffer device and a method by which an interaction between antennas of the shuttle can be avoided during signal transmission, for example, when the antennas of the shuttle have to be arranged in parallel for reasons of space.

[0006] Solution

[0007] The problem is solved by the buffer device and the method according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. The buffer device according to the invention comprises at least one self-propelled shuttle for picking up objects to be buffered, wherein each shuttle is movable along a path and comprises at least two antennas, and two slotted hollow waveguides, each comprising segments arranged one behind the other along the direction of the path and configured to receive antennas, wherein the antennas interact with the respective slotted hollow waveguide in which they are received for signal transmission. The first slotted hollow waveguide is configured to operate at a first frequency, and the second slotted hollow waveguide is configured to operate at a second frequency, wherein the first and the second frequencies are different.

[0008] Signal transmission is used to control the movement of the shuttles along the track. For example, data can be transmitted to a shuttle to stop, start, accelerate, decelerate, or maintain a constant speed, or to initiate actions such as picking up or indicating objects to be buffered.

[0009] The buffer device described here can be used, for example, for self-propelled shuttles that have a relatively small dimension in the direction of travel (e.g., within a range of 290 millimeters), making it difficult to position the two antennas of such a shuttle one behind the other in the direction of travel. The proximity of the two antennas (within a range of 50 millimeters) would lead to interference. The resulting interference could be so significant that signal transmission could momentarily break down, potentially causing an emergency stop of a machine that relies on the buffer device.

[0010] For self-driving shuttles that have a comparatively small extent in the direction of movement (for example, in an area of ​​290 millimeters), the two antennas can be arranged one above the other in the direction of movement - for example, aligned or nearly aligned.

[0011] The first slotted hollow waveguide can be used to accommodate the first antenna of a self-driving shuttle, and the second slotted hollow waveguide can be used to accommodate the second antenna of the self-driving shuttle.

[0012] Since radio waves can only be fed into slotted hollow waveguides over a limited length, and only a limited number of antennas are allowed in this length, it is necessary to segment the slotted hollow waveguides over the required transmission length.

[0013] The track can be open or closed, for example as a ring main. The segments can have a hollow profile with an interior into which radio waves can be fed. The interior can be surrounded by a wall, which may have a slot along which self-driving shuttles with their antennas integrated into the segments can move in one direction or in the opposite direction.

[0014] The slotted hollow waveguides can be arranged parallel to each other, for example parallel to each other along the direction of the path.

[0015] The slotted hollow waveguides can be arranged one above the other in one direction of gravity. The first slotted hollow waveguide can be aligned above the second slotted hollow waveguide, for example, at a distance, so that the two slotted hollow waveguides run parallel. "Aligned one above the other" here can be understood as along one direction of gravity.

[0016] The slotted hollow waveguides can be arranged side by side in one plane.

[0017] The slots of the first slotted hollow waveguide and the second slotted hollow waveguide can point in the same direction or in different directions.

[0018] The shuttle's antennas can be arranged in parallel or approximately parallel positions.

[0019] In self-driving shuttles, which have a comparatively small extent in the direction of movement, the two antennas can be arranged one above the other in the direction of movement (in one direction of the effect of gravity) - for example, aligned or approximately aligned; this can be seen as a parallel arrangement.

[0020] The buffer device can further include stationary communication modules connected to the slotted hollow waveguides. For example, the stationary communication modules can be configured to switch between the two slotted hollow waveguides and frequencies. The buffer device can further include mobile communication modules connected to the antennas. For example, the mobile communication modules can be configured to switch between the antennas and frequencies.

[0021] The first and second frequencies can be defined. For example, the first frequency can be 5.1 GHz and the second frequency 5.3 GHz. When defining the frequencies, factors such as existing interference frequencies occurring in the vicinity of the buffer device can be taken into account.

[0022] The first and second frequencies can be shiftable. The first frequency can be shifted by a first value, and the second frequency by a second value. The first and second values ​​can be the same or different. The shifts between the first and second frequencies can be independent of each other. Each shift can be within a range of ±0.2 GHz. Ideally, the frequencies should be in bands that are free of radio frequency regulations in as many countries as possible. For example, a frequency around which the shifts can be made could be 5 GHz. This frequency is generally free for Wi-Fi.

[0023] The ends of the segments of the first slotted hollow waveguide arranged one after the other along the direction of the path can be offset from the ends of the segments of the second slotted hollow waveguide arranged one after the other along the direction of the path.

[0024] Thus, in the case of parallel antennas of a self-driving shuttle, when the first antenna of the self-driving shuttle transitions from a first segment of the first slotted hollow waveguide to a subsequent second segment of the first slotted hollow waveguide, the second antenna of the self-driving shuttle may still be located in a first segment of the second slotted hollow waveguide.

[0025] The first slotted hollow waveguide and the second slotted hollow waveguide can each be configured as a ring. The self-propelled shuttles can be located within an area enclosed by the two slotted hollow waveguides. Alternatively, the self-propelled shuttles can be located outside the area enclosed by the two slotted hollow waveguides.

[0026] A method for operating the buffer device, as described above or below, comprises inserting the first antenna of a self-propelled shuttle into the first slotted hollow waveguide, inserting the second antenna of the self-propelled shuttle into the second slotted hollow waveguide, operating the first slotted hollow waveguide at the first frequency, and operating the second slotted hollow waveguide at the second frequency.

[0027] The procedure can include picking up objects to be buffered by at least one self-driving shuttle at a first position and / or delivering the objects to be buffered at a second position on the track.

[0028] When the first antenna of one of the self-driving shuttles transitions from a first segment of the first slotted hollow waveguide to a second segment of the first slotted hollow waveguide following along the direction of the path, the second antenna of the self-driving shuttle may still be located in a first segment of the second slotted hollow waveguide.

[0029] In the case of parallel antennas of a self-propelled shuttle, this can be achieved by offsetting the ends of the segments of the first slotted hollow waveguide relative to the ends of the segments of the second slotted hollow waveguide. In the case of series antennas of a self-propelled shuttle, this can be achieved by ensuring that the ends of the segments of the first slotted hollow waveguide are not offset relative to the ends of the segments of the second slotted hollow waveguide, or by adjusting the spacing between the two antennas and the magnitude of the offset accordingly.

[0030] The first and second frequencies can be defined. This definition can take into account frequencies that occur in the vicinity of the buffer device. For example, the first frequency can be 5.1 GHz and the second frequency 5.3 GHz.

[0031] The first and second frequencies can be shifted. The first frequency can be shifted by a first value, and the second frequency by a second value. The first and second values ​​can be the same or different. The shifts between the first and second frequencies can be independent of each other. Shifting can occur, for example, when interacting with an external frequency. The shift can be within a range of ±0.2 GHz. Ideally, the frequencies should be in ranges that are free of radio frequency regulations in as many countries as possible. For example, a suitable frequency range for shifting could be 5 GHz, which is generally free for Wi-Fi.

[0032] The first slotted hollow waveguide and the second slotted hollow waveguide can each be configured as a ring main. The at least one self-propelled shuttle can move along a circular track.

[0033] For example, if five segments are provided for both the first and second slotted hollow waveguides, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments can each have the same length. The same applies to other numbers of segments.

[0034] The segments of one of the slotted hollow waveguides can have different lengths, with these different lengths then being provided accordingly in the other slotted hollow waveguide for the corresponding segments.

[0035] Alternatively, all segments can have the same length.

[0036] The segments can be of different or the same length. The at least one self-propelled shuttle can be located in an area surrounded by the first and second ring lines. The slots of the segments, along which the antennas of the at least one self-propelled shuttle can be moved in a direction of travel, face the area surrounded by the two ring lines of the buffer device.

[0037] Brief character description

[0038] The accompanying figures illustrate aspects and / or embodiments of the invention for better understanding and demonstration purposes. They show:

[0039] Figure 1 shows an oblique view of a section of two slotted hollow waveguides intended for a buffer device, in the transition area between each pair of segments; Figure 2 shows a side view of the section of the two slotted hollow waveguides of Figure 1, each with an antenna mounted on it.

[0040] Figure 3A shows the power level profile of the first antenna in the first slotted hollow waveguide and

[0041] Figure 3B shows the power level curve of the second antenna in the second slotted hollow waveguide,

[0042] Figure 3C shows a combined curve of the power level of the first antenna and the second antenna,

[0043] Figure 4A shows a top view of a ring circuit of a first slotted hollow waveguide intended for a buffer device,

[0044] Figure 4B shows a top view of a ring circuit of a second slotted hollow waveguide intended for the buffer device,

[0045] Figure 5A shows a top view of a self-driving shuttle with parallel antennas. Figure 5B shows a top view of a self-driving shuttle with antennas arranged in series.

[0046] Figures 6A to 6G show a cross-sectional view of different arrangements of the two slotted hollow waveguides.

[0047] Detailed character description

[0048] Figure 1 shows an oblique view of a section of two slotted hollow waveguides 1, 2, which are intended for a buffer device (a self-propelled shuttle for picking up objects to be buffered is not shown), in the transition area between each pair of segments 3, 4, 5, 6. A Cartesian coordinate system is given to explain the spatial arrangement of the two slotted hollow waveguides 1, 2. The first slotted hollow waveguide 1 is arranged flush above the second slotted hollow waveguide 2 at a distance d4 (in the z-direction), such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 1, 2 run parallel in the x-direction (see also Figure 6A). "Flush above" can be understood here as along a direction of action of gravity (opposite the z-direction).Since radio waves can only be fed into slotted hollow waveguides over a limited length, and only a limited number of antennas are allowed in this length, it is necessary to segment the slotted hollow waveguides over the required transmission length.

[0049] For the first slotted hollow waveguide 1, Figure 1 shows parts of a first segment 3 and a second segment 4. These two segments 3 and 4 have a separation d1 (in the x-direction) from each other in a separation region to prevent the radio waves of the first segment 3 from coupling into the second segment 4. For the second slotted hollow waveguide 2, Figure 1 shows parts of the first segment 5 and parts of the second segment 6. These two segments 5 and 6 have a separation d2 (in the x-direction) from each other, which can be equal to the separation d1 of the two segments 3 and 4 of the first slotted hollow waveguide 1.

[0050] Segments 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the slotted hollow waveguides 1 and 2 have a hollow profile with an interior space 7 into which the radio waves are injected. The interior space 7 is surrounded by a wall 8 which has a slot 9 along which self-propelled shuttles with their antennas inserted into segments 3, 4, 5, and 6 can move in a direction 10 (in the x-direction) or in an opposite direction 11 (against the x-direction). Openings of the slots 9 are arranged in the x-z plane and extend in the x-direction and are open in the opposite direction to the y-direction (see also Figure 6A).

[0051] The buffer device described here can be used, for example, for self-propelled shuttles that have a relatively small footprint in the direction of movement 10, 11. This can make it difficult to position the two antennas of such a shuttle one behind the other in the direction of movement 10, 11 (see also Figure 5B). Therefore, the two antennas of such a shuttle are arranged parallel in the direction of movement 10 or 11 (see Figure 5A); this can also be considered a parallel arrangement of the antennas. To ensure that, in such a parallel arrangement of antennas, one of the two antennas is always located in a segment 4, 5, 6 when a self-propelled shuttle moves in the direction of movement 10, 11, the discontinuities of the first slotted hollow waveguide 1 are offset from the discontinuities of the second slotted hollow waveguide 2.The offset is labelled d3 (in the x-direction) in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a side view of the section of the two slotted hollow waveguides 1, 2 of Figure 1, each with an antenna 13, 14 of a self-propelled shuttle 12 mounted on it. The antennas 13, 14 are elongated and can have their maximum length in the x-direction. The first antenna 13 of the self-propelled shuttle 12 is located in the first segment 3 of the first slotted hollow waveguide 1 and can move together with the shuttle 12, for example, in the direction of movement 10, first along the first segment 3 and then along a section 15 from the first segment 3, the separation zone between the first and second segments 3, 4, and from the second segment 4, where no data communication is possible, and then along the second segment 4 of the first slotted hollow waveguide 1.

[0052] For the depicted self-propelled shuttle 12, the two antennas 13, 14 are arranged one above the other in the direction of movement 10. The second antenna 14 of the self-propelled shuttle 12 moves accordingly, together with the shuttle 12, in the direction of movement 10 along the first segment 5 of the second slotted hollow waveguide 2, and then along a region 16 from the first segment 5, the separation region between the first and second segments 5, 6, and from the second segment 6, where no data communication is possible, and then along the second segment 6 of the second slotted hollow waveguide 2. The self-propelled shuttle 12 includes a plate 17 on which objects to be buffered can be placed. Instead of a plate 17, a spatial distribution, such as a tray, a grid, or the like, can be provided.

[0053] Figure 3A shows the power level 18 of the first antenna 13 in the first slotted hollow waveguide 1. The power level 18 is shown here in decibel milliwatts (dBmW) versus length in millimeters (mm). The power level 18 of the first antenna 13 varies as it moves in the direction of movement 10 along the length of the first slotted hollow waveguide 1. Initially, the power level 18 is constant and then decreases from a length 11, is zero in the separation region T between the first segment 3 and the second segment 4, and then increases up to a length I2 until the power level 18 reaches a constant value again.

[0054] Figure 3B shows the power level 19 of the second antenna 14 in the second slotted hollow waveguide 2. The power level 19 is shown here in decibel milliwatts (dBmW) versus length in millimeters (mm). The power level 19 of the first antenna 14 also varies as it moves in the direction of movement 10 along the length of the second slotted hollow waveguide 2. Initially, the power level 19 is constant and then decreases from a length I3, is zero in the separation region between the first segment 5 and the second segment 6, and then increases up to a length I4 until the power level 19 reaches a constant value again. Figure 3C shows a combined power level 21a, 21b of the first antenna 13 and the second antenna 14 as they move in the direction of movement 10 along the length of the first slotted hollow waveguide 1 and the second slotted hollow waveguide 2, respectively.The power levels 21a and 21b are shown here in decibel milliwatts (dBmW) as a function of length in millimeters (mm). If the power level 21a drops to zero due to the decrease of the power level 18 in the separation region between the first segment 3 and the second segment 4 in the first slotted hollow waveguide 1, down to a switching level 20, the second antenna 14 takes over and the power level 21b returns to a constant value. If the power level 21b drops to zero due to the decrease of the power level 19 in the separation region between the first segment 5 and the second segment 6 in the second slotted hollow waveguide 2, down to a switching level 20, the first antenna 13 takes over and the power level 21a returns to a constant value. Figures 4A and 4B show a first ring line 22 of a first slotted hollow waveguide 23 and a second ring line 38 of a second slotted hollow waveguide 39, which are provided for a buffer device.For the buffer device, the first ring line 22 is arranged flush above the second ring line 38 (see also Figure 6G).

[0055] Figure 4A shows a top view of the first ring line 22 of the first slotted hollow waveguide 23. The first slotted hollow waveguide 23 comprises five segments 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, wherein the first antenna 29 of a first self-propelled shuttle 30 is located in the first segment 24 and the first antenna 31 of a second self-propelled shuttle 32 is located in the third segment 26. The first and second self-propelled shuttles 30, 32 are located in an area surrounded by the first ring line 22 – and, due to the aligned arrangement of the second ring line described in Figure 4B, also by that ring line.

[0056] The slots of the segments, along which the inserted antennas of the self-driving shuttle can be moved in a direction of movement, point upwards (in the z-direction) with their openings.

[0057] For each segment 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, a feed point 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 is provided for feeding in the radio waves. The first slotted hollow waveguide 23 can be operated at a first frequency via these feed points.

[0058] Figure 4B shows a top view of the second ring conductor 38 of the second slotted hollow waveguide 39. The second slotted hollow waveguide 39 comprises five segments 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, with the second antenna 45 of the first self-propelled shuttle 30 located in the first segment 40 and the second antenna 46 of the second self-propelled shuttle 32 located in the third segment 42. The slots of the segments, along which the inserted antennas of the self-propelled shuttles can be moved in a direction of movement, point downwards (opposite the z-direction).

[0059] For the injection of radio waves, an injection point 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 is provided for each segment 40, 41, 42, 43, 44. Using these injection points, the second slotted hollow waveguide 39 can be operated at a second frequency that differs from the first frequency of the first slotted hollow waveguide 22.

[0060] In the arrangement for the buffer device, these two slotted hollow waveguides 23, 39 are arranged in alignment above one another and the separation points of the first segments 24, 40, the separation points of the second segments 25, 41, the separation points of the third segments 26, 42, the separation points of the fourth segments 27, 43 and the separation points of the fifth segments 28, 44 are arranged accordingly offset.

[0061] The first segments 24, 40, the second segments 25, 41, the third segments 26, 42, the fourth segments 27, 43 and the fifth segments 28, 44 have the same lengths for the first slotted hollow waveguide 22 and the second slotted hollow waveguide 38.

[0062] The segments of one of the slotted hollow waveguides can have different lengths, as shown, with these different lengths then also being provided for the corresponding segments in the other slotted hollow waveguide.

[0063] In the illustrations of Figures 4A and 4B, the self-propelled shuttles 30 and 32 are arranged in the area surrounded by the two slotted hollow waveguides 23 and 39. Alternatively, the self-propelled shuttles can be arranged outside the area surrounded by the two slotted hollow waveguides 23 and 39.

[0064] Figure 5A shows a top view of a self-propelled shuttle 12 with parallel antennas 13, 14, which has also been schematically depicted in some of the previous figures. The self-propelled shuttle 12 can move in directions 10, 11 (in the x-direction and opposite the x-direction, respectively). By providing movable axles, it can travel non-linear paths (in the xy-plane) (for example, to follow ring lines, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B). In Figure 5A, the self-propelled shuttle 12 comprises four wheels 52, which can be attached in pairs to two axles, at least one of which can be movable.

[0065] Figure 5B shows a top view of a self-propelled shuttle 53 with antennas 57, 58 arranged one behind the other. The self-propelled shuttle 53 can move in directions 54, 55 (in the x-direction and opposite the x-direction, respectively). By providing movable axles, it can travel non-linear paths (in the xy-plane). In Figure 5B, the self-propelled shuttle 53 comprises four wheels 56, which can be attached in pairs to two axles, at least one of which can be movable.

[0066] Figures 6A to 6G each show a cross-sectional view of various arrangements of the two slotted hollow waveguides. The cross-sections are described using a Cartesian coordinate system, and the arrangements are depicted as straight slotted hollow waveguides. However, it is also possible for the slotted hollow waveguides to be curved (see also Figures 4A, 4B). In curves, the slotted hollow waveguides, for example, the slots, can be designed such that the antennas can navigate the curves as the self-driving shuttle moves along the slotted hollow waveguides.

[0067] In Figure 6A, the first slotted hollow waveguide 60 is arranged flush above (in the z-direction) the second slotted hollow waveguide 62, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 60, 62 run parallel in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 61, 63 are arranged in an xz-plane and extend in the x-direction and are open opposite to the y-direction.

[0068] In Figure 6B, the first slotted hollow waveguide 64 is arranged flush above (in the z-direction) the second slotted hollow waveguide 66, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 64, 66 run parallel in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 65, 67 are each arranged in an xz-plane and extend in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 65 are open opposite to the y-direction, and the openings of the slots 67 are open in the y-direction.

[0069] In Figure 6C, the first slotted hollow waveguide 68 is arranged next to the second slotted hollow waveguide 70 in an xy-plane, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 68, 70 run parallel in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 69, 71 are each arranged in an xz-plane and extend in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 69 are open in the y-direction, and the openings of the slots 71 are open opposite the y-direction.

[0070] In Figure 6D, the first slotted hollow waveguide 72 is arranged next to the second slotted hollow waveguide 74 in an xy-plane, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 72, 74 run parallel in the x-direction. A gap is provided between the two slotted hollow waveguides 72, 74 to allow a self-propelled shuttle to move along the slotted hollow waveguides. The openings of the slots 73, 75 are each arranged in an xz-plane and extend in the x-direction. The openings of slots 73 are opposite to the y-direction, and the openings of slots 75 are open in the y-direction. In Figure 6E, the first slotted hollow waveguide 76 is arranged next to the second slotted hollow waveguide 78 in an xy-plane, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 76, 78 run parallel in the x-direction. The openings of slots 77, 79 are each arranged in an xy-plane and extend in the x-direction.The openings of slots 77, 79 are open in the z-direction.

[0071] In Figure 6F, the first slotted hollow waveguide 80 is arranged next to the second slotted hollow waveguide 82 in an xy-plane, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 80 and 82 run parallel in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 81 and 83 are each arranged in an xy-plane and extend in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 81 and 83 are open opposite to the z-direction. In Figure 6G, the first slotted hollow waveguide 84 is arranged flush above (in the z-direction) the second slotted hollow waveguide 86, such that the two slotted hollow waveguides 84 and 86 run parallel in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 61 and 63 are each arranged in an xz-plane and extend in the x-direction. The openings of the slots 85 are open in the z-direction, and the openings of the slots 87 are open opposite to the z-direction.

Claims

P 148389 13 Claims 1. Buffer device (18) comprising: - at least one self-driving shuttle (12, 30, 32) for picking up objects to be buffered, wherein each shuttle (12, 30, 32) is movable along a track and includes at least two antennas (13, 14, 29, 31, 45, 46), - two slotted hollow waveguides (1, 2, 23, 39, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86), each comprising segments (3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44) arranged one behind the other along the direction of the path and designed to accommodate antennas (13, 14, 29, 31, 45, 46), wherein the antennas cooperate with the respective slotted hollow waveguide in which they are accommodated for signal transmission, wherein the first slotted hollow waveguide (1, 23, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84) is designed to be operated at a first frequency, wherein the second slotted hollow waveguide (2, 39, 62, 66, 70, 74, 78, 82, 86) is designed to be operated at a second frequency, where the first and second frequencies are different.

2. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein the segments (3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44) have a hollow profile with an interior (7) into which radio waves are fed, wherein the interior (7) is surrounded by a wall (8) having a slot (9, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87) along which self-driving shuttles (12, 30, 32) with their components inserted into the segments (3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44) Antennas (13, 14, 29, 31, 45, 46) can be moved in one direction of movement (10) or in the opposite direction of movement (11).

3. The buffer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slotted hollow waveguides (1, 2, 23, 39, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86) are arranged parallel to each other, for example parallel to each other along the direction of the track.

4. The buffer device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slotted hollow waveguides (1, 2, 23, 39, 60, 62, 64, 66, 84, 86) are arranged one above the other in a direction of action of gravity or wherein the slotted hollow waveguides (68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82) are arranged next to each other in a plane.

5. The buffer device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the slots of the first slotted hollow waveguide and the second slotted hollow waveguide point in the same direction or in different directions. P 148389 14 6. The buffer device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the antennas (13, 14, 29, 31, 45, 46) of the self-driving shuttles (12, 30, 32) are arranged parallel or approximately parallel.

7. The buffer device according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising stationary communication modules connected to the slotted hollow waveguides, wherein, for example, the stationary communication modules are configured to switch between the two slotted hollow waveguides and the frequencies.

8. The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising mobile communication modules connected to the antennas, wherein, for example, the mobile communication modules are configured to switch between the antennas and the frequencies.

9. The buffer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and the second frequencies are definable, wherein, for example, the first frequency is 5.1 GHz and the second frequency is 5.3 GHz.

10. The buffer device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and the second frequency are displaceable, for example, the first and the second frequency can be displaced independently of each other.

11. The buffer device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ends of the segments (3, 4, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) of the first slotted hollow waveguide (1, 23) arranged one after the other along the direction of the track are offset from the ends of the segments (5, 6, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44) of the second slotted hollow waveguide (2, 39) arranged one after the other along the direction of the track.

12. The buffer device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first slotted hollow waveguide (23) and the second slotted hollow waveguide (39) are each configured as a ring conductor (22, 38).

13. Method for operating the buffer device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method comprises: - Insertion of the first antenna (13, 29, 31) of a self-driving shuttle (12, 30, 32) into the first slotted hollow waveguide (1, 23), - Insertion of the second antenna (14, 45, 46) of the self-driving shuttle (12, 30, 32) into the second slotted hollow waveguide (2, 39), - Operating the first slotted hollow waveguide (1, 23) at the first frequency, - Operating the second slotted hollow waveguide (2, 39) at the second frequency. P 148389 15 14. The method according to claim 13, comprising picking up objects to be buffered by the at least one self-driving shuttle (12, 30, 32) at a first position and / or delivering the objects to be buffered at a second position of the track.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein when the first antenna (13, 29, 31) of one of the self-driving shuttles (12, 30, 32) transitions from a first segment of the first slotted hollow waveguide (1, 23) into a second segment of the first slotted hollow waveguide (1, 23) following along the direction of the path, the second antenna of the self-driving shuttle (12, 30, 32) is still located in a first segment of the second slotted hollow waveguide (2, 39).

16. The method according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are defined.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a shift of the first frequency and the second frequency takes place, for example in interaction with an external frequency, wherein, for example, the shift of the first frequency and the second frequency takes place independently of each other.

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