Method for assembling a rail structure and rail structure

Abstract

Method for assembling a rail structure of an article transporting system and rail structure. The rail structure comprises a plurality of holding brackets and elongated drive beams. The drive beams are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets, and the holding brackets are configured for supporting the drive beams in a mounted position for providing a driving track for at least one transporting shuttle. The holding brackets comprise a first upper support member and a first safety lock member arranged below the first upper support member. The drive beams comprise a second upper support member, a second safety lock member arranged below the second upper support member, and an upper drive surface configured for supporting a lower wheel arrangement of the at least one transporting shuttle. In the mounted position, the second safety lock member is engaging the first safety lock members for preventing translational movement of the drive beam relative to the holding brackets in a vertical direction of the rail structure.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A RAIL STRUCTURE AND RAIL STRUCTURE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a rail structure of an article transporting system comprising transporting shuttles. The transporting shuttles are used for transporting articles between different positions, such as between machines, storage positions and / or delivery positions. The rail structure comprises a plurality of holding brackets and elongated drive beams. The drive beams are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets, and the holding brackets are configured for supporting the drive beams in a mounted position for providing a driving track for the transporting shuttles. The disclosure further relates to a rail structure.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Article transporting systems are commonly used for transporting articles in manufacturing plants, warehouses, or in other locations where there is a need for transporting articles.

[0006] Many article transporting systems today are using rail structures with drive beams that are forming a driving track for shuttles that are transporting articles between different transporting positions. Such rail structures are complex in design and have nonflexible layouts. The rail structures are often complicated in construction, making them difficult to assemble and disassemble during mounting of parts, maintenance or reconstruction. Sometimes, the rail structures are hanging from a ceiling structure, and the part mounting process is a dangerous operation due to the risk of drive beams falling down when being assembled.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for more flexible and efficient rail structures with simpler construction, making them easier to assemble and disassemble. There is further a need for more safe mounting operations when assembling the drive beams of the rail structures. SUMMARY

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for assembling a rail structure of an article transporting system, and a rail structure of an article transporting system, where the previously mentioned problems are avoided. This object is at least partly achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain further developments of the method for assembling a rail structure and the rail structure.

[0009] The disclosure concerns a method for assembling a rail structure of an article transporting system. The article transporting system comprises at least one transporting shuttle. The rail structure comprises a plurality of holding brackets and elongated drive beams. The drive beams are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets, and the holding brackets are configured for supporting the drive beams in a mounted position for providing a driving track for the at least one transporting shuttle. The holding brackets comprise a first upper support member and a first safety lock member arranged below the first upper support member. The drive beams comprise a second upper support member, a second safety lock member arranged below the second upper support member, and an upper drive surface configured for supporting a lower wheel arrangement of the at least one transporting shuttle. The method comprises the steps; attaching the holding brackets to a supporting structure and arranging the holding brackets in aligned positions relative to each other; arranging each drive beam in an inclined position relative to two or more aligned holding brackets, and in the inclined position bringing the second upper support member of the drive beam in engagement with the first upper support members of the holding brackets, wherein in the inclined position the second safety lock member is disengaged from the first safety lock member; attaching the drive beam to the holding brackets by displacing the drive beam from the inclined position to the mounted position when the second upper support member is in engagement with the first upper support members, through a pivoting movement around a pivoting axis extending along aligned first upper support members of the holding brackets, wherein in the mounted position the second safety lock member is engaging the first safety lock members for preventing translational movement of the drive beam relative to the holding brackets in a vertical direction of the rail structure. Advantages with these features are that the rail structure is simple and efficient in construction, providing a fast assembling and disassembling process with a safe mounting operation when attaching the drive beams to the holding brackets. The first upper support members of two or more aligned holding brackets are forming the pivoting axis, which enables the pivoting movement of the rail beams relative to the holding brackets. The pivoting movement is securing an efficient displacement of the rail beams from the inclined position to the mounted position. The drive beams are through the engagement between the second safety lock members and the first safety lock members in the mounted position restricted from being pushed upwards, which is a safety feature of the rail structure that is preventing the rail beams from falling down during the mounting operation. The safety lock members are in the mounted position efficiently preventing that the rail beams are accidentally removed from the holding brackets by an upwards movement of the rail beams. The upper drive surface of the drive beams is an upwards facing surface of the drive beams that is providing efficient support for the wheel arrangement of the transporting shuttles. When the second safety lock member is engaging the first safety lock members, the second safety lock member may or may not be brought in contact with the first safety lock members. The expression engaging for example includes designs where the second safety lock member extends into the first safety lock members, or where the first safety lock members extend into the second safety lock member, with or without being brought into direct contact with each other.

[0010] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise an outer support surface and the drive beams comprise an inner support surface. The method further comprises the step: arranging the inner support surface of the drive beam in connection with the outer support surfaces of the holding brackets when displacing the drive beam from the inclined position to the mounted position. The support surfaces are enabling an efficient positioning of the drive beams onto the holding brackets during the mounting operation, and when the support surfaces are arranged in connection to each other, the rail beams are efficiently supported by the holding brackets.

[0011] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise one or more braces. The method further comprises the step: attaching the holding brackets to the supporting structure via the braces, such that the braces are extending from the holding brackets to the supporting structure. The braces may be arranged as elongated rod structures that are extending between the holding brackets and the supporting structure. The supporting structure may for example be a ceiling structure of a building from which the rail structure is hanging down via the braces, and the braces are in this way efficiently supporting the holding brackets. Alternatively, the supporting structure may be configured as a floor structure or wall structure of a building onto which the rail structure is arranged, and the braces are then configured differently.

[0012] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise three or more braces. The method further comprises the steps: arranging the three or more braces as seismic bracing structures. The seismic bracing structures are efficiently supporting the rail structure, preventing movements and resisting forces in longitudinal and lateral directions of the rail structure. The seismic bracing structures may comprise a first brace extending in the vertical direction of the rail structure from the holding brackets to the supporting structure, a second brace extending in a first angled direction from the holding brackets to the supporting structure, and a third brace extending in a second angled direction from the holding brackets to the supporting structure. The first angled direction is different from the second angled direction for efficient movement prevention.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second upper support member of the drive beams comprises an inner inclined surface, and the rail structure further comprises locking structures configured for locking the drive beams to the holding brackets. The method further comprises the step: locking the drive beam to the holding brackets by a pushing action from the locking structures towards the inner inclined surface, wherein the pushing action is forcing the second upper support member of the drive beam towards the first upper support members of the holding brackets. The locking structures are used for an efficient locking of the drive beams to the holding brackets. Through the interaction between the locking structures and the inner inclined surface of the drive beams, the locking structures are locking the drive beam to the holding brackets by the pushing action from the locking structures towards the inner inclined surface. The pushing action is forcing the second upper support member of the drive beam towards the first upper support members of the holding brackets for a firm and reliable connection.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first safety lock member of the holding brackets is configured as a protruding element and the second safety lock member of the drive beams is configured as a groove extending along the drive beams. The method further comprises the step: arranging the protruding elements of the holding brackets into the groove of the drive beam in the mounted position. The protruding elements and the grooves are when engaged efficiently preventing the upwards movement of the rail beams relative to the holding brackets in the mounted position, for a safe construction of the rail structure. The protruding elements and grooves may have any suitable configuration, size and design, depending on the construction of the rail structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first safety lock member of the holding brackets is configured as a groove and the second safety lock member of the drive beams is configured as a protruding element extending along the drive beams. The method further comprises the step: arranging the protruding element of the drive beam into the grooves of the holding brackets in the mounted position. With this alternative configuration, the grooves and the protruding elements are when engaged efficiently preventing the upwards movement of the rail beams relative to the holding brackets in the mounted position, for a safe construction of the rail structure. The grooves and protruding elements may have any suitable configuration, size and design, depending on the construction of the rail structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise a first lateral side and a second lateral side arranged opposite the first lateral side. Each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side comprises the first upper support member and the first safety lock member. The method further comprises the steps: attaching drive beams to the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the holding brackets. This two-sided configuration of the holding brackets enable the mounting of rail beams on opposite sides of the holding brackets for an efficient and compact layout of the rail structure.

[0017] The disclosure further concerns a rail structure of an article transporting system comprising at least one transporting shuttle. The rail structure comprises a plurality of holding brackets and elongated drive beams, where the drive beams are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets. The holding brackets are configured for supporting the drive beams in a mounted position of the rail structure for providing a driving track for the at least one transporting shuttle. The holding brackets comprise a first upper support member and a first safety lock member arranged below the first upper support member. The drive beams comprise a second upper support member, a second safety lock member arranged below the second upper support member, and an upper drive surface configured for supporting a wheel arrangement of the at least one transporting shuttle. The holding brackets are configured for being attached to a supporting structure and arranged in aligned positions relative to each other. In the mounted position, each drive beam is attached to two or more aligned holding brackets, such that the second upper support member of the drive beam is in engagement with the first upper support members of the holding brackets. In the mounted position, the second safety lock member is engaging the first safety lock members for preventing translational movement of the drive beam relative to the holding brackets in a vertical direction of the rail structure.

[0018] Advantages with these features are that the rail structure is simple and efficient in construction, providing a fast assembling and disassembling process with a safe mounting operation when attaching the drive beams to the holding brackets. The drive beams are through the engagement between the second safety lock members and the first safety lock members in the mounted position restricted from being pushed upwards, which is a safety feature of the rail structure that is preventing the rail beams from falling down during the mounting operation. The safety lock members are in the mounted position efficiently preventing that the rail beams are accidentally removed from the holding brackets by an upwards movement of the rail beams. The upper drive surface of the drive beams is an upwards facing surface of the drive beams that is providing efficient support for the wheel arrangement of the transporting shuttles. When the second safety lock member is engaging the first safety lock members, the second safety lock member may or may not be brought in contact with the first safety lock members. The expression engaging for example includes designs where the second safety lock member extends into the first safety lock members, or where the first safety lock members extend into the second safety lock member, with or without being brought into direct contact with each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the holding brackets form a pivoting axis extending along aligned first upper support members, enabling a pivoting movement of the drive beam relative to the holding brackets around the pivoting axis, when the second upper support member is in engagement with the first upper support members. The first upper support members of two or more aligned holding brackets are in this way forming the pivoting axis, which enables the pivoting movement of the rail beams relative to the holding brackets. The pivoting movement is securing an efficient displacement of the rail beams from the inclined position to the mounted position. In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise an outer support surface and the drive beams comprise an inner support surface. The inner support surface of the drive beam is configured for being arranged in connection with the outer support surfaces of the holding brackets in the mounted position. The support surfaces are enabling an efficient positioning of the drive beams onto the holding brackets during the mounting operation, and when the support surfaces are arranged in connection to each other, the rail beams are efficiently supported by the holding brackets.

[0020] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise one or more braces. The holding brackets are configured for being attached to the supporting structure via the braces, and the braces are configured for extending from the holding brackets to the supporting structure. The braces may be arranged as elongated rod structures that are extending between the holding brackets and the supporting structure. The supporting structure may for example be a ceiling structure of a building from which the rail structure is hanging down via the braces, and the braces are in this way efficiently supporting the holding brackets. Alternatively, the supporting structure may be configured as a floor structure or wall structure of a building onto which the rail structure is arranged, and the braces are then configured differently

[0021] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise three or more braces, and the three or more braces are configured as seismic bracing structures. The seismic bracing structures are efficiently supporting the rail structure, preventing movements and resisting forces in longitudinal and lateral directions of the rail structure. The seismic bracing structures may comprise a first brace extending in the vertical direction of the rail structure from the holding brackets to the supporting structure, a second brace extending in a first angled direction from the holding brackets to the supporting structure, and a third brace extending in a second angled direction from the holding brackets to the supporting structure. The first angled direction is different from the second angled direction for efficient movement prevention.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second upper support member of the drive beams comprises an inner inclined surface. The rail structure further comprises locking structures configured for locking the drive beams to the holding brackets. The locking structures are configured for locking the drive beams to the holding brackets by a pushing action towards the inner inclined surface, and the pushing action is forcing the second upper support member of the drive beam towards the first upper support members of the holding brackets. The locking structures are efficiently locking the drive beams to the holding brackets. The locking structures may be arranged with an outer inclined surface that is interacting with the inner inclined surface of the drive beams for a locking function between the drive beams and the holding brackets. Through the interaction between the locking structures and the inner inclined surface of the drive beams, the locking structures are locking the drive beam to the holding brackets by the pushing action from the locking structures towards the inner inclined surface. The pushing action is forcing the second upper support member of the drive beam towards the first upper support members of the holding brackets.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first safety lock member of the holding brackets is configured as a protruding element and the second safety lock member of the drive beams is configured as a groove extending along the drive beams. The protruding elements of the holding brackets are arranged into the groove of the drive beam in the mounted position. The protruding elements and the grooves are when engaged efficiently preventing the upwards movement of the rail beams relative to the holding brackets in the mounted position, for a safe construction of the rail structure. The protruding elements and grooves may have any suitable configuration, size and design, depending on the construction of the rail structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first safety lock member of the holding brackets is configured as a groove and the second safety lock member of the drive beams is configured as a protruding element extending along the drive beams. The protruding element of the drive beam is arranged into the grooves of the holding brackets in the mounted position. With this alternative configuration, the grooves and the protruding elements are when engaged efficiently preventing the upwards movement of the rail beams relative to the holding brackets in the mounted position, for a safe construction of the rail structure. The grooves and protruding elements may have any suitable configuration, size and design, depending on the construction of the rail structure.

[0025] In one embodiment, the holding brackets comprise a first lateral side and a second lateral side arranged opposite the first lateral side. Each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side comprises the first upper support member and the first safety lock member. Drive beams are attached to the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the holding brackets respectively. This two-sided configuration of the holding brackets enable the mounting of rail beams on opposite sides of the holding brackets for an efficient and compact layout of the rail structure.

[0026] In one embodiment, the drive beams comprise a lower slot configured for holding items arranged in connection to the rail structure. The items may for example be support structures for the transported articles, electronic equipment, or other devices needed in connection to the rail structure.

[0027] In one embodiment, in the mounted position the drive beams are grounded connected to the holding brackets. The grounded connection is efficiently preventing the accumulation of static electricity in the rail structure. The components involved in the rail structure, such as the holding brackets and the drive beams as well as the braces and the locking structures are suitably grounded connected to each other.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The disclosure will be described in detail in the following, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0030] Fig. 1 shows schematically, in a perspective layout view from above, parts for forming a section of a rail structure of an article transporting system, with holding brackets attached to a supporting ceiling structure via braces,

[0031] Fig. 2 shows schematically, in a perspective layout view from above, a section of the article transporting system with transporting shuttles and an assembled rail structure arranged below the transporting shuttles,

[0032] Fig. 3 shows schematically, in a sectional perspective view, parts of the rail structure with a holding bracket, drive beams mounted to the holding bracket, and braces extending from the holding bracket,

[0033] Fig. 4a-b show schematically, in sectional perspective views, parts of the rail structure with a holding bracket, drive beams mounted to the holding bracket, drive beams to be mounted to the holding bracket, and braces extending from the holding bracket, Fig. 5a-c show schematically, in side views, parts of a first embodiment of the rail structure with a holding bracket, sequential steps for mounting drive beams to the holding bracket, and braces extending from the holding bracket, and

[0034] Fig. 6a-c show schematically, in side views, parts of a second embodiment of the rail structure with a holding bracket, sequential steps for mounting drive beams to the holding bracket, and braces extending from the holding bracket.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but are applicable on other variations of the disclosure.

[0037] Figures 1-2 schematically show a sectional layout view of an exemplified article transporting system STR. In figure 1, parts for forming a section of a rail structure 1 of the article transporting system STR are illustrated. In figure 2, the section of the article transporting system STR with transporting shuttles S and an assembled rail structure 1 arranged below the transporting shuttles S is illustrated. It should be understood that the rail structure 1 could have an extension much larger than the one schematically illustrated in the figures.

[0038] The article transporting system STR comprises at least one transporting shuttle S, and a rail structure 1 arranged below the at least one transporting shuttle S. In figure 2, four transporting shuttles S are schematically shown for illustrative purposes. The article transporting system STR may be arranged with any suitable number of transporting shuttles S. The transporting shuttles S are used for transporting articles A between different positions, such as between machines, storage positions and / or delivery positions. The article transporting system STR illustrated in figure 2 may suitably be used in connection to a semiconductor production plant for the transportation of articles in the form of transporting pods holding semiconductor wafers. However, the article transporting system STR may be used for any type of suitable articles or goods.

[0039] As illustrated in figure 2, the rail structure 1 comprises a plurality of rail sections 1s. Each of the rail sections 1s forms a travelling path of the rail structure 1 for the transporting shuttles S, and the transporting shuttles S may travel along any of the rail sections 1s. The rail structure 1 is in this way providing a driving track T for the transporting shuttles S, where the driving track T is formed by one or more rail sections 1s. The transporting shuttles may travel between different rail sections 1s via upper rail beams B schematically illustrated in figure 2. In figure 2, the four transporting shuttles S are arranged on different rail sections 1s for illustrative purposes.

[0040] The rail sections 1s are in the shown embodiment extending in a direction parallel to each other, and the rail sections 1s are each formed from pairs of connected elongated drive beams 3 extending in a longitudinal direction DLO of the rail structure 1. In the shown embodiment, the rail structure 1 further has an extension in a lateral direction DLA and a vertical direction Dv, and as understood from figure 2, the connected drive beams 3 of each pair of connected drive beams 3 in the respective rail sections 1s are spaced apart in the lateral direction DLA. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the rail sections 1s may have other configurations, and they may be arranged parallel and / or non-parallel to each other.

[0041] The rail sections 1s suitably have straight configurations, as shown in figure 2. Alternatively, the rail sections 1s could be arranged as curved rail sections or as rail sections including one or more curved parts.

[0042] The rail structure 1 comprises a plurality of elongated drive beams 3 and holding brackets 2 that together are forming the driving track T for the at least one transporting shuttle S when mounted to each other in a mounted position PM of the rail structure 1. As understood from figure 2, two drive beams 3 arranged next to each other in the respective rail sections 1s are forming the driving track T for the transporting shuttles S, and the drive beams 3 are supporting non-illustrated wheel arrangements of the transporting shuttles S. The transporting shuttles S are configured for being propelled along the driving track T with suitable drive means. The drive beams 3 are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets 2 for a flexible configuration of the rail structure 1. The transporting shuttles S may further be arranged with nonillustrated upper wheel arrangements for transportation along the upper rail beams B.

[0043] The holding brackets 2 are used for holding the drive beams 3 in the mounted position PM relative to each other and for supporting the drive beams 3 relative to a supporting structure Ssu. At least some of the holding brackets 2 of the rail structure 1 are connected to the supporting structure Ssu. The rail structure 1 may further comprise holding brackets 2 that are non-attached to the supporting structure Ssu. The supporting structure Ssu may for example be a ceiling structure of a building from which the rail structure 1 is hanging down, as shown in figures 1-2, or alternatively a floor structure or wall structure of a building onto which the rail structure is arranged.

[0044] When building the rail structure 1, a plurality of drive beams 3 and holding brackets 2 are mounted to each other to form the driving track T, as shown in figures 2, 3, and 4a-b, and the rail structure 1 is when assembled arranged in the mounted position PM. In the mounted position PM, the drive beams 3 are suitably firmly attached to the holding brackets 2. The holding brackets 2 are in the mounted position PM supporting the drive beams 3 of the rail structure 1 for providing the driving track T for the transporting shuttles S.

[0045] As shown in figures 3 and 4a-b, the holding brackets 2 comprise first upper support members 2a and first safety lock members 2b arranged below the first upper support members 2a. The first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2 are suitably configured as ridge-like or upwards protruding structures that are extending along the holding brackets 2. At least some of the holding brackets 2 are attached to the supporting structure Ssu. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding brackets 2 are attached to a supporting structure Ssu arranged as a ceiling structure, and in this way, the holding brackets 2 are hanging down from the supporting structure Ssu at a suitable distance from each other. The holding brackets 2 may be arranged such that end parts of adjacent drive beams 3 are joined at the holding brackets 2, as understood from figures 3 and 4a-b. The holding brackets 2 are in this way used for holding the drive beams 3 in a joined position relative each other. Depending on the extension of the drive beams 3 in the longitudinal direction DLO, further holding brackets 2 may also be used in-between the illustrated holding brackets 2 to support the drive beams 3 along their lengths in the longitudinal direction DLO, to avoid that the drive beams 3 are bent or flexed to a high extent. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the holding brackets 2 are configured for being attached to the supporting structure Ssu and arranged in aligned positions PA relative to each other. With aligned positions PA is meant that the holding brackets 2 are arranged at a distance from each other in lined up positions, suitable for forming the driving track T when the drive beams 3 are mounted to the holding brackets 2. Suitably, the aligned positions PA are forming a straight extension of joined drive beams 3, but it should be understood that they could be arranged differently depending on the design of the rail structure 1. The holding brackets 2 are suitably arranged as two-sided structures enabling the mounting of drive beams on opposite sides. In the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4a-b, the holding brackets 2 comprise a first lateral side S1 and a second lateral side S2 arranged opposite the first lateral side S1. Each of the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 comprises the first upper support member 2a and the first safety lock member 2b, and drive beams 3 could be attached to the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 of the holding brackets 2 respectively. In other non-illustrated embodiments, holding brackets 2 may instead have a one-sided design.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in figures 1-3 and 4a-b, the holding brackets 2 comprise one or more braces 4, and the holding brackets 2 are attached to the supporting structure Ssu via the braces 4. The braces 4 may be arranged as elongated rod structures that are extending between the holding brackets 2 and the supporting structure Ssu. Suitably, the holding brackets 2 comprise three or more braces 4, where the three or more braces 4 are configured as seismic bracing structures 4s. The seismic bracing structures 4s are efficiently supporting the rail structure 1, preventing movements and resisting forces in the longitudinal direction DLO and lateral direction DLA of the rail structure 1. In the shown embodiment, the seismic bracing structures 4s comprise a first brace 4₁ extending in the vertical direction DVof the rail structure 1, a second brace 4₂ extending in a first angled direction DA1from the holding brackets 2 to the supporting structure SSU, and a third brace 4₃ extending in a second angled direction DA2from the holding brackets 2 to the supporting structure SSU. The first angled direction DA1is different from the second angled direction DA2. In the embodiment shown in figures 2-3, the second brace 4₂ is extending in the vertical direction DVand the longitudinal direction DLOof the rail structure 1, and the third brace 4₃ is extending in the vertical direction DVand the lateral direction DLAof the rail structure 1. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the seismic bracing structures 4s may have other suitable extensions and configurations.

[0047] The drive beams 3 comprise a second upper support member 3a, a second safety lock member 3b arranged below the second upper support member 3a, and an upper drive surface 3c supporting a wheel arrangement of the transporting shuttles S, as shown in figures 3 and 4a-b. The second upper support member 3a of the drive beams 3 is suitably configured as a channel-like or groove-like structure that is extending along the extension of the drive beams 3. As shown in the figures, the upper drive surface 3c of the drive beams 3 is an upwards facing surface of the drive beams 3 that is providing efficient support for the wheel arrangement of the transporting shuttles S. The upper drive surface 3c of the drive beams 3 may in other alternative non-illustrated designs be any suitable upwards facing surface of the drive beams 3.

[0048] In the mounted position PM, each drive beam 3 is attached to two or more aligned holding brackets 2, such that the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3 is in engagement with the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2, as schematically illustrated in figure 2. In the mounted position PM, the second safety lock member 3b is engaging the first safety lock members 2b for preventing translational movement of the drive beam 3 relative to the holding brackets 2 in a vertical direction Dv of the rail structure 1, as exemplified in figure 3.

[0049] As shown in for example figure 3, the holding brackets 2 form pivoting axes APIV extending along aligned first upper support members 2a. The pivoting axes APIV are enabling pivoting movements of the drive beams 3 relative to the holding brackets 2 around the pivoting axes APIV, when the second upper support members 3a are in engagement with the first upper support members 2a. The holding brackets 2 comprise on each side an outer support surface 2o and the drive beams 3 comprise an inner support surface 3i, and in the mounted position PM the inner support surface 3i of the drive beam 3 is arranged in connection with the outer support surfaces 2o of the holding brackets 2.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4a-b, the first safety lock member 2b of the holding brackets 2 is arranged as a protruding element E. The protruding element E is in the shown embodiment extending along the holding brackets in the longitudinal direction DLO, with protruding extension in the lateral direction DLA. The second safety lock member 3b of the drive beams 3 is configured as a groove G extending along the drive beams 3. In the mounted position PM, where the drive beam is connected to two or more holding brackets 2, the protruding elements E of the holding brackets 2 are arranged into the groove G of the drive beam 3.

[0051] For a secure and firm connection between the drive beams 3 and the holding brackets 2, the rail structure 1 further comprises locking structures 5. The locking structures 5 are used for locking the drive beams 3 to the holding brackets 2. In the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4a-b, the second upper support member 3a of the drive beams 3 comprises an inner inclined surface 3si, and the locking structures 5 comprise an outer inclined surface 5a that is configured for interacting with the inner inclined surface 3si of the drive beams 3 for a locking function between the drive beams 3 and the holding brackets 2. Through the interaction between the outer inclined surface 5a of the locking structures 5 the inner inclined surface 3si of the drive beams 3, the locking structures 5 are locking the drive beam 3 to the holding brackets 2 by a pushing action AP from the locking structures 5 towards the inner inclined surface 3si. The pushing action AP is forcing the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3 towards the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2.

[0052] In the mounted position PM the drive beams 3 are suitably grounded connected to the holding brackets 2. This to avoid the accumulation of static electricity in the rail structure 1. The components involved in the rail structure 1, such as the holding brackets 2 and the drive beams 3 as well as the braces 4 and the locking structures 5 are suitably grounded connected to each other.

[0053] In the shown embodiment, the drive beams 3 further comprise a lower slot 6. The lower slot 6 is configured for holding items arranged in connection to the rail structure 1. The items may for example be support structures for the transported articles, electronic equipment, or other devices needed in connection to the rail structure 1.

[0054] In the following, a mounting process for assembling a first embodiment of a rail structure 1 of an article transporting system STR is described in connection to figures 5a-c. The article transporting system STR comprises at least one transporting shuttle S, as exemplified above. The rail structure 1 comprises a plurality of holding brackets 2 and elongated drive beams 3, and the drive beams 3 are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets 2, as described above. The holding brackets 2 are supporting the drive beams 3 in a mounted position PM for providing a driving track T for the at least one transporting shuttle S. The holding brackets 2 comprise a first upper support member 2a and a first safety lock member 2b arranged below the first upper support member 2a. The drive beams 3 comprise a second upper support member 3a, a second safety lock member 3b arranged below the second upper support member 3a, and an upper drive surface 3c configured for supporting a lower wheel arrangement of the at least one transporting shuttle S. The upper drive surface 3c of the drive beams 3 is an upwards facing surface of the drive beams 3 that is providing efficient support for the wheel arrangement of the transporting shuttles S.

[0055] In figures 5a-c, the holding brackets 2 have first been installed and attached to a supporting structure Ssu. In the shown embodiment, the supporting structure Ssu is a ceiling structure from which the holding brackets are hanging down via braces 4, as shown in figure 2. The holding brackets 2 are arranged in aligned positions PA relative to each other to form a holding structure for the elongated drive beams 3, as described above in connection to figure 1. The drive beams 3 are suitably mounted to the holding brackets 2 in a sequential and structured way. When the rail structure 1 is assembled, each rail beam 3 is extending between two holding brackets 2 with end sections of the rail beams 3 arranged onto the holding brackets 2 respectively, as understood from figures 2 and 4b. The holding brackets 2 are in this way enabling joints between directly adjacent rail beams 3, and the end sections of two directly adjacent rail beams are arranged in connection to each other, as shown in figure 4b.

[0056] To mount the drive beams 3 onto the previously installed holding brackets 2 attached to the supporting structure Ssu, the drive beams 3 are provided from a suitable source and arranged in connection to the holding brackets 2.

[0057] In figures 5a-c, only one holding bracket 2 is shown, but it should be understood that during the mounting operation, opposite end sections of the rail beams 3 are mounted to two different aligned holding brackets 2 that are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction DLO. In the shown embodiment, the holding brackets 2 comprise a first lateral side S1 and a second lateral side S2 arranged opposite the first lateral side S1, and in the shown embodiment, drive beams 3 are attached to both the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 of the holding brackets 2. In the figures, a two-sided simultaneous mounting of the rail beams 3 is shown for illustrative purposes. Alternatively, one rail beam 3 is first attached to the holding brackets 2 and thereafter another rail beam 3 may be attached to the holding brackets if desired.

[0058] It should be understood that rail beams 3 could be mounted to only one side of the holding brackets 2, such as only on the first lateral side S1 or only on the second lateral side S2. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the holding brackets 2 may have a one-sided or single-sided configuration with first upper support members 2a and first safety lock members 2b arranged on only one side.

[0059] As shown in figure 5a, each drive beam 3 has been lifted into contact with aligned holding brackets 2, and arranged in an inclined position Pi relative to the aligned holding brackets 2. In the inclined position Pi, the second upper support member 3a of each drive beam 3 is brought in contact with the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2 such that they are engaging each other. Suitably the rail beams 3 are moved towards the holding brackets 2 in a laterally inwards and downwards direction, as indicated with the upper arrows in figure 5a. The rail beams 3 are in this way hung onto the holding brackets 2 in a way that is allowing a further pivoting movement of the drive beams 3 around the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2, as indicated with the lower arrows in figure 5a. As understood from the figure, in the inclined position Pi, the second safety lock member 3b of each drive beam 3 is disengaged from the corresponding first safety lock member 2b of the holding brackets 2, which is enabling the initial engagement between the second upper support members 3a of the drive beams 3 and the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2.

[0060] In the shown embodiment, the holding brackets 2 comprise a first lateral side S1 and a second lateral side S2 arranged opposite the first lateral side S1. Each of the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 comprises the first upper support member 2a and the first safety lock member 2b, and in the figures, drive beams 3 are attached to both the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 of the holding brackets 2.

[0061] The drive beams 3 are thereafter attached to the holding brackets 2 by displacing the drive beams 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM when the second upper support members 3a of the drive beams 3 are in engagement with the corresponding first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2, as shown in figure 5b. The displacement of the drive beams 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM, is established through a pivoting movement of the drive beams 3 around the pivoting axis APIV extending along aligned first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2. The second upper support members 3a of the drive beams 3 are thus arranged in pivoting engagement with the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2 during the pivoting movement. In the mounted position PM, the second safety lock members 3b are engaging the first safety lock members 2b for preventing translational movement of the drive beams 3 relative to the holding brackets 2 in a vertical direction Dv of the rail structure 1. In the shown embodiment, the first safety lock members 2b of the holding brackets 2 are configured as a protruding elements E and the second safety lock members 3b of the drive beams 3 are configured as grooves G that are extending along the drive beams 3. As understood from figures 5a-b, the protruding elements E of the holding brackets 2 are arranged into the grooves G of the drive beams 3 during displacement from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM. The grooves G and protruding elements E may have any suitable configuration, size and design, depending on the construction of the rail structure 1.

[0062] The drive beams 3 are in the mounted position PM through the engagement between the second safety lock members 3b arranged as grooves G and the first safety lock members 2b arranged as protruding elements E, restricted from being pushed upwards. This restriction is a safety feature of the rail structure 1 that is preventing that the rail beams are falling down during the mounting operation. The safety lock members are in the mounted position PM efficiently preventing that the rail beams 3 are accidentally removed from the holding brackets 2 by an upwards movement of the rail beams 3. To release the rail beams 3 from the holding brackets 2, the rail beams 3 first need to pivoted outwards and upwards back to the inclined position Pi and thereafter lifted away from the holding brackets 2.

[0063] The holding brackets 2 comprise an outer support surface 2o and the drive beams 3 comprise an inner support surface 3i, and when displacing the drive beams 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM, the inner support surfaces 3i of the drive beams 3 are arranged in contact with, or in connection with, the outer support surfaces 2o of the holding brackets 2 for an efficient positioning of the drive beams 3 onto the holding brackets 2. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the second safety lock members 3b arranged as grooves G may have a wider design enabling fastening members to be inserted into the grooves G. The fastening members may include brackets and screws that are used for securely connecting the drive beams 3 to the holding brackets 2 in the mounted position PM.

[0064] As illustrated in figures 5a-c, the second upper support member 3a of the drive beams 3 comprises an inner inclined surface 3si. The rail structure 1 further comprises locking structures 5 that are used for locking the drive beams 3 to the holding brackets 2 in the mounted position PM. The drive beams 3 are locked to the holding brackets 2 by a pushing action AP from the locking structures 5 towards the inner inclined surface 3si of the drive beams 3, as exemplified in figure 5c. The pushing action AP from the locking structures 5 may be established by non-illustrated screws or other fastening elements that are fastening the locking structures 5 to the holding brackets 2. Alternatively, the locking structures 5 may be arranged in connection to a brace 4, and a part of the brace 4 may be arranged with a threaded area onto which a nut is threaded. The nut could then be used for establishing the pushing action AP. The pushing action AP is forcing the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3 towards the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2. In the shown embodiment, the locking structures 5 comprise an outer inclined surface 5a that is interacting with the inner inclined surfaces 3si of the drive beams 3 for a locking function between the drive beams 3 and the holding brackets 2 when the pushing action AP is established.

[0065] To remove the drive beams 3 from the holding brackets 2, the locking structures 5 are first released or removed. Thereafter, the drive beams 3 are pivoted into the inclined position Pi, and in the inclined position Pi lifted outwards and upwards away from the holding brackets 2.

[0066] In figures 6a-c, a second embodiment of a rail structure 1 of an article transporting system STR is schematically illustrated. The article transporting system STR is similar to the embodiment described above, but with a different design of the holding brackets 2 and the drive beams 3.

[0067] In figures 6a-c, the holding brackets 2 have first been installed and attached to a suitable supporting structure Ssu. The holding brackets 2 are arranged in aligned positions PA relative to each other to form a holding structure for the elongated drive beams 3, in the same way as described above.

[0068] In figures 6a-c, only one holding bracket 2 is shown, but it should be understood that during the mounting operation, opposite end sections of the rail beams 3 are mounted to two different aligned holding brackets 2 that are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction DLO. The holding brackets 2 comprise a first lateral side S1 and a second lateral side S2 arranged opposite the first lateral side S1, and in the shown embodiment, drive beams 3 are attached to both the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 of the holding brackets 2. In the figures, a drive beam 3 has already been mounted to the second lateral side S2 of the holding brackets 2.

[0069] It should be understood that rail beams 3 could be mounted to only one side of the holding brackets 2, such as only on the first lateral side S1 or only on the second lateral side S2. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the holding brackets 2 may have a one-sided or single-sided configuration with first upper support members 2a and first safety lock members 2b arranged on only one side.

[0070] As shown in figure 6a, the drive beam 3 has been lifted in connection to aligned holding brackets 2, and arranged in an inclined position Pi relative to the aligned holding brackets 2. In the inclined position Pi, the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3 is brought in engagement with the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2. The rail beam 3 is suitably moved towards the holding brackets 2 in an inwards direction and thereafter in a downwards direction. The rail beam 3 is in this way hung onto the holding brackets 2 in a way that is allowing a further pivoting movement of the drive beam 3 around the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2, as indicated with the lower arrow in figure 6a. Due to the configuration of the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3, the second safety lock member 3b of each drive beam 3 may be arranged such that they are disengaged from the corresponding first safety lock members 2b of the holding brackets 2 in the inclined position Pi, as understood from figure 6a.

[0071] In the shown embodiment, the holding brackets 2 comprise a first lateral side S1 and a second lateral side S2 arranged opposite the first lateral side S1. Each of the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 comprises the first upper support member 2a and the first safety lock member 2b, and in the figures, drive beams 3 are attached to both the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2 of the holding brackets 2.

[0072] The drive beam 3 is thereafter attached to the holding brackets 2 by displacing the drive beam 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM when the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3 is in engagement with the corresponding first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2, as shown in figure 6b. The displacement of the drive beam 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM, is established through a pivoting movement of the drive beam 3 around the pivoting axis APIV extending along aligned first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2. The second upper support member 3a of the drive beam is thus arranged in pivoting engagement with the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2 during the pivoting movement. In the mounted position PM, the second safety lock member 3b is engaging the first safety lock members 2b for preventing translational movement of the drive beam 3 relative to the holding brackets 2 in a vertical direction Dv of the rail structure 1.

[0073] In the second embodiment shown in figures 6a-c, the first safety lock members 2b of the holding brackets 2 are instead configured as grooves G and the second safety lock members 3b of the drive beams 3 are configured as protruding elements E extending along the drive beams 3. In this embodiment, the second safety lock members 3b are arranged in direct connection to the second upper support members 3a. The first safety lock members 2b are arranged on inner sides of the holding brackets 2 directly below the first upper support members 2a. As understood from figures 6a-b, the protruding elements E of the drive beams 3 are arranged into the grooves G of the holding brackets 2 during displacement of the drive beams 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM. The grooves G and protruding elements E may have any suitable configuration, size and design, depending on the construction of the rail structure 1.

[0074] The drive beams 3 are in the mounted position PM through the engagement between the second safety lock members 3b arranged as protruding elements E and the first safety lock members 2b arranged as grooves G, restricted from being pushed upwards. This restriction is a safety feature of the rail structure 1 that is preventing that the rail beams 1 are falling down during the mounting operation. The safety lock members are in the mounted position PM efficiently preventing that the rail beams 3 are accidentally removed from the holding brackets 2 by an upwards movement of the rail beams 3.

[0075] The holding brackets 2 comprise an outer support surface 2o and the drive beams 3 comprise an inner support surface 3i, and when displacing the drive beams 3 from the inclined position Pi to the mounted position PM, the inner support surfaces 3i of the drive beams 3 are arranged in contact with, or in connection with, the outer support surfaces 2o of the holding brackets 2, for an efficient positioning of the drive beams 3 onto the holding brackets 2.

[0076] As illustrated in figures 6a-c, the second upper support member 3a of the drive beams 3 comprises an inner inclined surface 3si. The rail structure 1 further comprises locking structures 5 that are used for locking the drive beams 3 to the holding brackets 2 in the mounted position PM. The drive beams 3 are locked to the holding brackets 2 by a pushing action AP from the locking structures 5 towards the inner inclined surface 3si of the drive beams 3, as exemplified in figure 6c. The pushing action AP from the locking structures 5 may be established by non-illustrated screws or other fastening elements that are fastening the locking structures 5 to the holding brackets 2. Alternatively, the locking structures 5 may be arranged in connection to a brace 4, and a part of the brace 4 may be arranged with a threaded area onto which a nut is threaded. The nut could then be used for establishing the pushing action AP. The pushing action AP is forcing the second upper support member 3a of the drive beam 3 towards the first upper support members 2a of the holding brackets 2. In the shown embodiment, the locking structures 5 comprise an outer inclined surface 5a that is interacting with the inner inclined surfaces 3si of the drive beams 3 for a locking function between the drive beams 3 and the holding brackets 2 when the pushing action AP is established.

[0077] To remove the drive beams 3 from the holding brackets 2, the locking structures 5 are first released or removed. Thereafter, the drive beams 3 are pivoted into the inclined position Pi, and in the inclined position Pi lifted upwards and outwards away from the holding brackets 2.

[0078] In other non-illustrated embodiments, the locking structures 5 may be made in two or more structural pieces for different locking functions, such that they are separately locking drive beams 3 on the first lateral side S1 and the second lateral side S2, or separately locking drive beams 3 longitudinally arranged next to each other on the same holding bracket 2.

[0079] It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand. REFERENCE SIGNS

[0080] 1: Rail structure

[0081] 1s: Rail section

[0082] 2: Holding bracket

[0083] 2a: First upper support member 2b: First safety lock member 2o: Outer support surface

[0084] 3: Drive beam

[0085] 3a: Second upper support member 3b: Second safety lock member 3c: Upper drive surface

[0086] 3i: Inner support surface

[0087] 3si: Inner inclined surface

[0088] 4: Brace

[0089] 4s: Seismic bracing structure

[0090] 5: Locking structure

[0091] 5a: Outer inclined surface

[0092] 6: Lower slot

[0093] A: Article

[0094] APIV: Pivoting axis

[0095] B: Upper rail beam

[0096] AP: Pushing action

[0097] DLA: Lateral direction

[0098] DLO: Longitudinal direction

[0099] Dv: Vertical direction

[0100] E: Protruding element

[0101] G: Groove

[0102] PA: Aligned positions

[0103] Pi: Inclined position

[0104] PM: Mounted position

[0105] S: Transporting shuttle

[0106] S1: First lateral side

[0107] S2: Second lateral side Ssu: Supporting structure STR: Article transporting system T: Driving track

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for assembling a rail structure (1) of an article transporting system (STR) comprising at least one transporting shuttle (S), wherein the rail structure (1) comprises a plurality of holding brackets (2) and elongated drive beams (3), wherein the drive beams (3) are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets (2), and the holding brackets (2) are configured for supporting the drive beams (3) in a mounted position (PM) for providing a driving track (T) for the at least one transporting shuttle (S),wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise a first upper support member (2a) and a first safety lock member (2b) arranged below the first upper support member (2a),wherein the drive beams (3) comprise a second upper support member (3a), a second safety lock member (3b) arranged below the second upper support member (3a), and an upper drive surface (3c) configured for supporting a lower wheel arrangement of the at least one transporting shuttle (S), wherein the method comprises the steps;attaching the holding brackets (2) to a supporting structure (Ssu) and arranging the holding brackets (2) in aligned positions (PA) relative to each other;arranging each drive beam (3) in an inclined position (Pi) relative to two or more aligned holding brackets (2), and in the inclined position (Pi) bringing the second upper support member (3a) of the drive beam (3) in engagement with the first upper support members (2a) of the holding brackets (2), wherein in the inclined position (Pi) the second safety lock member (3b) is disengaged from the first safety lock member (2b);attaching the drive beam (3) to the holding brackets (2) by displacing the drive beam (3) from the inclined position (Pi) to the mounted position (PM) when the second upper support member (3a) is in engagement with the first upper support members (2a), through a pivoting movement around a pivoting axis (APIV) extending along aligned first upper support members (2a) of the holding brackets (2), wherein in the mounted position (PM) the second safety lock member (3b) is engaging the first safety lock members (2b) for preventing translational movement of the drive beam (3) relative to the holding brackets (2) in a vertical direction (Dv) of the rail structure (1).

2. The method according to claim 1,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise an outer support surface (2o) and the drive beams (3) comprise an inner support surface (3i), wherein the method further comprises the step: arranging the inner support surface (3i) of the drive beam (3) in connection with the outer support surfaces (2o) of the holding brackets (2) when displacing the drive beam (3) from the inclined position (Pi) to the mounted position (PM).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise one or more braces (4), wherein the method further comprises the step: attaching the holding brackets (2) to the supporting structure (Ssu) via the braces (4), such that the braces (4) are extending from the holding brackets (2) to the supporting structure (Ssu).

4. The method according to claim 3,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise three or more braces (4), wherein the method further comprises the steps: arranging the three or more braces (4) as seismic bracing structures (4s).

5. The method according to any preceding claim,wherein the second upper support member (3a) of the drive beams (3) comprises an inner inclined surface (3si), wherein the rail structure (1) further comprises locking structures (5) configured for locking the drive beams (3) to the holding brackets (2), wherein the method further comprises the step: locking the drive beam (3) to the holding brackets (2) by a pushing action (AP) from the locking structures (5) towards the inner inclined surface (3si), wherein the pushing action (AP) is forcing the second upper support member (3a) of the drive beam (3) towards the first upper support members (2a) of the holding brackets (2).

6. The method according to any preceding claim,wherein the first safety lock member (2b) of the holding brackets (2) are configured as a protruding element (E) and the second safety lock member (3b) of the drive beams (3) are configured as a groove (G) extending along the drive beams (3), wherein the method further comprises the step: arranging theprotruding elements (E) of the holding brackets (2) into the groove (G) of the drive beam (3) in the mounted position (PM).

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5,wherein the first safety lock member (2b) of the holding brackets (2) is configured as a groove (G) and the second safety lock member (3b) of the drive beams (3) is configured as a protruding element (E) extending along the drive beams (3), wherein the method further comprises the step: arranging the protruding element (E) of the drive beam (3) into the grooves (G) of the holding brackets (2) in the mounted position (PM).

8. The method according to any preceding claim,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise a first lateral side (S1) and a second lateral side (S2) arranged opposite the first lateral side (S1), wherein each of the first lateral side (S1) and the second lateral side (S2) comprises the first upper support member (2a) and the first safety lock member (2b), wherein the method further comprises the steps: attaching drive beams (3) to the first lateral side (S1) and the second lateral side (S2) of the holding brackets (2).

9. A rail structure (1) of an article transporting system (STR) comprising at least one transporting shuttle (S), wherein the rail structure (1) comprises a plurality of holding brackets (2) and elongated drive beams (3),wherein the drive beams (3) are configured for being releasably attached to the holding brackets (2), and the holding brackets (2) are configured for supporting the drive beams (3) in a mounted position (PM) of the rail structure (1) for providing a driving track (T) for the at least one transporting shuttle (S), wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise a first upper support member (2a) and a first safety lock member (2b) arranged below the first upper support member (2a),wherein the drive beams (3) comprise a second upper support member (3a), a second safety lock member (3b) arranged below the second upper support member (3a), and an upper drive surface (3c) configured for supporting a wheel arrangement of the at least one transporting shuttle (S),wherein the holding brackets (2) are configured for being attached to a supporting structure (Ssu) and arranged in aligned positions (PA) relative to each other,wherein in the mounted position (PM) each drive beam (3) is attached to two or more aligned holding brackets (2), such that the second upper support member (3a) of the drive beam (3) is in engagement with the first upper support members (2a) of the holding brackets (2), wherein in the mounted position (PM) the second safety lock member (3b) is engaging the first safety lock members (2b) for preventing translational movement of the drive beam (3) relative to the holding brackets (2) in a vertical direction (Dv) of the rail structure (1).

10. The rail structure (1) according to claim 9,wherein the holding brackets (2) form a pivoting axis (APIV) extending along aligned first upper support members (2a), enabling a pivoting movement of the drive beam (3) relative to the holding brackets (2) around the pivoting axis (APIV), when the second upper support member (3a) is in engagement with the first upper support members (2a).

11. The rail structure (1) according to claim 9 or 10,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise an outer support surface (2o) and the drive beams (3) comprise an inner support surface (3i), wherein the inner support surface (3i) of the drive beam (3) is configured for being arranged in connection with the outer support surfaces (2o) of the holding brackets (2) in the mounted position (PM).

12. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 11,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise one or more braces (4), wherein the holding brackets (2) are configured for being attached to the supporting structure (Ssu) via the braces (4), wherein the braces (4) are configured for extending from the holding brackets (2) to the supporting structure (Ssu).

13. The rail structure (1) according to claim 12,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise three or more braces (4), wherein the three or more braces (4) are configured as seismic bracing structures (4s).

14. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 13,wherein the second upper support member (3a) of the drive beams (3) comprises an inner inclined surface (3si), wherein the rail structure (1) further comprises locking structures (5) configured for locking the drive beams (3) to the holding brackets (2), whereinthe locking structures (5) are configured for locking the drive beams (3) to the holding brackets (2) by a pushing action (AP) towards the inner inclined surface (3si), wherein the pushing action (AP) is forcing the second upper support member (3a) of the drive beam (3) towards the first upper support members (2a) of the holding brackets (2).

15. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 14,wherein the first safety lock member (2b) of the holding brackets (2) is configured as a protruding element (E) and the second safety lock member (3b) of the drive beams (3) is configured as a groove (G) extending along the drive beams (3), wherein the protruding elements (E) of the holding brackets (2) are arranged into the groove (G) of the drive beam (3) in the mounted position (PM).

16. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 14,wherein the first safety lock member (2b) of the holding brackets (2) is configured as a groove (G) and the second safety lock member (3b) of the drive beams (3) is configured as a protruding element (E) extending along the drive beams (3), wherein the protruding element (E) of the drive beam (3) is arranged into the grooves (G) of the holding brackets (2) in the mounted position (PM).

17. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 16,wherein the holding brackets (2) comprise a first lateral side (S1) and a second lateral side (S2) arranged opposite the first lateral side (S1), wherein each of the first lateral side (S1) and the second lateral side (S2) comprises the first upper support member (2a) and the first safety lock member (2b), wherein drivebeams (3) are attached to the first lateral side (S1) and the second lateral side (S2) of the holding brackets (2) respectively.

18. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 17,wherein the drive beams (3) comprise a lower slot (6) configured for holding items arranged in connection to the rail structure (1).

19. The rail structure (1) according to any of claims 9 to 18,wherein in the mounted position (PM) the drive beams (3) are grounded connected to the holding brackets (2).

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