Conveyor system

Abstract

In a conveyor system a magnet element row aligned at least partly parallel to the conveyor path is arranged in a driving region to serve as a stationary drive means and conveyor elements comprise conducting parts (4) and are movable along the conveyor path through the drive region. The magnet element row (11) which for example consists of alternatingly orientated permanent magnets produces a magnetic field locally changing along the row (11). The conducting parts (4) are arranged on the conveyor elements (2) such that in the drive region they are positioned in the effective range of the magnet element row (11). A relative movement between the magnetic element row (11) and the conveyor element (2) produces eddy currents in the conducting parts (4) effecting forces counteracting the relative movement. The relative movement is for example produced by annular magnet element rows (11) which are revolvingly driven and of which a part moves parallel to the conveyor path being in interaction with the conducting parts (4) of conveyor elements (2). The drive means works without contact and permits jolt-free conveyance in particular when applied in connection with conveyor elements being moved along the conveyor path independently of one another and with varying speeds.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.