# US 2009/0260955 A1 · Workplace carrier and conveyor system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2009/0260955 A1 - Document ID: US20090260955A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 12/386,706 - Filed: 2009-04-22 - Published: 2009-10-22 - Earliest claimed: 2008-04-22 - Assignees: Ceratis GmbH - Inventors: Matthias Krups; Peter Krups - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20090260955A1 ## CPC - B65G 35/06: comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path (effecting drive at two or more points spaced along the length of an endless conveyor B65G23/32) - B61B 13/00: Other railway systems - B65G: TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable mobile or lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/00; emptying bottles, jars, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D) - B61B: RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (lifts or hoists, elevators, escalators, moving walkways B66B) ## Abstract A workpiece carrier for transporting workpieces on a conveyor path comprises a carrier element for receiving a workpiece. The carrier element is connected with a plurality of support elements for absorbing weight. Further, the carrier element is connected with a guide element in order to guide the carrier element in a load-free manner or without absorption of weight. To form an active, self-propelled workpiece carrier, at least one drive assembly is provided. Drive assembly comprises a drive element resting on a conveyor path. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A workpiece carrier for transporting workpieces on a conveyor path, comprising a carrier element for receiving workpieces, a plurality of support elements for absorbing weight, said elements being connected with the carrier element, at least one guide element for guiding said carrier element without absorption of load, said guide element being connected with said carrier element, a drive assembly independent of said support elements and comprising at least one drive element resting on the drive path for an active movement of the workpiece carrier, and a contact element for supplying energy to the drive assembly, said contact element being connected with the guide element. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein said contact element is arranged on an upper surface of said guide element facing towards the carrier element. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly is connected with the bottom face of said carrier element in an elastic or resilient manner. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein said guide element comprises a connection element for connection with said carrier element. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein said guide element comprises a guide shoe connected with the carrier element. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly comprises two drive elements arranged on different sides of the guide element. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The workpiece carrier of claim 6, wherein the two drive elements are carried by a common holder element, said holder element surrounding said connection element at least in part. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) The workpiece carrier of claim 5, wherein the drive assembly is arranged opposite the guide element. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein each drive element of the drive assembly respectively comprises a separate drive. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly is pivotable relative to the carrier element. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The workpiece carrier of claim 1, further comprising a switch element for actuating the drive assembly. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The workpiece carrier of claim 11, wherein said switch element comprises a switch part connected with the carrier element and adapted to be displaceable, said switch part actuating the switch element by being displaced. ### Claim 13 A conveyor system comprising: an absorption element forming a conveyor path, a workpiece carrier for transporting workpieces on said conveyor path, comprising: a carrier element for receiving workpieces, a plurality of support elements for absorbing weight, said elements being connected with the carrier element, at least one guide element for guiding said carrier element without absorption of load, said guide element being connected with said carrier element, and a drive assembly comprising at least one drive element resting on the drive path for an active movement of the workpiece carrier, an electric contact rail provided in said conveyor path, said rail being connected with a contact element for the electric power supply to the drive assembly, said contact element being connected with said guide element. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The conveyor system of claim 13, wherein said guide element comprises a web-shaped connection element protruding through a slot in said absorption element and connected with said carrier element. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The conveyor system of claim 13, wherein said guide element comprises a guide shoe that rests on the bottom face of said absorption element and/or is arranged vertically below said absorption element. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The conveyor system of claim 13, wherein said absorption element is arranged at least in part between the guide shoe and the drive assembly. ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The conveyor system of claim 13, wherein said contact rail is straight. ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) The conveyor system of claim 13, further comprising a guide path comprising curves and/or branches, wherein only straight contact rails are provided. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) The conveyor system of claim 13, further comprising guide walls arranged on a bottom face of said carrier elements, at which walls slide elements are provided on the guide element for guiding the workpiece carrier.