Flexible conveyance system
AssigneeKUKA Systems North America LLC
InventorsKevin J. Laurence, Michael P. LaRose
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one linear motor disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the track segments. Each carrier includes at least one magnet that cooperates with the linear motors to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments.
Claims16
An apparatus for use with a station of a flexible conveyance system having a plurality of track segments with linear motors for moving a carrier along the track segments, the carrier having at least one magnet cooperating with the linear motors of the conveyance system track segments to move the carrier along the track segments, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one station track segment aligned with a track segment of the flexible conveyance system, the at least one station track segment having an upper side with at least one opening defining an upwardly-facing channel extending lengthwise along the station track segment, and having at least one linear motor disposed within the channel;
- the at least one linear motor of the station track segment cooperating with the linear motors of the conveyance system track segments to receive and position the carrier on the station track segment;
- and
- actuation structure proximate the station track segment and displacing at least a portion of the carrier when the carrier is positioned on the station track segment.
A carrier for use with a flexible conveyance system having a plurality of track segments with linear motors, the carrier comprising:
- a first carrier portion received on the track segments, the first carrier portion comprising:
- an elongate carriage;
- a plurality of wheel assemblies on the carriage, the wheel assemblies engagable with the track segments and facilitating sliding movement of the first carrier portion therealong;
- at least one magnet positioned to cooperate with the linear motors of the track segments when the first carrier portion is coupled with the track segments;
- and
- at least one first engagement feature;
- and
- a second carrier portion couplable with the first carrier portion, the second carrier portion comprising:
- an elongate rail;
- at least one second engagement feature on the rail, the second engagement feature complementary to the at least one first engagement feature and cooperating with the at least one first engagement feature to locate the second carrier portion on the first carrier portion;
- and
- support structure coupled with the rail and configured to support components to be assembled.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.