Conveyor system

US7597187B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KBA-Metronic GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Alfred Bausenwein · Igersheim, DE
• Peter Schmitt · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 26, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 6, 2009
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G54/02
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A conveyor system has an elongated guide defining a closed transport path extending through a plurality of treatment stations and a plurality of carriers movable on the guide along the path and each capable of holding a respective workpiece. At least one magnet is provided on each carrier, and an annular row of individually energizeable electromagnets extends along the path and is capable of exerting force on the magnets of the carriers so as to displace the respective carriers along the path. A plurality of sensors spaced along the path detect the carriers and generate outputs indicating positions and movement of the carriers along the path. At least some of the electromagnets at least intermittently form some of the sensors.