WO2023186907A1

WO2023186907A1 - Transport unit and associated mounting method

Info

Publication number: WO2023186907A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/058019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Dicker; David DAXECKER; Raphael FÖLSCHE
Original assignee: B&R Industrial Automation GmbH
Priority date: 2022-03-29
Filing date: 2023-03-28
Publication date: 2023-10-05

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport unit (11) for a transport device in the form of a long-stator linear motor, and to an associated method for mounting a transport unit (11) of this type. Here, the transport unit (11) has a first magnetic surface on a first side and a second magnetic surface on a second side, wherein the first side and the first magnetic surface lie opposite the second side and therefore the second magnetic surface. Furthermore, the transport unit (11) has at least one main body (7) and a magnetic unit (1) with two magnetic plates (2a, 2b), wherein the magnetic unit (1) is attached (S2) to the main body (7). Magnetic arrangements (3a, 3b) are arranged (S1) on each of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b), wherein a first magnetic arrangement (3a) which forms the first magnetic surface is arranged on a first magnetic plate (2a), and a second magnetic arrangement (3b) which forms the second magnetic surface is arranged on a second magnetic plate (2b). Furthermore, in order to orient (S3) at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b), the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) is attached to the main body (7) of the transport unit (11) such that it can be displaced perpendicularly with respect to the respective magnetic surface which forms the magnetic arrangement (3a, 3b) arranged in each case on the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b). After the orienting (S3), the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) can be fixed (S4) in a defined position on the main body (7).

Description

Transport unit and associated assembly process

Technical area

The present invention generally relates to the field of plant engineering, in particular to the field of automation technology. In particular, the present invention relates to a transport unit for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor. The transport unit has a first magnetic surface on a first side and a second magnetic surface on a second side, the first side with the first magnetic surface being opposite the second side with the second magnetic surface. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an associated assembly method for a transport unit for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor.

State of the art

Long stator linear motors and how they work have been known for many years. Long stator linear motors are used in many different areas of industry - especially in electromagnetic transport and/or conveying systems or for flexible transport purposes. Essentially, long stator linear motors have a number of drive coils, which are arranged side by side on a support structure and form the long stator of the long stator linear motor. When the long stator linear motor is used as a transport device, the long stator forms a transport route along which the individual transport units can be moved. The possible directions of movement of a transport unit thus follow the long stator, with the transport units being held and guided on the transport route by means of a guide system.

By specifically controlling the drive coils, in particular by applying a coil voltage to generate a drive current, a magnetic field can be generated which moves in the direction of movement along the transport route. As a result, a transport unit that interacts with the moving magnetic field can be moved in the direction of movement - i.e. in the direction of the moving magnetic field. For this purpose, the drive coils in the area of the individual transport units can be energized individually or in groups and a magnetic field that can be moved in the direction of movement can be generated by appropriately regulating the energization of the drive coils.

The structure, function and control of long stator linear motors are well known, which is why they will not be discussed in more detail here. Examples of this can be found, for example, in the documents WO 2013/143783 A1, US 6,876,107 B2, US 2013/0074724 A1 or EP 1 270 311 B1. The transport unit, from which objects, products, containers, etc. can be moved, for example when using a long stator linear motor as a transport device, has a magnetic surface at least on one side, which is formed by an arrangement of magnets. The magnets can be designed either as permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnets, especially when they are used as drive magnets, are usually attached to the transport unit in such a way that they can interact with the magnetic field generated by the drive coils. Through the interaction of the (electro)-magnetic fields of the magnets and the drive coils, a force acts on the transport unit or on the magnets attached to the transport unit. Through this force, the transport unit is held in position on the long stator on the one hand and, on the other hand, is moved along the long stator as a transport route by a controlled change in the magnetic field generated by the drive coils.

From the document US 10,974,914 B2, for example, a transport unit for moving on a linear motor conveyor system is known, the transport unit having guide elements which interact with corresponding guide rails and / or surfaces on the transport route. The transport unit also has a magnetic surface on one side, which is formed by a magnet arrangement that is attached to a base body. The magnet arrangement interacts with the drive coils of the transport route or the linear motor. This creates a magnetic force which, on the one hand, moves the transport unit in a direction of movement along the transport route and, on the other hand, holds the transport unit in position on the transport route and at a predetermined distance from the transport route surface.

EP 3 517 344 A1 also shows transport units for a long stator linear motor, which have a magnetic surface on one side. The magnetic surface is formed by a number of magnets which are attached to a magnetic plate and form a magnetic unit with the magnetic plate. This magnet unit is, for example, attached to one side of the base body of the transport unit, for example by means of a holder. The magnets of the magnet unit also interact with the (electro)magnetic field of the drive coils of the transport route.

Furthermore, the document EP 3 517 344 A1 also shows, for example, a transport unit which, in addition to a magnet unit arranged on a first side with a drive magnet arrangement which forms the first magnetic surface, also has a magnet unit with a drive magnet arrangement on a second side - opposite the first side , which forms the second magnetic surface. The drive magnets can be designed as permanent magnets or as electromagnets. Also from the documents US 11,254,521 B2, WO 2015/042409 A1 and EP 3 521 512 A1 Transport units for long stator linear motors are known, which have magnetic surfaces on two opposite sides, which are formed by permanent magnets and / or non-switching electromagnets. With these long stator linear motors, drive coils or linear motor strands can be provided on both sides of the transport route. The transport unit is steered and moved along the transport route between the drive coils or linear motor strands arranged on both sides by appropriately energizing the drive coils.

In many transport devices, transfer positions, for example in the form of switches, are also necessary in order to enable complex and intelligent path planning or path implementation of the transport device as well as, for example, the entry or exit of transport units into a transport device or work station. So that a transport unit can be guided at such a transfer position, for example from one section of the transport route to another section of the transport route, it is usually necessary that - as in the documents EP 3 517 344 A1, WO 2015/042409 A1, EP 3 521 512 A1 and US 11,254,521 B2 shown - magnetic surfaces are provided on both sides of the transport unit. For this purpose, two mutually independent magnet arrangements or magnet units are often used. For example, a magnet unit with a magnet arrangement is installed on each of the two sides of the transport unit and this is aligned to a predetermined, absolute value of the magnetic attraction force acting on a magnetic unit. This predetermined value for the magnetic attraction force can be, for example, in a predetermined range of a few 100 Newtons with a predetermined tolerance (e.g. +/- 5%). Furthermore, in order for a transport unit to be suitable for changing between sections of the transport route at a transfer position, it is important that a force symmetry of the two magnet units or magnet arrangements does not deviate from each other by more than a predetermined tolerance (e.g. +/- 3%).

In order to align the magnet unit attached to the respective side of the transport unit to a predetermined, desired absolute value of the magnetic attraction, a so-called shim process is carried out. Before attaching the respective magnet unit, a so-called shim with a specified thickness (e.g. from approximately 2.5 hundredths of a millimeter to approximately 0.5 millimeters) is inserted into the transport unit. A shim represents a compensating piece for adjusting or homogenizing a magnetic field. After attaching the shim, the respective magnet unit is detachably connected to the transport unit (eg screwed). The value of the magnetic attraction of the respective magnet unit as well as the force symmetry of the two magnet units attached to the transport unit are then determined with corresponding ones Sensor units (e.g. force transducers, load cells, etc.) are measured, for example, at a certain, predetermined distance. If the force values measured for the respective magnet unit largely correspond to the specified, desired values of the magnetic attraction force for the respective magnet unit and if a measured force symmetry of the two magnet units is determined within the specified tolerance (e.g. +/- 3%), then the alignment of the two is Magnet unit completed. If there are deviations in the measured values from the specified values, the respective magnet unit must be removed from the transport unit again. It is inserted into the transport unit on a different or new shim - for example with a greater or lesser thickness than the previously inserted shim. After the respective magnet unit has been fixed again on the transport unit, a new measurement is carried out. This process continues until the measured force values of the two magnet units largely correspond to the specified, desired values. Since two independent magnet units are usually installed in soft-capable transport units, this iterative shim process for aligning the magnet units can be very time-consuming or take a long time.

In the document US 11,254,521 B2, for example, a transport unit for a long stator linear motor is shown, in which one or two secondary parts are provided, which interact with the electromagnetic field of the long stator, the transport unit having adjustment means for changing a relative position of the secondary part(s). a base body of the transport unit. These adjusting means can, for example, have one or two wedge elements on which the secondary part or parts are mounted, as well as an adjusting element (eg adjusting screw), through which the secondary part or parts can be moved between two extreme starting positions. However, such an adjustment mechanism has the significant disadvantage that, for example, due to vibrations, shocks, etc., the adjusting element can become loose during ongoing operation of the transport unit. As a result, the relative position of the secondary part(s) to the base body can change compared to the set position and lead to changes in the forces acting on the secondary part(s) desired for operation. Such changes can, for example, result in disruptions in the operation of the transport device and/or damage to the transport device and/or the respective transport unit. Furthermore, the externally accessible adjustment mechanism on the transport unit represents a hygiene problem, especially in areas with increased hygiene requirements (e.g. food industry, etc.), since the adjustment mechanism, especially the adjustment screws on the transport unit, are very difficult to clean. Presentation of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a transport unit for a transport system in the form of a long stator linear motor, which has a magnetic surface on a first side and a second side, as well as an associated assembly method, through which the magnetic surfaces formed by magnet arrangements can be aligned during assembly the transport unit is significantly simplified and accelerated and which enable precise and permanent alignment of the magnetic surfaces formed by magnet arrangements.

This object is achieved by a transport unit for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor and an associated assembly method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the problem is solved by a transport unit for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor of the type mentioned at the beginning, which has a first magnetic surface on a first side and a second magnetic surface on a second side. The first side, which has the first magnetic surface, lies opposite the second side, which has the second magnetic surface. The transport unit has at least a base body and a magnet unit with two magnetic plates, with a first magnet arrangement being arranged on a first magnetic plate of the magnet unit, which forms the first magnetic surface, and a second magnet arrangement being arranged on a second magnetic plate of the magnet unit, which forms the second magnetic surface forms. Furthermore, at least one of the two magnetic plates of the magnet unit is normal to the respective magnetic surface, which forms the magnet arrangement arranged on the at least one of the two magnetic plates, is displaceably attached to the base body of the transport unit and can be fixed in a specific position on the base body.

The main aspect of the proposed solution is that by displaceably attaching the at least one of the magnetic plates of the magnet unit to the base body, at least that magnetic surface which is formed by the magnet arrangement arranged on the displaceably attached magnetic plate can be very easily and quickly during assembly or assembly the transport unit can be aligned. This eliminates the need for a time-consuming shim process to align the magnet unit or the magnetic plates. The at least one magnetic plate or the entire magnetic unit no longer has to be repeatedly detached from the base body of the transport unit and fixed to the base body of the transport unit in order to insert a suitable shim, but rather the at least one of the magnetic plates becomes, for example, force-symmetrical during assembly of the transport unit aligned on the base body according to a desired balance of forces and then fixed in the specific position. Thereafter, the specific position of at least one of the two magnetic plates can hardly or not be changed at all, so that the desired balance of forces remains unchanged during operation of the transport device.

Ideally - after aligning the at least one of the magnetic plates - the at least one of the two magnetic plates is fixed to the base body of the transport unit in such a way that in the specific position there is a ratio of attractive forces which the magnet arrangements each exert on a magnetic unit (e.g. surface of the transport device, stator ), which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the magnetic surface formed by the respective magnet arrangement, corresponds to a predetermined ratio. As a result, the magnet unit with the two magnetic plates or the respective magnetic surfaces can be fixed to the base body in a very simple manner during assembly of the transport unit in accordance with a desired or predetermined force ratio. The magnet unit is then ideally attached to the base body in a force-symmetrical manner or aligned in accordance with a desired and predetermined force asymmetry, usually in such a way that it can hardly be changed at all.

It is advantageous if the two magnetic plates of the magnet unit are designed as a one-piece carrier unit. A carrier unit designed in one piece has the advantage that, for example, a number of components that form the magnet unit can be reduced. Furthermore, this simplifies production and assembly of the magnet unit. For example, ideally only the magnet arrangements need to be attached to the carrier unit to produce the magnet unit. Furthermore, the one-piece magnet unit can be aligned very easily during assembly on the base body according to a desired balance of forces. The one-piece carrier unit can, for example, have an approximately rectangular, U-shaped, approximately H-shaped, etc. profile and can, for example, be produced very easily using a machining process, such as milling.

Ideally, the two magnetic plates of the magnet unit are connected to each other or to the carrier unit by means of a crossbar. The carrier unit can be made in one piece, two pieces or several pieces. In a two-part embodiment variant of the carrier unit, for example, one of the magnetic plates can already have the crossbar, via which a connection to the other magnetic plate can then be established. Alternatively, the crossbar and the two magnetic plates can also be designed as separate components, which are then connected to form the carrier unit. This makes it possible, for example, to create a carrier unit or magnet unit that is adapted to the respective requirements. The connection of the crossbar and at least one of the magnetic plates is, for example can be produced by means of fasteners, such as tenons, bolts, etc., or by means of, for example, gluing or welding.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the crossbar of the carrier unit formed by the magnetic plates has through holes with which the magnet unit can be fixed to the base body - especially after alignment. These through holes are ideally designed in such a way that the carrier unit and thus the magnet unit can be easily displaced normal to at least one of the magnetic surfaces of the magnet unit during assembly on the base body and then - after alignment has been completed - can be fixed in the specific position on the base body.

An expedient embodiment of the invention provides that the magnet unit has fitting surfaces for mounting on the base body. With the help of these fitting surfaces, the magnet unit can be picked up by an auxiliary device, for example, and can then be aligned and positioned very easily and quickly on the base body.

Furthermore, it is expedient if the base body of the transport unit has a longitudinal web to which the magnet unit can be attached. The longitudinal web of the base body can, for example, be positioned on the base body in such a way that the magnet unit can be easily pushed onto the longitudinal web. In particular, if the magnet unit has a carrier unit with a transverse web, for example the magnet unit or the carrier unit can be pushed onto the longitudinal web of the base body until the transverse web of the carrier unit contacts the longitudinal web. Furthermore, the longitudinal web of the base body can have holes which serve to fix the magnet unit - after aligning at least one of the two magnetic plates.

Furthermore, the stated problem is solved by a method for assembling a transport unit for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor, in which a magnet arrangement is first attached to two magnetic plates of a magnet unit. In this case, a first magnet arrangement is attached to a first magnetic plate of a magnet unit, which forms a first magnetic surface, and a second magnet arrangement is attached to a second magnetic plate of the magnet unit, which forms a second magnetic surface. The magnet unit is then attached to a base body of the transport unit. At least one of the two magnetic plates of the magnet unit is then aligned on the base body of the transport unit until a certain position is reached. For this purpose, the at least one of the two magnetic plates is moved normal to that magnetic surface on the base body, which is formed by the magnet arrangement mounted on the at least one of the two magnetic plates. After reaching the certain position, the at least one of the two magnetic plates of the magnet unit is fixed in the specific position on the base body.

This assembly method allows a transport unit for a long stator linear motor to be assembled in a simple and efficient manner, in which the magnet unit or the magnetic surfaces of the magnet unit on the base body are very easily aligned with force symmetry. The magnet unit or the magnetic plates of the magnet unit are thereby arranged and aligned in a specific position on the base body without a time-consuming shim process.

In order to reach or set the specific position, the at least one of the two magnetic plates on the base body is displaced normally to the respective magnetic surface until a predetermined ratio of attractive forces is achieved, which are each exerted by the magnet arrangements on a magnetic unit. For this purpose, the magnetic unit is arranged at a predetermined distance from the magnetic surface formed by the respective magnet arrangement and can, for example, represent a surface of a transport route or a stator of the transport device. The at least one of the two magnetic plates or the entire magnet unit can therefore ideally be positioned and fixed on the base body in accordance with a desired attractive force ratio, this desired attractive force ratio then being exerted, for example, on the surface of the transport path of the transport device during operation of the transport unit. The fixation of the at least one of the two magnetic plates on the base body takes place in such a way that the specific position remains permanently set or the fixation can hardly or no longer be easily released or the set position can no longer be easily changed.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if an attractive force of the respective magnet arrangement is measured in order to reach the specific position of at least one of the two magnetic plates. The measured attractive force is exerted by the respective magnet arrangement on a magnetic unit, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the respective magnetic surface. Furthermore, a current ratio of the measured attractive forces is determined and the current, determined ratio of the measured attractive forces is compared with a predetermined ratio. As a result, the at least one of the two magnetic plates or the magnet unit can be mounted on the base body in such a way that a specific or desired force ratio is set or the magnet unit is ideally attached to the base body in a force-symmetrical manner.

An auxiliary device can preferably be used, with which the at least one of the magnetic plates or the entire magnet unit is aligned on the base body until the specific position for fixing is reached. This allows, for example, moving and Aligning the at least one of the two magnetic plates or the entire magnet unit on the base body is significantly simplified and facilitated and accelerated even further.

It is also advantageous if the respective magnet arrangement is attached to the respective magnetic plate of the magnet unit by gluing. The magnet arrangements can thereby be attached and fixed quickly and cost-effectively on the respective magnetic plate.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one of the two magnetic plates of the magnet unit is fixed to the base body after alignment in the specific position by means of fastening means, in particular screws.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, which show advantageous embodiments of the invention by way of example, schematically and non-restrictively. This shows

Fig.1 exploded view of a preferred embodiment

Magnet unit of a transport unit according to the invention

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary perspective representation of a preferred embodiment of a base body of the transport unit according to the invention

Fig. 3a shows an example of the transport unit according to the invention in the assembled state in a perspective view

Fig. 3b shows an example of the transport unit according to the invention in a side view

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary sequence of a method for assembling the transport unit according to the invention

Implementation of the invention

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a magnet unit 1 of a transport unit 11 according to the invention for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor. The magnet unit 1 has two magnetic plates 2a, 2b. A magnet arrangement 3a, 3b is arranged on each of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b. A first magnet arrangement 3a is arranged on a first magnetic plate 2a, which forms a first magnetic surface of the transport unit 11. A second magnet arrangement 4b is arranged on the second magnetic plate 2b, which forms a second magnetic surface of the transport unit 11. For this purpose, magnets of the first magnet arrangement 3a are attached to the first magnet plate 2a and magnets of the second magnet arrangement 3b are attached to the second magnet plate 2b, for example by gluing, in recesses provided for this purpose, for example, the individual magnets of the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b having, for example, alternating polarity n, see - as shown by way of example in Figure 1 - can be arranged. The two magnetic plates 2a, 2b of the magnet unit can be connected to one another to form a carrier unit, for example by means of a crossbar 3. The carrier unit can, for example, have an approximately H-shaped profile as shown in FIG. However, other embodiments of the carrier unit are also conceivable. For example, the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b can be connected via the crossbar 3 to form a support unit with a U-shaped profile. If the carrier unit is designed with an approximately H-shaped profile or U-shaped profile, the carrier unit can be designed either in one piece or at least in two parts. A one-piece carrier unit can be produced very easily, for example, using a machining process such as milling.

Furthermore, a cuboid design of the carrier unit is also possible. The two magnetic plates 2a, 2b are connected, for example, to form a cuboid or can be designed as a one-piece, cuboid magnetic plate 2a, 2b. In the case of a cuboid carrier unit or magnetic plate 2a, 2b, the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b can be attached to corresponding opposite sides of the magnetic plate 2a, 2b.

For example, through holes 5 are provided in the crossbar 4, which connects the magnetic plates 2a, 2b. The through holes 5 are used to insert fasteners, such as screws, with which the magnet unit 1 can be fixed to the base body 7 of the transport unit 11. In the case of a cuboid design of the carrier unit or the magnet unit 1, the through holes can be provided, for example, in those sides on which no magnet arrangement 3a, 3b is attached.

Furthermore, the magnetic plates 2a, 2b of the magnet unit 1 have fitting surfaces 6 on their respective insides. The respective magnetic plate 2a, 2b or the magnet unit 1 can be picked up by an auxiliary device on these fitting surfaces 6, for example during assembly.

Figure 2 shows schematically and by way of example a perspective representation of a base body 7 of the transport unit 11, to which the magnet unit 1 is attached according to the corresponding assembly method. The base body 7 has, for example, a middle part 8 to which the magnet unit 1 can be attached. For this purpose, the middle part 8 - as shown by way of example in Figure 2 - can be designed in a U-shape. Furthermore, the base body 7 or the middle part 8 has a longitudinal web 9. When assembling the transport unit 11, for example, the magnet unit 1, if it has a transverse web 4, can be pushed onto the longitudinal web 9 of the middle part 8 of the base body 7 until the longitudinal web 9 contacts the transverse web 4 of the magnet unit 1. The longitudinal web 9 is designed in such a way that, after application, the magnet unit 1 is normal to at least one of the magnetic surfaces which are formed by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b Base body 7 remains displaceable. Furthermore, the base body 7 of the transport unit 11 can have extensions 10, on which, for example, guide elements can be rotatably mounted.

Figures 3a and 3b show a possible embodiment of the fully assembled transport unit 11 according to the invention in a perspective view or in a side view. For the sake of simplicity, the reference numbers of the units known from the previous Figures 1 and 2 have been retained.

The transport unit 11 has at least the magnet unit 1 with the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b and the base body 7. The first magnet arrangement 3a is arranged on the first magnetic plate 2a of the magnet unit 1 and thus forms the first magnetic surface of the transport unit 11. The second magnet arrangement 3b is arranged on the second magnetic plate 2b of the magnet unit 1 and thus forms the second magnetic surface of the transport unit 11.

The magnet unit 1 is attached to the base body 7 of the transport unit 11 or to the middle part 8 of the base body 7. In a magnet unit 1, in which the magnetic plates 2a, 2b by means of a crossbar 4 z. B. are connected to a carrier unit - as shown by way of example in Figures 1 or 3a and 3b, the entire magnet unit 1 can be normal to at least one of the magnetic surfaces, which are formed by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b arranged on the magnetic plates 2a, 2b , are moved on the base body 7 before the magnet unit 1 is fixed in a specific position on the base body 7. That is, the magnet unit 1 is mounted so that it can move relative to the base body 7 or the middle part 8 of the base body 7 in a direction of movement A and can in this way be aligned normally to at least one of the magnetic surfaces in the direction of movement A during assembly on the base body 7 until a certain position is reached.

The alignment of the magnet unit 1 on the base body 7 is carried out, for example, in such a way that the specific position of the magnet unit 1 on the base body 7 is determined in which each of the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b exerts an attractive force on a magnetic unit and a ratio of the attractive forces, which are exerted by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b on the respective magnetic unit, corresponds to a predetermined ratio. The respective magnetic unit, on which an attractive force is exerted by the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b, is arranged at a predetermined distance from the respective magnetic surface of the transport unit 11 or the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b.

Alternatively, only one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b of the magnet unit 1 can be aligned on the base body 7, while the other magnetic plate 2a, 2b, for example, in front of it Alignment is already fixed on the base body 7. Then, for example, only one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b is displaced normal to the respective magnetic surface, which is formed by the magnet arrangement 3a, 3b arranged on the respective magnetic plate 2a, 2b, in the direction of movement A on the base body 7 until the specific position with the predetermined ratio attractive forces exerted by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b are reached. The alignable magnetic plate 2a, 2b is then fixed on the base body 7 in this position.

The alignment of the magnetic plate 2a, 2b, which can be moved in the direction of movement A, on the base body 7 is carried out, for example, in such a way that the specific position is determined as the position of the magnetic plate 2a, 2b on the base body 7 in which the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b attached to the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b each exert an attractive force on a magnetic unit and a ratio of the attractive forces exerted by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b corresponds to a predetermined ratio. The respective magnetic unit, on which the attractive force is exerted by the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b, is arranged at a predetermined distance from the respective magnetic surface of the transport unit 11 or the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b.

For this alignment process, for example, an auxiliary device can be provided, in which, for example, the base body 7 is clamped and from which the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is received on the fitting surfaces 6. By means of the auxiliary device, the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 can then be displaced in the direction of movement A normal to the respective magnetic surface, which is formed by the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b, until the specific position of the at least one the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is reached.

After the alignment process, the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is fixed on the base body 7 in the specific position - that is, in the position in which the attractive forces, which are generated by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b, are each at a predetermined distance a magnetic unit can be exerted and has the specified and desired ratio. For this purpose, for example, fastening means 12 (e.g. screws) are introduced into the through holes 5 in the transverse web 4 between the magnetic plates 2a, 2b and the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is fastened to the base body 7, which for this purpose is fastened, for example, in the longitudinal web 9 of the Middle part can have 8 corresponding holes. After at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 has been fixed to the base body in the specific position, this fixation can hardly or no longer be easily solved. Usually - for example due to covers, which are attached above the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b - the fastening means 12 in the crossbar 4 are no longer accessible, but at least no longer easily accessible. In order to release the fixation of the fastening means 12 and thus change the position of at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b, it would be necessary, for example, to at least partially disassemble the transport unit 11. The “quasi” permanent fixation of at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b has the advantage that shocks and vibrations during operation of the transport unit 11 cannot change or negatively influence the specific position of at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b. This means that the attractive force ratio set during assembly of the transport unit 11 by aligning at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 on the base body 7 can hardly be changed and the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b of the transport unit 11 act with the set attractive forces in one predetermined distance (e.g. air gap width) e.g. on the surface of the transport device or on the stator of the long stator linear motor.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary sequence of a method for assembling the transport unit 11 according to the invention for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor. In a first assembly step S1, the first magnet arrangement 3a, which forms the first magnetic surface of the transport unit 11, is attached to the first magnetic plate 2a of the magnet unit 1 and the second magnet arrangement 3b, which forms the second magnetic surface of the transport unit 11, is attached to the second magnetic plate 2b appropriate. The individual magnets of the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b can be attached to the respective magnetic plate 2a, 2b, for example by gluing. The assembly step S1 is carried out, for example, after the provision of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b of the magnet unit 1, after production of the two-part or multi-part support unit, which is formed, for example, by connecting the magnetic plates 2a, 2b by means of the crossbar 4, or after production of a one-piece support unit, e.g. carried out using a machining process (e.g. milling).

After attaching the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b in the first assembly step S1, the magnet unit 1 is attached to the base body 7 of the transport unit 11 in a second assembly step S2. For example, a magnet unit 1, in which the magnetic plates 2a, 2b form a carrier unit, can be attached to the base body 7 in one step. The attached magnet unit 1 remains displaceable on the base body 7 normal to at least one of the magnetic surfaces, which are formed by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b. If the carrier unit of the magnet unit 1 - as shown, for example, in Figure 1 - has a crossbar 4, the entire magnet unit 1 can, for example, be pushed onto the longitudinal bar 9 of the base body 7 until the longitudinal bar 9 of the base body 7 touches the crossbar 4 of the magnet unit 1 or .contacted the carrier unit. If the magnet unit 1 consists, for example, of two magnetic plates 2a, 2b, which are not connected to form a carrier unit, for example, one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b can first be fixed to the base body 7 in the second assembly step S2. The other of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b is then slidably attached to the base body 7 - that is, after the second assembly step S2, one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b continues to remain on the base body normal to the respective magnetic surface, which is provided by the magnet arrangement 3a, 3b of this magnetic plate 2a, 2b is formed, can be moved in the direction of movement A.

In an alignment step S3 following the second assembly step S2, the entire magnet unit 1 or at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b on the base body 12 is then - depending on the design of the magnet unit 1 - normal to the respective magnetic surface, which is located on the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b arranged magnet arrangement 3a, 3b is formed, aligned until a certain position is reached. This means that at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is displaced in the direction of movement A until the position is reached in which the attractive forces, which are exerted by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b on a magnetic unit at a predetermined distance will have a predetermined ratio.

To reach the specific position, for example, either the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is moved, for example with the help of an auxiliary device on the base body 7, in the direction of movement A (i.e. normal to at least one of the magnetic surfaces) until the predetermined ratio of the attractive forces is achieved, which of the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b each exert on a magnetic unit. The respective magnetic unit is arranged at a predetermined distance from the magnetic surface, which is formed by the respective magnet arrangement 3a, 3b of the magnet unit 1. I.e. a first magnetic unit is arranged, for example, at a first distance from the magnetic surface formed by the first magnet arrangement 3a. A first attractive force is then exerted on this first magnetic unit by the first magnetic surface. A second unit is, for example, arranged at a second distance from the magnetic surface formed by the second magnet arrangement 3b. A second attractive force is exerted on this second unit by the second magnetic surface.

In the alignment step S3, the attractive forces exerted by the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b on the magnetic units attached at predetermined distances are then determined using appropriate sensor units (e.g. load cell, dynamometer, etc.) and a current ratio of the attractive forces is determined from this. This current ratio is then compared with a predetermined ratio for the attractive forces, which, for example, is a force-symmetrical arrangement of the magnet unit 1 on the base body 7 or a desired force asymmetry (ie the attractive force of the A magnet arrangement 3a should, for example, have a stronger or weaker effect at a predetermined distance than the attractive force of the other magnet arrangement 3b). The magnetic units and the corresponding sensor units for measuring the attractive forces can be provided, for example, by the auxiliary device.

If the predetermined ratio for the attractive forces is reached from the currently determined attractive force ratio, then in a fixing step S4, the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or, in the case of a corresponding carrier unit, the entire magnet unit 1 is fixed on the base body 7 of the transport unit 11 in this specific position. For this purpose, for example, fasteners, such as screws, can be inserted into the through holes 5 in the magnet unit 1 and into the corresponding holes on the base body 7. The at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the magnet unit 1 is then fixed to the base body 7, for example by means of a screw connection. This screw connection is usually not accessible in the final assembled state of the transport unit 11 - for example closed by a cover. Readjusting the alignment of the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b after fixing step S4 is therefore hardly possible or only possible with great difficulty.

If the ratio that was determined from the currently measured attractive forces deviates from the specified ratio for the attractive forces, the alignment step S3 continues to be carried out. I.e. the position of the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 on the base body is changed by further displacement in the direction of movement A, the attractive forces which are exerted by the respective magnet arrangements 3a, 3b on the respective magnetic unit measured again and a new, current ratio of the attractive forces of the magnet arrangements 3a, 3b is determined. The alignment step S3 can, for example, be repeated until the ratio of the currently measured attractive forces corresponds to the predetermined ratio, possibly increased and/or reduced by a predeterminable tolerance range. When the predetermined ratio of the attractive forces is reached - i.e. the at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or the entire magnet unit 1 is at the specific position on the base body 7 of the transport unit 11, the fixing step S4 is carried out.

When carrying out the assembly method - in particular for carrying out the second assembly step S2 and for carrying out the alignment step S3 - an auxiliary device can be used, for example, with which the magnet unit 1 is easily attached to the base body 7 and which at least one of the two magnetic plates 2a, 2b or .If necessary, the entire magnet unit 1 on the base body can be aligned and positioned according to a predetermined or desired ratio of attractive forces.

Reference symbol list

Figure 1

I Magnet unit

2a first magnetic plate

2b second magnetic plate

3a first magnet arrangement

3b second magnet arrangement n, s polarity of the drive magnets

4 crossbar

5 through holes

6 fitting surfaces

Figure 2

7 basic body of the transport unit

8 middle part of the base body

9 longitudinal web of the base body

10 extensions/waves on the base body for attaching guide elements

Figures 3a and 3b

I I transport unit

12 fasteners or screws

A Direction of movement for aligning the magnet unit on the base body

Figure 4

51 first assembly step

52 second assembly step

53 Alignment step

54 fixing step

Claims

Transport unit for a transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor, the transport unit (11) having a first magnetic surface on a first side and a second magnetic surface on a second side, the first side being opposite the second side, characterized in that the transport unit (11 ) has at least one base body (7) and a magnet unit (1) with two magnetic plates (2a, 2b), such that a magnet arrangement (3a, 3b) is arranged on each of the magnetic plates (2a, 2b), with a first magnetic plate (2a ) a first magnet arrangement (3a) is arranged, which forms the first magnetic surface, and wherein a second magnet arrangement (3b) is arranged on a second magnetic plate (2b), which forms the second magnetic surface, and that at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) normal to the respective magnetic surface, which forms the magnet arrangement (3a, 3b) arranged on at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b), is displaceably attached to the base body (7) and in a certain position on Base body (7) can be fixed. Transport unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) is fixed to the base body (7) in such a way that in the specific position a ratio of attractive forces which the magnet arrangements (3a, 3b) each exert on a magnetic unit, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the magnetic surface formed by the respective magnet arrangement (3a, 3b), corresponds to a predetermined ratio. Transport unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) are designed as a one-piece carrier unit. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) by means of a crossbar ( 4) are connected to each other. Transport unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the crossbar (4)

Through holes (5) for fixing the magnet unit (1) on the base body (7) of the transport unit (11). Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet unit (1) has fitting surfaces (6) for assembly. Transport unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (7) of the transport unit (11) has a longitudinal web (9) to which the magnet unit (1) can be attached. Transport unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the longitudinal web ( 9) of the base body (7) has holes for fixing the magnet unit (1). Experienced for mounting a transport unit (11) for a transport device in

Form of a long stator linear motor according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the following steps are carried out:

- attaching (S1) a first magnet arrangement (3a) to a first magnetic plate (2a) of a magnet unit (1) and attaching a second magnet arrangement (3b) to a second magnetic plate (2b) of the magnet unit (1);

- Attaching (S2) the magnet unit (1) to a base body (7) of the transport unit (11);

- Aligning (S3) at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) on the base body (7) of the transport unit (11) normal to the respective magnetic surface, which is located on the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b ) arranged magnet arrangement (3a, 3b) is formed until a certain position is reached; and

- Fixing (S4) the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) on the base body (12) in the specific position. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that in order to reach the specific position, the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) magnet unit (1) on the base body (7) is displaced normally to the respective magnetic surface (S3) until a predetermined ratio is achieved by attractive forces which are each exerted by the magnet arrangements (3a, 3b) on a magnetic unit which is arranged at a predetermined distance from the magnetic surface formed by the respective magnet arrangement (3a, 3b). Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that an attractive force of the respective magnet arrangement (3a, 3b) is measured (S3 ), which is exerted by the respective magnet arrangement (3a, 3b) on the magnetic unit arranged at a predetermined distance from the respective magnetic surface, that a current ratio of the measured attractive forces is determined and that the current Ratio of the measured attractive forces is compared with the specified ratio.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that an auxiliary device (16) is used, with which at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) is aligned on the base body (7) ( S3) until the specific position for fixing is reached.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the respective magnet arrangements (3a, 3b) are attached to the respective magnetic plate (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) by means of gluing (S1). 14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the at least one of the two magnetic plates (2a, 2b) of the magnet unit (1) is fixed in the specific position on the base body (7) by means of fastening means, in particular screws (S4 ).