Storage or conveying system

• US 8,281,888 B2
• Filed: 06/02/2008
• Issued: 10/09/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fl Technology GmbH
• Original Assignee: Lars B. Bergmann
• Inventors: Bergmann, Lars B.
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAN, HAU VAN
• Application Number:
  US12/602,544
• Publication Number:
  US 20100175943A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,590 Days
• Field of Search: 180/168, 180/169, 180/170, 180/167, 104/139, 104/290, 104/292, 104/281, 318/807, 318/802, 318/700, 318/712, 318/717, 318/719
• US Class Current: 180/168
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 7/16 operated by remote control, i.e. initiating means not mounted on vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 16/02 Machines with one stator and two or more rotors
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 2201/18 Machines moving with multiple degrees of freedom
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 41/025 Asynchronous motors
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 41/03 Synchronous motors; Motors moving step by step; Reluctance motors H02K41/035 takes precedence

Abstract

A storage or conveying system includes an electromagnetic surface-area motor which moves one or more conveying devices, especially movable pallets, cars, or containers mounted on wheels or rolls. The surface-area motor is equipped with a plurality of electromagnets which can generate suitable magnetic fields for moving the conveying device. The conveying device is designed in a passive manner with respect to the driving action of the surface-area motor. The transformers can be separated from one another and can be arranged to form desired geometries of the surface-area motor. At least one metal detecting apparatus is integrated into the surface-area motor.

Claims

1. A storage or transport system, comprising:

a) an electromagnetic surface-area motor which drives a transport apparatus;

b) wherein the surface-area motor has a plurality of active transducers which can produce suitable magnetic fields for driving the transport apparatus;

c) wherein the transport apparatus is mounted on wheels or rollers;

d) wherein the transport apparatus is designed to be passive with regard to the driving action of the surface-area motor;

e) wherein at least one metal detecting device is integrated in the surface-area motor; and

f) wherein the only transducers which produce a magnetic field are those which are required for the movement of the transport apparatus.

2. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport apparatus has an armature which comprises ferromagnetic material.

3. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transducers are designed such that they can transmit power or data without contact to the transport apparatus or to another transducer.

4. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transducers have contacts or interfaces for plug connections for power transmission or data transmission.

5. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface-area motor has a three-dimensional surface shape for moving the transport apparatus in three dimensions.

6. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transducers have contacts or interfaces for plug connections for fixing of external elements.

7. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a movable pallet, wagon, or container.

8. The storage or transport system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transducers have contacts or interfaces for plug connections for fixing of external apparatuses.

9. A storage or transport system, comprising:

an electromagnetic surface-area motor comprising a plurality of transducers for producing magnetic fields;

a transport apparatus mounted on wheels or rollers above the electromagnetic surface-area motor, wherein the transport apparatus comprises at least one ferromagnetic element driven by the magnetic fields; and

at least one metal detector integrated in the electromagnetic surface-area motor;

wherein the electromagnetic surface-area motor has a three-dimensional, non-planar shape, thereby allowing three-dimensional movement of the transport apparatus.

10. A storage or transport system as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a control unit for varying the magnetic fields produced by the plurality of transducers.