Transfer apparatus with dynamically variable drive zones

摘要

A transfer apparatus includes a primary part, and at least one first and one second secondary part, which are each magnetically coupled to the primary part for drive purposes. A regulation device is provided for regulation of a drive of the secondary parts. The regulation device can regulate the drive of the first secondary part in a first zone of the primary part in accordance with a first regulation rule, and can regulate the drive of the second secondary part in a second zone of the primary part in accordance with a second regulation rule. The first and second regulation rules differ hereby from one another. The first zone is separated from the second zone by a boundary which can be varied dynamically by the regulation device.

主权项

1. A transfer apparatus for transportation of an article, comprising:
a primary part; at least one first and one second secondary part, which are each adapted for seating of an article and are magnetically coupled to the primary part for movement relative to each other along a direction of transport of the first and second secondary parts on the primary part; a transmitter attached to the primary part, said transmitter capable of receiving information regarding a position of the at least one first and second secondary parts on the primary part along the direction of transport and generating at least one signal indicative of said position; and a regulation device operatively coupled with the primary part for defining a boundary in the primary part to thereby subdivide the primary part into adjoining first and second zones along the direction of transport, and for regulating the movement of the at least one first and one second secondary parts as a function of the at least one signal generated by the transmitter, wherein the regulation device is constructed to dynamically move said boundary and to regulate the movement of the at least one first secondary part in the first zone in accordance with a first regulation rule, and to regulate the movement of the at least one second secondary part in the second zone in accordance with a second regulation rule, wherein the first and second regulation rules differ from one another.