WO2025191120A1 - Transport carrier for an overhead conveyor, and overhead conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport carrier (1) to be moved along a support structure (3) of an overhead conveyor (2), the transport carrier having: a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse axis (Q), and a vertical axis (H); a, in particular precisely one, wheel axle (A), which is parallel to the transverse axis (Q) and has two drive wheels (4); an electric drive device (5) for driving the drive wheels (4); a control unit (6) for controlling at least the drive device (5); and an energy supply device with at least two current collectors (7, 8) for supplying electrical energy to the transport carrier (1), in particular the drive device (5) and the control unit (6), wherein the at least two current collectors (7, 8) are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q) and have a vertical offset in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and/or wherein the energy supply device has, at least for one polarity, redundant current collectors (7, 9) which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q).

Description

TRANSPORT CARRIER FOR AN OVERHEAD CONVEYOR AND OVERHEAD CONVEYOR

The invention relates to a transport carrier for movement along a support structure of an overhead conveyor device, comprising a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a vertical axis, one wheel axle, in particular exactly one, parallel to the transverse axis with two drive wheels, an electric drive device for driving the drive wheels, a control unit for controlling at least the drive device, and a power supply device with at least two current collectors for supplying the transport carrier, in particular the drive device and the control unit, with electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention relates to an overhead conveyor device with at least one such transport carrier, as well as to a hanging goods warehouse. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an overhead conveyor device comprising a support structure and at least one single-axis transport carrier, which is movable on the support structure along a substantially horizontal path of movement defined by the support structure, wherein drive wheels of the transport carrier roll on a traction surface of a traction section of the support structure.

A generic overhead conveyor device with transport carriers is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 128 417 A1. Here, the drive energy is provided by energy storage devices that travel with the transport carriers. WO 2023/147619 A1 shows another exemplary overhead conveyor device.

The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a transport carrier that is as simple and cost-effective to manufacture as possible, offers high reliability, improved driving dynamics, and/or flexibility. A further object was to provide an improved method for operating an overhead conveyor device, in particular to increase storage density and/or throughput.

This object is achieved with the transport carrier mentioned above in that the at least two current collectors are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis and have a height offset in the direction of the vertical axis, and/or in that the energy supply device has redundant current collectors for at least one polarity, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis. As a result, in contrast to the prior art, no energy storage devices are required. but the required drive energy is provided by the pantographs. The operating time is therefore not limited, or at most is limited by the power supply. Last but not least, the drive power can be varied within wide limits thanks to the direct power supply. This not only enables good driving dynamics but also an advantageously wide range of transportable goods. Particularly when using a large number of transport carriers, as is usually the case, there is considerable cost savings potential because the individual transport carriers are much simpler in design. The height offset of the pantographs makes it possible to create very flexible route layouts, e.g. junctions or intersections, without the risk of a short circuit in the transition between conductor tracks. Redundancy of the pantographs enables an uninterrupted power supply at junctions or intersections. The longitudinal axis, transverse axis and vertical axis define an orthogonal reference system.

Preferably, the at least two current collectors each comprise a contact element with a contact surface, in particular a sliding contact with a sliding contact surface or a rolling element with a rolling contact surface, for contacting a conductor track of the support structure. The contact elements are spaced apart from the wheel axis in the vertical direction and are located above the wheel axis in the vertical direction. This ensures reliable energy transmission with low energy and friction losses.

A first axial distance between the contact surface of the contact element of a current collector and the wheel axle is greater than a second axial distance between the contact surface of the contact element of at least one other current collector and the wheel axle. This provides an advantageous design embodiment of the transport carrier that can interact with conductor tracks with different spacings. The first axial distance can be, for example, 65 mm to 75 mm. The second axial distance can be, for example, 50 mm to 65 mm.

Preferably, a tangential plane of the contact surface of the contact element of at least one current collector is aligned substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. At least a portion of the contact surface is thus substantially normal to the vertical axis and, during operation, faces upwards in a vertical direction. This provides an advantageous embodiment in which the Conductor tracks with which the current collectors interact are located vertically above the transport carrier.

It is advantageous if the transport carrier comprises an electrical buffer storage device, in particular a buffer capacitor, for temporarily supplying energy to the drive device and/or the control unit, wherein the energy supply device is designed to feed the buffer energy storage device. This ensures that the transport carrier does not come to a standstill in the event of any temporary power outages. However, since the energy storage device is only used briefly (for a short period of time), it can be dimensioned significantly smaller than in the prior art.

The drive device preferably comprises a DC motor, which preferably drives the drive wheels directly. This results in a simple and cost-effective design, and in particular, no transmission is required. Furthermore, DC motors are easy to control and have a relatively high starting torque.

It is advantageous if the wheel axle has a rigid axle, preferably unsprung. This again results in a very simple design.

Tests have shown that it is advantageous for a distance between the contact surface of the contact element with the first axle distance and a wheel contact surface of the drive wheels in the direction of the vertical axis to be 130% to 170% of the first axle distance, for example 90mm to 115mm, and/or for a distance between the contact surface of the contact element with the second axle distance and a wheel contact surface of the drive wheels in the direction of the vertical axis to be 130% to 170% of the second axle distance, for example 80mm to 105mm.

Preferably, at least one contact element is movable in the direction of the vertical axis relative to a base body of the transport carrier and is sprung by means of a suspension unit. The suspension unit, which preferably acts essentially in the direction of the vertical axis, can, for example, comprise at least one of the following springs: leaf spring, coil spring, elastomer spring, air spring, torsion spring. This ensures reliable contact, since the sliding contact surface is pressed against the conductor contact surface of a corresponding conducting element of the support structure. This also compensates for any unevenness. The spring can also be part of the electrical path, for example on the one hand be electrically connected to the contact element and on the other hand be electrically connected to the drive device and/or the control unit.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if at least one sliding contact can be pivoted relative to a base body of the transport carrier about a pivot axis parallel to the transverse axis. This allows the transport carrier to be removed and inserted laterally into the support structure. Furthermore, moments counteracting a vertical position are reduced, and even during pitching movements, a flat contact surface of the contact elements, which are preferably elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis, is possible.

Tests have shown that it is advantageous for a distance between the contact surface of the contact element with the first axial distance and its pivot axis in the direction of the vertical axis to be 20% to 30% of the first axial distance, e.g. 15mm to 19mm, and/or for a distance between the contact surface of at least one further contact element with the second axial distance and its pivot axis in the direction of the vertical axis to be 20% to 30% of the second axial distance, e.g. 13mm to 16.5mm.

Preferably, at least one current collector comprises a guide sleeve, and the contact element of the current collector is guided within the guide sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, at least one current collector can comprise a guide block, and the contact element of the current collector is guided externally on the guide block. According to an advantageous embodiment, the guide sleeve has a guide slot on each of its inner surfaces facing one another in the direction of the transverse axis, and the contact element has a guide pin on each of its outer sides facing away from one another in the direction of the transverse axis, which is received in the guide slot, or vice versa. This simultaneously forms a linear guide and a joint. The base body of the transport carrier preferably comprises a holding bracket, and the at least one guide block is mounted on the holding bracket so that it can pivot about the pivot axis. The mounting thus has a translational and a rotational degree of freedom, which, on the one hand, enables the transmission of a contact force, in particular the spring force of the suspension unit, for contacting, and, on the other hand, enables the preferably flat contact despite possible pitching movements, as well as easy lateral removal of the transport carrier. Furthermore, moments counteracting the vertical position during a pitching movement are reduced. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power supply device comprises three current collectors spaced apart in the direction of the transverse axis, each having a contact element comprising a contact surface, wherein the contact surface of the contact element of the middle current collector of the three current collectors is spaced apart from the wheel axle at a first axial distance, and the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the two outer current collectors of the three current collectors are each spaced apart from the wheel axle at a second axial distance that is smaller than the first axial distance, wherein the second axial distances of the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the two outer current collectors are preferably of equal size. This makes it possible to provide redundant current collection by the two outer current collectors, thereby increasing the reliability of the power supply. This particularly applies to the power supply in intersections or junctions, since here the contact of one of the outer current collectors may be briefly interrupted.

It can be advantageous if the contact elements of the outer pantographs are mechanically coupled by means of a coupling unit and are movable together in the direction of the vertical axis. The two contact elements each have a spring unit with which they are spring-mounted relative to the base body of the transport carrier. The spring units each have two intersecting elongated spring elements, with an imaginary connecting line between the intersection points of the spring elements of the two spring units running essentially parallel to the transverse axis. This creates a very stable design. The coupling unit can, for example, have a frame that surrounds the central pantograph.

It is particularly advantageous if the central pantograph is arranged on the transport beam so that it can move in a direction parallel to the transverse axis. A guide device for guiding the central pantograph and an actuator for moving the central pantograph are provided. The actuator can, for example, comprise a rack and pinion drive or a single-arm motor. The movable pantograph can thus be advantageously used to perform pivoting movements of the transport beam in the area of junctions and, if necessary, also to guide or stabilize the transport beam. In order not to overload the actuator, it may be advantageous if the guide device is self-locking when a lateral force acting on the central pantograph in the direction of the transverse axis is exceeded.

The control unit is preferably designed to control the actuator such that the middle pantograph can be moved continuously or discretely between a first end position, a second end position, and an intermediate central position. While the central position is intended for straight-ahead travel, the two end positions are used to perform a turning maneuver at a junction. The middle pantograph can, for example, be moved into the appropriate position before reaching the junction in order to perform a desired turning maneuver. The advantage of this is that the junction can be designed passively, meaning that no actuating means are required to perform a turning maneuver. Junctions, intersections, and/or intersection modules of the transport network with which the middle pantograph, i.e., the transport carrier, interacts in an operating state, are therefore preferably free of actuating elements.

To prevent overloading the drive and to ensure precise and reproducible travel to the end positions, a mechanical end stop can be provided for each end position. The end stops are preferably located on the base body or formed by the base body, particularly the retaining brackets. To prevent unwanted jamming or obstruction of the guide at the end stops, it may be advantageous for the control unit to move the central pantograph until just before the end stop, and for the remaining distance until the end stop is finally reached to be covered by overcoming any intentionally provided or manufacturing-related mechanical play in the actuator.

If a linear motor is used, it preferably comprises several, in particular three, electrical coils spaced apart along the transverse axis and arranged coaxially with one another. The movable central current collector, in particular its guide sleeve, comprises a permanent magnet core, and the control unit is designed to selectively energize the coils to move the central current collector between the end positions and the central position. This allows for very precise positioning with few moving parts and thus little play. According to an advantageous embodiment, the transport carrier comprises a support body arranged in the direction of the wheel axis, preferably centrally, between the two drive wheels, with a receptacle for attaching a hanging goods carrier. When the transport carrier is mounted on the support structure, the support body extends vertically downward through a gap in a traction section of the support structure, so that the receptacle is located below the support structure. A length of the support body in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be, for example, ±10% of a wheel diameter of the drive wheels, at least in a section of the support body that is located in the gap when the transport carrier is mounted on the support structure, and/or a width of the support body in the direction of the transverse axis can be, at least in the same section, 10% to 30%, preferably 15% to 25%, in particular 20% of the wheel diameter of the drive wheels. The support body can thus be advantageously used to guide the transport carrier. Undesirable yawing movements and/or lateral inclinations of the transport carrier can be prevented or at least reduced.

Tests have also shown that a fastening point distance in the direction of the vertical axis between a wheel support surface of the drive wheels and a fastening point on the holder provided for fastening the hanging goods carrier is advantageously 300% to 400% of the first axle distance, for example 200mm to 260mm, in particular 220mm to 240mm.

A fastening point of the holder provided for fastening the hanging goods carrier is preferably spaced apart in the direction of the vertical axis at a fastening point distance from the wheel contact surface of the drive wheels, and at least one current collector comprises a contact element designed for electrically contacting a conductor track of the support structure, which contact element is pivotable about a pivot axis running parallel to the transverse axis, wherein the pivot axis lies in the direction of the vertical axis on a side of the wheel axle facing away from the holder and is spaced apart from the wheel contact surface at a pivot axis distance, wherein a first lever ratio between the fastening point distance and the pivot axis distance is preferably 1.9 to 3.5, particularly preferably 2.1 to 3.2. This provides a structural design that enables advantageous driving behavior of the transport carrier. On the one hand, the transport carrier can be easily arranged, in particular suspended, on the transport structure due to the pivotability of the contact element. On the other hand, the weight of the hanging goods carrier can a sufficiently large counter torque must be generated that counteracts a drive torque generated by the drive device.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if a contact surface of the pivotable contact element of the at least one current collector, which contact surface is provided for contacting the conductor track, is spaced from the respective pivot axis in the direction of the vertical axis at a contact surface distance, and that a second lever ratio between the pivot axis distance and the contact surface distance is 3.5 to 6.7, preferably 4.1 to 6.1, in particular 4.6 to 5.6, and/or a third lever ratio between the fastening point distance and the contact surface distance is 9.6 to 17.8, preferably 11 to 16.4. This provides an advantageous structural design that further improves the driving behavior of the transport carrier.

To prevent damage to the support body and/or reduce friction, it may be advantageous for the support body to comprise, at least in a portion of the support body that is located in the intermediate space when the transport carrier is arranged on the support structure, a crash barrier or a sliding element or a sliding coating or a friction-reducing material. The sliding coating or the friction-reducing material may comprise, for example,

Preferably, the transport carrier comprises a hanging goods carrier which is or can be fastened rigidly or articulately to the receptacle, wherein the receptacle preferably comprises an eyelet to which the hanging goods carrier is fastened, in particular suspended, preferably in an operationally detachable manner.

The hanging goods carrier can be rotatable relative to the support body on the support about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport carrier, with other rotational degrees of freedom preferably being locked. This allows for high driving stability, as the hanging goods carrier cannot, for example, oscillate about an axis parallel to the transverse axis, or can only oscillate slightly. However, outward oscillation in curves is permitted.

It has proven advantageous in tests if the distance between a fastening point of the hanging goods carrier designed for attachment to the holder and a lower free end of the hanging goods carrier in the attached state is 1 to 14 times corresponds to the first axle distance, for example 750mm to 950mm, preferably 800mm to 900mm.

The hanging goods carrier preferably comprises a hanging pocket that is at least partially flexible, or a substantially rigid container for holding piece goods, or a liquid container, or a hanger for holding items of clothing. This allows a suitable hanging goods carrier to be used depending on the desired stored goods. Mixed operation with different hanging goods carriers would of course also be conceivable. It is advantageous if the hanging goods carrier is or can be detachably attached to the holder in an operational manner, in particular non-destructively, and is designed such that the hanging goods carrier can only be attached in a defined orientation. This allows the well-known Japanese "poka-yoke" principle to be applied, which reliably prevents incorrect attachment, i.e., incorrect alignment of the hanging goods carrier. This is particularly advantageous when operating an overhead conveyor device with directional hanging goods carriers, for example to ensure that the hanging goods carriers are moved into an unloading or loading station in the correct orientation. A directional hanging goods carrier is, for example, a hanging goods carrier that is only accessible from a specific side for loading or unloading goods. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if at least part of the control unit and/or an electronic component of the transport carrier and/or a sensor is located within the support body.

This allows for optimized component packaging. In particular, the space required above the traction surface can be used for other purposes, such as lateral dynamics control.

It has proven advantageous for the drive wheels to have a maximum wheel diameter of 150 mm, preferably 100 mm, and especially 70 mm, and for the maximum extension of the transport carrier along the longitudinal axis to correspond to the wheel diameter ± 20%, preferably ± 10%. This design represents an optimum balance between good traction, driving dynamics, smooth running, and bearing density.

The contact elements preferably contain copper and graphite, which ensures good electrical conduction and low wear. Alternatively or additionally, the contact elements designed as sliding contacts can each be arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis The contact surfaces can be bevelled or rounded at the front and rear, which makes it easier to arrange the transport carrier on the support structure. Alternatively or additionally, the contact surfaces of the contact elements can be flat or convexly curved. The flat contact surfaces can, for example, be aligned essentially parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and transverse axis. The convex curvature can run in the direction of the longitudinal axis and/or in the direction of the transverse axis. The curvature can make it easier to bridge any gaps. A flat design, on the other hand, is cheaper to manufacture and also results in better wear characteristics and a longer service life. These advantages can be achieved particularly easily, especially in conjunction with chamfered gaps in the current guide.

The transport carrier preferably comprises a number of sensors for detecting at least one state variable, in particular position, and/or speed and/or acceleration, of the transport carrier, and a control unit configured to control the transport carrier, in particular the drive device and/or the actuator of the central pantograph, depending on the detected state variable or a variable derived therefrom. The sensors can, for example, comprise at least one of the following sensors: a distance sensor, in particular a TOF sensor (TOF = Time of Flight), a position sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, a speed sensor, or a weight sensor. For example, distance sensors can be arranged at the front and/or rear in the direction of movement, and the control unit can use the signal received from the distance sensor(s) to implement collision avoidance or distance control. According to a simple embodiment, the TOF sensor can, for example, be configured to emit a light beam parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport carrier (forward and/or rearward in the direction of movement). Based on the received reflected light beam, the distance to an obstacle can be determined based on the travel time, e.g., another transport carrier traveling in front of or behind it. In the aforementioned embodiment, it can be advantageous in curves due to the straight light beam if the distance control is deactivated and switched to a control system. The curve can then be negotiated, for example, at a fixed, constant speed. The speed can, for example, be fixed or determinable depending on one or more parameters of the transport carrier and/or the support structure. A parameter of the transport carrier could, for example, be the type or weight of the transported goods or the type of hanging goods carrier, etc. A parameter of the support structure could be, for example, the curvature of the curve. The parameters can be known and, for example, stored or storable in a storage unit of the transport carrier. However, the parameters could also be determined by the transport carrier or sent to the transport carrier via a suitable communication device. A load could, for example, be approximately determined from the current consumption of the electric drive device or via a suitable weight sensor. However, the known mass of a product transported by the transport carrier could also be sent to the control unit of the transport carrier.

The transport carrier preferably has a first communication device for wirelessly communicating with a central control device of the overhead conveyor device, and the control unit is configured to control the transport carrier, in particular the drive device, depending on information received from the central control device of the overhead conveyor device and/or to send information to the central control device of the overhead conveyor device. If the transport carrier comprises a movable central pantograph with an actuator, it is advantageous if the control unit is configured to control the actuator of the central pantograph depending on information received from the control device of the overhead conveyor device. This allows information such as a travel route, a target speed, etc., to be provided centrally and sent to the transport carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the transport carrier can also send important information to the central control device, for example, any error messages or values detected by one or more sensors. The first communication device can, for example, use a suitable wireless communication standard, such as mobile radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.

The transport carrier can also comprise a second communication device for communicating with a further transport carrier, and the control unit can be designed to control the transport carrier, in particular the drive device, depending on information received from the further transport carrier and/or to send information to the further transport carrier. If the transport carrier comprises a movable central pantograph with an actuator, then it is advantageous if the control unit is designed to control the actuator of the central pantograph in accordance with information received from the further transport carrier. For example, a forwarding chain of information can be generated via a plurality of transport carriers. A first transport carrier can thus, for example, forward information received from the central control device to a neighboring transport carrier, which can then forward the information, possibly supplemented with additional information, to the next transport carrier, and so on. The second communication device can, for example, use a suitable wireless communication standard, such as mobile radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc. The second communication device can, for example, have a shorter range than the first communication device.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the transport carrier comprises a third communication device for communicating with a communication network of the overhead conveyor device, wherein the control unit is designed to control the transport carrier, in particular the drive device and/or the actuator of the central pantograph, depending on information received from the communication network and/or to send information to the communication network. The communication network can, for example, be subordinate to the central control device and can comprise a plurality of transmitters and/or receivers that can be distributed in a transport network formed from the transport carrier. The third communication device can, for example, in turn use a suitable wireless communication standard, such as mobile radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc. The third communication device can, for example, have a shorter range than the first communication device. For example, the range could be only a few centimeters, and data transmission could only occur when a transport carrier is in the immediate vicinity of a transmitter/receiver.

It is advantageous if the transport carrier is designed to be moved in opposite directions with respect to its longitudinal axis with identical driving characteristics. This means that the transport carrier has symmetrical functionality, so that it can be used regardless of its orientation on the support structure. This facilitates handling, as the orientation of the transport carrier does not have to be taken into account. Identical driving characteristics can, for example, mean that the same speed and/or acceleration can be achieved in both directions. Sensors are preferably symmetrical so that, for example, distance control is possible in both directions of travel.

The weight distribution of the transport carrier, preferably including the hanging goods carrier, can be determined such that the vertical axis of the transport carrier is essentially vertically aligned on the support structure when stationary and/or that any pitching movement around the transverse axis occurring during movement can be reduced, or in particular avoided. This ensures that the transport carrier is in the intended position on the support structure so that, for example, any sensors are correctly aligned. Friction occurring between the current collectors and the conductor tracks can also help to keep the transport carrier in a vertical position when stationary. The center of gravity of the transport carrier without the hanging goods carrier can, for example, be on a side of the wheel axle facing away from the current collectors in the direction of the vertical axis. The center of gravity of the transport carrier with the hanging goods carrier is preferably between the support body holder and the lower free end of the hanging goods carrier. Tests have shown it to be advantageous for the center of gravity of the transport carrier without hanging goods carrier to be spaced from the wheel contact surface at a center of gravity distance of 5% to 15% of the first axle distance, e.g., 5mm to 10mm. An advantageous weight of the transport carrier without hanging goods carrier can preferably be 450g to 650g, in particular 500g to 600g. Tests have also shown it to be advantageous for the center of gravity of the transport carrier with hanging goods carrier to be spaced from the wheel contact surface at a center of gravity distance that preferably corresponds to 5 to 7 times the first axle distance, e.g., 200mm to 600mm, in particular 300mm to 500mm. A weight of the hanging goods carrier can, for example, be 450g to 750g, in particular 550g to 650g.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a suspended conveyor device comprising a support structure and at least one transport carrier according to one of claims 1 to 45, which is movable on the support structure along a substantially horizontal movement path defined by the support structure. The support structure comprises a traction section, which forms at least one traction surface for the drive wheels of the transport carrier, and a power supply section, which is spaced vertically from the traction section, for supplying the transport carrier with electrical energy, wherein the power supply section has a number of current collectors of the transport carrier. corresponding number of conductor tracks which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the movement path and which each have a conductor contact surface facing the at least one traction surface for contacting by the respective current collector. As a result, the track and the power supply are separated by a travel space in which the transport carriers are movable, wherein the travel space is preferably accessible from the outside at least in sections and can also be used, for example, for maintenance purposes. Because the area of the track/traction surface is spatially separated from the area of the power supply, the individual components of the traction section and the power supply section can be designed to be comparatively simple in terms of construction. This enables, for example, a relatively simple and rapid replacement of parts in the event of repairs or increased wear.

According to a preferred embodiment, the power supply section comprises three conductor tracks, wherein the conductor contact surfaces of the outer conductor tracks of the three conductor tracks are spaced apart from the at least one traction surface by a first conductor spacing, and the conductor contact surface of the middle conductor track is spaced apart from the at least one traction surface by a larger second conductor spacing. This allows the above-mentioned preferred transport carriers to be used with redundant current collectors. This ensures a substantially uninterrupted power supply, particularly in the area of branch points.

Preferably, the first conductor spacing is less than a distance in the direction of the vertical axis between the contact surfaces of the contact elements of the outer current collectors and a wheel contact surface of the drive wheels of the transport carrier not arranged on the support structure. If the contact elements of the outer current collectors are movable in the direction of the vertical axis and are sprung by means of a spring unit, then a difference between the first conductor spacing and the mentioned distance preferably corresponds to a maximum of one spring travel of the contact elements. Alternatively or additionally, it may be advantageous if the second conductor spacing is less than a distance between the contact surface of the contact element of the middle current collector and a wheel contact surface of the drive wheels in the direction of the vertical axis of the transport carrier not arranged on the support structure. If the contact element of the middle current collector is movable in the direction of the vertical axis and is sprung by means of a spring unit, then the difference between the second conductor spacing and the mentioned distance preferably corresponds to a maximum of one spring travel of the contact element. This ensures reliable contact between the sliding contacts, and the transport carrier can be held on the support structure without any vertical play. The distances are preferably dimensioned such that the transport carrier can first be inserted from the side through the above-mentioned travel gap with its vertical axis aligned essentially horizontally (or parallel to the travel plane), and can then be moved into a correct operating position on the support structure by rotating it around its transverse axis without particularly great expenditure of force. This means that individual transport carriers can be arranged quickly and easily on the support structure, e.g. between two existing transport carriers. This also makes it possible to quickly and easily remove, for example, defective transport carriers (where the transport carrier is again aligned essentially horizontally with its vertical axis and is guided out from the side through the above-mentioned travel gap).

The overhead conveyor device preferably comprises at least one energy source, in particular a direct current source or direct voltage source, for supplying energy to the energy supply section. Within the scope of the application, an energy source can also be understood to mean, for example, a central power connection. The energy source could also optionally comprise a rectifier to convert the alternating current provided by an alternating current source into direct current.

The outer conductor tracks of the conductor tracks preferably have the same electrical polarity, in particular the negative pole, and the middle conductor track preferably has the opposite pole, i.e. an electrical polarity opposite to the polarity of the outer conductor tracks, in particular the positive pole.

The traction section of the support structure preferably comprises two traction surfaces, each spaced apart transversely to the path of movement by a gap, for one of the drive wheels of the transport carrier. The support body of the transport carrier extends vertically downward through the gap so that the receptacle is located below the support structure. This shields the moving parts of the drive from the receptacle or a hanging goods carrier attached to it, reducing the risk of injury to people and any possible contamination, e.g., from abrasion of the drive wheels, in the area of the hanging goods carrier. The width of the gap transverse to the path of movement is preferably a maximum of 150%, particularly preferably a maximum of 130%, and in particular a maximum of 120% of the width of the section of the support body located in the gap. This allows guidance of the support body, which can prevent unwanted yawing movements (around the vertical axis) and/or rolling movements (around the longitudinal axis). The smaller the distance between the support body and the traction surfaces, the better the guidance. Ideally, the length and width of the support body and the width of the gap are coordinated to achieve a good compromise between guidance on the one hand and cornering capability on the other.

The support structure preferably comprises a first track section that forms exactly one movement path for the transport carrier, wherein a width of the central conductor track is greater than a width of the outer conductor tracks, each transverse to the movement path, wherein the width preferably corresponds at least to a distance between the two end positions of the movable central current collector in the direction of the transverse axis. The movement path can, for example, be straight or curved (horizontally). The first track section can, for example, be designed as an independent straight-line module with a straight movement path or as an independent curved module with a curved movement path. Individual modules can thus be arranged one behind the other to create a movement path of a desired shape and length. Each module can, for example, comprise a preferably one-piece power supply rail on which the conductor tracks are provided, and a (preferably multi-piece, in particular two-piece) traction rail on which the traction surface(s) are provided. The power supply rail and the traction rail can be assembled into the respective straight module or curved module using a number of preferably standardized connecting elements, in particular connecting clamps. The connecting elements, in turn, can be attached, for example, to a suitable stationary supporting structure, in particular a ceiling structure. This allows a transport route of the desired shape and length to be constructed in a simple, modular manner with a few identical parts.

Preferably, the support structure also comprises a second section, preferably adjacent to the first section, at which the precisely one movement path diverges into at least two movement paths in a divergence region. The traction section of the second track section comprises, for each path of movement, two traction surfaces, spaced apart from one another by a gap, for each of the drive wheels. The power supply section comprises, for each path of movement, a guide channel for guiding the central current collector of the transport carrier, in particular its guide sleeve. The guide channel runs parallel to the respective path of movement and the guide channels contain the central conductor track. This provides a simply constructed and passive switch or junction that, in particular, does not require actuators or other control elements. The transport carrier can perform a steering movement by corresponding transverse movement of the central current collector. Depending on the position of the central current collector, it is received in one of the at least two guide channels and guided through this. During movement, the central current collector is preferably held in its position. A lateral steering force thus acts on the central current collector, in particular its guide sleeve, by means of which the transport carrier is moved along the respective path of movement.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the second track section is designed as a preferably rotationally symmetrical crossing module, wherein the crossing module comprises four crossing entrances, wherein adjacent crossing entrances are arranged at right angles to one another, wherein opposite crossing entrances are connected by a straight movement path, wherein the straight movement paths intersect in a central crossing region, wherein adjacent crossing entrances are connected by a curved movement path, and wherein at the crossing entrances, the two curved movement paths and the intermediate straight movement path converge in the divergence region to form one, in particular straight, movement path. Depending on the desired movement, the middle current collector can be moved into a corresponding position before reaching a crossing entrance. If, for example, the middle current collector is in the first end position (e.g., to the left as viewed in the direction of movement), the transport carrier is moved from the divergence region along the movement path curved to the left to the adjacent crossing entrance, wherein the middle current collector, in particular its guide sleeve, is guided in the corresponding guide channel. If the middle pantograph is in the second end position (e.g. right viewed in the direction of movement), then the transport carrier is Divergence area is moved along the movement path curved to the right to the adjacent crossing entrance, wherein the middle current collector, in particular its guide sleeve, is guided in the corresponding guide channel. When the middle current collector is in the central position between the first and second end positions, the transport carrier is moved straight through the divergence area along the straight movement path through the crossing area to the opposite crossing entrance, wherein the middle current collector, in particular its guide sleeve, is again guided in the corresponding guide channel. It is evident that by two-dimensionally combining, in particular by stringing together, the above-mentioned straight modules and/or curved modules and the crossing modules, a complete transport network and/or thus also an individual transport route of a desired size and with a desired course can be created very easily and flexibly. Preferably, several such transport networks can be combined three-dimensionally one above the other to form a hanging goods warehouse, which enables the transport, sorting, and (storage/retrieval) of a large number of goods using the transport carriers.

It is advantageous if the curved movement paths each have a circular arc-shaped curved section with a central length and two clothoid-shaped curved sections, each connecting the circular arc-shaped curved section with a straight movement path of an intersection entrance. This avoids abrupt curvature and enables a substantially jerk-free movement of the transport carrier from the straight movement path to the curved movement path.

Preferably, position markers are provided at defined positions along the support structure, which can be detected by a sensor of the transport carrier, wherein the control unit of the transport carrier is designed to use the position of the detected position marker to determine and/or correct a position of the transport carrier. The position markers can, for example, each comprise a permanent magnet, and the sensor of the transport carrier can comprise a Hall sensor. Due to the fact that the position markers are preferably passive components, the support structure can be constructed simply and manufactured cost-effectively, since no power supply is necessary. The transport carrier, in particular the control unit, can, for example, be designed to approximately determine the distance traveled based on the rotational speed of the wheel axle (which preferably corresponds to the rotational speed of the electric The determined distance can be compared with the known position of a position marker when passing a position marker.

The overhead conveyor device preferably comprises a central control device configured to send information to the at least one transport carrier, in particular its first communication device, and/or to receive information from the at least one transport carrier, in particular from its first communication device. The information sent by the central control device can contain, for example, a travel route, a target speed, a target position, etc. The control unit of the transport carrier can use the received information to control the transport carrier. The information received from the central control device can contain, for example, an error message, a sensor value from a sensor, a current position, etc. The central control device can use the information received from the control unit of the transport carrier to control the overhead conveyor device. For example, a detour route for avoiding a defective transport carrier can be determined for other transport carriers and sent to the relevant transport carriers.

Preferably, the overhead conveyor device comprises a communication network which is designed to send information to the at least one transport carrier, in particular its third communication device, and/or to receive information from the at least one transport carrier, in particular from its third communication device, wherein the communication network is preferably designed to communicate with a higher-level central control device.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a hanging goods warehouse comprising a hanging conveyor device according to one of claims 46 to 60 with a plurality of transport carriers, each with a hanging goods carrier attached thereto, wherein the hanging goods warehouse comprises a plurality of storage levels arranged one above the other, wherein in each level a transport network constructed from the support structure is provided with a number of storage areas, wherein the transport networks of the storage levels are connected by means of a number of conveyor devices, which are each designed to convey a number of transport carriers continuously or discontinuously between the transport networks, that the The hanging goods warehouse comprises at least one loading station for loading the respective hanging goods carriers of a number of transport carriers, and the hanging goods warehouse comprises at least one unloading station for unloading the hanging goods carriers of a number of transport carriers. This makes it possible to provide a simply constructed hanging goods warehouse that enables highly flexible storage and retrieval processes. The transport carriers can move essentially autonomously or at least semi-autonomously within the transport networks of the storage levels. Sorting processes can also be carried out using the vertical conveyors, for example, so that a number of transport carriers, each with a specific product, can be provided to an unloading station in a desired sequence.

Preferably, the hanging goods warehouse comprises at least two storage levels of different heights, and the plurality of transport carriers comprises a first group of transport carriers with hanging goods carriers of a first height and a second group of transport carriers with hanging goods carriers of a lower height relative to the first height. This allows, for example, smaller goods to be stored on a lower storage level and larger goods to be stored on a correspondingly higher storage level. This allows for optimal use of the available space and selective allocation of storage locations.

The object is further achieved with the method mentioned at the outset in that electrical energy is transmitted from a plurality of conductor tracks spaced from the at least one traction surface of the traction section and spaced from one another transversely to the movement path to a plurality of current collectors of the transport carrier corresponding to the plurality of conductor tracks, arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of a transverse axis of the transport carrier and having a height offset in the direction of a vertical axis of the transport carrier, and/or to a plurality of current collectors of the transport carrier that are redundant at least for one polarity and arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis, wherein at least part of the transmitted electrical energy is used by an electrical drive device of the transport carrier to drive the drive wheels. The advantages already mentioned result.

Preferably, the current collectors each have a contact element with a contact surface, in particular a sliding contact with a sliding contact surface or a rolling body with a rolling contact surface, which is spaced apart from the wheel axle in the direction of the vertical axis and located vertically above the wheel axle, wherein the contact surface has a The conductor contact surface of the corresponding conductor track is contacted, particularly by sliding or rolling along it. This results in the advantages already mentioned.

Preferably, the conductor contact surfaces of two conductor tracks are spaced apart in the vertical direction at different distances from the at least one traction surface of the traction section, and the conductor contact surface of the conductor track with the shorter distance is contacted by the current collector with the shorter center distance, and the conductor contact surface of the conductor track with the longer distance is contacted by the current collector with the longer center distance. This results in the advantages already mentioned.

Preferably, the transport carrier is moved along a first section of the route, wherein yawing movements of the transport carrier about its vertical axis and/or rolling movements about its longitudinal axis are reduced, preferably suppressed, by a support body of the transport carrier, which is arranged in the direction of a wheel axis of the transport carrier, preferably centrally, between the two drive wheels and comprises a receptacle for fastening a hanging goods carrier, being guided in an intermediate space of the traction section, which is formed between two traction surfaces spaced apart from one another transversely to the path of movement, for each of the drive wheels of the transport carrier.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport carrier is moved along a second section of track, wherein yaw movements of the transport carrier about its vertical axis and/or rolling movements about its longitudinal axis are reduced, preferably suppressed, by guiding a current collector movable in a direction parallel to the transverse axis of the transport carrier, preferably the middle of three current collectors, in particular a guide sleeve of the middle current collector, in a guide channel comprising one of the conductor tracks.

Preferably, the transport carrier detects a state variable, in particular position and/or speed and/or acceleration, using at least one sensor, and a control unit of the transport carrier controls or regulates a movement of the transport carrier depending on the detected state variable or a variable generated therefrom. A suitable controller, e.g., a PI controller or PID controller, can be implemented in the control unit for control purposes. While (feedback) control may be advantageous on straight lines, as mentioned, it may be advantageous to control the speed (without feedback) on curves. - l -

Preferably, information is wirelessly sent from a central control device and/or a communication network of the overhead conveyor to the transport carrier, and a control unit of the transport carrier controls or regulates a movement of the transport carrier depending on the information received. Alternatively or additionally, information can be sent from the transport carrier to the control device and/or the communication network of the overhead conveyor, and the central control device controls the overhead conveyor depending on the information received, or the communication network forwards the information to the, in particular, higher-level control device.

It may be advantageous if information is sent wirelessly from the transport carrier to another transport carrier, and the control device of the other transport carrier controls or regulates a movement of the other transport carrier depending on the information received. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if information is sent wirelessly from another transport carrier to the transport carrier, and the control device of the transport carrier controls or regulates a movement of the transport carrier depending on the information received.

Preferably, when the transport carrier moves along straight paths of movement of the support structure, distance control is carried out, wherein a speed of the transport carrier is controlled as a function of a detected distance. When the transport carrier moves along curved paths of movement of the support structure, distance control is omitted and the transport carrier is moved at a fixed or fixable, preferably constant, speed. This allows the use of a simply constructed distance sensor, in particular a TOF sensor, whose sensor range is essentially only oriented straight ahead. This reliably prevents collisions on straight sections. In curves, in which the detection range of the sensor may be unsuitable for detecting the distance to the front transport carrier, the transport carrier can be moved at a fixed, preferably constant, speed that is lower than on a straight line.

It is advantageous if, during a movement of the transport carrier along a curved movement path of the second section of the transport structure, a lateral force acting transversely to the movement path is applied to one of the current collectors, in particular the guide sleeve, through which the drive wheel on the outside of the curve is lifted from the traction surface. This means that differences in speed between the drive wheels do not have to be compensated for, which reduces wear and increases driving stability. On the other hand, larger gaps, such as those that occur in divergence areas (where one movement path diverges into at least two movement paths), can be reliably negotiated by only the drive wheel on the inside of the curve rolling on the continuous traction surface and the drive wheel on the outside of the curve being moved over the gap in the lifted state. This can reliably prevent or at least reduce shocks. With the advantageous use of a transport carrier with three pantographs and a movable middle pantograph, the lateral force can be exerted, for example in the area of a second track section, from one of the (curved) guide channels onto the middle pantograph, in particular its guide sleeve.

The method is particularly preferably used in a suspended conveyor device according to one of claims 46 to 60 with a plurality of transport carriers each according to one of claims 1 to 45.

The object is further achieved by the method mentioned at the outset in that the overhead conveyor device comprises a power supply section for supplying the transport carrier with electrical energy, said power supply section being spaced vertically from the at least one traction surface of the traction section, wherein a travel gap is formed between the at least one traction surface of the support structure and the power supply section, and wherein the overhead conveyor device is loaded with a transport carrier by first aligning the transport carrier with its vertical axis substantially parallel to the at least one traction surface, then inserting it laterally into the travel gap in a horizontal direction and then displacing it into a designated operating position on the support structure by rotating it about its transverse axis, or by removing a transport carrier from the overhead conveyor device by rotating the transport carrier from a designated operating position on the support structure about its transverse axis until its vertical axis is aligned substantially parallel to the at least one traction surface and then guiding it laterally out of the travel gap in a horizontal direction. Preferably, the transport carrier comprises a plurality of current collectors, in particular spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction, each having a contact element with a contact surface and the energy supply section comprises a number of conductor tracks corresponding to the plurality of current collectors, each having a conductor contact surface for contacting the contact surfaces of the contact elements. The method enables simple and rapid loading and unloading of transport carriers at any location within the transport structure, in particular within a transport network constructed therefrom.

Loading or unloading can be automated, preferably with a robotic arm that includes a gripping device for gripping the transport carrier. This further increases the level of automation and reduces the manual intervention required during operation.

It is advantageous to perform a functional test, particularly a driving function test, immediately after loading using a control unit of the transport carrier. If the functional test fails, the transport carrier is removed again. This ensures that the transport carrier is operational, thus increasing operational reliability.

Preferably, the method is carried out in a suspended conveyor device according to one of claims 42 to 56 and/or a transport carrier according to one of claims 1 to 41 is used.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1 shows a transport carrier of an exemplary first embodiment in a perspective view;

Fig. 2 is a detailed view of an upper portion of the transport carrier of the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows the transport carrier of the first embodiment in a side view;

Fig. 4 shows the transport carrier of the first embodiment in a front view; Fig. 5 shows the transport carrier of the first embodiment including hanging goods carrier in an exemplary embodiment in a side view;

Fig. 6 the transport carrier of the first embodiment including hanging goods carrier in a front view;

Fig. 7 shows a transport carrier of an exemplary second embodiment in a side view;

Fig. 8 shows the transport carrier of the second embodiment in a front view;

Fig. 9 shows the transport carrier of the second embodiment in a plan view;

Fig. 10 shows a cross section through a first section of a support structure of a suspended conveyor device with a transport carrier of the first embodiment arranged thereon;

Fig. 11 shows a cross section through a second section of the support structure with a transport carrier of the first embodiment arranged thereon;

Fig. 12 is a first perspective view of the second section of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a second perspective view of the second section of Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 a straight line module in a perspective view;

Fig. 15 a crossing module in a perspective view;

Fig. 16 shows a transport route constructed from straight modules and crossing modules with a plurality of transport supports in a perspective view;

Fig. 17 shows a hanging goods storage of an exemplary embodiment in a perspective view;

Fig. 18 the hanging goods storage from Fig. 17 in a plan view;

Fig. 19 the hanging goods storage from Fig. 17 in a side view;

Fig. 20 the hanging goods storage from Fig. 17 in a front view; By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

An exemplary first embodiment of the transport carrier 1 according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 shows the transport carrier 1 in a perspective view, Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the upper section of the transport carrier 1 in a perspective view, Fig. 3 shows the transport carrier 1 in a side view, and Fig. 4 shows the transport carrier 1 in a front view. Reference is made alternately to Figs. 1 to 4 below.

The transport carrier 1 is designed to be moved along a support structure 3 of an overhead conveyor device 2, which will be described in detail later. The transport carrier 1 has a longitudinal axis L, a transverse axis Q, and a vertical axis H, which represent a reference system. The transport carrier 1 comprises one, in particular exactly one, wheel axle A lying parallel to the transverse axis Q with two drive wheels 4. The transport carrier 1 is thus designed to be uniaxial. In the context of the present application, the wheel axle A can be regarded as a geometric axis on the one hand and as a structural component on the other. This means that the drive wheels 4 are rotatable about a common (geometric) wheel axis A and can optionally be connected by a (structural) wheel axis A. The wheel axle A is designed in particular as a rigid axle, preferably without suspension. Traction surfaces 43, 44 of the support structure 3, on which the drive wheels 4 of the transport carrier 1 roll, are indicated in Fig. 1.

The transport carrier 1 has an electric drive device 5 (not shown in Fig. 1) for driving the drive wheels 4 and a control unit 6 (not shown in Fig. 1) for controlling at least the drive device 5. The control unit 6 can have suitable hardware and/or software in a known manner. The control unit 6 can also be designed to control other components, such as the communication devices 37, 39, 40 described in more detail below (see Fig.3).

The transport carrier 1 further comprises a power supply device for supplying the transport carrier 1, in particular the drive device 5 and the control unit 6, with electrical energy. The power supply device comprises at least two current collectors 7, 8 arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis Q. In the illustrated embodiment, only three current collectors 7, 8, 9 arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis Q are provided, by way of example.

The current collectors 7, 8, 9 each have a contact element 10 with a contact surface for contacting a respective conductor track 46, 47, 48 of the support structure 3, which will be described in more detail later. In the example shown, the contact elements 10 each comprise a sliding contact with a sliding contact surface. Alternatively, the contact elements 10 could also have rolling elements (not shown) with a rolling contact surface. For the sake of simplicity, the invention is described below based on the specific embodiment of the contact elements 10 as sliding contacts.

The current collectors 7, 8, 9, in particular the sliding contact surfaces 11, have a height offset in the direction of the vertical axis H. When the transport carrier 1 is arranged on the support structure 3, the current collectors 7, 8, 9, in particular the sliding contacts 10, are located vertically above the wheel axis A, as can be seen in Fig. 1. A first axial distance XI of the sliding contact surface 11 of one of the sliding contacts 8 from the wheel axis A is greater than a second axial distance X2 of the sliding contact surface 11 of the at least one further sliding contact 10 from the wheel axis A. The energy supply device preferably has redundant current collectors 7, 9 for polarity, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q). In the example shown, these are the two outer current collectors 7, 9, which here form, for example, the negative pole. The middle current collector 8 accordingly forms the positive pole.

In the example shown, the sliding contact surface 11 of the sliding contact 10 of the middle current collector 8 is spaced from the wheel axle A at the first (larger) center distance XI and the sliding contact surfaces 11 of the sliding contacts 10 of the two outer current collectors 7, 9 are spaced from the wheel axle A at the second (smaller) center distance X2. second center distance X2 of the sliding contact surfaces 11 of the sliding contacts 10 of the two outer current collectors 7, 9 is preferably the same size.

The sliding contacts 10 can contain copper and graphite, for example, they can be made from a polymer material containing copper and graphite. The sliding contacts 10 can each be beveled or rounded at the front and rear in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, as can be seen from the sliding contact 10 of the outer current collector 9 in Fig. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding contact surfaces 11 of the sliding contacts 10 are flat and arranged essentially parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis Q (when the current collectors 7, 8, 9 are in the rest position). Alternatively, the sliding contact surfaces 11 of the sliding contacts 10 could also be convexly curved, for example in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and/or in the direction of the transverse axis Q.

Optionally, the transport carrier 1 can also comprise an electrical buffer storage 12 for temporarily supplying power to the drive device 5 and/or the control unit 6. The buffer storage 12 is indicated in Fig. 4. In this case, the power supply device is designed to feed, in particular charge, the buffer storage 12. The buffer storage 12 can temporarily continue to supply the transport carrier 1 with power, in particular to the drive device 5, in the event of a power failure. The buffer storage 12 can comprise a buffer capacitor and/or a battery.

The drive device 5 preferably comprises a DC motor, with the drive wheels 4 preferably being driven directly by the DC motor. In particular, no gear is provided between the drive device 5, in particular the DC motor, and the drive wheels 4.

A distance X3 between the sliding contact surface 11 of the middle pantograph 8 with the (larger) first axle distance XI and a wheel contact surface 13 of the drive wheels 4 can be, for example, 90 mm to 115 mm in the direction of the vertical axis H. The distance X3 thus corresponds to the sum of the first axle distance XI and the radius of the drive wheels 4. A distance X4 between the sliding contact surface 11 of the two outer pantographs 7, 9 and the wheel contact surface 13 of the drive wheels 4 can be, for example, 80 mm to 105 mm in the direction of the vertical axis H. The distance thus corresponds to the sum of the (smaller) second axle distance X2 and the radius of the drive wheels 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding contacts 10 are each movable in the direction of the vertical axis H relative to a base body 14 of the transport carrier 1 and are sprung by means of a suspension unit 15. The suspension unit 15 is indicated as an example in Fig. 4 for the middle current collector 8. The suspension units 15 of the outer current collectors 7, 9 are not shown for the sake of simplicity. The suspension units 15 of the outer current collectors 7, 9 can be designed identically to those of the middle current collector 8, but can also be designed differently if necessary. The suspension units 15 can, for example, each comprise at least one of the following springs: leaf spring, coil spring, elastomer spring, air spring, torsion spring. According to a preferred embodiment, a leaf spring is provided. The spring, for example a leaf spring, can also function simultaneously as a current conductor between the sliding contact 10 and the drive device 5 and/or the control unit 6 and/or the buffer storage 12.

The sliding contacts 10 are also each pivotable about a pivot axis SI, S2 parallel to the transverse axis Q relative to the base body 14 of the transport carrier 1. As can be seen in Fig.2 and Fig.4, the middle current collector 8 has a first pivot axis

51, and the two outer pantographs 7, 9 each have a second pivot axis

52. The second pivot axes S2 are preferably coaxial. The first pivot axis S1 is spaced apart from the second pivot axes S2 in the direction of the vertical axis H. The first pivot axis S1 of the central pantograph 8 is thus spaced a greater distance from the wheel axis A than the second pivot axes S2.

A first contact surface distance X5 between the sliding contact surface 11 of the middle pantograph 8 (with the first center distance XI) and its pivot axis S1 in the direction of the vertical axis H can be, for example, 15 mm to 19 mm. A second contact surface distance X6 between the sliding contact surface 11 of the two outer pantographs 7, 9 and their (here common) pivot axis S2 in the direction of the vertical axis H can be, for example, 13 mm to 16.5 mm.

In the example shown, the middle current collector 8 has a guide sleeve 16, within which the sliding contact 10 is guided. The outer current collectors 7, 9 each have a guide block 17, on which the sliding contacts 10 are guided externally. In the example shown, on the inner surfaces of the guide sleeve 16, which face each other in the direction of Transverse axis Q, a guide slot 18 is provided which extends over a fixed length in the direction of the vertical axis H.

The guide slot 18 here is in the form of an elongated hole. The length of the guide slot 18 determines the possible travel, in particular the spring travel, over which the sliding contact 10 can move. The sliding contact 10 has a guide pin 19 on each of its outer sides facing away from each other in the direction of the transverse axis Q, which is received in the corresponding guide slot 18. Of course, a reversed design would also be conceivable, with the guide slot 18 on the sliding contact 10 and the guide pin 19 on the guide sleeve 16. The sliding contact 10 is thus guided linearly within the guide slot 18 and can also pivot about the first pivot axis S1.

In the example shown, the base body 14 of the transport carrier 1 comprises a holding bracket 20 for each of the two outer current collectors 7, 9. The guide block 17 of each current collector 7, 9 is pivotally mounted on the associated holding bracket 20 about the second pivot axis S2, as can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. Each holding bracket 20 here comprises two bracket walls spaced apart from one another in the direction of the pivot axis S2, in the inner surfaces of which coaxial bores are provided which form the pivot axis S2. Coaxial cylindrical guide pins are arranged on the outer surfaces of the guide blocks 17 and are rotatably received in the bores of the bracket walls.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central current collector 8 is arranged on the transport carrier 1 so as to be movable in the direction of the transverse axis Q, wherein a guide device 23 for guiding the central current collector 8 and an actuator 24 for moving the central current collector 8 along the guide device 23 are provided. The guide device 23 here has two, in particular cylindrical, guide elements 69 that are aligned parallel to the transverse axis Q. The opposite ends of the guide elements 69 are connected here to the holding brackets 20. The guide device 23 also comprises two guide carriages 70 that are connected to the central current collector 8, in particular to the guide sleeve 16. Each guide carriage 70 has a cylindrical guide opening in which the associated guide element 69 is received.

The actuator 24 here has a rack and pinion drive 25. As can be seen in Fig.1, the rack and pinion drive 25 comprises a gear 49 which is arranged centrally in the direction of the longitudinal axis L and in the direction of the transverse axis Q. The gear 49 is rotatable by a The vertical axis H is rotatable. On the inside of at least one, preferably both, guide carriages 70, a rack profile is provided, which engages with the gear 49.

The actuator 24 further comprises a suitable drive, in particular a servomotor, for driving the gear 49, which can be controlled by the control unit 6. The control unit 6 is preferably designed to control the actuator 24, here in particular the servomotor, such that the middle current collector 8 can be moved continuously or in discrete steps between a first end position ESI, a second end position ES2 and an intermediate central position ZS. In Fig. 1, the middle current collector 8 is located, for example, in the first end position ESI. In Fig. 4, the middle current collector 8 is located, for example, in the central position ZS. The end positions ESI, ES2 and the central position ZS are indicated in Fig. 4 by the corresponding points along the line.

The guide device 23 can be designed such that it is self-locking when a lateral force FS acting on the central current collector 8, in particular on the guide sleeve 16, in the direction of the transverse axis Q is exceeded. In the embodiment shown, this can be achieved, for example, by matching a length of the guide carriage and a diameter of the guide elements. It can also be advantageous if a mechanical end stop 32 is provided for each end position ES1, ES2. The end stops 32 can be arranged on the base body 14 or formed by the base body 14, in particular the holding brackets 20, as can be seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transport carrier 1 comprises a support body 29 arranged in the direction of the wheel axis A, in particular centrally, between the two drive wheels 4, with a receptacle 30 for attaching a hanging goods carrier 31. When the transport carrier 1 is located on the support structure 3 (as indicated schematically in Fig. 1), the support body 29 projects downwards in a substantially vertical direction through an intermediate space 33 formed between the traction surfaces 43, 44 of the support structure 3, so that the receptacle 30 is located below the support structure 3.

In the simplest case, the receptacle 30 can have an eyelet into which, for example, a hanger of a hanging goods carrier 31, which will be described in more detail below, can be hooked. However, the receptacle 30 could also be technically more complex and, for example, comprise a suitable coupling mechanism for coupling, preferably detachably during operation, a suitable hanging garment carrier 31. The coupling mechanism could be positively and/or frictionally engaged. The coupling mechanism can comprise a first coupling section on the receptacle 30 and a cooperating second coupling section on the hanging garment carrier 31. The coupling can be substantially completely rigid or at least partially articulated. "Substantially completely rigid" here means that no translational or rotational degree of freedom of movement is provided between the coupling sections.

A length 11 of the support body 29 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L can, at least in a section of the support body 29 located in the intermediate space 33, be ±10% of a wheel diameter D of the drive wheels 4. A width b of the support body 29 in the direction of the transverse axis Q can, at least in the same section, be 10% to 30%, preferably 15 to 25%, in particular 20% of the wheel diameter D of the drive wheels 4. The length 11 and the width b are shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, it is advantageous that a fastening point distance X7 in the direction of the vertical axis H between the wheel contact surface 13 of the drive wheels 4 and a fastening point BP on the holder 30, which is provided for fastening the hanging goods carrier 31, is 200 mm to 260 mm, preferably 220 mm to 240 mm. The fastening point distance X7 can be seen in Figure 6.

In the example shown, the support body 29 has a crash barrier 34 in the section located in the intermediate space 33 when the transport carrier 1 is in the arranged state on the support structure 3. This prevents damage to the support body 29. The crash barrier 34 is arranged here at the front and rear of the support body 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The crash barrier 34 can also serve as a guide within the intermediate space 33. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sliding elements and/or a sliding coating and/or a friction-reducing material could also be provided.

A wheel diameter D of the drive wheels 4 is preferably a maximum of 150 mm, particularly preferably a maximum of 100 mm, in particular a maximum of 70 mm, and a maximum extension l_max of the transport carrier 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L preferably corresponds to the wheel diameter D ± 20%. The maximum extension l_max can, for example, also be determined depending on the length of the attached hanging goods carrier 31. The The maximum extension l_max is preferably sufficiently large so that the hanging goods carriers 31 do not collide and as small as possible so that the highest possible storage density can be achieved.

The transport carrier 1 preferably comprises a number of sensors 36 for detecting at least one state variable of the transport carrier 1. The state variable can be, for example, a position and/or speed and/or acceleration. The control unit 6 can be designed to control the transport carrier 1, in particular the drive device 5 and/or the actuator 24 of the central pantograph 8, depending on the detected state variable or a variable derived therefrom. The number of sensors 36 can, for example, comprise at least one of the following sensors: distance sensor, in particular a TOF sensor, position sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, speed sensor, or weight sensor.

In the example shown, the transport carrier 1 comprises, for example, two distance sensors 36, in particular TOF sensors, wherein a first sensor is provided at the front in the direction of the longitudinal axis E and a second sensor is arranged at the rear as seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In a simple embodiment, the detection zones can be directed linearly forwards or backwards, i.e., run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. This allows obstacles or additional transport carriers 1 to be detected. However, the detection zones could also cover a larger angle in a horizontal plane if necessary. The detection zone could also be conical, for example, with a cone angle of 30° to 90°.

The control unit 6 can use the signal from the distance sensors 36 as an actual value to regulate the speed, in particular for distance control. For example, a certain minimum distance can be specified or can be specified as a target value, and the control unit 6 regulates the drive device 5 accordingly so as not to fall below the minimum distance. A constant distance could also be regulated in this way, for example for a convoy of several transport carriers 1. A suitable controller can be implemented in the control unit 6 for the regulation. In curves, it can be advantageous if the distance control is deactivated and, for example, controlled operation takes place, for example with a specified or definable constant curve speed. The transport carrier 1 can further comprise a first communication device 37 for wireless communication with a central control device 38 of the overhead conveyor device 2, as schematically indicated in Fig. 3. The control unit 6 can be designed to control the transport carrier 1, in particular the drive device 5 and/or the actuator 24 of the central pantograph 8, depending on information received from the control device 38 of the overhead conveyor device 2. The information can, for example, contain a target value for the speed and/or the (minimum) distance, a specific travel path along a transport network of the overhead conveyor device 2, described in more detail below, or a target position to which the transport carrier 1 should travel in the transport network. The control unit 6 can process the information and control the transport carrier 1 accordingly.

The first communication device 37 could also be configured to send information to the central control device 38 of the overhead conveyor device 2. The sent information could, for example, contain a sensor value from one or more of the available sensors 36, the current position, or an error message, for example, in the event of a standstill due to a defect. The central control device 38 can, for example, use the information to send information to other transport carriers 1, for example, a driving instruction to avoid a location where a defective transport carrier 1 is located.

The transport carrier 1 can also comprise a second communication device 39 for communicating with another transport carrier 1, in particular its second communication device 39. The control unit 6 can be designed to control the transport carrier 1, in particular the drive device 5 and/or the actuator 24 of the central pantograph 8, depending on information received from the other transport carrier 1. The second communication device 39 is preferably designed for bidirectional communication, so that information can not only be received but also sent to another transport carrier 1. This could, for example, allow information received from the central control device 28 to be forwarded to a neighboring transport carrier 1 in the form of a forwarding chain. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of information to be sent by the central control device 28. Furthermore, the transport carrier 1 could comprise a third communication device 40 for communicating with a communication network 41 of the overhead conveyor device 2. The control unit 6 can be designed to control the transport carrier 1, in particular the drive device 5 and/or the actuator 24 of the central pantograph 8, as a function of information received from the communication network 41 and/or to send information to the communication network 41. The communication network 41 can, for example, act as an intermediate link between a plurality of transport carriers 1 and the central control device 38. Information received from the transport carriers 1 can, for example, be sent via the communication network 41, optionally processed, to the central control device 38. This can be done, for example, by wire.

The transport carrier 1 preferably has identical driving characteristics in opposite directions of travel RI, R2 with respect to its longitudinal axis L. This means that the transport carrier 1 is essentially symmetrical in terms of its functions, but not necessarily in terms of its structural design. Identical driving characteristics means, in particular, that the transport carrier 1 can be used regardless of its orientation on the support structure 3, whereby, for example, the same speed and/or acceleration can be achieved in both directions of travel RI, R2 and/or distance control can be implemented in both directions of travel RI, R2.

Fig. 5 shows the transport carrier 1 of the described first embodiment, including a hanging goods carrier 31 of an exemplary embodiment attached thereto, in a side view. Fig. 6 shows the transport carrier 1 with hanging goods carrier 31 in a front view. The hanging goods carrier 31 here comprises a hanging bag that is at least partially flexible and has a bracket that is attached to the receptacle 30, in particular is hooked into the eyelet, preferably in an operatively detachable manner. It is therefore clear that the receptacle 30 forms a type of joint around which the bracket of the hanging goods carrier 31 is movable. Depending on the specific design of the receptacle 30, in particular of the eyelet, the joint can form a joint axis parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the transport carrier 1 and/or a joint axis parallel to the transverse axis Q and/or a joint axis parallel to the vertical axis H. As a result, the hanging goods carrier 31 can perform certain pendulum movements around the respective joint axis during operation, e.g. due to centrifugal forces in curves, due to braking or acceleration forces. According to an advantageous embodiment, the hanging goods carrier 31 can only be pivoted on the holder 30 about an axis of rotation lying parallel to the longitudinal axis L, while the other rotational degrees of freedom are locked.

As mentioned above, the hanging goods carrier 31 can also be rigidly or substantially rigidly connected to the receptacle 30 of the support body 20. In this case, no or only a negligible relative movement between the hanging goods carrier 31, or at least the rigid components of the hanging goods carrier 31, and the support body 29 is possible.

However, the illustrated embodiment is merely an example. Alternatively, the hanging garment rack 31 could also comprise a substantially rigid container for holding individual items, a container for a liquid, or a hanger for holding a garment. The type of hanging garment rack 31 depends on the type of goods to be held and can naturally vary.

A distance X8 in the direction of the vertical axis H between a fastening point BP of the hanging goods carrier 31, designed for fastening to the holder 30, and a lower free end of the hanging goods carrier 31 can, for example, be 750 mm to 950 mm, preferably 800 mm to 900 mm, in the fastened state.

A center of gravity SP of the transport carrier 1 without hanging goods carrier 31 is preferably located on a side of the wheel axle A facing away from the current collectors 7, 8, 9 in the direction of the vertical axis H. The center of gravity SP can be spaced from the wheel support surface 13 at a center of gravity distance X9 of, for example, 5 mm to 10 mm, as indicated in Fig. 4. A weight of the transport carrier 1 without hanging goods carrier 31 can be, for example, 450 g to 650 g, in particular 500 g to 600 g.

A center of gravity SP of the transport carrier 1 with attached hanging goods carrier 31 is preferably located between the receptacle 30 and the lower free end of the hanging goods carrier 31. The center of gravity SP can be spaced from the wheel contact surface 13 at a center of gravity distance X9 of preferably 200 mm to 600 mm, in particular 300 mm to 500 mm, as indicated in Fig. 6. A weight of the hanging goods carrier 31 can be, for example, 450 g to 750 g, in particular 550 g to 650 g. A weight of the Transport carrier 1 with hanging goods carrier 31 can be 900g to 1400g, in particular 1050g to 1250g.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the weight distribution of the transport carrier 1, preferably including the hanging goods carrier 31, is determined such that the vertical axis H of the transport carrier 1 is aligned substantially vertically in a stationary state on the support structure 3 and/or that a pitching movement about the transverse axis Q occurring during movement can be reduced, in particular avoided. This allows for stable travel and reliable contact of the current collectors 7, 8, 9.

The fastening point BP of the holder 30 intended for attaching the hanging goods carrier 31 is spaced from the wheel contact surface 13 in the direction of the vertical axis H at a fastening point distance X7, as can be seen in Fig. 6. The contact element 10, in particular the sliding contact, of the central current collector 8 is pivotable about the first pivot axis S1 running parallel to the transverse axis Q (see also Fig. 4). The first pivot axis S1 lies in the direction of the vertical axis H on a side of the wheel axle A facing away from the holder 30 and is spaced from the wheel contact surface 13 at a first pivot axis distance X12.

The contact elements 10, in particular sliding contacts, of the outer current collectors 7, 9 are each pivotable about the second pivot axis S2 running parallel to the transverse axis Q (see also Fig. 4). The second pivot axes S2 are coaxial here and are located in the direction of the vertical axis H on a side of the wheel axle A facing away from the receptacle 30. The second pivot axes S2 are each spaced from the wheel contact surface 13 by a second pivot axis distance X13. A first lever ratio VI between the attachment point distance X7 and the first pivot axis distance X12 and/or the second pivot axis distance X13 is preferably 1.9 to 3.5, particularly preferably 2.1 to 3.2.

Furthermore, the contact surface 11 of the pivotable contact element 10 of the middle current collector 8 is spaced apart from the first pivot axis S1 in the direction of the vertical axis H by a first contact surface distance X5, and the contact surfaces 11 of the pivotable contact elements 10 of the two outer current collectors 7, 9 are spaced apart from the respective second pivot axis S2 in the direction of the vertical axis H by a second contact surface distance X6 (see also Fig. 4). A second lever ratio V2 between the first pivot axis distance X12 and the first contact surface distance X5 and/or between the The second pivot axis distance X13 and the second contact surface distance X6 is preferably 3.5 to 6.7, particularly preferably 4.1 to 6.1, in particular 4.6 to 5.6. Alternatively or additionally, a third lever ratio V3 between the attachment point distance X7 and the first contact surface distance X5 and/or between the attachment point distance X7 and the second contact surface distance X6 can be 9.6 to 17.8, preferably 11 to 16.4.

A second exemplary embodiment of the transport carrier 1 according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 shows the transport carrier 1 in a side view, Fig. 8 shows the transport carrier in a front view, and Fig. 9 shows the transport carrier 1 in a plan view. Reference is made alternately to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. For the sake of simplicity, reference is made only to the differences from the first embodiment. With regard to the other features, reference is made to the above statements, which also apply equally to the second embodiment. The lower section of the support body 29 is not shown. However, the support body can be designed identically to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

In the embodiment shown, the sliding contacts 10 of the two outer current collectors 7, 9 are mechanically coupled by means of a coupling unit 21 and are movable together in the direction of the vertical axis H. The two sliding contacts 10 each have a suspension unit 15 with which they are spring-mounted relative to the base body 14 of the transport carrier 1. The suspension units 15 each have two elongated spring elements 22 that intersect at an intersection point KP, as can be seen in Fig.7. An imaginary connecting line LV between the intersection points KP of the two spring units 22 is aligned essentially parallel to the wheel axis A or transverse axis Q, as can be seen in Fig.8. In the variant shown, the coupling unit 21 comprises a frame that surrounds the middle current collector 8, as can be seen in Fig.9.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the actuator 24 of the central pantograph 8 here has a linear motor 26. Of course, the described rack and pinion drive 25 could also be provided in the same way. The linear motor 26 could also be provided in the first embodiment. The linear motor 26 here has several, in particular three, electrical coils 27 spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis Q and arranged coaxially with one another. The coils 27, as indicated in Fig. 8 The movable central current collector 8, in particular its guide sleeve 16, has a permanent magnet core 28. The control unit 6 is designed to selectively energize the coils 27 in order to move the central current collector 8 between the end positions ESI, ES2, and the central position ZS. The end positions ESI, ES2, and the central position ZS are symbolized by the dots in Fig. 9.

Depending on the specific design of the guide device 23, two parallel linear motors 26 could also be provided, similar to the two rack and pinion drives 25 in the first embodiment. The guide device 23 can, for example, be designed as in the first embodiment. Repetition is omitted here. However, if necessary, only one centrally arranged linear motor 26 could be provided. Two parallel guide devices 23 could also be provided, only one of which includes the linear motor 26.

At least part of the control unit 6 or an associated electrical or electronic component 35 of the transport carrier 1 could also be arranged within the support body 29. The electronic component 35 could, for example, be a data memory. The electronic component 35 could also comprise one or more sensors for detecting a measured value. The electronic component 35 could, for example, be replaceable, in which case, for example, a suitable detachable flap or a suitable slot could be arranged on the support body 29. This naturally also applies to the first embodiment of the transport carrier 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

An overhead conveyor device 2 of an exemplary embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 10 to 16. The overhead conveyor device 2 comprises the aforementioned support structure 3 and at least one of the above-described transport carriers 1, preferably a plurality thereof. For the sake of simplicity, the following description is based on a transport carrier 1. The transport carrier 1 is movable along a movement path defined by the support structure 3. The movement path lies in a substantially horizontal movement plane. In Fig. 10, the movement path extends normal to the plane of the drawing.

As can be seen in Fig.10, the support structure 3 in the example shown comprises a traction section 42, which has two traction surfaces 43, 44 spaced apart from each other transversely to the movement path by a gap 33, each for one of the drive wheels 4 of the Transport carrier 1. The transport carrier 1 has a support body 29 that projects vertically downward through the gap 33, so that the receptacle 30 of the support body 29 is located below the support structure 3 (see Fig. 1 + Fig. 14). If the transport carrier 1 does not have a support body 29, then a traction surface without a gap could also be provided (not shown). The support body 29 could, for example, be arranged laterally of the support structure 3.

Furthermore, the support structure 3 comprises a power supply section 45, which is vertically spaced from the two traction surfaces 43, 44 of the traction section 42, for supplying the transport carrier 1 with electrical energy. The power supply section 45 has a number of conductor tracks 46, 47, 48 corresponding to the number of current collectors 7, 8, 9 of the transport carrier 1, which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the movement path. In the example shown, the transport carrier 1 has three current collectors 7, 8, 9, and the power supply section 45 correspondingly has three conductor tracks 46, 47, 48. The conductor tracks 46, 47, 48 each form a conductor contact surface 50 facing the traction surfaces 43, 44 for contacting the contact surfaces 11 of the contact elements 10. In the example shown, the contact elements 10 are designed as sliding contacts and each have a sliding contact surface. The conductor contact surface 50 thus serves as a sliding surface for the sliding contact surfaces 11 of the sliding contacts 10 of the respective current collector 7, 8, 9. If the contact elements 10 were designed as rolling elements, the rolling contact surfaces of the rolling elements would roll against the corresponding conductor contact surfaces 50 (not shown).

The sliding surfaces 50 of the outer conductor tracks 46, 48 are spaced apart from the traction surfaces 43, 44 by a first conductor spacing X10 and the sliding surface 50 of the middle conductor track 47 is spaced apart from the traction surfaces 43, 44 by a second conductor spacing XI 1 which is larger than the first conductor spacing X10, as shown in Fig. 10.

The first conductor spacing X10 is preferably smaller than the spacing X4 between the sliding contact surfaces 11 of the sliding contacts 10 of the outer current collectors 7, 9 and the wheel contact surface 13 of the drive wheels 4 of the transport carrier 1 not arranged on the support structure 3 (see Eig.4). The second conductor spacing X11 is preferably also smaller than the spacing X3 between the sliding contact surface 11 of the sliding contact 10 of the middle current collector 8 and the wheel contact surface 13 of the drive wheels 4 of the transport carrier 1 not arranged on the support structure 3. of the transport carrier 1 arranged on the support structure 3 (see Fig. 4). This ensures reliable contact of the sliding contacts 10 on the sliding surfaces 50, particularly in conjunction with the vertically spring-loaded sliding contacts 10. A difference between the first conductor spacing X10 and the spacing X4 preferably corresponds to a maximum of one spring travel of the sliding contacts 10 of the outer current collectors 7, 9. A difference between the second conductor spacing X11 and the spacing X3 preferably corresponds to a maximum of one spring travel of the sliding contact 10 of the middle current collector 8.

Furthermore, the overhead conveyor device 2 preferably comprises at least one energy source 51, in particular a direct current source or direct voltage source, for supplying energy to the energy supply section 45. The energy source 51 is schematically indicated in Fig. 10. The energy source 51 could be designed merely as a power connection, but could also comprise an at least temporarily self-sufficient energy source.

In the example shown, the outer conductor tracks 46, 48 have the same electrical polarity, preferably the negative pole, and the middle conductor track 47 has an electrical polarity opposite to the polarity of the outer conductor tracks 46, 48, preferably the positive pole.

The support structure 2 preferably has a first track section 52, which forms precisely one movement path B1 for the transport carrier 1. Fig. 10 shows a cross-section in the region of such a first track section 52. As can be seen in Fig. 10, a width Y1 of the central conductor track 47 is greater than a width Y2 of the outer conductor tracks 46, 48, each viewed transversely to the movement path B1. The width Y1 of the central conductor track 47 preferably corresponds at least to a distance between the two end positions ES1, ES2 of the movable central current collector 8 in the direction of the transverse axis Q. As a result, the central current collector 8 can be moved unhindered between the positions on the first track section.

A width Y3 of the intermediate space 33 transverse to the movement path Bl is preferably a maximum of 150%, particularly preferably a maximum of 130%, in particular a maximum of 120% of the width b of the section of the support body 29 of the transport carrier 1 located in the intermediate space 33 (see Fig.10 as well as Fig.1 and Fig.6).

The first track section 52 can, for example, be designed as a straight-line module with a straight movement path B1. An example of a single straight-line module is shown in Fig. 14 shown. Alternatively, the first track section 52 could also be designed as a curve module with a curved movement path (not shown). The straight module can, for example, have a plurality of holding elements 65, in particular holding claws, spaced apart from one another in the direction of the movement path B 1, here two. The holding elements 65 can be designed such that they hold two traction rails, on which the traction surfaces 43, 44 are located, and a power supply rail, on which the conductor tracks 46, 47, 48 are located, in the intended relationship to one another. The straight module can be fastened to a support of a ceiling structure by means of the holding elements 65. This allows a desired transport route to be constructed very easily and quickly from a plurality of standardized straight modules.

The support structure 3 preferably also comprises a second track section 53, which preferably adjoins the first track section 52. Figure 11 shows a cross section through an exemplary second track section 53. Figure 12 shows a first perspective view of the second track section 53 in the region of the cross section, and Figure 13 shows a second perspective view of the second track section 53 in the region of the cross section.

On the second track section 53, a divergence region DB is provided, in which exactly one movement path Bl (for example, coming from the first track section) diverges into at least two movement paths, here three movement paths Bl, B2, B3. The traction section 42 of the second track section 53 has, for each movement path Bl, B2, B3, two traction surfaces 43, 44, spaced apart from one another by a gap 33 transversely to the respective movement path Bl, B2, B3, for each of the drive wheels 4. As can be seen in Fig. 12, for example, the mutually facing traction surfaces 43, 44 of two adjacent movement paths Bl, B2 or Bl, B3 can be arranged on a common component.

In contrast to the first track section 52, the energy supply section 45 of the second track section 53 comprises a guide channel 54, 55, 56 for each movement path B1, B2, B3 for guiding the central current collector 8 of the transport carrier 1, in particular for guiding its guide sleeve 16, as can be seen in Fig. 11. The guide channels 54, 55, 56 run parallel to the movement paths B1, B2, B3 and each comprise the central conductor track 47 including its sliding surface 50. While the transport carrier 1 on the first While the first track section 52 is advantageously guided by the support body 29 in the intermediate space 33, the transport carrier 1 on the second track section 53 is advantageously guided by the central current collector 8, in particular its guide sleeve 16, in each of the guide channels 54, 55, 56. This allows the larger intermediate space in the divergence area DB to be safely traversed.

It can be advantageous if suitable sliding elements, a suitable friction-reducing sliding coating or a suitable friction-reducing material is provided on the outer sides of the guide sleeve 16 (in the direction of the transverse axis Q). In the example shown, the guide sleeve 16 has essentially flat, parallel outer surfaces on the outer sides. When cornering, the guide sleeve 16 is thus contacted by the respective guide channel 54, 56 (not shown) on each outer surface essentially at two points spaced from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, resulting in reliable guidance. A length (in the direction of the longitudinal axis L) of the guide sleeve 16 and a curvature of the curved guide channels 54, 56 can be coordinated with one another.

However, the outer surfaces of the guide sleeve 16 could also be convex (not shown). A curvature of a convex curvature can, for example, be adapted to a curvature of the curved guide channels 54, 56. This results in surface contact and thus a lower load on the guide sleeve 16.

The second track section 53 can, for example, be designed as a preferably rotationally symmetrical crossing module. Fig. 15 shows a crossing module of an exemplary embodiment. The crossing module has four crossing entrances E1, E2, E3, E4, wherein adjacent crossing entrances E1, E2 or E2, E3 or E3, E4 or E4, E1 are arranged at right angles to one another with respect to the vertical axis. Opposite crossing entrances E1, E3; E2, E4 are connected by a straight movement path B1. The straight movement paths B1 intersect in a central crossing area KB of the crossing module. Adjacent crossing entrances E1, E2 or E2, E3 or E3, E4 or E4, E1 are connected by a curved movement path B2, B3. At the crossing entrances El, E2, E3, E4, the two curved movement paths B2, B3 and the intermediate straight movement path Bl converge in the respective divergence area DB to form one, in particular straight, movement path Bl. For a substantially jerk-free movement of the transport carriers 1, it may be advantageous if the curved movement paths B2, B3 each have a circular arc-shaped curve section which is central in terms of their length and have two clothoid-shaped curve sections which each connect the circular arc-shaped curve section to a straight movement path B1 of a crossing entrance.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a section of a transport route constructed from straight modules 52 and crossing modules 53 with a plurality of transport supports 1. In particular, two of the crossing modules shown in Fig. 15 are shown here. The second crossing entrance E2 of a crossing module 53 is directly connected to the fourth crossing entrance E4 of another crossing module 53. The first crossing entrance E1 of each of the crossing modules 53 is directly connected to a straight module. The two straight modules 52 run parallel to one another. This allows the transport supports 1 to be moved, for example, from one straight module via the two crossing modules in a 180° arc to the other straight module 52. If the opposite ends (not shown) of the straight modules are connected to two crossing modules in the same way, then movement in a closed loop would even be possible.

To move a transport carrier 1 along a desired route, the control unit 6 of the respective transport carrier 1 can control the drive device 5 and the actuator 24 of the central pantograph 8 accordingly. The travel instruction for a specific route can be transmitted, for example, from the central control device 38. At the straight module 52, before reaching a crossing module 53, the central pantograph 8 can be moved to the desired position, i.e., either the first end position ESI, the central position ZS, or the second end position ES2 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 9).

When the transport carrier 1 is moved into the crossing module 53 with the current collector 8 in the first end position ESI, the middle current collector 8 engages in the left guide channel 54 (see Fig. 11) and the transport carrier 1 is moved accordingly along the curved path B2 to the left (seen in the direction of travel) to the adjacent crossing entrance E. When the transport carrier 1 is moved into the crossing module 53 with the current collector 8 in the second end position ES2, then the middle pantograph 8 engages in the right guide channel 56 (see Fig.11) and the transport carrier 1 is moved accordingly along the curved movement path B3 to the right (seen in the direction of travel) to the adjacent crossing entrance E. If the transport carrier 1 is moved into the crossing module 53 with the pantograph 8 in the central position ZS, then the middle pantograph 8 engages in the middle guide channel 55 (see Fig.11) and the transport carrier 1 is moved accordingly along the straight movement path B1 straight ahead to the opposite crossing entrance E. It is evident that very flexible movement processes can thus be carried out in a very simple manner.

At predetermined positions along the support structure 3, in particular the transport path, position markers 57 can be provided, which can be detected by a sensor 36 of a transport carrier 1. The control unit 6 of the respective transport carrier 1 can be configured to use the known position of the detected position marker 57 to determine and/or correct a position of the transport carrier 1. The position markers 57 can, for example, each comprise a permanent magnet, and the sensor 46 of the transport carrier 1 can comprise a Hall sensor. As indicated in Fig. 14, the position markers 57 can, for example, be arranged in recesses provided for this purpose in the holding elements 65.

As already described, the overhead conveyor device 2 preferably comprises a central control device 38, which is designed to send information to the at least one transport carrier 1, in particular the first communication device 37, and/or to receive information from the at least one transport carrier 1, in particular the first communication device 37. Furthermore, the overhead conveyor device 2 can comprise a communication network 41, which is designed to send information to the at least one transport carrier 1, in particular the third communication device 40, and/or to receive information from the at least one transport carrier 1, in particular the third communication device 40. The communication network 41 can be designed to communicate with the higher-level central control device 38, in particular via a wired connection. The communication network 41 can further comprise transmitting and/or receiving units 66, which are designed to communicate wirelessly with the transport carriers 1, in particular their third communication devices 40. The central control device 38 and the communication network 41 are schematically indicated in Fig.16. Contrary to the illustration, the transmitting and/or receiving units 66 can, for example, be spatially distributed in the overhead conveyor device 2.

An exemplary hanging goods warehouse 58 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 20. This hanging goods warehouse 58 comprises the above-described overhead conveyor device 2 and a plurality of transport supports 1, also described above, each with a hanging goods carrier 31 attached thereto. It should be noted at this point that the example is merely illustrative and that the hanging goods warehouse 58 can, of course, be significantly more complex in practice.

The hanging goods warehouse 58 comprises a plurality of storage levels 59, 60 arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, whereby only two storage levels 59, 60 are shown here by way of example. In each storage level 59, 60, a transport network 61 constructed from the support structure 3 is provided. A part of the transport network 61 is shown, for example, in Fig. 16. The transport network 61 has a number of storage areas 67 in which a plurality of transport carriers 1, including the hanging goods carriers 31 attached thereto, and in particular with goods W accommodated in the hanging goods carriers 31, can be stored. The goods W are indicated in Fig. 17 by way of example in dashed lines in three hanging goods carriers 31.

In the example shown, the two storage levels 59, 60 have the same height, and all hanging goods carriers 31 have the same height. However, at least two storage levels with different heights and hanging goods carriers 31 with different heights could also be provided (not shown). The transport carriers 1 with the lower-height hanging goods carriers 31 could then be assigned to the lower-height storage levels, and the transport carriers 1 with the higher-height hanging goods carriers 31 could be assigned to the higher-height storage levels.

The storage areas 67 can, for example, each have a plurality of straight first track sections 52 arranged parallel to one another (see Fig. 16). A straight first track section 52 can, for example, have one or more straight modules (see Fig. 14). Two parallel straight track sections 52 can each be connected at their opposite ends via two second track sections 53, in particular in the form of crossing modules (see also Fig. 16). This allows the transport carriers 1 to be moved in a closed loop, enabling storage, retrieval, and sorting operations. The transport networks 61 of the storage levels 59, 60 are connected by means of a number of conveyor devices 62. For the sake of simplicity, only a schematic conveyor device 62 is indicated in Fig. 17. The conveyor device 62 is designed to convey a number of transport carriers 1 continuously or discontinuously between the transport networks 61 of the storage levels 59, 60. For example, the conveyor device 62 could have a number of conveyor rails 68 that are movable in the vertical direction. In Fig. 17, one conveyor rail 68 is only schematically indicated as an example. If a conveyor rail 68 is located in a first storage level 59, one or more transport carriers 1 can move independently from the transport network 61 onto the conveyor rail 68. The conveyor rail 68, including the transport carriers 1 located thereon, can then be moved vertically to another storage level 59, 60, for example, to an adjacent storage level 60, as indicated by the double arrow in Figure 17. In the respective storage level 60, the transport carriers 1 can again move independently from the conveyor rail 68 into the transport network 61 of the respective storage level 60. This allows for very flexible storage, retrieval, and, if necessary, sorting operations.

The hanging goods warehouse 58 further comprises at least one loading station 63 for loading the hanging goods carriers 31 of a number of transport carriers 1 and at least one unloading station 64 for unloading the hanging goods carriers 31 of a number of transport carriers 1. In the illustrated embodiment, only one loading station 63 and one unloading station 64 are provided as an example, as schematically indicated in Fig. 18. The representation is exemplary and serves only for illustrative purposes. The loading station 63 and unloading station 64 can of course also be arranged at a different location in the hanging goods warehouse 58. The loading station 63 and the unloading station 64 are preferably located on the respective lowest storage level of the hanging goods warehouse 58, here the storage level 59. This is particularly advantageous in single-story buildings in which the entire hanging goods warehouse 58 is located on one floor, in particular the ground floor. In multi-story buildings, the loading station 63 and the unloading station 64 could, for example, also be located on different storage levels 59, 60, whereby the storage levels 59, 60 could be located on different floors of the building.

In the loading station 63, the hanging goods carriers 31 can be filled with goods W manually or automatically (e.g. by a handling robot), whereby preferably one item of goods W is provided for each hanging goods carrier W. The hanging goods carriers 31 can be filled sequentially, whereby the transport carriers 1 are at a standstill or can also be moved slowly if necessary. Several hanging goods carriers 31 can also be filled simultaneously. The loading station 63 is connected here via a first section 52, in particular a straight module (see Fig. 14) to a second section 53, in particular an intersection module (see Fig. 15). After loading their hanging goods carrier 31, the transport carriers 1 can be moved to a fixed or definable storage location in the storage area 68 for storing the transported goods W. The storage location can be transmitted, for example, in the form of a target position from the central control device 38 to the transport carrier 1, in particular directly via the first communication device 37 of the transport carrier 1 (see Fig. 3) or indirectly via the communication network 41 and the third communication device 40 of the transport carrier 1 (see Fig. 3).

In an analogous manner, the goods W can be unloaded from the hanging goods carriers 31 in the unloading station 64 manually or automatically (e.g., by a handling robot). The hanging goods carriers 31 can in turn be unloaded sequentially, whereby the transport carriers 1 can be stationary or, if necessary, can also be moved slowly. However, several hanging goods carriers 31 can also be unloaded simultaneously. In the example shown, the unloading station 64 is connected via a first section 52, in particular a straight module (see Fig. 14), to a second section 53, in particular an intersection module (see Fig. 15). The transport carriers 1 can be moved from their storage location in the storage area 68 to the unloading station 64 for distributing the transported goods W. The instruction for retrieval can be transmitted, for example, from the central control device 38 to the transport carrier 1, in particular directly via the first communication device 37 of the transport carrier 1 (see Fig.3) or indirectly via the communication network 41 and the third communication device 40 of the transport carrier 1 (see Fig.3).

During the movement of a transport carrier 1 along a first section 52 of the transport network 61, in particular along a straight line module, it is advantageous if a yaw movement of the transport carrier 1 about its vertical axis H and/or a roll movement about its longitudinal axis L are reduced, preferably suppressed, by guiding the support body 29 of the transport carrier 1 in the intermediate space 33 of the traction section 42, which is formed between the traction surfaces 43, 44 (see Fig. 1 + Fig. 10 + Fig. 14). During the movement of a transport carrier 1 along a second track section 53, in particular a crossing module, it is advantageous if a yaw movement of the transport carrier 1 about its vertical axis H and/or a rolling movement about its longitudinal axis L is reduced, preferably suppressed, by guiding the central current collector 8, in particular its guide sleeve 16, in the guide channel 54, 55, 56 of the respective movement path B1, B2, B3 (see Fig.11-Fig.13).

During a movement of the transport carrier 1 along a curved movement path B2, B3 of a second section 53 of the transport structure 3, in particular a crossing module, it is advantageous if a lateral force FS acting transversely to the movement path B2, B3 is exerted on the longer current collector in the direction of the vertical axis H, here the middle current collector 8, in particular its guide sleeve 16, by which the drive wheel 4 on the outside of the curve is lifted off the respective traction surface 43, 44. The lateral force FS preferably acts in the region of a guide channel 54, 55, 56 on the guide sleeve 16 of the movable middle current collector 8. The lateral force FS is indicated by way of example in Fig. 2. By lifting the drive wheel 4 on the outside of the curve, on the one hand, no speed compensation of the drive wheels 4 is required due to the different curve radii, which improves driving stability and reduces wear. On the other hand, the gap in the divergence area DB, which is larger than the gap 33, can be traversed essentially contactlessly in the lifted state, whereby shocks can be reduced or avoided.

For example, the end positions ESI, ES2 of the middle pantograph 8 can be set such that a sufficiently large lateral force FS automatically acts in the curve to lift the drive wheel 4 on the outside of the curve. The guide device 23 is preferably designed to be self-locking in this case so as not to overload the actuator 24. On the other hand, the end positions ESI, ES2 of the middle pantograph 8 could also be set such that initially no or only a small lateral force FS acts at the beginning of the curve and the actuator 24 is only controlled afterwards to generate a sufficiently large lateral force FS. If necessary, a force sensor (not shown) could also be provided for detecting an actual value of the lateral force FS, and the control unit 6 could be designed to control the actuator 24 in order to regulate a specified or definable target value of the lateral force. The actual value of the lateral force FS could also be approximately determined, for example, from the current consumption of the actuator 24. Alternatively or additionally, a suitable sensor could be provided to detect an actual value of a roll angle (around the longitudinal axis L), and the control unit 6 could be configured to control the actuator 24 to adjust the roll angle to a specified or definable target value. Control based on the roll angle would have the advantage over force control of being independent of the load weight.

During the movement of a transport carrier 1 along the transport network 61, a state variable, in particular the position and/or speed and/or acceleration of the transport carrier 1 and/or the distance of the transport carrier 1 from another transport carrier 1, is preferably detected by means of at least one sensor 36, and the control unit 6 of the transport carrier 1 controls or regulates a movement of the transport carrier 1 depending on the detected state variable and preferably depending on a target value of the respective state variable. By specifying a target value for the respective state variable to the control unit 6, for example from the central control device 38, the control unit 6 can control the transport carrier 1 accordingly in order to achieve the target value.

A target position, target speed, target acceleration or target distance on straight track sections can be adjusted, for example, via the drive device 5, for example using a suitable controller.

When the transport carrier 1 moves along straight movement paths B1 of the support structure 3, for example on first track sections 52, in particular straight-line modules, distance control is preferably carried out, wherein a speed of the transport carrier 1 is controlled as a function of a detected distance from the adjacent transport carrier 1. When the transport carrier 1 moves along curved movement paths B2, B3 of the support structure 3, for example on second track sections 53, in particular intersection modules, distance control is preferably omitted, and the transport carrier 1 is moved through the curve at a fixed or definable, preferably constant, speed. This allows the use of simply constructed distance sensors, in particular TOF sensors with a substantially linear detection range in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. A desired position in the sense of a global target position in the transport network 61 can be reached, for example, by appropriately controlling the drive device 5 and the actuator 24 of the middle pantograph 8. An additional temporal dimension (for example, a duration of the journey to the predetermined target position) can be taken into account, for example, via the speed and, if applicable, acceleration. A virtual image of the transport network 61 (geometry, length, etc.) is preferably stored or storable in the transport carrier 1, in particular a storage unit. It can, for example, be sent from the central control device 38 to the transport carrier 1. The control unit 6 thus knows at which times or at which positions steering movements of the middle pantograph 8 must be carried out in order to reach a specific target position. On the one hand, the actual position of the transport carrier 1 can be determined incrementally, for example based on the known rotational speed and the known wheel diameter of the drive wheels 4. On the other hand, the actual position can be determined using the position markers 65 (see Fig. 14) or the incrementally determined position can be corrected.

According to an advantageous method, the overhead conveyor device 2, in particular the support structure 3, is loaded with a transport carrier 1 by first aligning the transport carrier 1 with its vertical axis H substantially parallel to the traction surfaces 43, 44. The transport carrier 1 is then inserted laterally in a horizontal direction into the travel gap formed vertically between the traction surfaces 43, 44 and the power supply section 45. A height of the travel gap corresponds, for example, to the conductor spacing X10 shown in Fig. 10. Finally, the transport carrier 1 is moved by rotation about its transverse axis Q into a designated operating position on the support structure (3), which is shown, for example, in Fig. 10 or Fig. 14.

The transport carrier 1 can be removed from the overhead conveyor device 2, in particular from the support structure 3, in the reverse direction. First, the transport carrier 1, in its intended operating position, is rotated about its transverse axis Q until its vertical axis H is aligned substantially parallel to the traction surfaces 43, 44. The transport carrier 1 is then guided laterally out of the travel gap in a horizontal direction.

The loading or unloading can be automated, preferably with a robot arm of a handling robot (not shown) that has a gripping device for Gripping the transport carrier 1. The handling robot can, for example, be a known multi-axis, in particular 6-axis, industrial robot.

It is advantageous if, immediately after loading, a functional test, in particular a driving function test, is performed by means of the control unit 6 of the transport carrier 1. If the functional test fails, the transport carrier 1 is removed from the support structure 3. This ensures that only functional transport carriers 1 are located on the support structure 3.

The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies in the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the honor of technical action through the objective invention.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings are to be used to interpret the claims. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

Transport carrier 32 End stop overhead conveyor device 33 Intermediate space supporting structure 34 Impact protection drive wheel 35 Electronic component drive device 36 Sensor control unit 37 First communication device outer pantograph 38 Central control device middle pantograph 39 Second communication device outer pantograph contact element 40 Third communication device contact surface 41 Communication network buffer storage 42 Traction section wheel contact surface 43 Traction surface base body 44 Traction surface suspension unit 45 Energy supply section guide sleeve 46 Outer conductor track guide block 47 Middle conductor track guide slot 48 Outer conductor track guide pin 49 Gear retaining bracket 50 Conductor contact surface coupling unit 51 Energy source spring element 52 First track section guide device 53 Second track section actuator 54 Outer guide channel rack drive 55 Middle guide channel linear motor 56 Outer guide channel electrical coil 57 Position marker permanent magnet core 58 Hanging goods storage support body 59 First storage level holder 60 Second storage level

Hanging goods carrier 61 transport net 62 Conveyor XI first axle distance

63 Loading station X2 second axle distance

64 Unloading station X3 distance

65 Holding element X4 distance

66 Transmitting and/or receiving unit X5 first contact surface distance

67 Bearing area X6 second contact surface distance

68 Transport rail X7 Fixing point distance

69 Guide element X8 distance

70 Guide carriage X9 Center of gravity distance

L Longitudinal axis X10 first conductor distance

Q Transverse axis X I I second conductor distance

H vertical axis X12 first swivel axis distance

A wheel axle X13 second swivel axis distance

Bl straight path of movement Y 1 Width of the middle conductor track

B2 curved path of motion Y2 width of the outer conductor track

B3 curved movement path Y3 width of the gap

D Wheel diameter El first intersection entrance

DB Divergence area E2 second crossing entrance b Width of the supporting body E3 third crossing entrance

11 Length of the supporting body E4 fourth crossing entrance

KP crossing point V 1 first leverage ratio

LV imaginary connecting line V2 second lever ratio

FS lateral force V3 third lever ratio

ESI first end position

ES2 second end position

RI first direction of travel

R2 second direction of travel

ZS1 central position

BP attachment point l_max maximum extension

51 first swivel axis

52 Second swivel axis

SP Focus

Claims

Patent claims 1. Transport carrier (1) for movement along a support structure (3) of a suspended conveyor device (2), comprising: - a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse axis (Q) and a vertical axis (H), - one, in particular exactly one, wheel axle (A) lying parallel to the transverse axis (Q) with two drive wheels (4), - an electric drive device (5) for driving the drive wheels (4), - a control unit (6) for controlling at least the drive device (5) and - a power supply device with at least two current collectors (7, 8) for supplying the transport carrier (1), in particular the drive device (5) and the control unit (6), with electrical energy, characterized in that the at least two current collectors (7, 8) are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q) and have a height offset in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and/or that the power supply device has redundant current collectors (7, 9) at least for one polarity, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q). 2. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two current collectors (7, 8) each comprise a contact element (10) with a contact surface (11), in particular a sliding contact with a sliding contact surface or a rolling body with a rolling contact surface, for contacting a conductor track (46, 47) of the support structure (3), wherein the contact elements (10) are spaced apart from the wheel axis (A) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and lie above the wheel axis (A) in the vertical direction. 3. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a first axial distance (XI) between the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) of a current collector (8) and the wheel axle (A) is greater than a second axial distance (X2) of the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) of the at least one further current collector (7) from the wheel axle (A). 4. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a tangential plane of the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) of at least one pantograph (7, 8) is aligned substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis (L) and the transverse axis (Q). 5. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) comprises an electrical buffer storage (12), in particular a buffer capacitor, for temporarily supplying energy to the drive device (5) and/or the control unit (6), wherein the energy supply device is designed to feed the buffer storage (12). 6. Transport carrier (1) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drive device (5) comprises a DC motor, which preferably drives the drive wheels (4) directly. 7. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wheel axle (A) has a rigid axle. 8. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that a distance (X3) between the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) with the first axle distance (XI) and a wheel contact surface (13) of the drive wheels (4) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) is 130% to 170% of the first axle distance (XI) and/or that a distance (X4) between the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) with the second axle distance (X2) and a wheel contact surface (13) of the drive wheels (4) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) is 130% to 170% of the second axle distance (X2). 9. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that at least one contact element (10) is movable in the direction of the vertical axis (H) relative to a base body (14) of the transport carrier (1) and is sprung by means of a suspension unit (15). 10. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the suspension unit (15) comprises at least one of the following springs: leaf spring, coil spring, elastomer spring, air spring, torsion spring. 11. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that at least one contact element (10) is pivotable about a pivot axis (SI, S2) lying parallel to the transverse axis (Q) relative to a base body (14) of the transport carrier (1). 12. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that a first contact surface distance (X5) between the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) with the first axial distance (XI) and its pivot axis (S1) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) is 20% to 30% of the first axial distance (XI) and/or that a second contact surface distance (X6) between the contact surface (11) of at least one contact element (10) with the second axial distance (X2) and its pivot axis (S2) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) is 20% to 30% of the second axial distance (X2). 13. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that at least one current collector (8) comprises a guide sleeve (16) and that the contact element (10) of the current collector (8) is guided within the guide sleeve (16) and/or that at least one current collector (7) comprises a guide block (17) and that the contact element (10) of the current collector (7) is guided externally on the guide block (17). 14. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the guide sleeve (16) comprises a guide slot (18) on each of the inner surfaces facing one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), and in that the contact element (10) comprises a guide pin (19) on each of the outer sides facing away from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), which guide pin is received in the guide slot (18), or vice versa. 15. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the base body (14) comprises at least one holding bracket (20) and that the at least one guide block (17) is mounted on the holding bracket (20) so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis (S2). 16. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the energy supply device comprises three current collectors (7, 8, 9) spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), each with a contact surface (11) comprising Contact element (10), wherein the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) of the middle current collector (8) of the three current collectors (7, 8, 9) is spaced at a first axial distance (XI) from the wheel axle (A) and the contact surfaces (11) of the contact elements (10) of the two outer current collectors (7, 9) of the three current collectors (7, 8, 9) are each spaced at a second axial distance (X2) from the wheel axle (A) which is smaller than the first axial distance (XI), wherein the second axial distances (X2) of the contact surfaces (11) of the contact elements (10) of the two outer current collectors (7, 9) are preferably of the same size. 17. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the contact elements (10) of the two outer current collectors (7, 9) are mechanically coupled by means of a coupling unit (21) and are movable together in the direction of the vertical axis (H), wherein the two contact elements (10) each have a suspension unit (15) with which they are sprung relative to the base body (14) of the transport carrier (1), wherein the suspension units (15) each have two intersecting elongate spring elements (22), wherein an imaginary connecting line (LV) between crossing points (KP) of the spring elements (22) of the two spring units (22) runs substantially parallel to the wheel axis (A) and transverse axis (Q). 18. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the coupling unit (21) has a frame which surrounds the central current collector (8). 19. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the central current collector (8) is arranged on the transport carrier (1) so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the transverse axis (Q), a guide device (23) for guiding and an actuator (24) for moving the central current collector (8) being provided. 20. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the actuator (24) comprises a rack and pinion drive (25) or a linear motor (26). 21. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the guide device (23) is self-locking when a lateral force (FS) acting on the central current collector (8) in the direction of the transverse axis (Q) is exceeded. 22. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the actuator (24) such that the central current collector (8) can be moved continuously or discretely between a first end position (ES1), a second end position (ES2) and an intermediate central position (ZS). 23. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that a mechanical end stop (32) is provided for each end position (ES1, ES2), wherein the end stops (32) are preferably arranged on the base body (14) or are formed by the base body (14), in particular the holding brackets (20). 24. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 22 or 23, characterized in that the linear motor (26) comprises a plurality, in particular three, electrical coils (27) spaced apart from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q) and arranged coaxially to one another, that the movable central current collector (8), in particular its guide sleeve (16), comprises a permanent magnet core (28) and that the control unit (6) is designed to selectively energize the coils (27) in order to move the central current collector (8) between the end positions (ES1, ES2) and the central position (ZS). 25. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) has a support body (29) arranged in the direction of the wheel axis (A), preferably centrally, between the two drive wheels (4) and having a receptacle (30) for fastening a hanging goods carrier (31), wherein the support body (29) extends downwards in the vertical direction through an intermediate space (33) of a traction section (42) of the support structure (3) in the arranged state of the transport carrier (1) on the support structure (3), so that the receptacle (30) is located below the support structure (3). 26. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that a fastening point (BP) of the holder (30) provided for fastening the hanging goods carrier (31) is spaced in the direction of the vertical axis (H) at a fastening point distance (X7) from the wheel contact surface (13) of the drive wheels (4), that at least one current collector (7, 8) of the at least two current collectors (7, 8) comprises a contact element (10) designed for electrically contacting a conductor track (46, 47) of the support structure (3), which contact element is pivotable about a pivot axis (SI, S2) running parallel to the transverse axis (X), wherein the pivot axis (SI, S2) lies in the direction of the vertical axis (H) on a side of the wheel axle (A) facing away from the holder (30) and is spaced at a pivot axis distance (X12, X13) from the wheel contact surface (13), wherein a first lever ratio (VI) between the attachment point distance (X7) and the pivot axis distance (X12, X13) is preferably 1.9 to 3.5, particularly preferably 2.1 to 3.2. 27. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that a contact surface (11) of the pivotable contact element (10) provided for contacting the conductor track (46, 47) is spaced apart from the respective pivot axis (S1, S2) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) at a contact surface distance (X5, X6) and in that a second lever ratio (V2) between the pivot axis distance (X12, X13) and the contact surface distance (X5, X6) is 3.5 to 6.7, preferably 4.1 to 6.1, in particular 4.6 to 5.6 and/or a third lever ratio (V3) between the fastening point distance (X7) and the contact surface distance (X5, X6) is 9.6 to 17.8, preferably 11 to 16.4. 28. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that a length (11) of the support body (29) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) at least in a section of the support body (29) which, in the arranged state of the transport carrier (1) on the support structure (3), is located in the intermediate space (33), corresponds to a wheel diameter (D) of the drive wheels (4) ± 10% and/or that a width (b) of the support body (29) in the direction of the transverse axis (Q) at least in the same section, is 10% to 30%, preferably 15 to 25%, in particular 20% of the wheel diameter (D) of the drive wheels (4) and/or that a fastening point distance (X7) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) between a wheel contact surface (13) of the drive wheels (4) and a fastening point (BP) provided for the hanging goods carrier (31) on the receptacle (30) 300% to 400% of the first center distance (XI). 29. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the support body (29) comprises, at least in a section which is located in the intermediate space (33) in the arranged state of the transport carrier (1) on the support structure (3), a ram protection (34) and/or a sliding element and/or a sliding coating and/or a friction-reducing material. 30. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 25 to 29, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) comprises a hanging goods carrier (31) which is or can be fastened rigidly or articulately to the receptacle (30), wherein the receptacle (30) preferably comprises an eyelet to which the hanging goods carrier (31) is fastened, in particular suspended, preferably in an operationally detachable manner. 31. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that the hanging goods carrier (31) is rotatable on the holder (30) about an axis of rotation lying parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the transport carrier (1) relative to the support body (29), wherein preferably other rotational degrees of freedom are blocked. 32. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that a distance (X8) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) between a fastening point (BP) of the receptacle (30) designed for fastening the hanging goods carrier (31) and a lower free end of the hanging goods carrier (31) in the fastened state corresponds to 1 1 times to 14 times the first axis distance (XI). 33. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the hanging goods carrier (31) comprises a hanging bag which is at least partially flexible or a substantially rigid container for receiving piece goods or a liquid container or a hanger for receiving items of clothing. 34. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that the hanging goods carrier (31) is or can be fastened to the holder (30) in an operational, in particular non-destructive, detachable manner and that the holder (30) and the Hanging goods carriers (31) are designed such that the hanging goods carrier (31) can only be fastened in a defined orientation. 35. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 25 to 34, characterized in that at least a part of the control unit (6) or an electrical or electronic component (35) of the transport carrier (1) connected thereto is located within the support body (29). 36. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that a wheel diameter (D) of the drive wheels (4) is a maximum of 150 mm, preferably a maximum of 100 mm, in particular a maximum of 70 mm, and that a maximum extension (l_max) of the transport carrier (1) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) corresponds to the wheel diameter (D) ± 20%. 37. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that the contact elements (10) contain copper and graphite and/or that the contact elements (10) designed as sliding contacts are each bevelled or rounded at the front and rear in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) and/or that the contact surfaces (11) of the contact elements (10) are flat or convexly curved. 38. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) comprises a number of sensors (36) for detecting at least one state variable, in particular position, and/or speed and/or acceleration, of the transport carrier (1) and in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transport carrier (1), in particular the drive device (5) and/or the actuator (24) of the central current collector (8), as a function of the detected state variable or a variable derived therefrom. 39. Transport carrier (1) according to claim 38, characterized in that the number of sensors (36) comprises at least one of the following sensors: distance sensor, in particular TOF sensor, position sensor, in particular Hall sensor, speed sensor, weight sensor. 40. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) comprises a first communication device (37) for wireless communication with a central control device (38) of the overhead conveyor device (2) and in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transport carrier (1), in particular the drive device (5), as a function of information received from the control device (38) of the overhead conveyor device (2) and/or to send information to the central control device (38) of the overhead conveyor device (2), wherein preferably the transport carrier (1) is designed according to claim 19 and the control unit (6) is designed to control the actuator (24) of the central current collector (8) as a function of information received from the control device (38) of the overhead conveyor device (2). 41. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 40, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) comprises a second communication device (39) for communicating with a further transport carrier (1) and in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transport carrier (1), in particular the drive device (5) in dependence on information received from the further transport carrier (1) and/or to send information to the further transport carrier (1), wherein preferably the transport carrier (1) is designed according to claim 19 and the control unit (6) is designed to control the actuator (24) of the central current collector (8) in accordance with information received from the further transport carrier (1). 42. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 41, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) comprises a third communication device (40) for communicating with a communication network (41) of the overhead conveyor device (2) and in that the control unit (6) is designed to control the transport carrier (1), in particular the drive device and/or the actuator of the central current collector (8), as a function of information received from the communication network (41) and/or to send information to the communication network (41). 43. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 42, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) is designed to be moved in opposite directions of travel (RI, R2) with respect to its longitudinal axis (L) with the same driving characteristics. 44. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that a weight distribution of the transport carrier (1), preferably including hanging goods carrier (31), is determined such that the vertical axis (H) of the transport carrier (1) is aligned substantially vertically on the support structure (3) in a stationary state and/or that a pitching movement about the transverse axis (Q) occurring during the movement can be reduced, in particular avoided. 45. Transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 44, characterized in that a center of gravity (SP) of the transport carrier (1) without hanging goods carrier (31) lies on a side of the wheel axle (A) facing away from the current collectors (7, 8) in the direction of the vertical axis (H), wherein the center of gravity (SP) is preferably spaced from the wheel contact surface (13) at a center of gravity distance (X9) of preferably 5% to 15% of the first axle distance (XI), wherein a weight of the transport carrier (1) without hanging goods carrier (31) is preferably 450g to 650g, in particular 500g to 600g and/or that a center of gravity (SP) of the transport carrier (1) with hanging goods carrier (31) lies between the receptacle (30) and the lower free end of the hanging goods carrier (31), wherein the center of gravity (SP) is preferably spaced from the wheel contact surface at a center of gravity distance (X9) (13) which corresponds to 5 times to 7 times the first axial distance (XI), wherein a weight of the hanging goods carrier (31) is preferably 450g to 750g, in particular 550g to 650g. 46. Overhead conveyor device (2) comprising a support structure (3) and at least one transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 45, which is movable on the support structure (3) along a substantially horizontal movement path (B1-B3) defined by the support structure (3), characterized in that the support structure (3) comprises a traction section (42) which forms at least one traction surface (43, 44) for the drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1), and a power supply section (45) spaced apart from the traction section (42) in the vertical direction for supplying the transport carrier (1) with electrical energy, wherein the power supply section (45) has a comprising a number of conductor tracks (46, 47, 48) corresponding to the number of current collectors (7, 8, 9) of the transport carrier (1), which are spaced apart from one another transversely to the movement path (B1, B2, B3), and the conductor tracks (46, 47) each have a conductor contact surface (50) facing the at least one traction surface (43, 44) for contacting by the respective current collector (7, 8). 47. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to claim 46, characterized in that the energy supply section (45) comprises three conductor tracks (46, 47, 48), wherein the conductor contact surfaces (50) of the outer conductor tracks (46, 48) of the three conductor tracks (46, 47, 48) are spaced apart from the at least one traction surface (43, 44) by a first conductor spacing (X10) and the conductor contact surfaces (50) of the middle conductor track (47) are spaced apart from the at least one traction surface (43, 44) by a larger second conductor spacing (X11). 48. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to claim 47, characterized in that the first conductor spacing (X10) is smaller than the spacing (X4) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) between the contact surfaces (11) of the contact elements (10) of the outer current collectors (7, 9) and the wheel contact surface (13) of the drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1) not arranged on the support structure (3), wherein a difference between the first conductor spacing (X10) and the spacing (X4) preferably corresponds at most to one spring travel of the contact elements (10) of the outer current collectors (7, 9) that are movable in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and are sprung by means of a spring unit (15), and/or that the second conductor spacing (X11) is smaller than a spacing (X3) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) between the contact surface (11) of the contact element (10) of the middle current collector (8) and the wheel contact surface (13) of the Drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1) not arranged on the support structure (3), wherein a difference between the second conductor distance (X1 1) and the distance (X3) preferably corresponds at most to one spring travel of the contact element (10) of the central current collector (8), which contact element is movable in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and is sprung by means of a spring unit (15). 49. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) has at least one energy source (51), in particular a direct current source or direct voltage source, for supplying energy to the energy supply section (45). 50. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that the outer conductor tracks (46, 48) have the same electrical polarity, preferably the negative pole, and that the middle conductor track (47) has an electrical polarity opposite to the polarity of the outer conductor tracks (46, 48), preferably the positive pole. 51. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 47 to 50, characterized in that the traction section (42) of the support structure (3) has two traction surfaces (43, 44) spaced apart from one another transversely to the movement path (B1) by an intermediate space (33), each for one of the drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1), and in that the support body (29) of the transport carrier (1) extends downwards in the vertical direction through the intermediate space (33), so that the receptacle (30) is located below the support structure (3). 52. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 51, characterized in that the support structure (2) comprises a first section (52) which forms exactly one movement path (Bl) for the transport carrier (1), wherein a width (Yl) of the middle conductor track (47) is greater than a width (Y2) of the outer conductor tracks (46, 48), in each case transverse to the movement path (Bl), wherein the width (Yl) of the middle conductor track (47) preferably corresponds at least to a distance between the two end positions (ES1, ES2) of the movable middle current collector (8) in the direction of the transverse axis (Q). 53. Suspended conveyor device (2) according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that a width (Y3) of the intermediate space (33) transverse to the movement path (B1) corresponds to a maximum of 150%, preferably a maximum of 130%, in particular a maximum of 120% of the width (b) of the section of the support body (29) of the transport carrier (1) located in the intermediate space (33). 54. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that the first section (52) is designed as a straight module with a straight movement path (Bl) or is designed as a curve module with a curved movement path. 55. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 54, characterized in that the support structure (3) comprises a second track section (53), preferably adjacent to the first track section (52), on which the precisely one movement path (B1) diverges in a divergence region (DB) into at least two movement paths (B1, B2, B3), that the traction section (42) of the second track section (53) has, for each movement path (B1, B2, B3), two traction surfaces (43, 44) spaced apart from one another transversely to the respective movement path (B1, B2, B3) by an intermediate space (33), for each of the drive wheels (4), that the energy supply section (45) has, for each movement path (B1, B2, B3), a guide channel (54, 55, 56) for guiding the central current collector (8) of the transport carrier (1), in particular its guide sleeve (16), which runs parallel to the respective movement path (Bl, B2, B3), wherein the guide channels (54, 55. 56) encompass the middle conductor track (47). 56. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to claim 55, characterized in that the second section (53) is designed as a preferably rotationally symmetrical crossing module, wherein the crossing module comprises four crossing entrances (E1, E2, E3, E4), wherein adjacent crossing entrances (E1, E2; E2, E3; E3, E4; E4, E1) are arranged at right angles to one another, wherein opposite crossing entrances (E1, E3; E2, E4) are connected by a straight movement path (B1), wherein the straight movement paths (B1) intersect in a central crossing area (KB), wherein adjacent crossing entrances (E1, E2; E2, E3; E3, E4; E4, E1) are connected by a curved movement path (B2, B3), and wherein at the crossing entrances (E1, E2, E3, E4) the two curved movement paths (B2, B3) and the intermediate straight movement path (Bl) in the divergence area (DB) converge to a, in particular straight, movement path (Bl). 57. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to claim 56, characterized in that the curved movement paths (B2, B3) each have a circular arc-shaped curve section central to their length and two clothoid-shaped curve sections which connect the circular curve section with a straight path of movement of an intersection entrance. 58. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 57, characterized in that position markers (57) are provided at predetermined positions along the support structure (3), which position markers can be detected by a sensor (36) of a transport carrier (1), and in that the control unit (6) of the respective transport carrier (1) is designed to use the position of the detected position marker (57) to determine and/or correct a position of the transport carrier (1), wherein the position markers (57) preferably each comprise a permanent magnet and the sensor (46) of the transport carrier (1) comprises a Hall sensor. 59. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 58, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) comprises a central control device (38) which is designed to send information to the at least one transport carrier (1), in particular the first communication device (37), and/or to receive information from the at least one transport carrier (1), in particular the first communication device (37). 60. Overhead conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 59, characterized in that the overhead conveyor device (2) comprises a communication network (41) which is designed to send information to the at least one transport carrier (1), in particular the third (40) communication device, and/or to receive information from the at least one transport carrier (1), in particular the third communication device (40), wherein the communication network (41) is preferably designed to communicate with a higher-level central control device (38). 61. Hanging goods warehouse (58) comprising a hanging conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 60 with a plurality of transport supports (1) each having a hanging goods carrier (31) attached thereto, characterized in that the hanging goods warehouse (58) comprises a plurality of storage levels (59, 60) lying one above the other, wherein in each storage level (59, 60) a transport network (61) constructed from the support structure (3) with a A number of storage areas are provided, wherein the transport networks (61) of the storage levels (59, 60) are connected by means of a number of conveyor devices (62) which are each designed to convey a number of transport carriers (1) continuously or discontinuously between the transport networks (61) of the storage levels (59, 60), that the hanging goods warehouse (58) comprises at least one loading station (63) for loading the respective hanging goods carriers (31) of a number of transport carriers (1), and that the hanging goods warehouse (58) comprises at least one unloading station (64) for unloading the hanging goods carriers (31) of a number of transport carriers (1). 62. Hanging goods storage (58) according to claim 61, characterized in that the hanging goods storage (58) comprises at least two storage levels (59, 60) which are at different heights. 63. Method for operating a suspended conveyor device (2) comprising a support structure (3) and at least one single-axis transport carrier (1) which is movable on the support structure (3) along a substantially horizontal movement path (B1, B2, B3) defined by the support structure (3), wherein drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1) roll on at least one traction surface (43, 44) of a traction section (42) of the support structure (3), characterized in that from a plurality of conductor tracks (46, 47, 48) spaced from the at least one traction surface (43, 44) of the traction section (42) and spaced from one another transversely to the movement path (B1, B2, B3), electrical energy is supplied to a plurality of conductor tracks (46, 47, 48) corresponding to the plurality of conductor tracks (46, 47, 48) in the direction of a transverse axis (Q) of the transport carrier (1) to current collectors (7, 8) of the transport carrier (1) which are arranged at a distance from one another and have a height offset in the direction of a vertical axis (H) of the transport carrier (1) and/or to a plurality of current collectors (7, 9) of the transport carrier (1) which are redundant at least for one polarity and are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the transverse axis (Q), wherein at least part of the transmitted electrical energy is used by an electrical drive device (5) of the transport carrier (1) to drive the drive wheels (4). 64. Method according to claim 63, characterized in that the current collectors (7, 8, 9) each comprise a current collector which is spaced apart from the wheel axle (A) in the direction of the vertical axis (H) and in the vertical direction above the wheel axis (A) lying contact element (10) with a contact surface (11), in particular a sliding contact with a sliding contact surface or a rolling body with a rolling contact surface, wherein the contact surface (11) contacts a conductor contact surface (50) of the associated conductor track (46, 47, 48), in particular slides or rolls thereon. 65. Method according to claim 64, characterized in that the conductor contact surfaces (50) of two conductor tracks (46, 47) are spaced apart in the vertical direction at different conductor spacings (X10, XI 1) from the at least one traction surface (43, 44) of the traction section (42) and that the conductor contact surface (50) of the conductor track (46) with the smaller conductor spacing (X10) is contacted by the current collector (7) with the smaller axial distance (X2) and that the conductor contact surface (50) of the conductor track (47) with the larger conductor spacing (XI 1) is contacted by the current collector (8) with the larger axial distance (XI). 66. Method according to one of claims 63 to 65, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) is moved along a first section of track (52), wherein yaw movements of the transport carrier (1) about its vertical axis (H) and/or roll movements about its longitudinal axis (L) are reduced, preferably suppressed, by a support body (29) of the transport carrier (1), which is arranged in the direction of a wheel axis (A) of the transport carrier (1), preferably centrally, between the two drive wheels (4) and comprises a receptacle (30) for fastening a hanging goods carrier (31), is guided in an intermediate space (33) of the traction section (42), which is formed between two traction surfaces (43, 44) spaced apart from one another transversely to the movement path (B1), for each of the drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1). 67. Method according to one of claims 63 to 66, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) is moved along a second section (53), wherein yawing movements of the transport carrier (1) about its vertical axis (H) and/or rolling movements about its longitudinal axis (L) are reduced, preferably suppressed, by a current collector (8) movable in a direction parallel to the transverse axis (Q) of the transport carrier (1), preferably the middle one of three current collectors (7, 8, 9), in particular a guide sleeve (16) of the current collector (8), is guided in a guide channel (54, 55, 56) encompassing one of the conductor tracks (46, 47, 48). 68. Method according to one of claims 63 to 67, characterized in that the transport carrier (1) detects a state variable, in particular position and/or speed and/or acceleration of the transport carrier (1) and/or a distance to another transport carrier (1) by means of at least one sensor (36), and in that a control unit (6) of the transport carrier (1) controls or regulates a movement of the transport carrier (1) depending on the detected state variable. 69. Method according to claim 68, characterized in that when the transport carrier (1) moves along straight movement paths (B1) of the support structure (3), a distance control is carried out, wherein a speed of the transport carrier (1) is controlled as a function of a detected distance, and that the distance control is omitted when the transport carrier (1) moves along curved movement paths (B2, B3) of the support structure (3) and the transport carrier (1) is moved at a fixed or fixable, preferably constant, speed. 70. Method according to one of claims 63 to 69, characterized in that information is sent wirelessly to the transport carrier (1) from a central control device (38) and/or a communication network (41) of the overhead conveyor device (2), and in that a control unit (6) of the transport carrier (1) controls a movement of the transport carrier (1) depending on the information received, and/or in that information is sent from the transport carrier (1) to the control device (38) and/or the communication network (41) of the overhead conveyor device (2), and the control device (38) controls the overhead conveyor device (2) depending on the information received, or the communication network (41) forwards the information to the control device (38). 71. Method according to one of claims 63 to 70, characterized in that information is sent wirelessly from the transport carrier (1) to a further transport carrier (1) and the control device (6) of the further transport carrier (1) controls a movement of the further transport carrier (1) depending on the information received and/or that information is sent wirelessly from a further transport carrier (1) to the transport carrier (1) and the control device (6) of the transport carrier (1) controls a movement of the transport carrier (1) depending on the information received. 72. Method according to one of claims 63 to 71, characterized in that during a movement of the transport carrier (1) along a curved movement path (B2, B3) of a second section (53) of the transport structure (3), a lateral force (FS) acting transversely to the movement path (B2, B3) acts on one of the current collectors (7, 8, 9), by means of which the drive wheel (4) on the outside of the curve is lifted off the traction surface (43, 44), wherein the lateral force (FS) preferably acts in the region of a guide channel (54, 55, 56) on the guide sleeve (16) of the movable middle current collector (8) of the three current collectors (7, 8, 9). 73. Method according to one of claims 63 to 72, characterized in that a hanging conveyor device (2) according to one of claims 46 to 60 is used as the hanging conveyor device (2) and a transport carrier (1) according to one of claims 1 to 45 is used as the transport carrier (1). 74. A method for operating an overhead conveyor device (2), in particular according to one of claims 46 to 60, comprising a support structure (3) for at least one single-axle transport carrier (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 45, which is movable on the support structure (3) along a substantially horizontal movement path (B1, B2, B3) defined by the support structure (3), wherein drive wheels (4) of the transport carrier (1) roll on at least one traction surface (43, 44) of a traction section (42) of the support structure (3), and comprising a power supply section (45) spaced vertically from the at least one traction surface (43, 44) for supplying the transport carrier with electrical energy, wherein a travel gap is formed between the at least one traction surface (43, 44) of the support structure (3) and the power supply section (45), and wherein a) the overhead conveyor device (2) is loaded with a transport carrier (1) by first aligning the transport carrier (1) with its vertical axis (H) substantially parallel to the at least one traction surface (43, 44), then in a horizontal direction is introduced laterally into the travel gap and is then displaced into a designated operating position on the support structure (3) by rotating it about its transverse axis (Q) or b) a transport carrier (1) is removed from the overhead conveyor device (2) by rotating the transport carrier (1) from a designated operating position on the support structure (3) about its transverse axis (Q) until its vertical axis (H) is aligned substantially parallel to the at least one traction surface (43, 44) and is then guided laterally out of the travel gap in a horizontal direction. 75. Method according to claim 74, characterized in that the loading or removal is carried out automatically, preferably with a robot arm which comprises a gripping device for gripping the transport carrier (1). 76. Method according to claim 74 or 75, characterized in that immediately after loading, a functional test, in particular a driving function test, is carried out by means of a control unit (6) of the transport carrier (1) and, if the functional test fails, the transport carrier (1) is removed again.