Rail system and device comprising such a rail system and a displaceable carrier

Abstract

 The invention relates to a rail system and to a device comprising a rail system of this type and a carrier. The rail system is provided with a first pair of substantially parallel running surfaces situated along a first track arranged at a lateral distance from one another. The rail system is also provided with a second pair of substantially parallel running surfaces situated along a second track at a lateral distance from one another. At a crossing or junction, the first track and the second track are arranged at an angle with respect to one another, and at least one of the running surfaces of the rail system is interrupted. The rail system is provided with a transporting device for transporting the carrier from the first track to the second track. The transporting device comprises a first transporting body which is suspended so as to be rotatable and which comprises a bearing surface for supporting part of the carrier while the first track is being moved to the second track. At a lateral distance therefrom, a similar second transporting body is arranged. The transporting device is adapted to, at least temporarily, support the carrier simultaneously with both the first transporting body and the second transporting body while the carrier is being moved from the first track to the second track.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rail system provided with a first pair of substantially parallel running surfaces situated along a first track arranged at a lateral distance from one another, and to a second pair of substantially parallel running surfaces situated along a second track at a lateral distance from one another, in which the first track and the second track are arranged at an angle with respect to one another at a crossing or junction.

[0002] The invention also relates to a device comprising a rail system of this type and a displaceable carrier incorporated therein.

[0003] A rail system of the abovementioned kind for displacing mobile wall panels along a rail system fitted to the ceiling is known from EP 2 096 246. The known displaceable wall system comprises a rail in the form of a tubular extruded profile. In the tubular profile, sets of wheels of a carrier are guided, with in each case two wheels being placed one above the other and being rotatable about a vertically directed axle and being aligned substantially horizontally. The wheels have side edges which engage with running surfaces of the extruded profile. When the wall panels are being displaced, the bottom wheel runs over a single bottom running surface, and the wheel situated above runs over a single top running surface. The wall panels are suspended from the vertical axle which extends downwards between the running surfaces. The wall panels of the known device can be displaced over the rails relatively easily and with little force.

[0004] The rails may be provided with junctions, such as t-junctions and crossings. This makes it possible to manoeuvre the sets of wheels in these locations in several directions. As a result of the crossings and junctions, at least one of the running surfaces of the rails is temporarily interrupted. In order to prevent a wheel from no longer being supported during the displacement of the carrier from one track to the other track, the known system is provided with a rotating disc with holes, which is movable between a take-up position in the first track for the load-bearing engagement with the carrier, and a delivery position in the second track for releasing the carrier. In the holes of the rotating disc, the shaft of the carrier can be accommodated, after which the carrier can be transported to the second track in a supported manner.

[0005] Both in the take-up position and in the delivery position, the holes of the rotating disc have to be in line with the track in each case in order to be able to transport the carrier correctly from the first track to the second track. To this end, the known system is provided with a clamping mechanism which engages in the holes in order to force the rotating disc into the correct position.

[0006] It is a drawback of the known device that the rotating disc in each case has to be in a correct position in order to accommodate the carrier and/or to release it into a track.

[0007] It is a further drawback of the known device that the clamping mechanism causes the rotating disc to have a certain resistance to the movement from the take-up position to the delivery position. The rotating disc can only be set in motion after the user has exerted some force.

[0008] In addition, it is a drawback of the known device that it is relatively complex.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rail system and a device comprising such a rail system and a carrier, wherein at least one of the drawbacks of the known rail system and the known device is at least reduced.

[0010] According to one aspect, a rail system according to Claim 1 is provided. A carrier can be received in the rail system, which can be displaced via the first track and the second track. Near the crossing or the junction, the rail system is provided with a transporting device for transporting the carrier from the first track to the second track. The transporting device is provided with a first transporting body which is suspended so as to be rotatable and which comprises a bearing surface for at least temporarily supporting part of the carrier while it is being moved from the first track to the second track. The transporting device is furthermore provided with a second transporting body which is arranged at a lateral distance from the first transporting body and which is suspended so as to be rotatable, in which case the second transporting body comprises a bearing surface for at least temporarily supporting at least part of the carrier while the carrier is being moved from the first track to the second track. The transporting device is adapted to, at least temporarily, support the carrier simultaneously with both the first transporting body and the second transporting body while the carrier is being moved from the first track to the second track. When the carrier is being moved from the first track to the second track, it is, at least temporarily, supported simultaneously by the first and the second transporting body. The transporting bodies are suspended so as to be rotatable in such a manner that the carrier can be placed on the transporting body and can subsequently be rotatably moved to the second track, with the first and the second pivot pin being situated outside the first and the second track. As a result thereof, the carrier can be moved relatively easily in the direction of the desired displacement. The fact that the transporting body is rotatable ensures that the carrier can be moved from the first track to the second track with relatively little resistance. The two spaced-apart rotating transporting bodies ensure that it is no longer necessary to have a take-up and delivery position, as a result of which the carrier can be moved from the first track to the second track, irrespective of the position of the transporting bodies. Partly as a result thereof, the rail system according to the present invention can be configured to be less complex than the rail system which is already known, as the transporting bodies no longer have to be held in a take-up or delivery position. In addition, no clamping mechanism is required to keep the transporting device in the correct position, since the two transporting bodies are in each case in a take-up or delivery position. As no clamping mechanism is necessary, the displacement of the carrier can take place with less resistance.

[0011] Preferably, the lateral distance is chosen such that at least part of the carrier can be moved between the first transporting body and the second transporting body. Part of the carrier can thus move freely between the transporting bodies from the first track to the second track. The part of the carrier may, for example, be a bearing axle which is intended for the attachment of a load and which extends transversely to the running surfaces. The lateral distance ensures that there is a clear space for said part of the carrier to pass through. This makes relatively complex transporting devices such as those known from the prior art obsolete. A transporting device of a relatively simple design is sufficient.

[0012] The distance may, for example, be substantially equal to the distance between respective running surfaces in a track, so that said part of the carrier is not hampered when being moved from the first track to the second track. Thus, the transporting device is in each case in the correct transporting position, irrespective of whether the carrier has to be picked up or delivered in a track.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first transporting body comprises a disc-shaped body. The disc-shaped body forms a rounded transition between the first track and the second track. The disc-shaped body also ensures that the transporting body is in a take-up and delivery position in all rotational positions of the disc-shaped transporting body.

[0014] It is possible for the bearing surface of the first transporting body to be arranged substantially level with the first running surface in the first track. Thus, the carrier can be displaced relatively easily from the first track on the first transporting body. The carrier can be transferred at the same level and no differences in height therefore have to be bridged. This facilitates the construction and ensures that a user only has to use a minimum amount of force when displacing a panel and transferring the carrying device from a first track to a second track. In this case, abrupt transitions between the running surface and the first transporting body are avoided and thus relatively large forces on the carrier during displacement are prevented.

[0015] It is also possible to place the first transporting body in such a manner that the bearing surface of the first transporting body is placed substantially parallel to the first running surface in the first track. This ensures that the orientation of the carrier remains substantially the same during displacement thereof.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second transporting body comprises a disc-shaped body. The disc-shaped body forms a rounded transition between the first track and the second track. The disc-shaped body also ensures that the transporting body is in a pick-up and a delivery position in all rotational positions of the disc-shaped transporting body.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, both the first transporting body and the second transporting body comprise a disc-shaped body. Since the transporting bodies are arranged a distance apart, the disc-shaped bodies form a funnel in the direction of the second track, as it were. The disc-shaped bodies thus guide the carrier from the first track to the second track in an accurate manner. Both transporting bodies support the carrier, at least temporarily, during such a displacement.

[0018] The bearing surface of the second transporting body may be placed substantially level with the first running surface in the first track. This embodiment ensures that abrupt transitions in height between the running surface and the second transporting body are avoided. In this way, relatively large forces on the carrier during a displacement are prevented.

[0019] The second transporting body may be placed in such a manner that the bearing surface of the first transporting body is placed substantially parallel to the first running surface in the first track. This ensures that the orientation of the carrier remains substantially the same during displacement thereof.

[0020] During transporting, part of the carrier may move downwards slightly, as a result of which the orientation of the carrier changes. In order to return the carrier to the running surface, the carrier has to be moved upwards slightly. This requires a certain degree of force and skill on the part of the user. This applies particularly in those cases where very large or long panels are used, for example having a length of 5-13 metres. It is not possible to carry out the displacement manually in a quick manner and exerting little force. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, such a change in orientation is prevented by placing both the first transporting body and the second transporting body in such a manner that the bearing surface of the first transporting body is arranged substantially parallel to the first running surface in the first track. In this way, the first transporting body and the second transporting body ensure that the orientation of the carrier remains the same. Thus, the carrier is prevented from running slightly out of true from the vertical plane as a result of lack of support at a crossing or junction.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first transporting body is placed near one end of the first running surface in the first track. At least part of the carrier is easily displaceable from the first running surface on the first transporting body. The distance between the end of the first running surface and the edge of the first transporting body is preferably such that a relatively smooth transition between the first running surface and the transporting body is possible. The expression relatively smooth transition is understood to mean that the carrier can be displaced without significant shocks acting on the carrier.

[0022] The first transporting body may be suspended so as to be rotatable about a first pivot pin.

[0023] In an embodiment, the running surfaces are attached to side walls which are situated transversely to the running surfaces. In this case, it is possible for the carrier to be accommodated between the side walls so as to be displaceable.

[0024] It is possible for the first pivot pin to be fitted near the crossing or junction along an outer side of the side walls. Near the first pivot pin, the side walls are preferably provided with a slot through which the first transporting body reaches as far as between the side walls. This positioning of the pivot pin and the first transporting body result in a relatively compact rail system. Fitting the pivot pin on the outer side of the side walls and providing a slot in the side walls of the rails makes it possible for existing rail systems to be modified and to be retrofitted with a transporting device. In addition, there is sufficient space on the outer side of the side walls for fitting the transporting device. As a result thereof, the transporting device can be made sufficiently strong. Arranging the pivot pin at a distance from the running surfaces and a transporting device which extends as far as between the running surfaces also makes it possible to accurately transfer the carrier from a first track to a second track.

[0025] Preferably, the first pivot pin of the first transporting body is placed substantially at right angles to the running surfaces, so that the rotation of the transporting body substantially takes place in a plane parallel to the running surfaces.

[0026] The second transporting body may be suspended so as to be rotatable about a second pivot pin.

[0027] The second pivot pin may be fitted near the crossing or junction along an outer side of the side walls. Near the second pivot pin, the side walls may be provided with a slot through which the second disc-shaped body extends between the side walls. In this manner, a relatively compact system is produced. There is sufficient space on the outer side to fit the transporting body. The transporting body can be incorporated into existing rail systems by retrofitting.

[0028] The second pivot pin of the second transporting body is arranged substantially at right angles to the running surfaces.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, both the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are fitted near the crossing or junction along an outer side of the side walls. The first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are preferably arranged along an outer side of opposite side walls. The side walls are preferably side walls of the second track. In this manner, both the first and the second transporting body can be incorporated relatively easily in existing systems. In this case, the first disc-shaped body may extend as far as into the first and second tracks by means of two slots which are provided in a side wall of the first and second track. The second disc-shaped body can in this case extend as far as into the second track by means of a slot which is provided in a side wall of the second track. In addition, it is also possible for a third track to be provided, which third track is situated in line with the first track, in such a manner that a T-junction is produced. The second disc-shaped body can then also extend into the third track as a result of a slot being provided in a side wall of the third track.

[0030] Preferably, the first track and the second track intersect at the same level. As has already been described above, the carrier can be transferred at the same level, which facilitates the construction and ensures that a user only has to exert minimal force.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the first and the second transporting body can be rotated independently from one another. In this way, the two transporting bodies are prevented from generating too much resistance against displacement of the carrier when the carrier is supported by the two transporting bodies. Since the transporting bodies can be rotated independently from one another, the carrier can easily be displaced in a desired direction.

[0032] In an embodiment, the lateral distance between the first transporting body and the second transporting body is substantially equal to the lateral distance between the running surfaces. In this way, a generous opening is provided, through which the carrier can be moved. The transporting bodies thus produce relatively little resistance against displacement of the carrier.

[0033] According to an aspect of the invention, a device according to Claim 20 is provided. The device comprises an embodiment of the rail system as described above. The device additionally comprises at least one carrier which can be displaced along the running surfaces. The carrier is provided with a bearing axle which extends transversely to the running surfaces and which is intended for attaching a load. The bearing axle extends between the running surfaces.

[0034] The load which can be displaced by means of the device according to the invention may comprise any kind of load, such as an object which has to be moved through a space, as is the case during assembly or production of a product, a food product or other object. Preferably, however, the load is formed by a wall panel of relatively large dimensions, such as a height of between 5 m and higher, for example 13-20 m. These panels can be guided manually by the user along the tracks to a desired position, such as a functional position which separates a space into parts, and a parking position, in which the panels lie flatly against one another. By using the rail system and the device according to the invention, the carrier of the panels is supported in such a manner near a junction or crossing that the panels can be manoeuvred easily and quickly past the junction or crossing exerting only little force, so that the panels can easily be brought into position by employees who are less strong. The rails, and in particular the running surfaces, can be adapted to be lightweight, so that a wall system is produced which can be readily transported and assembled and which is relatively inexpensive.

[0035] In an embodiment of the device, the distance between the first transporting body and the second transporting body is so great that at least the bearing axle of the carrier can be moved between the first transporting body and the second transporting body. When moving the carrier from the first track to the second track, the bearing axle can move freely between the two transporting bodies. Thus, the transporting device is no obstruction to the movement of the bearing axle. As a result thereof, the carrier can also move freely from the first track to the second track. Good support of the carrier during transport is achieved by the two transporting bodies, at least temporarily, supporting the carrier together. In this case, the transporting bodies can support the carrier on both sides of the bearing axle, as a result of which the orientation of the bearing axle, preferably a horizontal orientation of the bearing axle, hardly changes during transportation, if at all.

[0036] It is possible for at least one running surface of each track to be configured as a first running surface, in which the carrier is provided with at least one carrier wheel which can be displaced across the first running surface. The carrier can thus be displaced by means of a carrier wheel. A carrier wheel produces relatively little resistance.

[0037] The first transporting body is preferably arranged in such a manner that the carrier wheel can be moved from the first running surface in the first track to the first running surface in the second track via the first transporting body. In this case, the carrier wheel can roll across the running surfaces and the transporting body for the entire distance. However, it is also possible for the carrier wheel to roll only partially and for rotation of the transporting body to ensure transportation of the carrier wheel.

[0038] Preferably, the carrier wheel is rotatable about a wheel axis which is arranged transversely to the running surfaces. In this case, the load-bearing axle can extend in line with the wheel axis of the carrier wheel. The carrier wheel can roll over the running surfaces by means of straight or bevelled side faces. This makes it possible to displace the carrier across the running surfaces relatively easily and exerting little force.

[0039] The carrier according to the invention may comprise a sliding block, but is preferably configured as having one or more wheels which are arranged so as to be able to rotate about a wheel axis. The axle of the wheels can extend parallel to the running surfaces, but is preferably situated transversely to the running surfaces, as is described in EP 2 096 246. In this case, the load-bearing axle extends in line with the wheel axis of the at least one running wheel, which rolls over the running surfaces by means of bevelled side faces.

[0040] In an embodiment, at least one running surface of each track is configured as a second running surface which is situated at a transverse distance from the first running surface, wherein the carrier is provided with a second carrier wheel which is situated at a transverse distance from the carrier wheel and is rotatable about the wheel axis, in which case the carrier wheels engage with the respective running surfaces situated at a mutual transverse distance.

[0041] Some embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the following figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a device for displaceably suspended panels according to the prior art;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a carrier for a device for displaceably suspended panels according to the prior art along the line II-II;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a rail system according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a rail system according to the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a known device 100 for displaceably suspended panels 10 according to the prior art. The device 100 is provided with a rail system 2, comprising a track provided with substantially parallel running surfaces 5, 8. The device 100 is provided with carriers 6 which are suspended so as to be displaceable across the running surfaces 5, 8. The carrier 6 is provided with a bearing axle 7 which extends transversely to the running surfaces 5,8 and is intended for the attachment of a load 10, such as for example a wall panel. The bearing axle 7 extends between the running surfaces 5, 8, as is shown in Fig. 2.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a detail of a cross section of a carrier 6 in a rail system 2 of a device 100 for displaceably suspended panels 10 according to the prior art. The carrier 6 comprises a bearing axle 7, which extends between the running surfaces 5, 8. The carrier is provided with two wheels 13, 14 which are arranged at a mutual transverse distance and are rotatable about a wheel axis 17 which is situated transversely to the running surfaces 5,8. The wheels may be bevelled. The wheels engage with respective running surfaces 5,8 which are situated at a mutual transverse distance. The device 100 for displaceably suspended panels may be provided with intersections, where various bearing rail segments meet. This makes it possible to displace panels in a desired direction.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a rail system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rail system comprises a first track 3 and a second track 4. The first track 3 comprises a first pair of substantially parallel running surfaces 5,8 which are placed at a mutual lateral distance. The second track comprises a second pair of substantially parallel running surfaces which are arranged at a mutual lateral distance. The first track 3 and the second track 4 are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. A third track 34 is placed in line with the first track. The third track comprises a third pair of substantially parallel running surfaces 5, 8 which are arranged at a mutual lateral distance. In the illustrated embodiment, a running surface 8 of each track is configured as a second running surface 5 situated at a transverse distance from the first running surface 8. The three tracks form a T-junction. In the crossing or junction, at least one of the running surfaces of the rails is interrupted.

[0045] In the rail system 1, a carrier 6, such as described above with reference to Fig. 2, can be accommodated. The carrier 6 is provided with a first carrier wheel 14, and a second carrier wheel 13 situated at a transverse distance from the first carrier wheel 14. Both carrier wheels are rotatable about a wheel axis 7. The carrier wheels engage with the respective running surfaces situated at a mutual transverse distance. The first carrier wheel 14 is displaceable across the first running surface 8, and the second carrier wheel 13 is displaceable across the second running surface 5.

[0046] The T-junction is provided with a transporting device 12 for transporting the carrier from the first track 3 to the second track 4. The transporting device 12 is provided with a first transporting body 15 which is suspended so as to be rotatable and which comprises a bearing surface for supporting part of the carrier while the first track is being moved to the second track. In the example shown, the first transporting body 15 is a disc-shaped body 15 which is suspended so as to be rotatable about a pivot pin 18. The pivot pin 18 is arranged on an outer side of the side walls 20 of the first track 3. The disc-shaped body extends as far as between the side walls 20 of the first track. To this end, a slot is provided in the side walls. The disc-shaped body is arranged near the end of the first running surface 8 in such a manner that a relatively smooth transition is formed between the first running surface 8 and the bearing surface. The transporting body is arranged substantially parallel to the running surfaces 5, 8. At a lateral distance from the first transporting body 15, a second transporting body 16 is suspended so as to be rotatable (illustrated here in a partially open drawing). In the illustrated embodiment, the second transporting body is of a configuration which is similar to the first transporting body. The pivot pin 19 is arranged on an outer side of the side walls 20 of the first track 3. Both pivot pins 18, 19 are situated outside the first track 3 and the second track 4. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that it is not necessary for an embodiment to be identical, and that other embodiments are conceivable. The second transporting body 16 is provided with a bearing surface for at least temporarily supporting at least part of the carrier while the carrier is being moved from the first track 3 to the second track 4. The lateral distance is preferably approximately equal to or equal to the lateral distance between the first and the second running surface 5, 8. This ensures that the carrier can be moved freely between the first and the second transporting body. Such an arrangement also ensures that the transporting device, at least temporarily, supports the carrier, together with both the first transporting body 15 and the second transporting body 16, while the carrier is being moved from the first track 3 to the second track 4, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0047] In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, the second transporting body 16 is a disc-shaped body 16 which is suspended so as to be rotatable about a pivot pin 19. By means of two bearings 22, 27, the pivot pin is mounted in a suspended manner in a housing. The housing comprises an upper fastening part 23 and a bottom fastening part 26, which can be connected to one another by means of a connecting part 25 and fastening means 24. By means of side walls, the upper fastening part can be attached to side walls of the respective tracks 3,4.

[0048] The operation of the transporting mechanism will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. In this case, it is assumed that a carrier is accommodated in the first track 3. In this case, the first carrier wheel 14 rests on the first running surface 8 and the second carrier wheel 13 rests on the second running surface 5. When the carrier is moved in the direction of the transporting mechanism 12, the first carrier wheel 14 will move from the first running surface on the first transporting body 15. The first transporting body 15 supports the first carrier wheel 14. The second carrier wheel 13 remains in contact with the second running surface 5. The first carrier wheel can then continue to roll over the transporting body 15. However, it is also possible for the second carrier wheel 14 to move further due to the fact that the first transporting body 15 rotates. A combination in which the transporting body 15 rotates and the wheel rolls over the transporting body, is also conceivable.

[0049] When moving the first track 3 to the second track 4, the user will push the carrier in the direction of the second track 4. At a certain point, the first carrier wheel 14 will also come into contact with the second transporting body 16. At that point in time, both the first transporting body 15 and the second transporting body 16 will support the first carrier wheel 14. The carrier wheel 14 is thus supported on both sides of the bearing axle 7, which prevents the carrier from hanging askew.

[0050] In an embodiment, the first and the second transporting body 15, 16 are both suspended so as to be rotatable. The transporting bodies are suspended in such a manner that at least one relative rotation of the bodies with respect to one another is possible. Displacement of the carrier wheel 14 in the direction of the second track 4 produces a relative rotation of the transporting bodies. The relative rotation causes the friction between the carrier wheel 14 and the two transporting bodies 15, 16 to be reduced, as a result of which it is possible to displace the carrier in the direction of the second track 4. Thus, the carrier can be moved from the first track to the second track exerting little force. The transporting mechanism provides support for the carrier during transportation. In addition, the transporting mechanism ensures that the carrier is displaceable in every position of the transporting mechanism, without a specific take-up position and/or delivery position being required in this case.

[0051] It should be noted that during transportation, the second carrier wheel 13 will come loose from the second running surface in the first track. Then, the carrier can be completely supported by the first transporting body 15 and the second transporting body 16. During or before the carrier is released in the second track 4, the second carrier wheel 13 will again make contact with the second running surface 5 in the second track 4. Finally, the carrier will be completely supported by the first running surface 8 and the second running surface 5.

[0052] When the carrier is being moved from the first track 3 to the third track 34, the first carrier wheel 14 will first be supported by the first transporting body, then by the first transporting body and the second transporting body together, and lastly by the second transporting body on its own. Ultimately, the carrier will again be completely supported by the first running surface 8 and second running surface 5 of the third track 34 here.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the rail system 101 according to the present invention. The rail system comprises a first track 103 with running surfaces 105, 108 which are placed at a lateral distance d from one another. The running surfaces have a running width RL. The rail system also comprises a second track 104, which is placed at substantially right angles to the first track 103. The rail system furthermore comprises a third track 134 which is arranged in line with the first track 103. The three tracks 103, 104, 134 form a T-junction. In the crossing, or junction, at least one of the running surfaces of the rails is interrupted. In the illustrated embodiment, the first running surface 108 in the first track 103 is interrupted with respect to the first running surface 108 in the second track 104. The second running surface 105 in the first track 103 is also interrupted with respect to the second running surface 105 in the second track 104.

[0054] The T-junction is provided with a transporting device 112, comprising a first transporting body 115 with a radius r1, which transporting body 115 is arranged so as to be pivotable about a first pivot pin 118. The transporting device 112 also comprises a second transporting body 116 with a radius r2, which transporting body 116 is arranged so as to be pivotable about a second pivot pin 119. The radii r1, r2 of the transporting bodies are preferably equal to one another.

[0055] The second transporting body is arranged at a distance from the first transporting body. The distance D between the pivot pins of the transporting bodies is chosen in such a way that an opening is formed between the contours of the transporting bodies. The opening has a dimension dT. The opening dT is preferably substantially equal to the lateral distance d between the running surfaces 5, 8. The radius of the transporting body is preferably equal to approximately twice the distance d between the running surfaces 5, 8. The distance D between the pivot pins is approximately equal to 2 to 3 times the average radius of the transporting bodies. Preferably, the distance D is equal to 2.5 times the average radius of the transporting bodies.

[0056] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to what has been described here, and that several equivalent embodiments of the invention are possible.

Claims

1. Rail system provided with a first track (3) and a second track (4), wherein, at a crossing or junction, the first track and the second track are arranged at an angle with respect to one another, and at least one of the tracks of the rail system is interrupted at the crossing or junction, wherein a carrier (6) can be accommodated in the rail system which carrier can be displaced on the first track and the second track, wherein the rail system, near the crossing or junction, is provided with a transporting device (12) for transporting the carrier from the first track to the second track, and the transporting device is provided with a first transporting body (15) which is suspended so as to be rotatable about a first pivot pin and which comprises a bearing surface for supporting part of the carrier while it is being moved from the first track to the second track, and the transporting device is furthermore provided with a second transporting body (16) which is arranged at a lateral distance (dT) from the first transporting body and which second transporting body is suspended so as to be rotatable about a second pivot pin, and the second transporting body comprises a bearing surface for at least temporarily supporting at least part of the carrier while the carrier is being moved from the first track to the second track, wherein the transporting device is adapted to, at least temporarily, support the carrier (6) simultaneously with both the first transporting body and the second transporting body while the carrier is being moved from the first track to the second track and wherein the first and the second pivot pin are situated outside the first and the second track.

2. Rail system according to Claim 1, wherein the lateral distance (dT) is chosen such that at least part of the carrier can be moved between the first transporting body and the second transporting body.

3. Rail system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transporting body comprises a disc-shaped body.

4. Rail system according to Claim 3, wherein the bearing surface of the first transporting body is arranged substantially level with the first running surface in the first track.

5. Rail system according to Claims 1-4, wherein the first transporting body is placed in such a manner that the bearing surface of the first transporting body is placed substantially parallel to the first running surface (8) in the first track.

6. Rail system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transporting body comprises a disc-shaped body.

7. Rail system according to Claim 6, wherein the bearing surface of the second transporting body is placed substantially level with the first running surface in the first track.

8. Rail system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transporting body is placed in such a manner that the bearing surface of the first transporting body is placed substantially parallel to the first running surface (8) in the first track (3)

9. Rail system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transporting body is placed near one end of the first running surface in the first track.

10. Rail system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transporting body is suspended so as to be rotatable about a first pivot pin (18).

11. Rail system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the running surfaces are attached to side walls which are situated transversely to the running surfaces, wherein the carrier (6) is accommodated between the side walls (20, 20') so as to be displaceable.

12. Rail system according to Claims 10 and 11, wherein the first pivot pin (18) is fitted near the crossing or junction along an outer side of the side walls (20), which side walls are provided, near the first pivot pin, with a slot through which the first transporting body reaches as far as between the side walls.

13. Rail system according to Claims 10-12, wherein the first pivot pin (18) of the first transporting body (15) is placed substantially at right angles to the running surfaces.

14. Rail system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transporting body is suspended so as to be rotatable about a second pivot pin (19).

15. Device (100), comprising:

- a rail system (1) according to one of the preceding claims; and

- at least one carrier (6) which can be displaced along the running surfaces, which carrier (6) is provided with a bearing axle (7) which extends transversely to the running surfaces (5, 8) for attaching a load, which bearing axle extends between the running surfaces (5, 8).

Drawing