DEVICE FOR PRESENTING A CODE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for presenting a code, in particular a code tape or code strip, with a carrier and at least one code assigned to the carrier, wherein the carrier has a coupling device for coupling the carrier to a further carrier, wherein the coupling device has an engagement element and a receiving element for the engagement element, wherein an engagement element of a carrier can be brought into engagement with a receiving element of a further carrier for coupling the two carriers to one another and wherein at least one code is assigned to the engagement element or arranged on the engagement element.

[0002] Devices of the type mentioned at the outset are known in practice and exist, for example, in the form of code tapes or code strips, whereby codes printed on a metallic carrier or otherwise assigned to the carrier are read and detected by suitable reading devices or detectors.

[0003] For example, devices of the type mentioned at the outset are known from both US 4 649 658 A and DE 33 00 908 A1, wherein code carriers can be coupled to one another.

[0004] Furthermore, systems consisting of a code tape and a read head are known from the prior art. These systems originally originate from rail-guided applications, where, for example, vehicles are guided on rails and the position of the vehicles is determined relative to the rails or an environment. More recently, the systems have been adapted to a subsurface or floor, for example for the track guidance of automated guided vehicle systems. A code tape arranged on the subsurface or floor is exposed to strong mechanical stresses by the automated guided vehicle system itself, but also by forklift traffic, for example, which can easily lead to damage and / or displacement of carriers or code tapes positioned relative to one another, for example when several carriers arranged one behind the other form a longer code section.As a result, the function of such a code band or such a code section consisting of several carriers is no longer guaranteed.

[0005] Furthermore, laying multiple carriers one behind the other is not easy with the known device due to the precise positioning of the carriers relative to each other required for the reliable functioning of a code section. This applies not only to the initial laying of a code section and the laying of a code section around curves, but also to the replacement of individual or multiple carriers due to wear. A robust and modular solution that allows for easy replacement of individual carriers is desirable in practice to ensure the long-term reliable functioning of a code section consisting of multiple carriers.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a device for presenting a code of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a secure installation of several carriers relative to one another is possible using structurally simple means.

[0007] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by a device for presenting a code having the features of claim 1. The device is designed and further developed such that the engagement element and the receiving element can be pivoted relative to one another in the assembled state.

[0008] In accordance with the invention, it was first recognized that the above object is achieved in a surprisingly simple manner through a clever design of the carrier. The carrier has a coupling device for coupling the carrier to another carrier. Such a coupling device enables a predeterminable relative positioning of two or more carriers one behind the other. In this case, one carrier can be coupled to another, etc., in a desired row, so that a code section of virtually any length can be realized. In this case, two carriers are always securely joined together, so that the effects of mechanical stress caused by transport systems or forklift traffic, for example an unintentional displacement of the carriers relative to one another, can be greatly reduced.Such a coupling device not only greatly simplifies the initial installation of multiple carriers to form a code path, but also easily enables the replacement of worn carriers. An undamaged carrier can be securely inserted into an existing code path using the coupling device, replacing a worn carrier. The required precise alignment of the codes to one another is easily and reliably achieved by coupling the carriers and aligning them to one another using the coupling device.

[0009] In the device, at least one code is assigned to the engagement element or arranged on the engagement element. This enables a continuous sequence of adjacent codes and thus also a reliable installation of several carriers relative to one another with simple construction means, ensuring the functionality of a code path formed by several carriers.

[0010] Consequently, the device for presenting a code according to the invention provides a device which enables a secure installation of several carriers relative to one another using structurally simple means.

[0011] With a view to a particularly secure installation of several supports relative to one another, the coupling device can have a male engagement element and a female receiving element for the engagement element, wherein an engagement element of one support can engage with a receiving element of another support to couple the two supports to one another. The engagement achieved by means of the engagement element and the receiving element ensures a secure coupling of two supports, whereby an undesired displacement of the supports relative to one another in the installed state caused by external force can be largely prevented. With a suitable design of the engagement element and the receiving element, a required relative positioning or alignment of two supports to one another can be reliably and permanently specified.

[0012] Furthermore, with a view to particularly secure installation of multiple supports relative to one another, the engagement element and the receiving element can be designed to complement one another. This ensures particularly secure coupling and engagement of an engagement element with a receiving element, in particular to ensure the required permanent relative positioning of two supports to one another.

[0013] Particularly advantageously, the carrier can have both an engagement element and a receiving element. This enables secure and flexible coupling of the carrier with virtually any other carrier. Depending on requirements, the carrier can also have only an engagement element or only a receiving element, for example, at the beginning and / or end of a code section to be implemented.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the coupling device can be designed in such a way that a seamless and / or positive coupling of carriers to one another is possible, wherein an engagement element can preferably be assembled with a receiving element in a puzzle-like manner. This enables particularly simple installation with a predeterminable alignment of the carriers and thus also of the codes to one another.

[0015] With a view to a particularly simple and secure installation of several supports relative to one another, in particular at a predeterminable angle relative to one another, the engagement element and the receiving element are pivotable relative to one another in the joined state. Preferably, the engagement element and the receiving element can be designed such that, in the joined state of the engagement element and the receiving element, at least one recess is formed between the engagement element and the receiving element to enable such pivoting. This allows a predeterminable angular positioning of the supports relative to one another - in the joined state of the engagement element and the receiving element. During the angular positioning process, the supports to be coupled are thus already joined together, so that an undesired decoupling of already coupled supports during the angular positioning can be avoided.The pivoting can occur within the circumference of the recess, whereby the respective ends of a recess can form a mechanical stop for the pivoting movement of the supports relative to each other. The size of the recess can determine the angular range of the pivoting movement.

[0016] In a particularly simple design, the engagement element can have a circular disk-shaped section, wherein the receiving element can preferably have a recess that is essentially complementary to the circular disk-shaped section of the engagement element. Such a circular disk-shaped section, particularly in conjunction with a corresponding complementary recess in a receiving element, can enable the above-described pivoting movement of the supports relative to one another in a particularly simple manner. During the pivoting movement, the circular disk-shaped section can slide with its outer edge along an inner edge of the complementarily designed recess. The principle underlying this is, in two-dimensional form, approximately similar to the principle of a ball and socket joint with a movable ball arranged in a socket, wherein the engagement element corresponds to the ball and the receiving element corresponds to the socket.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one code can be assigned to the circular disk-shaped section or arranged on the circular disk-shaped section.

[0018] Furthermore, with a view to the secure installation of several supports relative to one another, the coupling device can have at least one - preferably removable - blocking element that can be assigned to the receiving element or the engagement element to prevent the engagement element and the receiving element from pivoting relative to one another when the engagement element and the receiving element are joined together. This enables a linear arrangement of several supports one behind the other using simple construction means, wherein a blocking element can be arranged, for example, in a recess formed between the engagement element and the receiving element to prevent two supports from pivoting relative to one another. Such blocking elements can generally be arranged or provided in recesses to enable a linear and aligned arrangement of supports relative to one another.If a curve is to be laid, the blocking elements can be removed from a recess and a corresponding angular position can be created between two supports by pivoting the two supports relative to each other.

[0019] In a particularly simple design, the support can be made of metal, for example, aluminum, or can have metallic components, such as aluminum. Aluminum, in particular, enables a robust and lightweight support design that is therefore safe and easy to handle. Furthermore, with a view to secure installation, for example, laying supports on a flat surface, the support can be designed to be flat. This enables the supports to be supported across the entire surface, thus ensuring a secure and stable support on a flat surface.

[0020] The device for presenting a code according to the invention enables precise alignment of codes during installation, allowing both straight code sections and—with a suitable design of the coupling device—even curves of codes to be reliably installed using the carriers. This ensures that no code becomes unreadable at the joints between carriers, and the distance between codes does not increase when installing curves, as can occur with conventional rectangular carriers or code strips without a suitable coupling device.

[0021] The device according to the invention enables simple and safe installation both in a straight line and with freely selectable bend radii. Furthermore, easy interchangeability and a professional appearance are achieved.

[0022] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "code" is to be understood in the broadest sense, encompassing a wide variety of code designs. These can include, without limitation, 2D codes, matrix codes, data matrix codes, QR codes, barcodes, or other codes.

[0023] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the dependent claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a plan view, schematic, an embodiment of the device according to the invention for presenting a code with three carriers, Fig. 2 in a plan view, schematic and enlarged, two carriers of the embodiment in a coupled and rectilinear arrangement and Fig. 3 in a plan view, schematic and enlarged, two carriers of the embodiment in a coupled and relatively pivoted arrangement.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows in a schematic plan view an embodiment of the device according to the invention for presenting a code, wherein several codes 1 are assigned in the longitudinal direction one behind the other to a total of three metallic carriers 2. Each carrier 2 thus forms a code strip, wherein the Fig. 1The three code strips shown have different lengths to meet different installation requirements. Each of the three carriers 2 or code strips can be coupled with one of the other carriers 2 or code strips. Fig. 1 Carrier 2 shown on the left has a total of four codes 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the codes 1 are designed as data matrix codes. Several such carriers 2 or code strips can be arranged one behind the other to form a continuous code arrangement or code bar.

[0026] The beams 2 are in Fig. 1shown in the uncoupled state. The carriers 2 can be coupled to one another by means of a coupling device 3. The coupling device 3 has a male engagement element 4 and a female receiving element 5 for the engagement element 4. Each carrier 2 has both an engagement element 4 and a receiving element 5, wherein the engagement element 4 and the receiving element 5 are designed to be substantially complementary to one another.

[0027] The connection of the code strips formed by the carriers 2 is similar to the puzzle principle. The carriers 2 can be used to create both straight code sections or code segments, as well as code sections or code segments that curve or form curves.

[0028] This shows Fig. 2in a schematic and enlarged top view and partially a coupling area of ​​a linear code section. The engagement element 4 and the receiving element 5 of the coupling device 3 are in the coupled state.

[0029] Furthermore, Fig. 3in a schematic and enlarged top view and partially a coupling region of a curved code section. The engagement element 4 and the receiving element 5 of the coupling device 3 are in the coupled state, with the respective supports 2 pivoted relative to one another about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is located approximately in the center of the circular disk-shaped engagement element 4. To enable this pivoting, two recesses 6 are formed essentially between the engagement element 4 and the receiving element 5. The engagement element 4 specifically has a circular disk-shaped section 7, with the receiving element 5 having a recess 8 that is essentially complementary to the circular disk-shaped section 7 of the engagement element 4. When the two supports 2 pivot relative to one another, the outer edge of the circular disk-shaped section 7 slides on an inner edge of the complementary recess 8.This technology enables, on the one hand, a secure coupling of two carriers 2 and, on the other hand, a flexible laying of a code path by the possibility of pivoting the carriers 2 relative to each other.

[0030] With the straight arrangement of the beams 2 in Fig. 2Two recesses 6 are also provided, these recesses 2 being filled with blocking elements 9 to prevent unwanted, inadvertent pivoting of the supports 2 relative to one another and to reliably ensure a straight alignment of the supports 2. The blocking elements 9 can be optionally - as required - and easily inserted into the recesses 6 or removed from these recesses 6. As a result, a flexible laying of a code section - even around curves - is possible with the present embodiment. With blocking elements 9 fixed to the engagement element 4 or the receiving element 5, a straight alignment of the supports 2 can occur quasi-automatically or independently during laying.If the installation direction is subsequently corrected, one or more blocking elements 9 can be removed as required to allow the supports 2 to pivot relative to each other as required. The extent of pivoting or the desired angle between the supports 2 can be adjusted by pivoting about the pivot axis when the engaging element 4 and the receiving element 5 are coupled.

[0031] In principle, the blocking element(s) 9 of the device can be assigned in any desired manner. Thus, it is advantageously possible for the blocking element(s) 9 to be coupled to the receiving element 5 in an original state and to be broken away from the receiving element 5 as needed - possibly at a predetermined breaking point. Fig. 3In the embodiment shown, one of the blocking elements 9 is still coupled to the receiving element 5, even if in the merely schematic representation of the Fig. 3a gap is provided between the blocking element 9 and the receiving element 5 - for the sake of clarity. Remaining this blocking element 9 on the receiving element 5 has the advantage that even in this curved, curved arrangement of the supports 2, there is still a force-fitting coupling of the supports 2 between the engagement element 4 and the receiving element 5, or between the circular disk-shaped section 7 and the recess 8, since the recess 8 with the blocking element 9, in the coupled state, still engages more than half the circumference of the section 7 around the section 7.In another exemplary embodiment, the recess 8 can also be designed to encompass the section 7 so far that, even with a curved arrangement of the supports 2 and without a blocking element 9 still coupled to the receiving element 5, it reaches further than half the circumference of the section 7 in order to prevent the supports 2 from being accidentally pulled apart even without blocking elements 9. However, a design of this type reduces the possible extent of pivoting of the supports 2 relative to one another - provided without blocking elements 9 - because the receiving element 5 then strikes the engagement element 4 on the inside earlier during pivoting. In this exemplary embodiment, it is therefore not possible to realize curves with the supports 2 that are as tight as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. Fig. 3shown embodiment, in which the recess 8 without any blocking elements 9 would not encompass the section 7 any further, but rather less than half the circumference of the section 7. A force-locking coupling of the supports 2 is only possible here with a blocking element 9 coupled to the receiving element 5.

[0032] The coupling of the beams 2 is positively connected for both straight and curved sections. Fig. 1 The three or more or fewer module lengths of the carriers 2 shown can be used to accommodate different sections with different dynamics in a desired code section. It must be ensured that the codes 1 can be easily recognized at any time using a camera or detector, even at the connection point.

[0033] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0034] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the embodiments described above serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments. List of reference symbols

[0035] 1Code 2Carrier 3Coupling device 4Engaging element 5Receiving element 6Recess 7Section 8Recess 9Blocking element

Claims

1. An apparatus for presenting a code (1), in particular code tape or code strip, having a carrier (2) and at least one code (1) assigned to the carrier (2), wherein the carrier (2) has a coupling device (3) for coupling the carrier (2) to a further carrier (2), wherein the coupling device (3) comprises an engaging element (4) and a receiving element (5) for the engaging element (4), wherein an engaging element (4) of a carrier (2) can be brought into engagement with a receiving element (5) of a further carrier (2) for coupling the two carriers (2) to each other and wherein at least one code (1) is associated with the engaging element (4) or is arranged on the engaging element (4), characterized in that the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) are pivotable relative to each other in the assembled state.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the engaging element (4) is male and the receiving element (5) is female.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) are formed complementary to each other.

4. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the carrier (2) comprises both an engaging element (4) and a receiving element (5).

5. An apparatus according to one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the coupling device (3) is designed in such a way that a gapless and / or form-fitting coupling of carriers (2) to one another is made possible.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) being formed such that in the assembled state of the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) at least one slot (6) is formed between the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) for enabling such pivoting.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the engaging element (4) has a circular disc-shaped portion (7), wherein the receiving element (5) having a recess (8) substantially complementary to the circular disc-shaped portion (7) of the engaging element (4).

8. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 through 7, characterized in that the coupling device (3) comprises at least one blocking element (9), which can be associated with the receiving element (4) or the engaging element (5), for preventing the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) - in the assembled state of the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) - from pivoting relative to one another.

9. An apparatus according to one of the claims 1 through 8, characterized in that the carrier (2) is made of metal or has metallic components and / or that the carrier (2) is of flat design.