Apparatus for presenting code

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for presenting a code, the device having a carrier and at least one code associated with the carrier, wherein the carrier has a coupling device for coupling the carrier to another carrier, wherein the coupling device has an engagement element and a receiving element corresponding to the engagement element and wherein the engagement element of the carrier can engage with the receiving element of the other carrier, thereby coupling the carrier and the other carrier to each other, characterized in that the coupling device has at least one blocking element which can be associated with the engagement element or the receiving element to prevent the engagement element and the receiving element from pivoting relative to each other in an assembled state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for presenting a code, particularly a code strip or bar having a carrier and at least one code associated with the carrier. Background Technology

[0002] Devices of the above type are known in practice and exist, for example, in the form of code tapes or code strips, wherein codes printed on a metal carrier or otherwise assigned to the carrier are read and detected by a suitable reading device or detector.

[0003] Furthermore, systems including code strips and read heads are known in the prior art, originally derived from rail-guided applications, where, for example, vehicles are guided on tracks and the vehicle's position relative to the track or environment is determined. Recently, these systems have been adapted for subsurface or ground-based applications, such as for guiding autonomous transport systems. Due to the autonomous transport system itself, but also due to forklift traffic, code strips, for example, placed on the ground or floor, are exposed to strong mechanical loads, which can easily lead to damage and / or displacement of the strip relative to the carriers or codes positioned relative to each other, for example, in the case of several carriers arranged one after another forming a long code segment. As a result, the functionality of such a code strip or code segment formed by several carriers is no longer guaranteed.

[0004] Furthermore, because the reliable operation of code lines requires precise positioning of the carriers relative to each other, it is not easy to lay several carriers one after another using known methods. This applies not only to the initial laying of code lines and laying code lines around curves, but also to the replacement of individual or several carriers due to wear. In practice, to ensure long-term reliable operation, especially for code lines formed by multiple carriers, a robust and modular solution that allows for easy replacement of individual carriers is needed.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention is based on the task of designing and further developing a device for presenting a code of the type described at the beginning, which enables the secure installation of several carriers relative to each other by means of structural simplicity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned task is accomplished by an apparatus for presenting codes having the features of the present invention. Thereafter, the apparatus is configured and further formed such that a carrier has a coupling device for coupling the carrier to another carrier.

[0007] According to the invention, it is first recognized that the aforementioned task is solved in an unexpectedly simple way through ingenious carrier design. In another aspect of the invention, the carrier has a coupling device for coupling it to another carrier. Such a coupling device allows for a predefined relative positioning of two or more carriers, one after the other. In a desired row, one carrier can be coupled to another, and so on, making it possible to achieve code paths of almost any length. In this case, the two carriers are always firmly joined together, which also greatly reduces the effects of mechanical stress caused by transport systems or forklift traffic, such as unintentional displacement of the carriers relative to each other. With such a coupling device, not only is the initial laying of several carriers to form a code line greatly simplified, but also the replacement of worn carriers is easy. In this case, an undamaged carrier can be safely inserted into an existing code segment to replace a worn carrier. By coupling the carriers and aligning them with each other by means of a coupling device, the desired precise alignment of the codes can be achieved simply and reliably.

[0008] Therefore, the apparatus for presenting codes according to the present invention provides an apparatus that allows for the secure installation of several carriers relative to each other by means of structural simplicity.

[0009] For the particularly secure mounting of multiple carriers relative to each other, the coupling device may include a preferably convex engaging element and a preferably concave receiving element for the engaging element, wherein the engaging element of one carrier can engage with the receiving element of another carrier to couple the two carriers to each other. The engagement achieved by means of the engaging and receiving elements ensures a secure coupling of the two carriers, where undesirable displacement of the carriers relative to each other in the mounted state caused by external forces can be prevented to the greatest extent possible. With proper design of the engaging and receiving elements, the desired relative positioning or alignment of the two carriers relative to each other can be reliably and permanently specified.

[0010] Furthermore, for the particularly secure mounting of several carriers relative to each other, the engaging element and the receiving element can be designed to be complementary. This ensures a particularly strong coupling and engagement between the engaging and receiving elements, and in particular, ensures the required permanent relative positioning of the two carriers relative to each other.

[0011] In a particularly advantageous manner, a carrier can have both a bonding element and a receiving element. This allows the carrier to be securely and flexibly coupled to virtually any other carrier. Depending on the requirements, the carrier may also have only one bonding element or one receiving element, for example, at the beginning and / or end of the code wiring to be implemented.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment, the coupling device can be designed such that the carriers can be coupled to each other without gaps and / or in a form-fitting manner, wherein preferably, the engaging element can be joined to the receiving element in a jigsaw puzzle-like manner. This enables particularly simple installation with predefined alignment of the carriers and also with predefined alignment of the codes to each other.

[0013] Regarding the particularly simple and safe installation of multiple carriers relative to each other, especially at predetermined angles, engaging and receiving elements can pivot relative to each other in their assembled state. Preferably, the engaging and receiving elements are designed such that, in their assembled state, at least one slot is formed between the engaging and receiving elements to facilitate this pivoting. This allows the carriers to be positioned at a predefined angle relative to each other in their assembled state. During angular positioning, the carriers to be coupled are thus joined together, thereby preventing unwanted decoupling of already coupled carriers during angular positioning. Pivoting can occur on the circumference of the implemented slot, wherein the corresponding ends of the slot can form mechanical stops for pivotal movement of the carriers relative to each other. The size of the slot determines the range of rotational movement angles.

[0014] In a structurally particularly simple manner, the engaging element can have a disc-shaped portion, and preferably, the receiving element can have a recess that is substantially complementary to the disc-shaped portion of the engaging element. Such a disc-shaped segment, particularly in conjunction with the corresponding complementary recess of the receiving element, enables the aforementioned pivotal movement of the carriers relative to each other in a particularly simple manner. During pivotal movement, the disc-shaped segment can slide its outer edge along the inner edge of the complementaryly formed recess. In a two-dimensional form, the basic principle is roughly analogous to a ball-and-socket joint with movable balls arranged in a ball-and-socket configuration, where the engaging element corresponds to the ball and the receiving element corresponds to the ball-and-socket.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one code may be associated with, or arranged on, a bonding element or a disk-shaped segment. This allows for a continuous sequence of codes arranged adjacent to each other, and thus also allows for the secure mounting of several carriers relative to each other for the purpose of realizing the function of a code line formed by several carriers in a structurally simple manner.

[0016] Furthermore, regarding the secure mounting of several carriers relative to each other, the coupling device may include at least one—preferably removable—blocking element, which may be assigned to a receiving element or a connecting element to prevent the connecting and receiving elements from pivoting relative to each other in their assembled state. This allows for the linear arrangement of multiple carriers one after another by structurally simple means, wherein the blocking element may, for example, be arranged in a groove formed between the connecting and receiving elements to prevent the two carriers from pivoting relative to each other. Such blocking elements may, in principle, be arranged or placed in a groove to allow for a linear and aligned arrangement of the carriers relative to each other. If a curve must be laid, the blocking element can be removed from the groove and corresponding angular positions between the two carriers can be formed by pivoting the two carriers relative to each other.

[0017] In a structurally simple manner, the carrier can be made of metal, such as aluminum, or have a metallic component, such as aluminum. Specifically, the use of aluminum makes the carrier design robust yet lightweight, and therefore safe and easy to handle. Furthermore, for safe installation, such as placing the carrier on a flat substrate, the carrier can be of a flat design. This allows the carrier to be supported on the full surface of the flat substrate and thus supported safely and stably.

[0018] Using the device for presenting codes according to the invention, precise alignment of codes with each other is possible during laying, wherein straight code segments and code curves, under appropriate design of the coupling device, can be reliably laid by means of a carrier. In this case, no codes become unreadable at the joints between carriers, and the spacing between codes does not increase when laying curves, an increase that may occur in conventional rectangular carriers or code strips without suitable coupling devices.

[0019] Using the device according to the invention, laying can be done simply and safely, whether straight ahead or within a freely selectable bending radius. Furthermore, it achieves easy interchangeability and a professional appearance.

[0020] In the context of this invention, the term "code" should be understood in the broadest sense, such that the most diverse embodiments of a code are included in the term "code". These can be, for example, 2D codes, matrix codes, data matrix codes, QR codes, barcodes, or other codes, without limitation.

[0021] Various ways exist to advantageously configure and further develop the teachings of the present invention. Therefore, reference is made, on the one hand, to the present invention, and on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, generally preferred embodiments and further embodiments of the teachings are also explained. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawing shows: Figure 1 This is a plan view of an embodiment of a device for presenting a code using three carriers according to the present invention. Figure 2 These are a plan view and an enlarged view of an embodiment in which two carriers are coupled and arranged in a straight line, and Figure 3 The diagram shows a plan view and an enlarged view of an embodiment in which two carriers are coupled and pivot relative to each other. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic plan view of an embodiment of a device for presenting codes according to the present invention is shown, wherein a plurality of codes 1 are assigned to a total of three metal carriers 2 successively in the longitudinal direction. Thus, each carrier 2 forms a code bar, wherein... Figure 1 The three code strips shown have different lengths to meet different installation requirements. Each of the three carriers 2 or code strips can be coupled to one of the other carriers 2 or code strips. Figure 1 The carrier 2 shown on the left has four codes 1.

[0024] In this embodiment, code 1 is in the form of a data matrix code. Several such carriers 2 or code bars can be arranged in series to form a continuous code arrangement or code bar.

[0025] Carrier 2 such as Figure 1 As shown, they are in an uncoupled state. The carriers 2 can be coupled to each other by means of a coupling device 3. The coupling device 3 has a convex engaging element 4 and a concave receiving element 5 for engaging the element 4. Each carrier 2 has both the engaging element 4 and the receiving element 5, wherein the engaging element 4 and the receiving element 5 are formed substantially complementary to each other.

[0026] The connection of code strips formed by carrier 2 is similar to the principle of jigsaw puzzle. Carrier 2 can be used to generate straight code segments or lines, as well as code segments or lines that travel around or form curves.

[0027] to this end, Figure 2 A schematic enlarged plan view is shown, along with a portion of the coupling area of ​​the linear code path. In this case, the coupling element 4 and the receiving element 5 of the coupling device 3 are in a coupled state.

[0028] to this end, Figure 3A schematic enlarged plan view of the curved code path and a portion of the coupling area are shown. In this configuration, the coupling element 4 and receiving element 5 of the coupling device 3 are coupled, and the respective carriers 2 pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis. The axis of rotation is approximately located at the center of the disc-shaped coupling element 4. To achieve this pivoting, two slots 6 are substantially formed between the coupling element 4 and the receiving element 5. Specifically, the coupling element 4 has a disc-shaped portion 7, and the receiving element 5 has a recess 8 that is substantially complementary to the disc-shaped portion 7 of the coupling element 4. When the two carriers 2 pivot relative to each other, the outer edge of the disc-shaped portion 7 slides against the inner edge of the complementary recess 8. Because the carriers 2 can rotate relative to each other, this technique allows the two carriers 2 to be firmly coupled on the one hand, and allows the code wiring to be flexibly laid on other code wiring on the other hand.

[0029] exist Figure 2 In the linear arrangement of the carrier 2, there are also two slots 6, which are filled with blocking elements 9 to prevent unintentional or unplanned pivoting of the carrier 2 relative to each other and to reliably ensure linear alignment of the carrier 2. The blocking elements 9 can be inserted into or removed from the slots 6 as needed and in a simple manner. As a result, flexible wiring (even around curves) is possible in this embodiment. With the blocking elements 9 fixed to the engaging element 4 or receiving element 5, linear alignment of the carrier 2 can be performed semi-automatically or automatically during laying. In the subsequent correction of the laying direction, one or more blocking elements 9 can be removed as needed to allow the carrier 2 to pivot relative to each other in the desired manner. With the engaging element 4 and receiving element 5 coupled, the degree of pivoting or the desired angle between the carrier 2 can be adjusted by pivoting about the pivot axis.

[0030] In principle, one or more blocking elements 9 can be associated with the device in any way. Therefore, it is advantageous that the blocking element 9 can be coupled to the receiving element 5 in its initial state and can be disconnected from the receiving element 5 as needed—if necessary, at a predetermined break point. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, one of the blocking elements 9 is still coupled to the receiving element 5, even when Figure 3In this illustrative representation, for clarity, a space exists between the blocking element 9 and the receiving element 5. The advantage of retaining the blocking element 9 on the receiving element 5 is that even in this curved, bent arrangement of the carrier 2, frictional coupling of the carrier 2 still exists between the engaging element 4 and the receiving element 5, or between the disc-shaped portion 7 and the recess 8, because in the coupled state, the recess 8 with the blocking element 9 still engages around the disc-shaped portion 7 on more than half the circumference of the disc-shaped portion 7. In another embodiment, the recess 8 can also be formed to engage around the disc-shaped portion 7 in principle to such an extent that even in the case of a curved arrangement of the carrier 2 and without the blocking element 9 still connected to the receiving element 5, it still engages around the circumference of the disc-shaped portion 7 on more than half the circumference, so as to prevent the carrier 2 from being accidentally pulled apart even without the blocking element 9. However, such a design reduces the likelihood of the carrier 2 pivoting relative to each other (provided without the blocking element 9), because the receiving element 5 subsequently impacts the engaging element 4 earlier on the inside during pivoting. Therefore, in this example embodiment, it is not possible to achieve... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 2 has a sharp bend where the recess 8 will not further surround the disc-shaped portion 7, but will be less than half the circumference of the disc-shaped portion 7, with no obstruction element 9 present. Non-positive coupling of the carrier 2 is only possible here if the obstruction element 9 is coupled to the receiving element 5.

[0031] The coupling of carrier 2 is positive for both straight lines and curves. For example... Figure 1 As shown, there may be three or more or fewer module lengths for carrier 2 to accommodate different parts with different dynamics in the required code wiring. It must be ensured that code 1 can also be easily identified at the connection point at any time by a camera or detector.

[0032] For further advantageous configurations of the device according to the invention, refer to the general portion of the invention to avoid repetition.

[0033] Finally, it should be clearly noted that the above embodiments are only used to explain the teachings claimed in this invention, and are not intended to limit the teachings to the embodiments described.

[0034] Figure Labels

[0035] 1 code

[0036] 2. Carrier

[0037] 3. Coupling device

[0038] 4. Connecting elements

[0039] 5. Receiving element

[0040] 6 slots

[0041] 7. Disc-shaped section

[0042] 8 concavity

[0043] 9. Blocking elements

Claims

1. An apparatus for presenting a code (1), the apparatus having a carrier and at least one code (1) associated with the carrier, wherein the carrier has a coupling device (3) for coupling the carrier to another carrier, wherein the coupling device (3) has an engaging element (4) and a receiving element (5) corresponding to the engaging element (4) and wherein the engaging element (4) of the carrier is capable of engaging with the receiving element (5) of the other carrier, thereby coupling the carrier and the other carrier to each other, characterized in that, The coupling device (3) has at least one blocking element (9) that can be associated with the engaging element (4) or the receiving element (5) to prevent the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) from pivoting relative to each other in the assembled state.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The joining element (4) and the receiving element (5) are configured to be complementary to each other.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling device (3) is constructed in such a way that it enables gapless and / or positive locking coupling between the carriers.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The blocking element (9) can be removed.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking element (9) can be removed, and the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) can pivot relative to each other in the assembled state, wherein the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) are constructed in such a way that at least one groove (6) is formed between the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) in the assembled state to enable this pivoting.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The blocking element (9) can be removed, and the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) can pivot relative to each other in the assembled state, wherein the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) are constructed in such a way that at least one groove (6) is formed between the engaging element (4) and the receiving element (5) in the assembled state to enable this pivoting.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6, characterized in that, The engaging element (4) has a disc-shaped portion (7), wherein the receiving element (5) has a recess (8) that is complementary to the disc-shaped portion (7) of the engaging element (4).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one code (1) is associated with or disposed on the engaging element (4) or the disc-shaped portion (7).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 or 8, characterized in that, The carrier is formed of metal or has a metallic component and / or is constructed in a planar manner.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The code is a code strip or a code bar.

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