Guide rail for independent loading system and independent loading system

Abstract

The utility model provides a guide rail for an independent loading system, and the guide rail comprises a plurality of rail parts, and each rail part comprises a rail head, a rail bottom and a rail waist connected with the rail head and the rail bottom; wherein the rail web and the rail head form a guide surface of the guide wheel of the transport vehicle; a plurality of connectors, each connector bridging the joints between adjacent track portions of the plurality of track portions; wherein each connecting piece comprises a main body part, a first connecting part and a second connecting part; the inner surface of the main body part is flush with the inner surface of the rail waist of the adjacent rail part, so that the guide surfaces of the adjacent rail parts are continuous when the connecting piece is bridged; the first connecting part is used for connecting the connecting piece with a first adjacent track of an adjacent track part, and the second connecting part is used for connecting the connecting piece with a second adjacent track of the adjacent track part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of logistics, in particular to a guide rail for an individual carrier system and an individual carrier system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The guide rail of the individual carrier system (ICS) conveyor is used to provide a guiding function for the luggage transport trolley. The guide rail is generally made of metal and is extended by splicing. During the operation of the luggage system, the joint of the guide rail is prone to misalignment, thereby damaging the guide wheels of the trolley. Because there are a large number of guide rail joints in the entire system, it is easy to cause large-area damage to the guide wheels of the trolley. This leads to a decrease in the availability and processing capacity of the entire luggage system.

[0003] Currently, the damaged guide wheels are detected by the guide wheel detection sensor in the system, and the faulty trolley is sent to the maintenance station for maintenance. This method is post-maintenance and cannot avoid the occurrence of guide wheel damage. On-site maintenance personnel mainly rely on increased patrols, but manual patrols are not only inefficient but also difficult to find problems. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a guide rail for an individual carrier system and an individual carrier system to eliminate the joints between the track portions of the guide rail and avoid damage to the guide wheels of the transport trolley.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present application provides a guide rail for an individual carrier system, which comprises:

[0006] a plurality of track portions, each track portion comprising a rail head, a rail bottom, and a rail waist connecting the rail head and the rail bottom; wherein the rail waist and the rail head form a guide surface of a trolley guide wheel;

[0007] a plurality of connecting pieces, each connecting piece bridging a joint between adjacent track portions in the plurality of track portions; wherein each connecting piece comprises a main body portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion; the inner surface of the main body portion is flush with the inner surface of the rail waist of the adjacent track portion, so that the guide surface of the adjacent track portion is continuous when the connecting piece is bridged; the first connecting portion is used to connect the connecting piece with a first adjacent track of the adjacent track portion, and the second connecting portion is used to connect the connecting piece with a second adjacent track of the adjacent track portion.

[0008] To this end, the present application provides a rail for an independent loading system, by using a connector to bridge the joint between adjacent track sections, the continuity of the guide surface can be achieved. This continuity can reduce the wear of the guide wheel of the transport vehicle at the track joint, thereby possibly prolonging the service life of the guide wheel. In addition, the continuous guide surface helps to improve the smooth running of the transport vehicle, reduce vibration and noise.

[0009] Optionally, the inner surface of the main body extends to the level of the inner surface of the head of the adjacent track section. To this end, by extending the inner surface of the main body to the level of the inner surface of the head of the adjacent track section, the wear of the guide wheel by the head can be avoided, further providing a smooth transition and better guiding function.

[0010] Optionally, the first connecting part and the second connecting part each include at least one fastening element for fixing the connector to the adjacent track section. To this end, by designing the fastening element in the connecting part of the connector, the stability of the connection between the connector and the adjacent track section can be enhanced.

[0011] Optionally, the fastening element includes a threaded hole adapted to cooperate with a threaded member to fix the connector to the track section adjacent to the connector. To this end, by designing the fastening element as a threaded hole, the installation and removal of the connector can be facilitated, and the maintenance and replacement of the connector can be facilitated.

[0012] Optionally, in the moving direction of the guide wheel of the transport vehicle, the length of the main body is greater than the length of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. To this end, by making the length of the main body greater than the length of the first connecting part and the second connecting part in the moving direction of the guide wheel of the transport vehicle, a longer smooth transition area can be provided, which can help to reduce vibration and wear.

[0013] Optionally, the outer surface of the main body further comprises at least one reinforcing rib. To this end, by designing the reinforcing rib on the outer surface of the main body, the strength of the connector can be increased.

[0014] Optionally, the first connecting part and the second connecting part each include at least one positioning member. To this end, by designing the positioning member in the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the alignment of the connector with the adjacent track section during installation can be facilitated.

[0015] Optionally, the outer surface of the main body includes an anti-slip texture or coating. To this end, by designing the anti-slip texture or coating on the outer surface of the main body, the friction of the outer surface of the main body can be improved, thereby improving the safety of the installation and removal of the connector.

[0016] Optionally, the connector is integrally formed of metal or high-strength plastic. To this end, by integrally forming the connector from metal or high-strength plastic, the strength of the connector can be improved.

[0017] This application also proposes an independent loading system comprising: a guide rail as described in any of the preceding claims; and a plurality of transport vehicles, each transport vehicle including guide wheels movable along a guide surface of a portion of the track. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate and explain this application and do not limit the scope of this application.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a top view of a guide rail according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of a guide rail according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of a guide rail according to another embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 10 guide rails

[0024] 11 First adjacent track section

[0025] 111 First Rail Head

[0026] 112 First Track Waist

[0027] 113 First Track Bottom

[0028] 12 Second adjacent track section

[0029] 121 Second Rail Head

[0030] 122 Second Track Waist

[0031] 123 Second Track Bottom

[0032] 13 connectors

[0033] 131 Main Body

[0034] 131 First Connecting Part

[0035] 132 Second Connecting Part

[0036] 134 Extension

[0037] 135 screw hole

[0038] A-Guiding Space Detailed Implementation

[0039] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this application, specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. The present application, however, can be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present application.

[0041] As used in this application and the claims, the terms "for example," "e.g.," "may," and "for instance" and the like specify the presence of certain described features, operations, conditions, or the like, but do not foreclose the presence or addition of other described features, operations, conditions, or the like. Furthermore, situations have not only those features or operations but other possible contexts / constraints can be described in related form, and should be thereby recognized to provide illustrative support to other described situations.

[0042] In describing the embodiments of the present application, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The description is intended to cover any and all modifications and the equivalent thereof that are within the scope of the present application. For the purposes of the present application, the following terms have the following meanings.

[0043] For the purposes of the present application, the following terms have the following meanings. Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "under", "above", "upper", and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if a device described is turned over in use, a

[0044] In the context of the present application, structures described as being "on" a first feature and "on" a second feature can include embodiments where the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and can also include embodiments where additional features are formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features can not be in direct contact.

[0045] The present application provides a guide rail for an independent loading system. The guide rail comprises:

[0046] a plurality of rail portions, each rail portion comprising a rail head, a rail bottom, and a rail waist connecting the rail head and the rail bottom; wherein the rail waist and the rail head form a guide surface for a guide wheel of a transport vehicle;

[0047] a plurality of connectors, each connector bridging a joint between adjacent rail segments of the plurality of rail segments; wherein each connector comprises a body portion, a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion; an inner surface of the body portion is flush with an inner surface of a web of the adjacent rail segments such that a guide surface of the adjacent rail segments is continuous when the connector is bridged; the first connecting portion is for connecting the connector with a first adjacent rail of the adjacent rail segments, and the second connecting portion is for connecting the connector with a second adjacent rail of the adjacent rail segments.

[0048] Embodiments of the present application provide a guide rail for an independent loading system, by using a connector to bridge a joint between adjacent rail segments, continuity of a guide surface can be achieved. Such continuity can reduce wear and tear of a trolley wheel at the rail joint, thus potentially prolonging the service life of the trolley wheel. In addition, the continuous guide surface helps to improve the smoothness of the trolley operation, reducing vibration and noise.

[0049] Figure 1 is a top view of a guide rail 10 according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a bottom view of a guide rail 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The following detailed description of the guide rail in embodiments of the present application is made with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The guide rail in embodiments of the present application is described in detail.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the guide rail 10 comprises a first adjacent rail segment 11 and a second adjacent rail segment 12 of a plurality of rail segments. The plurality of rail segments are spliced together to form a guide rail for providing a guide function for a luggage trolley. The first adjacent rail segment 11 comprises a first rail head 111, a first rail bottom 113, and a first rail web 112 connecting the first rail head 111 and the first rail bottom 113. The second adjacent rail segment 12 comprises a second rail head 121, a second rail bottom 123, and a second rail web 122 connecting the second rail head 121 and the second rail bottom 123. The rail head is located at the top of the trolley wheel. The rail bottom is the bottom that contacts the support base for load distribution. The rail web is the vertical portion connecting the rail head and the rail bottom for providing vertical strength. The rail web and the rail head form a guide surface with the trolley wheel.

[0051] Connector 13 bridges the joint between a first adjacent track portion 11 and a second adjacent track portion 12. Connector 13 includes a main body portion 131, a first connecting portion 132, and a second connecting portion 133. The inner surface of the main body portion 131 is flush with the inner surfaces of the first rail web 112 of the first adjacent track portion 11 and the second rail web 122 of the second adjacent track portion 12, such that the guide surfaces of the first adjacent track portion 11 and the second adjacent track portion 12 are continuous when the connector 13 is used for bridging. Figure 1 A guide space A for the movement of the guide wheels is shown. In embodiments of this application, the inner surfaces of the main body 131, the first rail web 112, and the second rail web 122 refer to the sides of the main body 131, the first rail web 112, and the second rail web 122 facing the guide space A. It can be understood that the side opposite to the inner surface is the outer surface. The first connecting portion 132 is used to connect the connector 13 to the first adjacent rail 11, and the second connecting portion 133 is used to connect the connector 13 to the adjacent rail 12.

[0052] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the main body extends to be flush with the inner surface of the rail head of the adjacent track portion. Figure 3 This is a top view of a guide rail according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the connector 13 also includes an extension 134. Through the extension 134, the inner surface of the main body 131 extends to be flush with the inner surfaces of the rail head 111 of the first adjacent track portion 11 and the rail head 121 of the second adjacent track portion 12. Therefore, by extending the inner surface of the main body to be flush with the inner surfaces of the rail heads of the adjacent track portions, wear on the guide wheels by the rail heads can be avoided, further providing a smooth transition and better guiding function.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each include at least one fastening element for securing the connector to an adjacent track portion. Therefore, by designing fastening elements at the connecting portions of the connector, the stability of the connection between the connector and the adjacent track portion can be enhanced.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fastening element includes a threaded hole adapted to mate with a threaded element to secure the connector to an adjacent track portion. For example... Figure 1As shown, the first connecting part 132 and the second connecting part 133 are provided with screw holes 135. The screw holes 135 are adapted to cooperate with threaded fasteners such as nuts and bolts to secure the connecting piece 13 with the first adjacent track part 11 and the second adjacent track part 12. The screw holes 135 of the first connecting part 132 and the screw holes 135 of the second connecting part 133 can be designed symmetrically along the central axis of the connecting piece 13. The screw holes 135 of the first connecting part 132 can be distributed at corresponding positions of the first rail waist 112 and the first rail bottom 113 of the first adjacent track part 11. The screw holes 135 of the second connecting part 133 can be distributed at corresponding positions of the second rail waist 122 and the second rail bottom 123 of the second adjacent track part 12. For this purpose, by designing the fastening elements as screw holes, the installation and removal of the connecting piece can be facilitated, and the maintenance and replacement of the connecting piece can be facilitated.

[0055] In some embodiments, the length of the body part is greater than the length of the first connecting part and the second connecting part in the moving direction of the trolley guide wheel. As shown, Figure 2 As shown, the length of the body part 131 is greater than the length of the first connecting part 132, and the length of the body part 131 is greater than the length of the second connecting part 133 in the moving direction of the trolley guide wheel. For this purpose, by designing the length of the body part to be greater than the length of the first connecting part and the second connecting part in the moving direction of the trolley guide wheel, a longer smooth transition area can be provided, which can help to reduce vibration and wear.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the body part further comprises at least one reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib can be integrally formed with the body part, or connected together after being formed separately from the body part. Preferably, the reinforcing ribs can be continuously distributed in the moving direction of the trolley guide wheel and in the perpendicular direction of the moving direction. For this purpose, by designing reinforcing ribs on the outer surface of the body part, the strength of the connecting piece can be increased.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first connecting part and the second connecting part each comprise at least one positioning element. The positioning element can be one of a positioning hole or a positioning pin. Correspondingly, the positioning element of the first adjacent track part and the second adjacent track part is the other one of a positioning hole or a positioning pin. For this purpose, by designing the positioning element on the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the alignment of the connecting piece with the adjacent track part during installation can be facilitated.

[0058] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the body part comprises an anti-slip texture or coating. For this purpose, by designing an anti-slip texture or coating on the outer surface of the body part, the friction of the outer surface of the body part can be improved, and the safety of the installation and removal of the connecting piece can be improved.

[0059] In some embodiments, the connecting piece is integrally formed of metal or high-strength plastic. The metal can be carbon steel or stainless steel. The high-strength plastic can be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc. In this way, by integrally forming the connecting piece of metal or high-strength plastic, the strength of the connecting piece can be improved.

[0060] The present application also proposes an independent loading system, which comprises the guide rail 10 according to the above description; a plurality of transport vehicles, each of which comprises a guide wheel movable along the guide surface of the track section.

[0061] The present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application. As "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" means a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that the "one embodiment" or "one alternative embodiment" mentioned in different positions in the specification twice or more does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, some features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present application can be properly combined.

[0062] Although the present application has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and various equivalent changes or replacements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application, therefore, any changes or modifications of the above embodiments within the scope of the spirit of the present application will fall within the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0063] The nouns and pronouns about people in the present patent application are not limited to a specific gender.

Claims

1. A guide rail for an independent loading system, characterized in that, The guide rail comprises: a plurality of rail sections, each rail section comprising a rail head, a rail bottom and a rail web connecting the rail head and the rail bottom; wherein the rail web and the rail head form a guide surface for a guide wheel of a transport cart; a plurality of connecting pieces, each connecting piece bridging a joint between adjacent rail sections of the plurality of rail sections; wherein each connecting piece comprises a main body portion, a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion; an inner surface of the main body portion is flush with an inner surface of the rail web of the adjacent rail sections such that the guide surfaces of the adjacent rail sections are continuous when bridged by the connecting piece; the first connecting portion is for connecting the connecting piece with a first adjacent rail of the adjacent rail sections, the second connecting portion is for connecting the connecting piece with a second adjacent rail of the adjacent rail sections.

2. The guide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner surface of the main body portion extends to be flush with an inner surface of the rail head of the adjacent rail sections.

3. Rail according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each comprise at least one fastening element for securing the connecting piece to the adjacent rail sections.

4. The guide rail according to claim 3, characterized in that The fastening element comprises a threaded hole adapted to cooperate with a threaded member to secure the connecting piece with the rail sections adjacent to the connecting piece.

5. The guide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that In a direction of movement of the guide wheel of the transport cart, a length of the main body portion is greater than a length of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

6. The guide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that An outer surface of the main body portion further comprises at least one reinforcing rib.

7. The guide rail according to claim 1, wherein The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each comprise at least one positioning member.

8. The guide rail according to claim 1, characterized in that An outer surface of the main body portion comprises a non-slip texture or coating.

9. The guide rail of claim 1, wherein, The connecting piece is integrally formed from metal or high-strength plastic.

10. An independent loading system characterized in that, The independent loading system comprises: a guide rail according to any one of claims 1-9; a plurality of transport carts, each transport cart comprising a guide wheel movable along the guide surface of the rail sections.

Images