Structural module of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems and transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems

Abstract

A structural module (1) of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems, comprising - a plate (2) with a front (3) and a back (4) as well as - at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) which is attached to the side of the back (4) on the plate (2), characterized in that - at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) is attached to the plate (2) on the side of the back (4) by means of clinch connections (6).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural module of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems and a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems. Background of the invention

[0002] European patent application EP3917806A discloses a vehicle comprising at least one structural element supporting a window, at least one window trim, and at least one trim support mounted on the structural element to which the window trim is attached. The at least one trim support is attached to the structural element by clinching. The European patent application focuses on improving the reliability of the assembly of vehicle window trims compared to solutions known from the prior art.

[0003] British patent application GB729772A discloses a metal plate structure comprising a plate reinforced at its edges with flange elements and an outer plate shaped to fit into the opening of a car trunk. The outer plate and the reinforced plate are joined to each other using their circumferential edges. These edges can be joined by clinching. The British patent application focuses on the problem of providing metal plate structures that exhibit the degree of torsional stiffness required for car trunk constructions.

[0004] European patent application EP3109195A1 discloses a modular truss girder for escalators / moving walkways, comprising an upper module, a middle module, and a lower module. The upper and lower modules are connected to the middle module of the truss girder by clinching. The aim of this solution is to reduce the number of components required to manufacture such a truss girder and to shorten its manufacturing time.

[0005] US patent US6964333B2 discloses a conveyor chain guide system comprising a curved chain guide assembly, a straight chain guide assembly, and a support frame. The curved and straight chain guide assemblies can be connected to the support frame by clinching. The patent focuses on solving problems related to the maintenance of conveyor chain guide systems.

[0006] International patent application PCT WO2008098390A1 discloses a steel component that may have two longitudinally extending steel beams or structural members connected to each other using plates, flat bars, sheet metal profiles, or steel profiles, wherein each of the steel beams or structural members has one, two, three, or more clinch connections. The steel component may form part of an escalator. The object of the invention according to this application is to propose a method for clinching sheets and supports made of thick sheet metal using lower clamping forces.

[0007] Publication US10150650B2 discloses a supporting structure for a passenger transportation system designed as an escalator or moving walkway, wherein the supporting structure comprises a framework of interconnected load-bearing framework components, including top chords, bottom chords, crossbeams, diagonal braces, and vertical supports in which connecting openings are formed. The frame components are interconnected by load-bearing connecting components, which are high-strength blind clinch bolts.

[0008] Document GB2524342A discloses a method for manufacturing a component for the automotive industry, in which a metal component is combined with a component made of a fiber-reinforced composite material. The fiber-reinforced composite component is formed with at least one flange and heated to a temperature that enables the fiber-reinforced composite material to be shaped. The metal component, which is perforated in the areas intended for connection with the flange, is placed over the flange of the fiber-reinforced composite component, and the still-hot material of the fiber-reinforced composite component is pressed into the perforations by applying a pressing force, thus creating an interlocking connection.

[0009] Document US2013199900A1 discloses a conveyor belt arrangement comprising a pair of elongated profile frames mounted parallel to each other; a conveyor belt arranged between the profile frames; and a plurality of auxiliary components detachably attached to the outer walls of the profile frames at any position along their length; wherein the surface of the inner walls of the profile frames is planar over their length and height at least in a region where the conveyor belt is arranged.

[0010] The solutions known from the patent literature cited above reveal the use of clinch connections mainly in solutions known from the automotive industry or in escalator or moving walkway constructions, i.e., in structures that are predominantly subject to static loads.

[0011] In practice, the longitudinal reinforcement elements in the structural modules of conveyors that are part of baggage / parcel sorting systems are attached to the structural module plates using welded connections. However, producing such connections is very time-consuming and expensive.

[0012] The object of the invention is to develop a structural module for a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems, the design of which is characterized by high mechanical strength against sudden dynamic loads that occur during the transport of sorted baggage or parcels when they collide with such a module. A further object of the invention is to develop a structural module for a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems with a design that makes it possible to reduce the time and costs associated with the manufacturing process of such a module and consequently of the entire transport device. core of the invention

[0013] The invention relates to a structural module of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems, comprising a plate with a front and a back side, and at least one longitudinal reinforcement element attached to the side of the back side of the plate. The core of the invention consists in the fact that at least one longitudinal reinforcement element is attached to the side of the back side of the plate by means of clinch connections.

[0014] The attachment of at least one longitudinal reinforcement element to the back panel of the aforementioned structural module using clinch connections ensures high mechanical strength of the module's construction against sudden dynamic loads that occur during transport of sorted luggage / parcels due to impacts. Furthermore, this attachment of at least one longitudinal reinforcement element to the back panel using clinch connections reduces the time and costs associated with the manufacturing process of such a module and, consequently, the entire transport device.

[0015] Preferably, the clinch connections are arranged at a distance of at least 30 mm from each other.

[0016] Preferably, the clinch connections are arranged at a distance of 75 to 250 mm from each other, more preferably at a distance of 200 to 250 mm.

[0017] The arrangement of the clinch connections at a distance of 75 to 250 mm, preferably 200 to 250 mm, enables a further reduction in the time and cost associated with the manufacturing process of the structural module of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems and consequently of the entire transport device.

[0018] Preferably, the clinch connections are arranged in at least two rows.

[0019] The use of clinch connections arranged in at least two rows ensures an increase in the resistance of the structural module of a transport device to momentary dynamic loads that occur during the transport of sorted luggage / parcels due to the impact of the luggage / parcels on such a module. Consequently, the use of clinch connections arranged in at least two rows ensures increased durability of the structure of such a module.

[0020] Preferably, at least one edge of the plate is curved.

[0021] Preferably, the plate is made from a sheet of metal with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm.

[0022] Preferably, at least one longitudinal reinforcement element is made from a sheet with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm.

[0023] Preferably, the plate and the at least one longitudinal reinforcing element are made of carbon steel, coated carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0024] Manufacturing the plate and at least one longitudinal reinforcement element of the structural module from carbon steel ensures a higher durability of the construction of such a module.

[0025] Preferably, at least one longitudinal reinforcement element has the cross-sectional shape of a U-profile.

[0026] Preferably, at least one longitudinal reinforcement element has a cross-sectional shape of a U-profile with flange ends bent outwards.

[0027] Preferably, at least one longitudinal reinforcement element has the cross-sectional form of an angle profile.

[0028] The invention further relates to a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems, comprising at least one structural module according to the invention.

[0029] Preferably, at least one structural module according to the invention forms a band, a base or a support of the transport device.

[0030] Preferably, the transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems comprises at least two structural modules according to the invention, and the longitudinal reinforcement elements of adjacent structural modules are arranged parallel and / or perpendicular to each other.

[0031] Preferably, the transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems comprises at least two structural modules according to the invention, and the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements of adjacent structural modules is at least 50 mm. Advantages of the invention

[0032] The use of clinch connections in a structural module according to the invention makes it possible to avoid time-consuming and expensive welding connections.

[0033] The use of the structural module according to the invention leads to a reduction in the time and cost associated with the manufacturing process of such a module.

[0034] The use of the structural module according to the invention makes it possible to avoid the emissions of heat, harmful gases and UV radiation that occur when welding the components of such a module.

[0035] The use of the structural module according to the invention ensures increased safety in the manufacture of such a module. Description of the drawing figures

[0036] The subject matter of the invention is illustrated in the embodiments of a drawing in which: Fig. 1A shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the first embodiment in a perspective view from the side of a back of a plate, Fig. 1B shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the first embodiment in a perspective view from the side of a front of a plate, Fig. 2A shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the second embodiment in a perspective view from the side of a back of a plate, Fig. 2B shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the second embodiment in a perspective view from the side of a front of a plate, Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a structural module of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the first and second embodiments, Fig. 4 a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention with the longitudinal reinforcement element in the form of a U-profile with clinch connections arranged in two rows in cross-section, wherein each of the two rows of clinch connections extends on a base of this element; Fig. 5 shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention, wherein the longitudinal reinforcement element has the form of a U-profile, the clinch connections of which are arranged in a row in cross-section, the clinch connections extending on a base of this element; Fig. Figure 6 shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention, wherein the longitudinal reinforcement element has the cross-sectional form of an angle profile, wherein the clinch connections extend in a row; Fig. 7A shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the form of a belt in a perspective view from the side of a back of a plate, Fig. Figure 7B shows a structural module of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in the form of a belt in a perspective view from the side of a front of a plate, Fig. Figure 8 shows a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention in a fragmentary perspective view from below, Fig. Figure 9 shows an enlarged section of a transport device in luggage / parcel sorting systems according to the invention with visible longitudinal reinforcement elements of a structural module. Detailed description of the invention: The first embodiment of the invention is a structural module of a transporter in baggage / parcel sorting systems.

[0037] A structural module 1 of a transport device 7 in baggage / parcel sorting systems according to the first embodiment ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B) comprises a plate 2 with a front 3 and a back 4 as well as a longitudinal reinforcement element 5 which is attached to the side of the back 4 on the plate 2.

[0038] Plate 2 and longitudinal reinforcement element 5 are made of sheets 2 mm thick. In other embodiments, plate 2 and longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can be made of sheets 3 mm thick. In further embodiments, plate 2 can be made of a sheet 2 mm thick, while longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can be made of a sheet 3 mm thick. In further equally preferred embodiments, plate 2 can be made of a sheet 3 mm thick, while longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can be made of a sheet 2 mm thick.

[0039] Furthermore, plate 2 and longitudinal reinforcement element 5 are made of carbon steel, for example, grade S235 or S355 steel. Manufacturing plate 2 and longitudinal reinforcement element 5 from carbon steel, for example, grade S235 or S355 steel, ensures greater durability of the module's structure. In other embodiments, plate 2 and longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can be made of coated carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or aluminum alloys. Examples of suitable coated carbon steel include powder-coated carbon steel, galvanized carbon steel, or blackened carbon steel. An example of suitable aluminum is AW-1050A aluminum. An example of suitable aluminum alloy is the AlMg1 alloy.

[0040] The longitudinal reinforcement element 5 is attached to the plate 2 on the rear side 4 by means of clinch connections 6. Attaching the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 to the plate 2 on the rear side 4 by means of clinch connections 6 ensures high mechanical strength of the structure of the aforementioned module 1 against momentary dynamic loads that occur during the transport of sorted luggage / packages when the luggage / packages collide with such a module. Furthermore, attaching the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 to the plate 2 on the rear side 4 by means of clinch connections 6 reduces the time and cost required for the production of such a module and consequently of the entire transporter 7.

[0041] The attachment of the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 to the plate 2 on the rear side 4 by means of clinch connections 6 ensures high mechanical strength of the module's structure against sudden dynamic loads that occur during the transport of sorted luggage / packages when the luggage / packages collide with such a module. Furthermore, the attachment of the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 to the plate 2 on the rear side 4 by means of clinch connections 6 reduces the time and costs associated with the manufacturing process of such a module and, consequently, the entire transport device 7.

[0042] The clinch connections 6 are arranged at a distance x from each other, which is, for example, 115 mm. In other embodiments, the clinch connections 6 can be arranged at a distance x from each other, which is, for example, 150 mm. In further embodiments, the clinch connections 6 can be arranged at a distance x from each other, which is, for example, 250 mm. The use of clinch connections 6 arranged at a distance x from each other in the range of 75 to 250 mm, for example, 115 mm or 150 mm, and in particular at a distance x in the range of 200 to 250 mm, for example, 250 mm, enables a further reduction in the time and costs associated with the manufacturing process of the structural module 1 and, consequently, of the entire transport device 7.

[0043] Furthermore, the clinch connections 6 are arranged in two rows. The use of clinch connections 6 arranged in two rows ensures an increase in the strength of the structural module 1 of a transport device 7 against sudden dynamic loads that occur during the transport of the sorted luggage / parcels when the luggage / parcels collide with such a module. Consequently, the use of clinch connections 6 arranged in two rows ensures increased durability of the structure of module 1.

[0044] The longitudinal reinforcement element 5 has the cross-sectional form of a U-profile with outwardly curved leg ends, wherein each of the two rows of clinch connections 6 extends into the outwardly curved ends of the legs of the U-profile ( Fig. 3) In other embodiments, the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can have the form of a U-profile which is attached to the plate 2 by means of clinch connections 6 arranged in two rows, each of the two rows of clinch connections 6 extending on the underside of this element ( Fig. 4) In further embodiments, the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can have the form of a U-profile which is attached to the plate 2 by means of a series of clinch connections 6, wherein the clinch connections 6 extend on the underside of this element ( Fig. 5) In further, equally preferred embodiments, the longitudinal reinforcement element 5 can have the form of an angle profile which is attached to the plate 2 by means of a series of clinch connections 6 ( Fig. 6). Transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems

[0045] A transport device 7 ( Fig. 8, Fig. 9), for example, a belt conveyor, in baggage / parcel sorting systems comprises structural modules 1 according to the invention. The structural modules 1 form belts ( Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B) and a base of the transport device 7. Such a belt can, for example, be 300 mm high and comprise seven longitudinal reinforcement elements 5. In other embodiments, the structural modules 1 can also form supports for the transport device 7. The longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the belts of the transport device 7, are arranged parallel to each other. Likewise, the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the base of the transport device 7, are arranged parallel to each other. In further embodiments, the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the belts of the transport device 7, can be arranged perpendicular to each other, and similarly, the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the base of the transport device 7, can be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0046] Furthermore, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the belts of the transport device 7, is, for example, 50 mm. Likewise, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the base of the transport device 7, is, for example, 50 mm. In other embodiments, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the belts of the transport device 7, can be, for example, 400 mm. Likewise, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the base of the transport device 7, can be, for example, 400 mm. In further embodiments, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the belts of the transport device 7, can be, for example, 450 mm.Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the base of the transport device 7, can be, for example, 450 mm. In other equally preferred embodiments, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the belts of the transport device 7, can be, for example, 500 mm. Likewise, the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements 5 of adjacent structural modules 1, which form the base of the transport device 7, can be, for example, 500 mm.

[0047] The transport device disclosed in the present embodiment is a disclosure that is also inherent in the other embodiments of the structural module 1. The second embodiment of the invention is a structural module of a transporter in baggage / parcel sorting systems.

[0048] The second embodiment ( Fig. 2A, Fig.2B) of the structural module 1 of a transport device 7 in baggage / parcel sorting systems corresponds to the first embodiment, with the difference that the edges of the pair of opposite sides of the plate 2, in this case the pair of shorter sides of the plate 2, are bent towards their rear 4. Labels: 1 Structural module 2 plates 3 Front 4 Back 5 Reinforcing element 6 RCA connectors 7 Transport device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3917806A

[0002] GB 729772A

[0003] EP 3109195A1

[0004] US 6964333B2

[0005] WO 2008098390A1

[0006] US 10150650B2

[0007] GB 2524342A

[0008] US 2013199900A1

[0009]

Claims

A structural module (1) of a transport device in baggage / parcel sorting systems, comprising a plate (2) with a front (3) and a back (4) and at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) which is attached to the plate (2) on the side of the back (4), characterized in that at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) is attached to the plate (2) on the side of the back (4) by means of clinch connections (6). The structural module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clinch connections (6) are spaced apart at a distance (x) of at least 30 mm from each other. The structural module (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the clinch connections (6) are spaced apart from each other at a distance (x) of 75 to 250 mm, preferably at a distance (x) of 200 to 250 mm. The structural module (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clinch connections (6) are arranged in at least two rows. The structural module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one edge of the plate (2) is bent. The structural module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (2) is made from a sheet with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The structural module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) is made from a sheet with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The structural module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (2) and at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) are made of carbon steel, coated carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloys. The structural module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) has the cross-sectional form of a U-profile. The structural module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) has in cross-section the form of a U-profile with leg ends bent outwards. The structural module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one longitudinal reinforcement element (5) has the cross-sectional form of an angle profile. A transport device (7) in baggage / parcel sorting systems, comprising at least one structural module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The transport device (7) in baggage / parcel sorting systems according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one structural module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 forms a belt, a base and / or a support for the transport device (7). The transport device (7) in baggage / parcel sorting systems according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the transport device (7) comprises at least two structural modules (1) and the longitudinal reinforcement elements (5) of adjacent structural modules (1) are arranged parallel and / or perpendicular to each other. The transport device (7) in baggage / parcel sorting systems according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the transport device (7) comprises at least two structural modules (1) and the distance between the longitudinal reinforcement elements (5) of adjacent structural modules (1) is at least 50 mm.

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