24/7 acceptance of mail crates
Task
Weather-protected conveyor system for transporting mail crates through a wall opening
A postal service provider wanted to allow its drivers to deliver to the logistics centre at any time without waiting. The idea: An automated conveyor line moves the delivered crates from the outside area through a wall opening into the logistics centre. The crates first enter a buffer area, where they can later be manually moved to the logistics zone.
To implement this automation, the postal service provider sought an expert in conveyor technology to fulfil two specific requirements: Firstly, the conveyor line, which passes through two wall openings and an unused space, had to overcome a height difference of 1,200 mm. Secondly, the wall opening needed to be closable when the system was not in use to protect the technology and the interior from the weather. For this project, the company enlisted the experts at MK, who designed a customised, weather-protected conveyor line consisting of multiple conveyors.
Solution from mk
Conveyor line with telescopic function for weather protection
The delivery person places the 5 kg mail crates in the covered outdoor area on a RBM-P 2255 powered roller conveyor from mk. The telescopic roller conveyor can be extended approximately 500 mm from the wall opening for loading and then pushed back into the opening after use. A sensor detects the position of the mail crate and activates the conveyor system, which then transports the crates into the building. A manually operated flap reliably seals the opening against weather. The inner opening is covered with a PVC curtain. The mk solution, which includes an automatic fire protection flap, was implemented with a manual design at low cost. In addition, all conveyor components are made of stainless steel, anodised aluminium or high-quality plastic to enhance durability for outdoor use.
Inside the building, the crates are moved along a roller conveyor onto a GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor, which can handle inclines of up to 20° thanks to its excellent traction. The conveyor passes through an unused hall space with a height difference of 1,200 mm and then transfers the crates onto an RBS-P 2066 gravity roller conveyor with an end stop, which is located after another wall opening. The delivered mail crates are temporarily stored in this buffer area. Employees of the postal service provider then transport the crates to the logistics area using a two-line roller conveyor for manual unloading. The roller conveyor can be opened and closed easily with a handle, allowing for easy passage during maintenance work without the need for tools.
Customer benefits
- Flexibility in logistics: The conveyor line enables the automated acceptance of mail crates around the clock
- Long service life: The roller conveyor is weatherproof, durable and low-maintenance thanks to its telescopic design
- Trusting partnership: Thanks to our long-standing relationship, mk’s experts were able to develop a customised solution in collaboration with the customer
Products used
> RBM-P 2255 powered roller conveyor
> RBS-P 2066 gravity roller conveyor
> GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor
