Baggage conveying system and method for filling baggage pieces into baggage carousel for baggage conveying system

By changing baggage from a transport orientation to an upright orientation and optimizing its placement on the baggage carousel, the problem of insufficient space utilization on the baggage carousel has been solved, resulting in more efficient baggage handling and retrieval, and improving airport operational efficiency.

CN116635301BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-02SIEMENS LOGISTICS GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180073366.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-10-27
Filing Date
2021-10-01
Publication Date
2025-12-02
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing baggage carousels are prone to baggage backlog during loading due to passenger delays, resulting in insufficient space utilization. In particular, baggage in the third row is difficult to retrieve, affecting aircraft unloading efficiency and passenger waiting time.

Method used

By changing the orientation of luggage from transportation to upright and optimizing its placement on the luggage carousel, support elements and detection technology are used to ensure that luggage occupies less space in an upright state, achieving efficient filling and retrieval.

Benefits of technology

It has increased the capacity and space utilization of baggage carousels, simplified the baggage retrieval process, reduced passenger waiting time, and improved airport operational efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Baggage dispatch is delayed when the baggage carousel at the airport runs out of capacity. This invention discloses a baggage conveying system (2) and a method for filling baggage items (6) into the baggage carousel (4) of the baggage conveying system (2) in a space-optimized manner, comprising the following steps: Baggage items (6) are placed on a first conveying section (8a) of the baggage conveying system (2) in a flat, stable transport orientation (10). The baggage items (6) are moved from the transport orientation (10) to an upright orientation (12), wherein the baggage items (6) in the upright orientation (12) occupy a smaller support surface on the baggage conveying system (2) compared to the transport orientation (10). The baggage items (6) are introduced into empty spaces (14) of the baggage carousel (4). The baggage items (6) in the upright orientation (12) that are now filled in the previous empty spaces (14) are moved using the baggage carousel (4). Therefore, under the same space requirements, the capacity of the baggage carousel is greatly increased.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a baggage conveying system according to the independent claim and a method for filling baggage items into a baggage carousel for the baggage conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] Baggage is distributed to passengers and baggage handlers via baggage carousels. The carousels are loaded automatically at one or more loading points. Baggage is stored and rotated on the carousel until it is retrieved. If baggage is not retrieved immediately, it retraces its route through the loading point, ensuring that no other baggage is loaded onto the carousel. Simple detectors, such as simple light gratings, determine whether the carousel has space available for loading in the loading area. Loading is only permitted if there is a pre-defined empty space in the loading area.

[0003] Baggage carousels have limited space. If passengers arrive at the carousel later than their luggage, loading will be continuously blocked. Additional luggage cannot be loaded onto the carousel. This causes delays in aircraft unloading, and passengers have to wait unnecessarily long periods for their luggage. In the case of large flights, a backlog of waiting passengers with luggage can block the entrance to the baggage carousel.

[0004] These problems have been mitigated through several measures. Inclined baggage carousels can accommodate baggage from the second row. However, in two-row loading, the baggage conveyor belt is heavily loaded, and retrieval is difficult, sometimes impossible for shorter individuals without assistance. If the second row is already occupied, additional baggage must wait at the loading point, the consequences of which have been discussed. Baggage on large flights is distributed across multiple carousels (separately for priority / business / first class). Increasing the ramp to accommodate baggage from the third row has improved the carousel's storage capacity, but baggage from the third row remains difficult or impossible to retrieve. Alternatively, longer and more numerous carousels could be constructed, or the aforementioned problems could be simply addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides an improved solution based on the objective described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention arise from the dependent claims.

[0006] Regarding the method, the above objective is achieved through a method for filling baggage items into a baggage carousel of a baggage conveyor system. The method includes the following steps:

[0007] a) Transporting baggage items placed on the first conveyor section of the baggage conveying system in a transport orientation, wherein the transport orientation is a flat and stable orientation of the baggage items.

[0008] b) Changing the orientation of baggage items, including moving baggage items from a transport orientation to an upright orientation, wherein baggage items in the upright orientation occupy less support surface on the baggage transport system compared to those in the transport orientation.

[0009] c) Place the luggage into an empty space on the luggage carousel.

[0010] d) Use the baggage carousel to move the baggage that was previously in an upright position and is now filled.

[0011] To ensure reliable transport, baggage in airport baggage handling systems is always transported in a transport orientation. This is especially crucial when the conveyor is inclined, accelerates sharply, or transitions between sections. Transport orientation means that the widest side of the baggage is placed on the conveyor, allowing it to lie flat and relatively stably. Other positions tend to be less stable, and suitcases typically have wheels on their narrower sides. To ensure all baggage is in a transport orientation, baggage detours are used in airport baggage handling systems. However, transporting baggage in a transport orientation presents a very unfavorable space utilization perspective. The orientation of a baggage can be understood both as its position within the baggage handling system and as its three-dimensional orientation, i.e., its orientation in space.

[0012] By standing luggage upright before filling the baggage carousel, luggage occupies less space on the carousel, meaning greater capacity. Therefore, the baggage carousel can be filled in a space-optimized manner.

[0013] The method is applicable even when the luggage is in a transport pallet before being filled, i.e., when it has already been transported in a transport pallet on the first transport section.

[0014] The uprighting includes the rotation of the luggage item about at least one horizontal axis. The uprighting can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with other orientation changes of the luggage item.

[0015] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by different, each advantageous in itself, and—unless otherwise stated—combinable with each other in any way. These designs and their associated advantages will be discussed below.

[0016] To further optimize space utilization, the orientation change of luggage items can include rotation of the luggage item around a vertical axis, such that the shortest side of the luggage item's support surface is oriented vertically along the empty space of the luggage carousel before the luggage item is placed into the empty space. This orientation change can be performed simultaneously with, beforehand, or afterward, the vertical orientation.

[0017] If baggage is positioned with its shortest side / edge along the carousel's running direction, then the baggage carousel has a higher capacity for the same running length.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it is possible to detect the size and / or shape and / or orientation of baggage items in a transport orientation and / or upright orientation, wherein an orientation change of the baggage item is performed based on the detected size and / or detected shape and / or orientation. The orientation determination is preferably three-dimensional.

[0019] To further optimize space utilization and increase capacity, the available space for each baggage item can be selected based on its support surface in an upright orientation. In the prior art, spaces are found for the maximum permissible size of the baggage transport system. The solution according to the invention allows for improved filling. Only a sufficiently large space needs to be found for each baggage item. Larger spaces can be filled with one or more smaller baggage items.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a baggage carousel can have freely selectable or predefined spaces of the same and / or different sizes, wherein the predefined spaces are arranged sequentially along the transport direction of the baggage carousel, and the consecutive predefined spaces have support elements as dividers for supporting baggage items in an upright position. Because the carousel's direction of travel is substantially transverse to the dividers, it is not a problem for suitcases to stand upright on its wheels, especially when the carousel's support surface is also designed with a slight inclination. The support elements can be fixedly or variably positioned, and the size of the spaces, especially limited by the spacing of the support elements, determines the size of the support elements. The support elements can be the same or different sizes, especially different heights. If the support elements are stable enough, baggage items that cannot stand upright for stability reasons (e.g., soft travel bags) or larger baggage items can be placed on one or more support elements and positioned above the main support surface of the baggage carousel, while upright, sufficiently narrow baggage items are loaded into the spaces between two support elements. Therefore, the spaces are predefined and, despite this, can be used flexibly.

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one additional characteristic of the baggage item can be detected, such as hardness and / or profile and / or the position of the handle and / or wheels, and an orientation change can be determined based on the detected additional characteristic. Therefore, the orientation change can not only be performed with minimal support surface, but also take into account the positioning of the baggage item on the baggage carousel to make retrieval particularly simple, for example by facing the passenger with the handle and standing the suitcase on its wheels. The positions of the handle and wheels can be identified using various technologies. The positions of the wheels and / or handles can also be identified based on shape (profile, profile). To achieve more reliable and better identification, the baggage conveying system can repeatedly learn whether the detected additional characteristics have been correctly and sufficiently accurately determined, thereby continuously reducing erroneous determinations.

[0022] According to one implementation, the item can only be uprighted if it is sufficiently stable in an upright position. Therefore, a very soft travel bag, for example, without stable components, cannot stand upright on its own—even when supported by one or two support elements. Whether the stability in an upright position is sufficient for movement can be automatically determined based on the detected characteristics of the baggage. This assessment can also be performed individually and manually, even when automatic assessment is preferred.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the uprighting of the luggage item can be performed by the joint rotation of the first and second conveyor sections together with the luggage item, wherein the luggage item is initially placed on the first conveyor section in a transport orientation, and the second conveyor section serves as a sidewall of the first conveyor section. Furthermore, a third conveyor section can be included, which serves as a cover before the conveyor sections rotate together; this cover is movable toward the luggage item, thereby securing the luggage item during rotation. Significantly, the luggage item has already been rotated about a vertical axis before being uprighted, causing the luggage item to be oriented along the conveyor section with its edges.

[0024] Therefore, according to one embodiment, orientation change can include: rotation of the luggage item about a vertical axis, in such a way that the luggage item is placed on two conveyor units, such as a conveyor belt, in the first conveyor section and the conveyor units are operated independently of each other.

[0025] The present invention features a baggage conveying system comprising mechanisms for performing the method according to the invention. The baggage conveying system according to the invention includes a first conveying section, a baggage carousel, an orientation changing device, and an introduction device. The first conveying section is designed to transport baggage items placed on the first conveying section in a transport orientation, wherein the transport orientation is a flat, stable orientation of the baggage items. The orientation changing device is designed to move the baggage items from the transport orientation to an upright orientation, wherein the baggage items in the upright orientation occupy a smaller support surface compared to the transport orientation. Furthermore, the introduction device is designed to selectively introduce baggage items into vacant spaces on the baggage carousel adapted to the baggage items in the upright orientation.

[0026] Whether the transport orientation, as a flat and stable orientation, is actually the most stable orientation for baggage is irrelevant to implementing the method according to the invention. What is important is that the optimization of the initial orientation, referred to herein as the transport orientation, is performed towards an orientation in which the space utilization of the baggage carousel is optimized.

[0027] The conveying system has the same advantages as the proposed method, provided it is adaptable.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the orientation changing device can be designed to rotate luggage items about a horizontal and / or vertical axis such that the shortest side of the luggage item's support surface is oriented along the empty space on the luggage carousel before being placed into an empty space. The orientation changing device can comprise multiple individual devices / units. The rotation of the luggage item about a vertical axis can be performed by the orientation changing device by placing the luggage item on two conveyor units, such as a conveyor belt, in a first conveyor section and operating the conveyor units independently of each other—the first conveyor section is therefore included in the orientation changing device.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the baggage conveying system may further include a detection unit for detecting the size and / or shape and / or orientation of baggage items in a transport orientation and / or upright orientation, wherein an orientation changing device is designed to perform an orientation change of the baggage item based on the detected size and / or detected shape and / or orientation, and / or the detection unit is designed to detect at least one additional characteristic of the baggage item, such as hardness and / or profile and / or the position of handles and / or wheels, wherein the orientation changing device is designed to determine the orientation change together with the detected at least one additional characteristic.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the introducing device can be designed to select an empty space for the luggage based on the support surface of the luggage in an upright orientation, and / or the orientation changing device can be designed to perform an orientation change only if the luggage in an upright orientation is sufficiently stable.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the baggage carousel can have freely selectable or predefined spaces of the same and / or different sizes, wherein the predefined spaces can be successively arranged along the transport direction of the baggage carousel, and the consecutive predefined spaces can have support elements as dividing devices for supporting baggage items in an upright position. Baggage items can be located on the support elements / dividing devices between two different spaces—therefore the spaces are further predefined, and still flexible enough to accommodate baggage items with different sized support surfaces. It is feasible to variably position the support elements to allow for free selection of the spaces.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the orientation changing device can include first and second conveyor sections, configured such that luggage is initially placed on the first conveyor section in a transport orientation, and a second conveyor section can be configured as a sidewall of the first conveyor section. The orientation changing device is designed to allow the first and second conveyor sections, along with the luggage, to rotate together, such that after rotation, the luggage is placed on the second conveyor section in an upright orientation. Furthermore, the orientation changing device can also include a third conveyor section disposed opposite the first conveyor section and rotatable together with the first and second conveyor sections. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein lies:

[0034] Figure 1 A baggage conveying system according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 Showing the orientation changing device;

[0036] Figure 3a -c indicates a luggage conveyor turntable with supporting elements. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 A baggage conveying system 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Baggage items 6 are transported toward a baggage carousel 4 on a first conveying section 8a, and a detector 24 detects the three-dimensional orientation of the baggage items 6 initially placed on the conveying section 8a in a flat, stable transport orientation 10. Based on the detected orientation, the orientation of the baggage items 6 is changed by an orientation changing device 20. Figure 1 In the process, baggage item 6 first rotates about a vertical axis and then about a horizontal axis to stand upright in an upright position 12, minimizing its support surface. Then, baggage item 6 is introduced onto baggage carousel 4 and rotates with the carousel until it is retrieved by the passenger.

[0038] To illustrate the space-saving feature of the invention, three baggage pieces 6* are shown on the left side of the baggage carousel 4, positioned in transport orientation 10. Baggage pieces 6 in upright orientation 12 can be seen on the right side. For illustrative purposes, all baggage pieces 6, 6* are the same size, even though this does not correspond to actual airport conditions. Using the method according to the invention, the capacity is tripled when the carousel size is the same, assuming the baggage piece sizes shown.

[0039] Figure 2 An orientation-changing device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The orientation-changing device 20 includes a first conveying section 8a and a second conveying section 8b, the second conveying section being configured to face the sidewall of the first conveying section 8a. Figure 2 The embodiment shown also includes an optional third conveyor section 8c, which—again optional—can be moved downwards to the baggage item 6 placed on the first conveyor section 8a at the transport orientation 10. This can also be done first during subsequent steps. The third conveyor section 8c is pressed onto the baggage item to prevent it from tipping over in the orientation-changing device 20. Rotation about the travel direction axis 26 has been completed. The baggage item is placed upright on the baggage carousel 4.

[0040] Three conveyor sections 8a, 8b, and 8c are arranged in a horizontal U-shape. The baggage piece 6 is initially conveyed along the common transport direction 26 of conveyor sections 8a, 8b, and 8c, and the conveyor sections 8a, 8b, and 8c rotate together, causing the baggage piece 6 to subsequently be placed upright 12 on the second conveyor section 8b. The baggage piece 6 is then tilted from one conveyor 8a onto another 8b.

[0041] In the tilted position that occurs with the rotation of the first conveyor section 8a, accompanied by the rotation of conveyor sections 8a, 8b, and 8c, the baggage item 6 slides toward the second conveyor section 8b and is oriented there—however, this does not necessarily cause the shortest edge of the support surface to subsequently be oriented in an upright orientation 12 along the transport direction 26 of the baggage carousel 4. To achieve this, the baggage item 6 must also rotate individually about a vertical axis so as to be optimally oriented—either before or after it becomes upright. This can be achieved, for example, by a two-piece conveyor section 8 having an independently operable conveyor belt on which the baggage item 6 is simultaneously placed. For introduction onto the baggage carousel 4, the conveyor section 8b serves as an introduction device 22.

[0042] A similar tipping of luggage item 6 can be achieved by folding the two conveyors 8a and 8b upwards into a V-shape and then rotating them 45 degrees. Luggage item 6 then tipes towards one side 8a / 8b.

[0043] Another detector 24 observes the baggage carousel 4. Therefore, it can be ensured that baggage items 6 are only introduced onto the baggage carousel 4 if the existing empty spaces 14, 14' are of sufficient size.

[0044] The orientation changing device 20 can also be designed in a completely different way, for example, as a grasping robot 20, 22, which also serves as an introduction device 22 and grasps the luggage 6, stands it upright and places the optimally oriented luggage 6, 12 directly onto the luggage carousel 4.

[0045] Of course, according to the invention, it is also possible to implement the orientation changing device 20 and the introduction device 22 in a different manner than described above, and many techniques in the art are available to those skilled in the art. The detector 24 can generate data, orientation recognition, and shape and / or contour recognition of the luggage item 6 by means of the strategically positioned grating 24, but it can also be performed by image analysis methods or other methods.

[0046] For optimal filling, uprightness, and orientation, it is advantageous to know the location and dimensions of baggage piece 6 before operation. It is also meaningful to utilize other characteristics of baggage piece 6, such as its shape, rigidity, profile, and the orientation of its handles and wheels, to determine its final position on the baggage carousel 4. These are determined by detector 24. For passengers, it is ergonomically advantageous to retrieve baggage if the wheels are not pointing upwards and the handles or pull rods are in their direction or at least upwards. This should be taken into account if feasible.

[0047] The baggage conveying system 2 includes a back-end system capable of planning and executing orientation changes of baggage items 6 based on characteristics detected by detector 24. Soft travel bags 6 do not possess sufficient stability to stand upright in the upright orientation 12—in this case, it is preferable to orient the shortest side in the transport orientation 10 along the transport direction 26 of the baggage carousel 4.

[0048] Figure 3a , 3b Figure 3c shows a side view of a baggage carousel 4 according to the invention, the baggage carousel having support elements 18 for separating the baggage carousel slots 14.

[0049] Support element 18 in Figure 3a The center is wedge-shaped, but other shapes are also possible, or a simple plate-type divider 18, such as in Figure 3b and 3cAs shown in the diagram, luggage item 6 can be introduced into the space 14 provided between the support elements 18 in an upright position 12. In a design where the edges of the support elements 14 are not too sharp and are stable, for example by choosing a soft PU material, luggage item 6, which cannot / should not be placed in the upright position 12, can also be placed on the multiple support elements 18 in a transport position 10. Then, the space 14' extends on the multiple support elements 18', and luggage items 6, 10 are still supported by the larger support element 18'. Luggage trays can also be placed on the multiple support elements 18.

[0050] Figure 3c The support elements 18 and 18' have different heights, and the selection of slots 14' and 14' is variable. The taller support element 18' also supports baggage items 6 placed on the shorter support element 18 in the transport orientation 10, thus defining a larger slot 14', which can also be used as multiple smaller slots 14 as needed. The regular occurrence of the larger support element 18' and the abandonment of the smaller support elements 18 match the typical baggage diversity of the corresponding airport.

[0051] Advantageously, the support elements 18, 18' are positioned on the trolleys of the baggage carousel 4, allowing the baggage item 6 to be placed on only one trolley. This reduces the risk of the baggage item 6 being caught. It is also feasible to use variablely positioned support elements 18, 18', which press against the baggage item 6 before, during, or after it is introduced into the corresponding empty space 14. This further minimizes space requirements, and the baggage item 6 is well supported by the support element 18, allowing even very soft baggage items 6 to be upright.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the baggage carousel 4 loads baggage items 6 directly via a conveyor belt 8, which serves as an introduction device 22. In a first optimization phase, a sensor 24 located on the baggage carousel 4 upstream of the loading point determines a sufficiently large gap 14 for each arriving baggage item 6. This gap 14 need not be large enough to accommodate the largest permissible baggage item in terms of size with respect to surrounding baggage items 6. This already increases the capacity of the baggage carousel 4, even without optimization of the baggage item 6's orientation.

[0053] To optimize space utilization, the shape and orientation of each piece of luggage are determined upstream of the introduction device 22 before it is placed onto the luggage carousel 4. This can be done via a grating.

[0054] In the second optimization stage, after orientation recognition, baggage item 6 is rotated along the vertical axis so that only the length corresponding to the shorter side length is required on the baggage carousel 4. An additional baggage rotation device 20 is needed. This can be achieved by a conveyor 8 with two parallel and independently controllable conveyor belts. Devices for rotating the transported goods 6 are known.

[0055] In the third optimization stage, the three-dimensional luggage item 8 leaves the transport orientation 10, in which the luggage item 6 is typically placed flat on the conveying equipment with its shortest edge facing upwards. Through rotation about the vertical axis in the second optimization stage, the shortest edge (also vertical) is no longer along the transport direction of the luggage carousel 4. By means of a second rotating device 20 in the transport direction 26, the luggage item 6 is uprighted into the upright orientation 12. Accordingly, the space required on the luggage carousel 4 is reduced to the shortest edge of the luggage item 4. Therefore, according to the invention, the luggage item 6 is preferably transported side-by-side on the luggage carousel 4 rather than flat in the transport orientation 10.

[0056] In principle, the order in which the optimization phases are executed is not important.

[0057] The suitcase 6 typically has a handle on its long side and a foot on the opposite side. The suitcase stands more stably on the foot, making it advantageous to rotate onto it. As a further optimization, the orientation of the foot and handle sides is identified using artificial intelligence (e.g., by processing the readings from the orientation identification of the grating sensor 24). Rotation is controlled so that the suitcase 6 stands upright on the foot.

[0058] Luggage items unsuitable for upright transport can be trained into artificial intelligence and then identified.

[0059] Because luggage in the upright position 12 is prone to tipping over, this is prevented by a suitable, laterally supported structure. Figure 3a , 3b 3c). This is especially suitable for tilted baggage carousels 4.

[0060] With the help of this invention, the space on the luggage carousel 4 is better utilized. The luggage 6 varies in size. A typical size of 79×50×30cm will be used as an example for space saving. In the first optimization stage, 79cm and approximately 10cm of clearance, i.e., 89cm of space, are required on the luggage carousel 4.

[0061] In the second optimization phase, only 50cm + 10cm = 60cm is needed. If suitcase 6 is transported in an upright position 12, then 30cm + 10cm = 40cm is sufficient. Less than half the space is required. Even in a small suitcase of 55×40×20cm, a saving of 65cm to 30cm is achieved. More than twice the number of suitcases can be stored on the same length. Larger and more numerous flights can handle these at baggage carousel 4.

[0062] In the newly created scenario, fewer baggage carousels 4 can be set up. In addition to better space utilization on the baggage carousels 4, it also creates ergonomic advantages for passengers. The handles point upwards (towards the flat baggage carousel 4) or towards the passenger making the retrieval (towards the tilted baggage carousel 4). Baggage items 6 can be more easily grasped and retrieved.

[0063] This invention is applicable not only to baggage carousels 4 that send baggage items 6 to passengers, but also to baggage carousels 4 and other terminals in the loading and logistics field.

[0064] List of reference numerals

[0065] 2. Baggage conveyor system

[0066] 4 Luggage Carousels

[0067] 6 pieces of luggage

[0068] 8 conveyor sections

[0069] 10 Transportation Directions

[0070] 12 upright directions

[0071] 14 open positions

[0072] 16 min The shortest side of the luggage

[0073] 18 support elements

[0074] 20-position change equipment

[0075] 22. Equipment introduced

[0076] 24 detectors / detection units

[0077] 26 Transportation Directions

Claims

1. A method for filling a baggage carousel (4) of a baggage transport system (2) with baggage items (6), comprising the following steps: a) Transporting baggage items (6) placed on the first transport section (8a) of the baggage transport system (2) in a transport orientation (10), wherein the transport orientation (10) is a flat and stable orientation of the baggage items (6); b) To change the orientation of the baggage item (6), including moving the baggage item (6) from the transport orientation (10) to the upright orientation (12), wherein the baggage item (6) in the upright orientation (12) occupies a smaller support surface on the baggage conveying system (2) compared to the transport orientation (10). c) The baggage item (6) is placed into the empty space (14) of the baggage carousel (4); d) Using the baggage carousel (4), the baggage items (6) in the upright position (12) in the previously empty slot (14) that has now been filled are moved.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: The orientation change of the luggage item (6) includes rotating the luggage item (6) about a vertical axis such that before the luggage item (6) is introduced into the empty space (14), the shortest side (16) of the support surface of the luggage item (6) is... min Oriented along the empty space (14) of the baggage carousel (4).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the method step: The size and / or shape and / or orientation of the baggage piece (6) in the transport orientation (10) and / or the upright orientation (12) are detected, wherein the orientation change of the baggage piece (6) is performed based on the detected size and / or detected shape and / or orientation.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Based on the support surface of the luggage item (6) in the upright position (12), a space (14) for the luggage item (6) is selected.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The baggage carousel (4) has freely selectable or predefined empty spaces (14) with the same and / or different sizes, wherein the predefined empty spaces (14) are arranged successively along the transport direction of the baggage carousel (4), and the consecutive predefined empty spaces (14) have support elements for supporting baggage pieces (6) in an upright position as a dividing device.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the method step: Detect at least one additional characteristic of the baggage piece (6), and determine the orientation change based on the detected at least one additional characteristic.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein at least one additional characteristic of the luggage item (6) is rigidity and / or profile and / or the position of the handle and / or the rollers.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The orientation change is only performed when the goods in the upright orientation (12) are sufficiently stable.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The uprighting of the luggage item (6) is performed by rotating the first conveyor section (8a) and the second conveyor section (8b) together with the luggage item (6), wherein the luggage item (6) is initially placed on the first conveyor section (8a) in the transport orientation (10), and the second conveyor section (8b) is configured as a side wall of the first conveyor section (8a).

10. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The orientation change includes rotating the baggage piece (6) about a vertical axis, such that the baggage piece (6) is placed on two conveying units of the first conveying section (8a), and the conveying units are operated independently of each other.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the conveying unit is a conveyor belt.

12. A baggage conveying system (2), comprising a first conveying section (8a), a baggage carousel (4), an orientation changing device (20), and an introduction device (22), wherein a) The first conveying section (8a) is designed to transport baggage items (6) placed on the first conveying section (8a) in a transport orientation (10), wherein the transport orientation (10) is a flat and stable orientation of the baggage items (6); b) The orientation changing device (20) is designed to move the baggage piece (6) from the transport orientation (10) to the upright orientation (12), wherein the baggage piece (6) occupies less support surface in the upright orientation (12) compared to the transport orientation (10); c) The introducing device (22) is designed to selectively introduce the baggage item (6) into the baggage carousel (4) into the empty space (14) of the baggage item (6) in the upright position (12).

13. The baggage conveying system (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The orientation changing device (20) is designed to rotate the baggage piece (6) about a horizontal and / or vertical axis such that the shortest side (16) of the support surface of the baggage piece (6) is positioned such that it is rotated about the horizontal and / or vertical axis before being inserted into the empty space (14). min Oriented along the empty space (14) of the baggage carousel (4).

14. The baggage conveying system (2) according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: A detection unit (24) is configured to detect the size and / or shape and / or orientation of a baggage item (6) in the transport orientation (10) and / or the upright orientation (12), wherein the orientation changing device (20) is designed to perform an orientation change of the baggage item (6) based on the detected size and / or detected shape and / or orientation, and / or the detection unit (24) is designed to detect at least one additional characteristic of the baggage item (6), wherein the orientation changing device (20) is designed to determine the orientation change together with the detected at least one additional characteristic.

15. The baggage conveying system (2) according to claim 14, wherein at least one additional characteristic of the baggage piece (6) is rigidity and / or profile and / or the position of the handle and / or the rollers.

16. The baggage conveying system (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The introducing device (22) is designed to select an empty space (14) for the baggage item (6) based on the support surface of the baggage item (6) in the upright orientation (12), and / or the orientation changing device (20) is designed to perform the orientation change only if the item in the upright orientation (12) is sufficiently stable.

17. The baggage conveying system (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The baggage carousel (4) has freely selectable or predetermined empty spaces (14) with the same and / or different sizes, wherein the predetermined empty spaces (14) are arranged successively along the transport direction of the baggage carousel (4), and the consecutive predetermined empty spaces (14) have support elements (18) as dividing devices for supporting baggage items (6) in the upright position (12).

18. The baggage conveying system (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The orientation changing device (20) includes a first conveying section (8a) and a second conveying section (8b), and is configured such that the luggage item (6) is initially placed on the first conveying section (8a) in a transport orientation (10), and the second conveying section (8b) is configured as a sidewall of the first conveying section (8a), and wherein the orientation changing device (20) is designed to rotate the first and second conveying sections (8a, 8b) together with the luggage item (6) such that after rotation, the luggage item (6) is placed on the second conveying section (8b) in an upright orientation (12).

Citation Information

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