Method of optimally operating a conveying system and conveying system

Abstract

The transport container conveying system for parcels of different sizes is characterized by suboptimal space utilization during transport and storage. This invention discloses a method for optimizing the operation of a transport container conveying system (2) for parcels (6), particularly an airport baggage conveying system, the method comprising the following steps: a) introducing the parcel (6) into the conveying system (2) at an inlet; b) providing a larger first-class transport container (4a) and a smaller second-class transport container (4b) for respectively accommodating the parcel (6); c) automatically detecting the size of the parcel (6); d) automatically associating the parcel (6) with either the first-class or second-class transport container (4a, 4b) based on the detected size; e) automatically loading the associated transport container (4a, 4b) with the parcel (6); f) transporting the transport container (4a, 4b) loaded with the parcel (6) on an active conveying section (10); g) performing steps a) to f) for another parcel (6). The present invention discloses a conveying system (2) including a mechanism for applying the method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of conveying systems for individual cargo, particularly conveying systems for transporting individual cargo in transport containers, and also to dedicated airport baggage conveying systems. Background Technology

[0002] Each airport operator aims to operate its baggage handling system as efficiently as possible. The capacity of each baggage handling system is limited by its conveyor segments and its early arrival baggage storage system. The availability of space is a constraint. The larger the shipping container used, the more space is required.

[0003] During or after check-in, baggage is loaded into transport containers, typically from above or sideways. The size of the transport containers is selected in relation to airport requirements, ensuring that the majority of all baggage is fitted into the chosen container. Baggage exceeding the maximum transport container size is handled as oversized baggage. Oversized baggage is manually picked out during baggage check-in and processed in dedicated oversized baggage transport containers. These containers can also be transported and processed on some—but not all—transportation systems, however, at different points than those used for regular baggage, where they are loaded, introduced into the system, and exit the gates. The choice of container size used in baggage handling facilities is related to customer requirements, which vary by region.

[0004] Because the size of shipping containers is determined based on the dimensions of the largest piece of baggage to be transported (checked baggage, not large luggage), shipping containers are often oversized for a portion of the cargo being transported, resulting in at least partial "leer transport." In baggage storage systems, many empty spaces are stacked.

[0005] To better utilize existing baggage handling facilities and increase their efficiency and maximum possible throughput, existing baggage handling facilities that have reached their maximum capacity can continue to operate without the need for space-intensive, component-intensive, and cost-intensive expansions. New baggage handling facilities can be designed to be smaller. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved baggage handling facility. This objective is achieved by a method and handling system having the features of this invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described below.

[0007] The solution according to the invention relates to a method for optimizing the operation of a conveying system for transporting variable-sized parcels in containers, particularly for airport baggage handling systems, wherein the conveying system includes an active conveying section. The method comprises the following steps:

[0008] a) The item is introduced into the conveying system at the inlet, while other items may be introduced into the conveying system at the same inlet, regardless of their size (2).

[0009] (b) Provide Class I and Class II transport containers for accommodating individual cargo, wherein the Class I transport container is larger than the Class II transport container and the transport containers can be transported on the same active transport segment of the transport system.

[0010] c) Automated detection of at least one dimension, preferably length, of the shipment.

[0011] d) Based on the detected dimensions of the shipment, the shipment is automatically associated with a first-class or second-class transport container via a back-end system included in the conveying system.

[0012] e) Transport the cargo toward the loading point and automatically load the associated transport container with the cargo at the loading point.

[0013] f) Transporting a shipping container loaded with a piece of cargo toward a sorting target associated with the piece of cargo on one or more active conveyor sections.

[0014] g) For another item, perform steps a) to f).

[0015] The transport containers are preferably passively transported, directly or indirectly, laid flat by an active conveyor section, making the transport containers cost-effective and eliminating the need for separate or associated driving units comprising an active conveyor mechanism, such as an AGV. Furthermore, the conveying system can be designed to transport other transport containers filled with individual items (e.g., containers for bulky luggage), which can, but are not required, be introduced into the conveying system at other locations. Even though the method is preferably designed for ordinary luggage as individual items, it can also be used for bulky luggage or a mixture of ordinary and bulky luggage. The introduction of individual items intended for the method can occur at the same or different introduction points; decisively, there is no need for diversion of individual items intended for the method at the introduction point.

[0016] The method provides at least two categories of transport containers, each designed to accommodate at least one piece of cargo of a corresponding size, and automatically associates the piece of cargo with one of the at least two categories in relation to its detected dimensions. The method can be applied to piece of cargo.

[0017] The solution according to the invention is characterized by non-manually associating cargo with the category of transport container based on the detected dimensions of the cargo. Space utilization of transport containers is improved by providing transport containers of different sizes and associating cargo with matching transport container sizes, i.e., first-category or second-category containers; larger first-category containers must be used only for larger cargo. Cargo associated with first-category or second-category containers can also be referred to as first-category cargo or second-category cargo, and the same applies to other categories of transport containers. Most cargo is relatively small, and for the smaller (second-category) cargo, the smaller (second-category) transport containers are designed to be large enough. However, in the absence of smaller (second-category) transport containers, it is of course feasible to load (second-category) cargo, whose dimensions are also matched to smaller (second-category) transport containers, into first-category transport containers. Of course, it is also feasible to load small second-category shipments together into shipping containers when the sorting targets are the same, and to load very small shipments into second-category shipping containers or first-category shipping containers.

[0018] This invention is applied in the field of airport baggage handling systems, but it can also be used in other logistics systems, such as parcel sorting facilities. The sorting target can be a specific flight or an early baggage storage system for pre-check-in.

[0019] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by different design schemes, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be arbitrarily combined with each other unless otherwise explained. The design schemes and their associated advantages are discussed below.

[0020] The spectrum of shipping container categories can be expanded arbitrarily in principle; however, for optimization reasons, the number of shipping container categories is kept small because it is also necessary to transport back and provide separate, personalized shipments of different categories of shipping containers.

[0021] A piece of cargo associated with either a Category 1 or Category 2 shipping container is referred to as a Category 1 piece of cargo or a Category 2 piece of cargo, such that a Category 1 piece of cargo has at least a larger size than a Category 2 piece of cargo. However, in the absence of Category 2 shipping containers, Category 2 piece of cargo can certainly be loaded into Category 1 shipping containers. The size of the smaller (Category 2) shipping container determines the maximum permissible size of the (smaller) Category 2 piece of cargo. Whenever a piece of cargo is too large to fit into a Category 2 shipping container, it is referred to as a Category 1 piece of cargo and associated with a Category 1 shipping container.

[0022] External dimensions are an important characteristic of cargo for size inspection. In the case of cargo being loaded into shipping containers with aligned parts, length dimension is particularly crucial to the cargo's relationship to the container.

[0023] In the context of this invention, the back-end system can be integrated into the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system within the airport baggage handling system, which monitors and controls the technical processes within the airport baggage handling system.

[0024] To optimize the method, one or more method steps can be executed automatically.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the method steps include: providing a passive load-bearing mechanism sized to accommodate at least two transport containers, each loaded with at least one piece of cargo; and loading the load-bearing mechanism with the at least two transport containers, wherein the at least two transport containers are transported on one or more active transport sections, completely or at least partially laid flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism. The loading of the load-bearing mechanism is performed prior to method step f).

[0026] Therefore, shipping containers laid flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism are indirectly transported flat on the conveyor section. It is feasible to operate the method such that all or only some of the shipping containers are transported flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism. Other shipping containers not laid flat on the load-bearing mechanism can be transported directly flat on the conveyor section. The passive load-bearing mechanism can be designed in various ways, for example, as a pallet.

[0027] According to one implementation, the passive load-bearing mechanism can be a first-class transport container. Therefore, only smaller (second-class or higher-class) transport containers are transported indirectly, laid flat on the transport section, while first-class transport containers are transported directly, laid flat on the transport section. This method requires fewer different components, and the large first-class transport containers can be used not only to accommodate first-class cargo but also to accommodate smaller second (and higher-class) transport containers filled with cargo.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the detection of at least one dimension of the cargo can be performed using one or more optical sensors, such as cameras, gratings, and / or photodetectors, wherein the one or more optical sensors are positioned above and / or along and / or laterally to the direction of movement of the cargo. According to one embodiment, loading and / or unloading of transport containers with the cargo can be performed from above and / or laterally.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a first category of transport containers may have a first length and a first width, and a second category of transport containers may have a second length and a second width, wherein the first length may be greater than or equal to the first width, and the second length may be greater than or equal to the second width. Therefore, the transport containers are rectangular or square. The first length may be greater than or equal to the second length, and the first width may be greater than or equal to the second width. Therefore, the second category of transport containers is matched with the first category of transport containers. Preferably, the first width is substantially at least a multiple of the second width, and / or the first length is substantially at least a multiple of the second length. Therefore, optimized space utilization can be achieved. The expression "substantially at least a multiple" means that the length and / or width of the transport containers are designed to match each other, such that two or more transport containers, along with any necessary intermediate space, fill the length or width of the first category of transport containers.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, a third type of transport container can be provided, and the method according to any one of the above embodiments can be performed using the third type of transport container, wherein the third type of transport container is smaller than the first type of transport container, and its size is designed to be smaller than or different from that of the second type of transport container, and the method steps according to the invention can be performed using the third type of transport container, the first type of transport container, and the second type of transport container.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the dimensions of the third category of transport containers can also be advantageously selected and matched with the dimensions of the first and second category of transport containers. Therefore, the third category of transport containers can have a third width and a third length, wherein the third width can be less than or equal to the second width, and the third length can be less than or equal to the second length. Preferably, the first width can be substantially a multiple of the third width, and / or the first length can be substantially a multiple of the third length. The same applies to the aspect ratio of the second and third category of transport containers.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the passive load-bearing mechanism may be provided with a first retaining mechanism, and the transport container may be provided with a second retaining mechanism. The first retaining mechanism is designed to work together with the second retaining mechanism, particularly in a form-fitting manner, in that the working first and second retaining mechanisms restrict the movement of the transport container which is placed flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the loading of transport containers can be carried out at a loading station corresponding to their category, where the loading stations for different categories are inconsistent. Alternatively, the loading of transport containers can be carried out at a common loading station, regardless of their category, where associated transport containers are first transported toward the common loading station. In a second alternative, the transport paths of different categories of transport containers are inconsistent before loading at their loading stations, including only partial inconsistencies. Therefore, separate storage systems for first-category and second-category transport containers can be set up close to the loading station, allowing transport containers to be quickly provided to the loading station. The common loading station should be understood as a category-independent loading station where both first-category and second-category transport containers can be loaded in the same way. Therefore, the loading of first-category and second-category transport containers can be performed using only one loading device; however, the correct category of transport container associated with the shipment must be selectively provided at the correct time at the common loading station.

[0034] According to one implementation, the size of the first category of transport containers and / or the second category of transport containers can be determined based on the spectrum of goods transported on the transport system.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the temporary storage of transport containers (or multiple loaded transport containers) loaded with goods can be carried out in a temporary storage system included in the conveying system, preferably before reaching the (final) sorting target. The temporary storage system serves as an early baggage storage system. In the temporary storage system, goods associated with a specific target (a specific aircraft, a specific delivery vehicle) are temporarily stored, for example, stacked, in their transport containers. In a particularly advantageous design, the temporary storage system can be designed for stacking transport containers, wherein, in a particularly advantageous design, the dimensions of first-category transport containers and second-category transport containers can be coordinated with each other so that different categories of transport containers can be stacked on top of each other. Thus, the dimensions of first-category transport containers and second-category transport containers can be matched with each other so that, for example, two second-category transport containers can be stacked on top of a first-category transport container. However, it is also feasible for first-category transport containers and second-category transport containers to differ only in their height or for different categories of transport containers to not be stacked on top of each other. It is also feasible to remove transport containers individually from the passive load-bearing mechanism. However, it is also feasible to accommodate all transport containers laid flat on the load-bearing mechanism together in the temporary storage system.

[0036] In terms of equipment, the objectives mentioned above are achieved by a conveying system for transporting variable-sized items in containers, the conveying system including mechanisms for performing the method according to the invention. Wherever adaptable, the conveying system possesses the same advantages detailed with respect to the proposed method.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the conveying system may include at least one inlet for introducing cargo into the conveying system regardless of its size. Furthermore, the conveying system may include a first-class transport container and a second-class transport container designed to respectively accommodate cargo, wherein the first-class transport container is larger than the second-class transport container.

[0038] The conveying system may have an active conveying section for transporting first-class and second-class transport containers, wherein the transport containers can be transported on the same active conveying section of the conveying system. The conveying system may include a detection unit for automatically detecting at least one dimension, preferably length, of the shipment, and a back-end system for automatically associating the shipment with either a first-class or second-class transport container based on the detected dimensions of the shipment via the back-end system included in the conveying system. Furthermore, loading sections for automatically loading the associated transport containers with the shipments and the active conveying section may be designed to transport the shipment-loaded transport containers toward the sorting target associated with the shipment.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the conveying system may include a passive load-bearing mechanism, the passive load-bearing mechanism being sized to accommodate at least two transport containers, each loaded with at least one piece of cargo, wherein the passive load-bearing mechanism can be transported flat on the active conveying section, and wherein the passive load-bearing mechanism may be a first-class transport container.

[0040] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the conveying system may include at least one loading area for loading transport containers for piecework, wherein the conveying system has its own loading area for each type of transport container, wherein the loading areas for different types are inconsistent, or wherein at least one loading area is a common loading area for each type of transport container.

[0041] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the conveying system may include an additional third category of transport containers. In the conveying system according to the invention, similar to the method described above, the dimensions of different categories of transport containers can be coordinated with each other.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the conveying system may have a common loading area designed for loading both first-category and second-category transport containers. Therefore, loading of both categories requires only one loading device; however, the correct category of transport container associated with the shipment must be selectively provided to the common loading area at the correct time.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the conveying system may have a first loading section for loading first-category transport containers and a second loading section for loading second-category transport containers, wherein the first and second loading sections are not aligned with each other. Therefore, cargo must be transported to the first or second loading section according to its association with a first-category or second-category transport container, which—when the first and second loading sections are not positioned close to each other—requires two loading devices. However, in cases of high cargo volume, multiple loading devices are typically needed to load all cargo, preventing additional redundancy from occurring through different loading sections. Therefore, the loading devices can be specifically optimized for loading first-category or second-category transport containers.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the conveying system may have a first conveying section and a second conveying section for separately conveying first-class and second-class transport containers to their loading positions.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the conveying system may have one or more optical sensors, such as cameras, gratings and / or photodetectors, wherein the one or more optical sensors are arranged above and / or along and / or laterally to the direction of movement of the cargo, and wherein the one or more optical sensors are designed to determine the dimensions of the cargo before loading the transport container.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the passive load-bearing mechanism may be provided with a first retaining mechanism, and the transport container may be provided with a second retaining mechanism. The first retaining mechanism is designed to work together with the second retaining mechanism, especially to work in a form-fitting manner, in that the working first and second retaining mechanisms restrict the movement of the transport container which is placed flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of exemplary reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein lies:

[0048] Figure 1 shows, in top view (Figure 1a) and side view (Figure 1b), a conveying system according to the invention having a common loading area for first-class and second-class transport containers;

[0049] Figure 2 A conveying system according to the invention is shown, having a first loading section and a second loading section for transport containers of a first category and a second category, respectively.

[0050] Figure 3 Different categories of transport containers are shown;

[0051] Figure 4 shows the configuration of different types of transport containers on the load-bearing mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1 shows, in a top view (Figure 1a) and a side view (Figure 1b) of a conveying system 2 according to the invention, having a common loading section 14ab for first-class transport containers and second-class transport containers 4a, 4b. Figure 2 According to another embodiment, a conveying system 2 according to the invention is shown having two separate loading sections 14a, 14b: a first loading section 14a for a first category of transport container 4a and a second loading section 14b for a second category of transport container 4b.

[0053] In both embodiments, baggage item 6 is first introduced into conveyor system 2 (at check-in counters, baggage drop-off counters, aircraft unloading, etc.) and then transported along conveyor direction 12 on conveyor section 10 to the detection area of ​​at least one sensor 8. Sensor 8 detects at least one, preferably all, external dimensions of baggage item 6 and transmits these external dimensions to back-end system 16. Back-end system 16 associates the item with a larger first-category transport container 4a or a smaller second-category transport container 4b based on the detected dimensions. Baggage item 6 is then transported toward loading points 14ab, 14a, 14b. The item is classified into different categories only after being introduced into the conveyor system at the same introduction point. Transport containers 4a, 4b are provided at loading points 14ab, 14a, 14b for loading, and the transport containers 4a, 4b associated with item 6 are loaded.

[0054] There are different feasibility studies for identifying the size and orientation of the luggage item 6 using one or more sensors 8. A simple implementation could be achieved by gratings arranged close together along the conveyor section 10 at different intervals (e.g., 2.5 mm). If the luggage item passes through the gratings, the number of gratings blocked at each moment of passage can be recorded. If this occurs at multiple moments, a 2D image of the blocked surfaces is generated. If two gratings are used in a 90-degree rotation, two 2D images are generated. Upper limits for the height, length, width, and volume of the luggage item can be derived from the 2D images. The sensor 8 could also be a camera, and the back-end system 14 could determine the size of the luggage item 6 based on the recorded images. To determine all external dimensions (length, width, height), the sensor 8 needs to be positioned above and / or along and / or laterally to the direction of movement 12 of the luggage item 6. The sensor 8 could also be a simple grating, and then the length of the luggage item 6 in the transport direction 12 could be calculated based on the darkness time and transport speed.

[0055] In the case of a common, category-independent loading point 14ab (Figure 1) for both Category 1 and Category 2 transport containers 4a and 4b, each piece of cargo 6 is transported to the common loading point 14ab—regardless of the association between the piece of cargo 6 and the transport containers 4a and 4b. Category 1 transport containers 4a are transported toward the common loading point 14ab along the first transport path 12a, and Category 2 transport containers 4b are transported toward the common loading point 14ab along the second transport path 12b. The size of the (larger) Category 1 transport container 4a determines the maximum permissible size of the smaller Category 2 piece of cargo 6b.

[0056] In the two separate first-category loading sections 4a and 4b for first-category transport containers and second-category transport containers 14a and 14b ( Figure 2 In this case, each piece of cargo 6 is transported to its loading positions 14a and 14b (the associated categories of transport containers 4a and 4b correspond to loading position categories 14a and 14b). First-category transport containers 4a are transported along the first transport path 12a toward the first loading position 14ab, and second-category transport containers 4b are transported along the second transport path 12b toward the second loading position 14b. The transport paths for the first and second categories of cargo 6 are divided such that the loading of first-category transport containers and second-category transport containers 4a and 4b takes place at their respective loading positions 14a and 14b, and after loading, the transport paths 12a and 12b of the loaded transport containers 14 converge again (not shown here).

[0057] Figure 1b shows the loading of transport containers 4a and 4b from above at a common loading point 14ab—the receiving conveyor section 10' on which the transport containers 4a and 4b are transported is below the output conveyor belt 10. Loading can be carried out using a separate robotic loading device designed in the manner of a gripping robot, or it can be simply done by placing the transport containers 4a and 4b to the side and below the upper conveyor section 10, so that the cargo 6 simply falls into the transport container 6. Side loading with the conveyor sections 10 and 10' at the same height is not shown separately, but it is of course feasible, as with other types of loading. The transport containers 4 can be transported on the lower conveyor belt 10' to their loading points 14ab, 14a, and 14b.

[0058] Baggage shipments at passenger airports typically have a similar distribution in length and width. The maximum length of a piece of baggage determines whether it can be matched into smaller second (or third, fourth...) category containers or can only be accommodated by first category containers. Typically, only a very small portion is very long, and similarly, only a very small portion is very short. To date, the size of container 4 at airports has been selected such that it can accommodate almost all ordinary baggage 6. Larger containers are used only for oversized baggage, where separate oversized baggage counters are provided so that oversized baggage is not introduced into conveyor system 2 in the same location as ordinary baggage 6. Because oversized baggage (bicycles, other sporting goods, strollers, etc.) usually requires careful handling, loading of the containers is done manually or at least with manual support.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the dimensions of the first-category transport containers and / or the second-category transport containers 4a, 4b are selected to accommodate IATA standard baggage sizes. The transport containers 4a, 4b are designed to be stackable so that they can be stored vertically and vertically in a space-saving storage system (e.g., an early arrival baggage storage system). According to one embodiment, the selection of the dimensions and quantity of the different categories of transport containers 4a, 4b, 4c, the first-category transport containers, and the second-category transport containers 4a, 4b are related to the typical baggage spectrum of the airport: if most passengers travel with large pieces of baggage 6, more first-category transport containers 4a are provided and / or the dimensions of the first-category transport containers and the second-category transport containers 4a, 4b are adjusted accordingly. The majority (70%-80%) of the baggage pieces 6 should fit in the second-category transport containers 4b. The second-category transport containers 4b are designed to be significantly smaller than the first-category transport containers 4a. In this manner, significantly less "empty air" is stacked in the early arrival baggage storage unit, and the capacity of the early arrival baggage storage system can be greatly increased. With only two categories of shipping containers, 4a and 4b, a 20%-40% increase in capacity can already be achieved. The allocation and precise dimensions of shipping containers between categories 4a and 4b can be customized by the airport as the end customer. Using more than two categories of shipping containers, 4a, 4b, and 4c, can also achieve even better space utilization; however, this also increases logistical complexity. All methodological steps are executed partially or fully automated.

[0060] The conveyor section 10 is an active conveyor section, so that transport containers placed directly or indirectly on the conveyor section 10 do not need to have their own drive units.

[0061] According to one embodiment, a passive load-bearing mechanism 18 is provided. Transport containers 4a and 4b are placed on the load-bearing mechanism 18 and transported horizontally along the conveyor section 10 of the conveyor system 2 toward their sorting target. Using the load-bearing mechanism 18 to concentrate the transport containers 4a and 4b further saves space, thereby increasing the capacity of the conveyor system 2. Conversely, transport containers 4a and 4b transported sequentially and individually require spacing.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a third type of transport container 4c is provided, the third type of transport container 4c being designed to be smaller than or different from the second type of transport container 4a. The method according to the invention is performed using the first type of transport container, the second type of transport container, and the third type of transport containers 4a, 4b, 4c. The transport containers 4a, 4b, 4c are designed to be sized to match each other, so as to make the most efficient use of the space on the passive load-bearing mechanism 18. The transport containers 4a, 4b, 4c have lengths L1, L2, L3 and widths B1, B2, B3 that are smaller or the same size as the second container, respectively. Preferably, the first width B1 is substantially at least a multiple of the second width B2, and / or the first length L1 is substantially at least a multiple of the second length L2. The third width B3 is preferably less than or equal to the second width B2, and the third length L3 is less than or equal to the second length L2.

[0063] Preferably, the first width B1 is substantially at least a multiple of the third width B3 and / or the first length L1 is substantially at least a multiple of the third length L3.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the load-bearing mechanism 18 is provided with a first retaining mechanism, and the transport containers 4a, 4b, and 4c are provided with a second retaining mechanism. The first retaining mechanism is designed to work together with the second retaining mechanism, particularly in a form-fitting manner, in that the working first and second retaining mechanisms restrict the movement of the transport containers 4a, 4b, and 4c, which are placed flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism.

[0065] The passive load-bearing structure 18 may be a first-class transport container 4a. The first-class transport container 4a may accommodate another first-class transport container 4a or only accommodate another second-class transport container and / or third-class transport containers 4b, 4c.

[0066] Figure 3 According to one embodiment, first-class transport containers, second-class transport containers, and third-class transport containers 4a, 4b, and 4c are shown. In the schematic view from above, the first-class transport container 4a may also be a passive load-bearing mechanism 18. The lengths L1, L2, and L3 and the widths B1, B2, and B3 of the transport containers 4a, 4b, and 4c are coordinated with each other such that two second-class transport containers 4b and four third-class transport containers 4c occupy the space of the first-class transport container 4a.

[0067] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the arrangement of transport containers 4b and 4c on the load-bearing mechanism 18, wherein the transport containers 4a, 4b, 4c and the load-bearing mechanism 18 are designed to match each other in size. Two second-class transport containers 4b are located on the load-bearing mechanism 18 (Figure 4a). Two third-class transport containers 4c and one second-class transport container 4b are located on the load-bearing mechanism 18 (Figure 4c). And four third-class transport containers 4c are located on the load-bearing mechanism 18 (Figure 4c).

[0068] List of reference numerals

[0069] 2 Conveying System

[0070] 4. Transport containers

[0071] 6 items

[0072] 8 sensors

[0073] 10. Conveying Section, Transport Section

[0074] 12 Conveying direction

[0075] 14 Loading location

[0076] 14a / b First loading section / Second loading section

[0077] 14ab Common loading location

[0078] 16. Backend System

[0079] 18 Passive load containment mechanism

[0080] Widths of B1, B2, and B3

[0081] Lengths of L1, L2, and L3

Claims

1. A method for optimizing the operation of a conveying system (2) for transporting variable-sized parcels (6) in a container (4), wherein the conveying system (2) is for baggage parcels in an airport baggage conveying system, wherein the conveying system includes an active conveying section (10), characterized in that... The following method steps are provided: a) The item (6) is introduced into the conveying system (2) at the inlet, wherein other items (6) can be introduced into the conveying system (2) at the same inlet, regardless of their size; b) Provide at the loading location a first category transport container (4a) and a second category transport container (4b) for respectively accommodating the cargo (6), wherein the first category transport container (4a) is larger than the second category transport container (4b), and the transport containers are capable of being transported on the same active transport section (10) of the transport system (2); c) Automatically detect at least one dimension of the item (6); d) Based on the detected dimensions of the shipment (6), the shipment (6) is automatically associated with a first-class transport container (4a) or a second-class transport container (4b) by a back-end system (16) included in the conveying system (2); e) Transport the cargo (6) toward the loading point and automatically load the associated transport container with the cargo (6) at the loading point; f) Transporting the transport container loaded with the cargo (6) toward a sorting target associated with the cargo (6) on one or more of the active transport sections (10); g) For another item (6), perform steps a) to f). The goods (6) are divided into different categories only after they are introduced into the conveying system (2) at the inlet.

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The at least one dimension of the shipment (6) is the length of the shipment (6).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following steps: Provide a passive load containment mechanism (18) sized to accommodate at least two transport containers each loaded with at least one piece of cargo, and load the load containment mechanism with the at least two transport containers, wherein the at least two transport containers are transported fully or at least partially on the passive load containment mechanism (18) on one or more of the active transport sections (10).

4. The method according to claim 3, Its features are, The passive load-bearing mechanism (18) is a first-class transport container (4a).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The first category of transport container (4a) has a first length (L1) and a first width (B1), and the second category of transport container (4b) has a second length (L2) and a second width (B2), wherein the first length (L1) is greater than or equal to the first width (B1), and the second length (L2) is greater than or equal to the second width (B2), and the first length (L1) is greater than or equal to the second length (L2), and the first width (B1) is greater than or equal to the second width (B2).

6. The method according to claim 5, Its features are, The first width (B1) is at least a multiple of the second width (B2), and / or the first length (L1) is at least a multiple of the second length (L2).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following steps: In step b), an additional third category of transport container (4c) is provided, wherein the third category of transport container (4c) is smaller than the first category of transport container (4a) and is designed to be smaller than or different from the second category of transport container (4b); In step d), based on the detected dimensions of the shipment (6), the shipment (6) is automatically associated with a first-class transport container (4a), a second-class transport container (4b), or a third-class transport container (4c) by a background system (16) included in the conveying system (2).

8. The method according to claim 7, Its features are, The third category of transport container (4c) has a third width (B3) and a third length (L3), wherein the third width (B3) is less than or equal to the second width (B2), and the third length (L3) is less than or equal to the second length (L2).

9. The method according to claim 8, Its features are, The first width (B1) is at least a multiple of the third width (B3), and / or the first length (L1) is at least a multiple of the third length (L3).

10. The method according to claim 3, Its features are, The passive load-bearing mechanism (18) is provided with a first holding mechanism, and the transport container is provided with a second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism is designed to work together with the second holding mechanism in such a way that the working first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism restrict the movement of the transport container which is placed flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism.

11. The method according to claim 10, Its features are, The first retaining mechanism is designed to work together with the second retaining mechanism in a shape-matching manner.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Transport containers are loaded at the corresponding category's loading locations (14a, 14b, 14c) in relation to their category, where the loading locations (14a, 14b, 14c) differ between different categories. or The transport containers are loaded at a common loading point (14ab) regardless of their category, where the associated transport containers are first transported toward the common loading point (14ab).

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following steps: The transport container is temporarily stored in a temporary storage system included in the transport system (2).

14. A conveying system (2) for transporting variable-sized cargo (6) in a container, the conveying system (2) comprising a mechanism for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The conveying system (2) according to claim 14, wherein the conveying system (2) comprises: - At least one introduction point for introducing the item (6) into the conveying system (2) regardless of its size; - Designed to accommodate a first category of transport container (4a) and a second category of transport container (4b) for accommodating piece cargo (6) respectively, wherein the first category of transport container (4a) is larger than the second category of transport container (4b); - Active transport section (10) for transporting the first category of transport containers (4a) and the second category of transport containers (4b), wherein the transport containers are capable of being transported on the same active transport section (10) of the transport system (2); - A detection unit for automatically detecting at least one dimension of the item (6); - A back-end system (16) for automatically associating the cargo (6) with a first-class transport container (4a) or a second-class transport container (4b) based on the detected dimensions of the cargo (6) by the back-end system (16) included in the conveying system (2); - Loading section for automatically loading the associated transport container with the said cargo (6); - The active conveyor section (10) is designed to transport the transport container loaded with the cargo (6) toward the sorting target associated with the cargo (6).

16. The conveying system (2) according to claim 15. Its features are, The at least one dimension of the shipment (6) is the length of the shipment (6).

17. The conveying system (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the conveying system (2) further comprises: A passive load-bearing mechanism, the passive load-bearing mechanism being sized to accommodate at least two transport containers each loaded with at least one piece of cargo, wherein the passive load-bearing mechanism is capable of being transported flat on the active transport section (10), wherein the passive load-bearing mechanism (18) is capable of being a first-class transport container (4a).

18. The conveying system (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the conveying system (2) further comprises: At least one loading point for loading the transport container into pieces, wherein the conveying system has its own loading point for each class of transport container, wherein the loading points for different classes are inconsistent, or wherein the at least one loading point is a common loading point for each class of transport container (14ab).

19. The conveying system (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the conveying system (2) further comprises: The third category of transport containers (4c) comprises the first category of transport containers (4a) having a first length (L1) and a first width (B1), the second category of transport containers (4b) having a second length (L2) and a second width (B2), and the third category of transport containers (4c) having a third length (L3) and a third width (B3), wherein the first length (L1) is greater than or equal to the first width (B1), the second length (L2) is greater than or equal to the second width (B2), and the third length (L3) is greater than or equal to the third width (B3), and the first length (L1) is greater than or equal to the second length (L2), and the first width (B1) is greater than or equal to the second width (B2), and the third width (B3) is less than or equal to the second width (B2), and the third length (L3) is less than or equal to the second length (L2).

20. The conveying system (2) according to claim 19. Its features are, The first width (B1) is at least a multiple of the second width (B2), and / or the first length (L1) is at least a multiple of the second length (L2), and the first width (B1) is at least a multiple of the third width (B3), and / or the first length (L1) is at least a multiple of the third length (L3).

21. The conveying system (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the passive load-bearing mechanism is provided with a first retaining mechanism, and the transport container is provided with a second retaining mechanism, and the first retaining mechanism is designed to work together with the second retaining mechanism in such a way that the working first retaining mechanism and the second retaining mechanism restrict the movement of the transport container which is laid flat on the passive load-bearing mechanism.

22. The conveying system (2) according to claim 21. Its features are, The first retaining mechanism is designed to work together with the second retaining mechanism in a shape-matching manner.

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