Transport system

Abstract

Provided is a simplified transport system with high transport reliability. A conveyance system (100) is provided with: a consignment table (3) for consigning luggage (200); a supply device (1) for supplying a tray (9) on which no luggage (200) is placed to the consignment table (3); a detection device (33) for detecting whether the luggage (200) is placed on the tray (9) on the consignment table (3); and a conveyance device (2) for conveying the tray (9) from the consignment table (3) to a conveyance destination after the detection of the detection device (33).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transport system for transporting articles. Background Art

[0002] Airports and the like are equipped with a baggage handling system that uses a conveyor or other conveyor line to carry baggage checked in at a baggage check-in counter to a baggage station. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a baggage handling system that uses a conveyor to carry a combination of baggage placed on a tray and baggage such as a suitcase. The tray described in Patent Document 1 is used to stably carry relatively small irregular baggage such as backpacks and souvenirs in bags such as plastic bags and paper bags. Large baggage such as a suitcase can be carried without being loaded on a tray.

[0003] (Prior art literature)

[0004] Patent Document 1: European Patent No. 1042199 Summary of the invention

[0005] (Problems to be solved by the invention)

[0006] In recent years, in order to transport luggage reliably and at high speed, a transport system has been adopted in which all luggage is loaded on a large tray for transport. In such a transport system, a luggage transport line for transporting luggage and a tray transport line for transporting trays are independently provided, and at the junction of the two transport lines, the luggage transported on the luggage transport line is transferred to the tray transported on the tray transport line.

[0007] However, the above-mentioned transport system has the problem that a complicated mechanism is required to transfer the luggage from the luggage transport line to the tray on the tray transport line. In addition, the above-mentioned transport system has the following problems: if the luggage transport line is constituted as a conveyor belt, the luggage may be caught by the conveyor belt, or if there is a deviation in the timing of transferring the luggage from the conveyor belt to the tray, a transfer error may occur.

[0008] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to realize a simplified conveying system with high conveying reliability.

[0009] (Technical means to solve the problem)

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a transport system of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a consignment platform, which is used to consign items; a supply device, which supplies a pallet without the items on it to the consignment platform; a detection device, which detects whether the items are placed on the pallet at the consignment platform; and a transport device, which transports the pallet from the consignment platform to a transport destination after detection.

[0011] (Effects of the Invention)

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a simplified conveying system with high conveying reliability can be realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a top view of the structure of the conveying system of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is a side view of the structure of the transport system.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a top view of the structure of the pallet used in the conveyance system of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0016] Figure 4 is a side view of the structure of the tray.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a top view of the structure of the small pallet used in the conveying system of the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0018] Figure 6 is a side view of the structure of the small tray.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the control system of the transport system according to the first to third embodiments.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a top view of the structure of the conveying system of Embodiment 2.

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A side view of the structure of the handling system is shown.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a top view of the structure of the conveying system of Embodiment 3.

[0023] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A side view of the structure of the handling system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] [Implementation method 1]

[0025] Combination Figures 1 to 7 , detailed description of embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] <Conveying system structure>

[0027] Figure 1 It is a top view of the structure of the conveying system 100 of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 It is a side view of the structure of the transfer system 100.

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2The transport system 100 shown is a system installed at an airport, and transports luggage 200 (articles) from a check-in platform 3 to a transport destination in a state where the luggage 200 is placed on a tray 9. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transport system 100 includes a supply device 1, a transport device 2, a carrier platform 3, and a small tray supply mechanism 4 (container supply mechanism). As an example, the carrier platform 3 is provided with a plurality of ( Figure 1 3 in the figure), arranged in a row with intervals between them. In addition, for easier viewing, Figure 1 The small tray supply mechanism 4 is omitted in the figure.

[0029] The supply device 1 is a device for supplying an empty tray 9 on which no baggage 200 is placed to the check-in platform 3. The supply device 1 includes a supply mechanism 11, a delivery mechanism 12, and a reciprocating mechanism 31 that also functions as a delivery mechanism.

[0030] The supply mechanism 11 is provided at a position away from the check-in platform 3, and is a mechanism for supplying the tray 9 without the luggage 200 to the supply position away from the check-in platform 3. As an example, the supply mechanism 11 is arranged in parallel with the queue of the plurality of check-in platforms 3. The supply mechanism 11 has a moving portion 11a and an inclined portion 11b.

[0031] The moving part 11a is, for example, a conveyor belt, which moves the tray 9 in a moving direction parallel to the queue of the plurality of consignment platforms 3. The upper surface of the moving part 11a forms a horizontal surface. The inclined part 11b is arranged on the rear side (the side away from the consignment platform 3) of the upper surface of the moving part 11a, and is formed into a wall-like long strip. Figure 2 As shown, the inclined portion 11b is arranged to be inclined at an angle less than 90° relative to the upper surface of the moving portion 11a. The tray 9 is arranged on the supply mechanism 11 in such a manner that one end of the tray 9 contacts the upper surface of the moving portion 11a and the bottom surface contacts the front surface of the inclined portion 11b, i.e., the side facing the consignment platform 3.

[0032] The supply mechanism 11 configured as described above supplies the tray 9 while maintaining the tray 9 in a posture in which the tray placement surface is inclined at an angle less than 90° with respect to the horizontal plane. The inclination angle of the inclined portion 11b is preferably a right angle of approximately 90°.

[0033] Although not shown in the figure, the supply mechanism 11 has a holding mechanism for holding the above-mentioned configuration posture of the tray 9. The holding mechanism is, for example, a locking piece that can move forward and backward on the front surface of the inclined portion 11b to lock with the hole provided on the bottom surface of the tray 9. When the tray 9 is in a moving state, such a holding mechanism causes the locking piece to protrude from the front surface of the inclined portion 11b and lock into the hole of the tray 9. In addition, when the tray 9 reaches the supply position and the supply mechanism 11 stops, the holding mechanism causes the locking piece to retreat into the front surface of the inclined portion 11b to release the locking of the locking piece on the tray 9. After the locking of the locking piece is released, the tray 9 slides to the delivery mechanism 12 under its own weight. Here, the holding mechanism is not limited to such a structure, and various structures can be applied. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the conveying system 100 can also have a pulling-in mechanism for pulling the tray 9 into the delivery mechanism 12. As such a pulling-in mechanism, for example, a pull-in conveyor can be cited. The pull-in conveyor moves the tray 9 to the delivery mechanism 12 along the roller conveyor while grasping the lower end of the tray 9 .

[0034] The delivery mechanism 12 is a mechanism for delivering the pallet 9 supplied from the supply mechanism 11 to the consignment platform 3, and is configured as, for example, a conveyor belt. The delivery mechanism 12 is arranged on a path from the supply position of the pallet 9 supplied by the supply mechanism 11 to the vicinity of the consignment platform 3. In addition, the delivery mechanism 12 is arranged above the delivery mechanism 12 in such a manner that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the conveying mechanism 21 described later in the vertical direction.

[0035] The shuttle mechanism 31 is provided at the consignment stage 3. The shuttle mechanism 31 has a function of delivering the tray 9 supplied from the supply mechanism 11 to the consignment stage 3, similarly to the delivery mechanism 12. The shuttle mechanism 31 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The transport device 2 is a device that transports the tray 9 from the check-in platform 3 to a transport destination after detecting that the baggage 200 is placed on the tray 9 at the check-in platform 3. The transport device 2 includes a transport mechanism 21 and a reciprocating mechanism 31 that functions as a delivery mechanism.

[0037] The transport mechanism 21 is disposed at a distance from the check-in platform 3, and is a mechanism for transporting the tray 9 carrying the luggage 200 to the transport destination. As an example, the transport mechanism 21 is disposed between the check-in platform 3 and the supply mechanism 11 so as to be parallel to the arrangement queue of the check-in platform 3. As an example, the transport mechanism 21 is disposed between the check-in platform 3 and the supply mechanism 11. The transport mechanism 21 is composed of, for example, two conveyor belts. Specifically, the transport mechanism 21 has a narrow conveyor crawler 21a disposed on both sides of the conveying direction, and the conveyor crawler is driven by a drive motor through a drive roller.

[0038] The reciprocating mechanism 31, when functioning as a sending mechanism, is a mechanism that sends the tray 9 on which the baggage 200 is placed at the check-in platform 3 from the check-in platform 3 to the conveying mechanism 21. The reciprocating mechanism 31 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The check-in station 3 is a device for checking in the baggage 200. As an example, the check-in station 3 is arranged side by side with the machine service desk, and the staff S accepts the check-in of the baggage 200 here. The check-in station 3 has a round-trip mechanism 31, a reading device 32 and a detection device 33. In addition, the check-in station 3 can also be composed of an automatic baggage drop desk (SBD; Self Baggage Drop) with a registration function. Therefore, there is no need to configure the machine service desk and the staff S. In addition, each of the multiple check-in stations 3 can be a manned check-in station or an unmanned check-in station, but a hybrid solution of manned check-in stations 3 and unmanned check-in stations 3 can also be adopted.

[0040] In addition, the check-in platform 3 may also include a box-shaped storage body 30 for storing the tray 9. An opening 30a for taking and placing the luggage 200 and a door 30b for opening and closing the opening 30a are provided on the front of the storage body 30. The door 30b is controlled to be opened when the tray 9 is at a predetermined position on the check-in platform 3, and closed when the tray 9 is not at the predetermined position on the check-in platform 3. By closing the door 30b, the user cannot intrude or put his / her hand into the storage body 30 during the operation of the reciprocating mechanism 31 or before and after the operation.

[0041] The reciprocating mechanism 31 is a conveyor belt set in a manner to support both ends of the tray 9, and is composed of, for example, two conveyor belts, similarly to the conveying mechanism 21. As described above, the reciprocating mechanism 31 not only constitutes a delivery mechanism together with the delivery mechanism 12 of the supply device 1, but also constitutes a delivery mechanism of the conveying device 2.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the reciprocating mechanism 31 is configured to take the following two postures: a horizontal posture for receiving the pallet 9 delivered by the delivery mechanism 12 when the reciprocating mechanism 31 functions as a delivery mechanism; and an inclined posture for delivering the pallet 9 to the conveying mechanism 21 when the reciprocating mechanism 31 functions as a delivery mechanism. Therefore, the reciprocating mechanism 31 is configured to be rotatable about the axis 31a and driven by a driving device (not shown) to switch between the horizontal posture and the inclined posture. Alternatively, the reciprocating mechanism 31 may also be configured to be able to rise and fall in the vertical direction as a whole, thereby taking two postures: a first horizontal posture for receiving the pallet 9 delivered by the delivery mechanism 12, and a second horizontal posture higher than the first horizontal posture for delivering the pallet 9 to the conveying mechanism 21.

[0043] The reading device 32 is provided to read the inherent identification information pre-assigned to the tray 9 and the transport information indicating the transport destination assigned to the baggage 200 placed on the tray 9 at the check-in station. The reading device 32 reads the above identification information from the RF tag 92 of the tray 9 supplied to the check-in station 3, and the reading device 32 reads the above transport information based on the barcode assigned to the baggage 200 placed on the tray 9. The specific scheme of the reading device 32 will be described later.

[0044] The detection device 33 is a device for detecting whether the baggage 200 is placed on the tray 9 at the check-in platform 3. When the detection device 33 detects that the baggage 200 is placed on the tray 9, it outputs a detection signal.

[0045] The detection device 33 has a camera that captures the tray 9 from above. The detection device 33 detects whether the luggage 200 is placed on the tray 9 by image recognition based on the image captured by the camera. In addition, the detection device 33 is not limited to detection by image recognition, and for example, the detection device 33 may detect the weight of the object on the shuttle mechanism 31 by a weight sensor, and when the detected weight is greater than the weight of the empty tray 9 by a predetermined value or more, it is detected that the luggage 200 is placed on the tray 9.

[0046] The small tray supply mechanism 4 is a device for conveying a small tray 10 described later on a path independent of the tray 9. The small tray supply mechanism 4 is constituted by, for example, a conveyor belt. As an example, the small tray supply mechanism 4 is arranged near the shipping platform 3 and parallel to the conveying mechanism 21.

[0047] <Structure of trays and small trays>

[0048] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the structure of a pallet 9 used in the transport system 100 and transport systems 100A and 100B described later. Figure 4 It is a side view of the structure of the tray 9. Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the structure of the small pallet 10 used in the transfer systems 100 , 100A, and 100B. Figure 6 1 is a side view of the structure of the small tray 10 .

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the tray 9 is approximately elliptical when viewed from above, but its shape is not limited to this shape and may be rectangular, etc. The tray 9 has a recess 91 for loading a large luggage 200 such as a suitcase. In addition, an RF tag 92 is attached to a part of the upper end surface of the tray 9. The RF tag 92 stores the unique identification information of the tray 9.

[0050] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the small tray 10 is a container that can accommodate smaller irregular luggage (small luggage) such as backpacks and souvenirs in bags, unlike the large luggage 200. The small tray 10 is formed to be sized to be accommodated in the recess 91 of the tray 9. By placing the small luggage on the tray 9 in a state in which it is accommodated in the small tray 10, the small luggage is transported by the transport device 2 in the same manner as the luggage 200. In the following description, the luggage 200 also includes the small luggage placed on the tray 9 in a state in which it is accommodated in the small tray 10.

[0051] <Structure of the control system>

[0052] Figure 7 1 is a block diagram of the control system of the transport system 100. Figure 7 As shown, the transport system 100 includes a control device 7 and a storage device 8 .

[0053] First, the reader 32 installed in the check-in platform 3 will be described. The reader 32 includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 32a and a barcode reader 32b.

[0054] The RFID reader 32a reads the identification information of the RF tag 92 of the pallet 9. As an example, the RFID reader 32a is disposed at a position where wireless communication with the RF tag 92 can be performed in a state where the pallet 9 is disposed on the consignment table 3.

[0055] The barcode reader 32b reads the barcode of the luggage tag attached to the luggage 200. The barcode records the boarding information such as the flight number, the final destination, and the baggage check number. The boarding information read by the barcode reader 32b is previously associated with the transportation information of the transportation destination of the luggage 200. The transportation destination is a sorting area, which is used to load the luggage 200 into a container for each boarding flight. Here, in addition to being recorded in the barcode, the boarding information can also be recorded in the two-dimensional code of the luggage tag. Alternatively, the boarding information can also be recorded in an RF tag different from the RF tag 92 of the luggage tag. If the boarding information is recorded in the two-dimensional code, the reading device 32 has a two-dimensional code reader for reading the two-dimensional code. If the boarding information is recorded in the RFID, the reader 32 has an RFID reader for reading the RF tag, which is different from the RFID reader 32a.

[0056] The barcode reader 32b can also read the barcode by the operation of the staff S. In addition, if the check-in platform 3 is configured as an automatic baggage check-in desk, the barcode reader 32b can also be set in front of the automatic baggage check-in desk, so that the passenger can read the barcode of the baggage tag by reflecting the barcode on the reading surface of the barcode reader 32b.

[0057] In addition, instead of reading the barcode by the barcode reader 32b, the barcode may be read by a camera or the like installed on the check-in platform 3. In addition, the barcode may be read by a camera included in the detection device 33.

[0058] The control device 7 controls the entire conveying system 100 and is provided in a server, etc., for example. The storage device 8 stores information required for the control of the control device 7 and is provided in a server, etc., for example.

[0059] The control device 7 includes a supply control unit 71 , and the transport control unit 72 includes a small-tray transport control unit 73 and a correlation unit 74 .

[0060] The supply control unit 71 controls the operation of the supply mechanism 11, the delivery mechanism 12, and the reciprocating mechanism 31 of the supply device 1. The supply control unit 71 moves the moving unit 11a of the supply mechanism 11 in the moving direction to move the tray 9 to the supply position. The supply control unit 71 stops the supply mechanism 11 and operates the delivery mechanism 12 and the reciprocating mechanism 31 in response to a notification (delivery notification) from the check-in platform 3 indicating that the tray 9 carrying the baggage 200 has been delivered from the check-in platform 3 by the conveying device 2.

[0061] The association establishing unit 74 associates the identification information read by the RFID reader 32a with the transport information read by the barcode reader 32b. The association establishing unit 74 writes the associated identification information and transport information as an information table into the storage device 8. In addition, the association establishing unit 74 notifies the transport control unit 72 of the completion of the association between the identification information and the transport information. The control device 7 functions as an association establishing device by including the association establishing unit 74.

[0062] The transport control unit 72 controls the operation of the transport mechanism 21 and the shuttle mechanism 31 of the transport device 2. When the transport control unit 72 receives the detection signal from the detection device 33 and receives the notification (completion notification) indicating that the association between the identification information and the transport information has been completed from the association establishment unit 74, the shuttle mechanism 31 and the transport mechanism 21 are operated. In addition, when the transport control unit 72 receives the completion notification, it obtains the association between the identification information and the transport information based on the information table in the storage device 8, and notifies the management device that manages the sorting area.

[0063] <Transport system operation>

[0064] The operation of the transport system 100 configured as described above will be described below.

[0065] The supply mechanism 11 of the supply device 1 moves the tray 9 to the Figure 1 The tray 9 is placed on the supply mechanism 11 with its long side facing downward.

[0066] When the supply device 1 receives a delivery notification from the consignment platform 3, the supply mechanism 11 stops, and the supply mechanism 11 releases the holding of the pallet 9 at the supply position. When the pallet 9 is transferred from the supply mechanism 11 to the delivery mechanism 12, the delivery mechanism 12 delivers the pallet 9 to the consignment platform 3. In addition, the reciprocating mechanism 31 when functioning as a delivery mechanism is controlled to take a horizontal posture, and when the pallet 9 is received from the delivery mechanism 12, the pallet 9 is delivered to a specified position on the consignment platform 3.

[0067] At the check-in platform 3, the reading device 32 reads the identification information of the tray 9 and the transport information of the transport destination of the luggage 200 from the RF tag 92 of the tray 9, and the detection device 33 detects the loading condition when the luggage 200 is loaded on the tray 9. The control device 7 establishes the association between the identification information and the transport information through the association establishment unit 74, and controls the operation of the transport device 2 according to the detection signal from the detection device 33 through the transport control unit 72.

[0068] The shuttle mechanism 31, when functioning as a delivery mechanism, is controlled to take an inclined posture to deliver the tray 9 carrying the baggage 200 to the conveying mechanism 21. When the conveying mechanism 21 is to receive the tray 9 from the shuttle mechanism 31, the conveying mechanism 21 stops the conveying at a position where a receiving area for the tray 9 is ensured. When the tray 9 reaches a predetermined conveying position, the conveying mechanism 21 conveys the tray 9 in the conveying direction indicated by the arrow.

[0069] When the transport mechanism 21 transports the tray 9 to the terminal position, the direction changing device 6 for subsequently changing the transport direction changes the orientation of the tray 9 to 90° relative to the transport direction of the transport mechanism 21. Then, the high-speed transport device 5 having a pair of conveyor belts 5a transports the tray 9 after the direction change to the sorting area at a high speed.

[0070] In the sorting area, the tray 9 is tilted at a position specified by the transport information, and the baggage 200 is separated from the tray 9 by its own weight. Then, the baggage 200 slides down the delivery path and reaches the vicinity of a specified container, and is loaded into the container by an operator.

[0071] After the baggage 200 is transported, the tray 9 is stored in a predetermined storage location and is supplied to the check-in platform 3 by the supply device 1 as needed.

[0072] On the other hand, when the small tray 10 carried by the small tray supply mechanism 4 is taken to the check-in platform 3 as needed, the small tray supply mechanism 4 continues to carry the small tray 10 to each check-in platform 3 where it is easy to take the small tray 10. At the check-in platform 3, when the small tray 10 containing small luggage is placed on the tray 9, the transport device 2 transports the small tray 10 as luggage 200 together with the tray 9 to the transport destination.

[0073] <Effect of the transport system>

[0074] As described above, the transport system 100 of the present embodiment includes the carrier 3 , the supply device 1 , the transport device 2 , and the detection device 33 .

[0075] Thus, at the check-in platform 3, the tray 9 with the luggage 200 placed thereon can be transported from the check-in platform 3 to the transport destination. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a mechanism for transferring the luggage 200 to the tray 9 during transport. Therefore, the transfer error problem of the prior art can be avoided, thereby improving the reliability of transport and simplifying the system structure compared with the prior art.

[0076] In addition, the orientation of the pallet 9 supplied by the supply device 1 to the consignment platform 3, specifically, the orientation of the pallet 9 delivered by the delivery mechanism 12 to the consignment platform 3, is the same as the orientation in which the pallet should be arranged on the consignment platform 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the orientation of the pallet 9 at the consignment platform 3. Therefore, the structure of the transport system 100 can be simplified.

[0077] In addition, the transport device 2 includes a reciprocating mechanism 31 (delivery mechanism) and a transport mechanism 21 disposed at a position separated from the consignment platform 3. Thus, the transport mechanism, which is a part of the transport device, can be disposed at a position separated from the consignment platform. Therefore, the transport mechanism can be made difficult for the user to see, or it can be made difficult for the user to enter the area where the transport mechanism is disposed.

[0078] The shuttle mechanism 31 has two conveyors, and the two conveyors deliver the tray 9 carrying the baggage 200 from the check-in platform 3. Thus, the shuttle mechanism 31 delivers the tray 9 from the check-in platform 3 by the conveyors supporting both ends of the tray 9. Therefore, the baggage 200 not placed on the tray 9 is not supported by the conveyors, and thus is not delivered from the check-in platform 3.

[0079] In addition, the supply device 1 includes a delivery mechanism 12, a reciprocating mechanism 31, and a supply mechanism 11 disposed at a position away from the consignment platform. Thus, the supply mechanism, which is a part of the supply device, can be disposed at a position separated from the consignment platform. Therefore, the supply mechanism 11 can be made difficult for the user to see.

[0080] In addition, the delivery mechanism 12 is configured so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the conveying mechanism 21 in the vertical direction. Thus, the delivery mechanism 12 and the conveying mechanism 21 can be configured so as to overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, the area occupied by the delivery mechanism 12 and the conveying mechanism 21 in the horizontal direction can be reduced. Therefore, the conveying system 100 can be miniaturized.

[0081] In addition, the supply mechanism 11 supplies the tray while maintaining the tray in a posture in which the tray loading surface is inclined at an angle less than 90° relative to the horizontal plane. Thus, the supply mechanism 11 can supply the tray 9 in a posture in which the tray loading surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the area occupied by the supply device 1 as a whole in the horizontal direction can be reduced. Therefore, the transport system 100 can be miniaturized.

[0082] In addition, the control device 7 includes an association establishing unit 74. Thus, the transport information and the identification information can be associated at the stage of the check-in platform 3. Therefore, compared with the prior art in which the luggage 200 is transferred to the tray 9 during transport, the process of associating the transport information and the identification information can be simplified.

[0083] The transport system 100 also includes a small tray supply mechanism 4 . This allows the small tray 10 capable of storing small luggage to be supplied to the check-in platform 3 separately from the supply of the tray 9 .

[0084] [Implementation method 2]

[0085] Below, according to Figure 7 to Figure 9 Embodiment 2 of the present invention is described. In addition, for the sake of convenience, components having the same functions as those of the components of Embodiment 1 are marked with the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. In addition, in this embodiment, schemes and operations different from those described in Embodiment 1 are mainly described.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the control system of the transfer system 100A. Figure 8 It is a top view of the structure of the conveyance system 100A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a side view of the structure of the transfer system 100A.

[0087] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the transport system 100A includes a supply device 1A, a transport device 2A, a carrier platform 3 , and a small tray supply mechanism 4 .

[0088] The supply device 1A includes a supply mechanism 11, a delivery mechanism 12A, and a reciprocating mechanism 31 when functioning as a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism 12A includes a steering mechanism 12a. The steering mechanism 12a is a mechanism that changes the orientation of the tray 9 transferred from the supply mechanism 11 to the orientation in which the tray 9 should be arranged on the consignment platform 3. The delivery mechanism 12A delivers the tray 9 whose orientation has been changed by the steering mechanism 12a to the consignment platform 3. The steering mechanism 12a may be, for example, a mechanism that raises and rotates the tray 9 to change the orientation of the tray 9 by 90° and then lowers the tray 9. It may also be composed of other well-known mechanisms.

[0089] The transport device 2A includes a transport mechanism 21A and a reciprocating mechanism 31 that functions as a delivery mechanism. Unlike the above-mentioned transport device 2, the transport mechanism 21A transports the pallet 9 in such a manner that the long side direction (long axis direction) of the pallet 9 coincides with the transport direction of the transport device 2A. Therefore, the interval between the conveyor belts 21a of the two conveyor belts of the transport mechanism 21A is narrower than the interval between the conveyor belts 21a of the transport mechanism 21.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, the supply control unit 71 of the control device 7 controls the operation of the delivery mechanism 12A including the steering mechanism, thereby changing the orientation of the tray 9 and delivering the tray 9 .

[0091] In the transport system 100A configured as described above, the tray 9 whose orientation is changed by the steering mechanism 12a is delivered to the check-in platform 3 by the shuttle mechanism 31 in the orientation. At the check-in platform 3, when the luggage 200 is placed on the tray 9, the shuttle mechanism 31, which functions as a delivery mechanism, delivers the tray 9 to the transport mechanism 21A. Then, the transport mechanism 21A delivers the tray 9 to the transport destination in the changed orientation. In this way, according to the transport system 100A, the tray 9 can be delivered to the check-in platform 3 after the orientation of the tray 9 is appropriately adjusted.

[0092] In addition, the conveying mechanism 21A has a pair of conveyor belts 21b constituting two conveyor belts at its terminal portion. As an example, the conveyor belts 21b are arranged to extend orthogonally to the direction of the conveyor belts 21a. Thus, the conveying mechanism 21A can change the conveying direction to the high-speed conveying device 5.

[0093] [Implementation method 3]

[0094] Below, according to Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig.11Embodiment 3 of the present invention is described. In addition, for the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals are given to the components having the same functions as the components of Embodiments 1 and 2, and their description is omitted. In addition, in this embodiment, the schemes and operations different from those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 are mainly described.

[0095] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the transport system 100B. Figure 8 It is a top view of the structure of the conveyance system 100B of Embodiment 2. Fig. 9 It is a side view of the structure of the transfer system 100B.

[0096] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the transport system 100B includes a supply device 1B, a transport device 2A, a carrier platform 3 , and a small tray supply mechanism 4 .

[0097] The supply device 1B includes a supply mechanism 11B, a delivery mechanism 12B, and a reciprocating mechanism 31 when functioning as a delivery mechanism. As an example, the supply mechanism 11B is arranged below the conveying mechanism 21A so as to overlap with the conveying mechanism 21A in the vertical direction. Like the conveying mechanism 21A, the supply mechanism 11B is composed of, for example, two conveyor belts and has a pair of conveyor crawlers 11c. The interval between the conveyor crawlers 11c is the same as the interval between the conveyor crawlers 21a.

[0098] As an example, the delivery mechanism 12B is disposed between a pair of conveyor belts 11c of the supply mechanism 11B. The delivery mechanism 12B includes a plurality of rollers (not shown), and delivers the tray 9 to the shipping platform 3 by rotating the rollers.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, the supply control unit 71 of the control device 7 controls the operation of the supply mechanism 11B and the delivery mechanism 12B. When it is necessary to move the tray 9 to the supply position, the supply control unit 71 controls the operation of the supply mechanism 11B and the delivery mechanism 12B to move the supply mechanism 11B and to make the roller of the delivery mechanism 12B standby at a position below the tray in a manner that does not contact the lower end surface of the tray 9. On the other hand, when it is necessary to deliver the tray 9, the supply control unit 71 controls the operation of the supply mechanism 11B and the delivery mechanism 12B to stop the supply mechanism 11B and to make the delivery mechanism 12B rise from the standby position to a position where the roller contacts the lower end surface of the tray 9 and rotates the roller.

[0100] In the transport system 100B configured as described above, the tray 9 supplied from the supply mechanism 11B is delivered to the check-in platform 3 by the shuttle mechanism 31 in a manner that the orientation thereof remains unchanged. At the check-in platform 3, when the luggage 200 is placed on the tray 9, the shuttle mechanism 31, functioning as a delivery mechanism, delivers the tray 9 to the transport mechanism 21A. Then, the transport mechanism 21A transports the tray 9 to the transport destination in the orientation in which it was supplied.

[0101] As described above, in the transport system 100B, the supply device 1B includes the supply mechanism 11B that supplies the tray 9 in the horizontal direction. In addition, the delivery mechanism 12B is disposed in the supply mechanism 11B. This enables the transport system 100B to be miniaturized.

[0102] In addition, in the transport system 100B, the supply device 1B is arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps with at least the transport mechanism 21A of the transport device 2A in the vertical direction. Thus, the supply device 1B and the transport mechanism 21A can be arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction. Thus, the area occupied by the supply device 1B and the transport mechanism 21A in the horizontal direction can be reduced. Therefore, the transport system 100B can be further miniaturized.

[0103] 〔Example of implementation based on computer software〕

[0104] The functions of the transport systems 100, 100A, 100B (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the transport system") are relative to a computer program for causing a computer to function as the transport system. The functions can be realized by a computer program for causing a computer to function as a control block of the transport system (particularly, each part included in the control device 7).

[0105] In this case, the transport system includes a computer having the following hardware for executing the computer program: a processor constituting a control device 7, and at least one memory constituting a storage device 8. By executing the computer program by the control device 7 and the storage device 8, the functions described in the above-mentioned embodiments are realized.

[0106] The computer program may also be recorded in one or more non-temporary recording media that are readable by a computer. The above-mentioned device may or may not have the recording medium. In the latter case, the computer program may also be provided to the above-mentioned device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0107] In addition, part or all of the functions of the control block can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit having a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0108] 〔Summarize〕

[0109] A transport system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a consignment platform for consigning articles; a supply device for supplying a pallet without the articles to the consignment platform; a detection device for detecting whether the articles are placed on the pallet at the consignment platform; and a transport device for transporting the pallet from the consignment platform to a transport destination after detection.

[0110] According to the above scheme, the pallet can be transported from the consignment platform to the transport destination in the state where the pallet is loaded with articles at the consignment platform. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a mechanism for transferring articles to the pallet during transportation. Therefore, the transfer error problem of the prior art can be avoided, thereby improving the reliability of transportation and simplifying the system structure compared with the prior art.

[0111] In the transport system, the orientation of the pallet supplied by the supply device to the carrying platform is the same as the orientation in which the pallet should be arranged on the carrying platform.

[0112] According to the above solution, it is not necessary to adjust the orientation of the pallet at the shipping platform, thereby simplifying the structure of the transport system.

[0113] In the transport system, the transport device comprises: a transport mechanism, which is arranged at a position separated from the consignment platform, and transports the pallet carrying the articles to the transport destination; and a delivery mechanism, which delivers the pallet carrying the articles at the consignment platform from the consignment platform to the transport mechanism.

[0114] According to the above solution, the transport mechanism as a part of the transport device can be arranged at a position separated from the consignment platform, thereby making it difficult for the user to see the transport mechanism or for the user to enter the area where the transport mechanism is arranged.

[0115] In the transport system, the supply device is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with at least the transport mechanism of the transport device in a vertical direction.

[0116] According to the above scheme, the supply device and the conveying mechanism can be arranged in a manner of overlapping in the vertical direction. As a result, the area occupied by the supply device and the conveying mechanism in the horizontal direction can be reduced. Therefore, the conveying system can be miniaturized.

[0117] In the transport system, the delivery mechanism includes a conveyor belt that is set to support both ends of the tray, and the delivery mechanism delivers the tray carrying the articles from the shipping platform via the conveyor belt.

[0118] According to the above scheme, the delivery mechanism delivers the pallet from the shipping platform using the conveyor belt that supports both ends of the pallet. Therefore, the articles not placed on the pallet are not supported by the conveyor belt and are not delivered from the shipping platform.

[0119] In the transport system, the supply device comprises: a supply mechanism, which is arranged at a position separated from the consignment platform, and supplies the pallet without the items to the supply position separated from the consignment platform; and a delivery mechanism, which delivers the pallet supplied by the supply mechanism to the consignment platform.

[0120] According to the above aspect, the supply mechanism, which is a part of the supply device, can be arranged at a position separated from the consignment platform, thereby making it difficult for the user to see the supply mechanism.

[0121] In the transport system, the delivery mechanism has: a steering mechanism that changes the orientation of the pallet supplied by the supply mechanism to the orientation in which the pallet should be arranged on the consignment platform, and the delivery mechanism delivers the pallet whose orientation has been changed by the steering mechanism to the consignment platform.

[0122] According to the above scheme, the pallet can be delivered to the shipping platform after the orientation of the pallet is appropriately adjusted.

[0123] In the transport system, the delivery mechanism is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the transport mechanism in a vertical direction.

[0124] According to the above scheme, the delivery mechanism and the conveying mechanism can be arranged in a manner of overlapping in the vertical direction. Thus, the area occupied by the delivery mechanism and the conveying mechanism in the horizontal direction can be reduced. Therefore, the conveying system can be miniaturized.

[0125] In the transport system, the supply mechanism supplies the tray while maintaining a posture of the tray such that a tray placement surface is inclined at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0126] According to the above configuration, the supply mechanism can supply the tray with the tray placement surface inclined relative to the horizontal plane, so that the area occupied by the entire supply device in the horizontal direction can be reduced. Thus, the transport system can be miniaturized.

[0127] The transport system also includes: one or more reading devices, which read the inherent identification information pre-assigned to the pallet and the transport information indicating the transport destination assigned to the items loaded on the pallet at the consignment platform; and an association establishing device, which associates the read identification information with the transport information.

[0128] According to the above scheme, the transport information and the identification information can be associated at the stage of the consignment platform, thereby simplifying the process of associating the transport information and the identification information compared to the prior art in which the articles are transferred to the pallet during transport.

[0129] The transport system further includes a container supply mechanism that supplies a container that can be used to store the articles and can be placed on the tray to the consignment platform.

[0130] According to the above aspect, a container capable of storing articles can be supplied to the consignment platform separately from the supply of the tray.

[0131] In the transport system, the consignment platform has a storage body for accommodating the pallet, and the storage body has: an opening portion, which is used to take and place the items relative to the storage body; and a door, which opens and closes the opening portion, and the door is controlled to open when the pallet is in a specified position on the consignment platform.

[0132] According to the above aspect, it is possible to prevent the user from inserting his or her body and hand into the accommodation body during the operation of the reciprocating mechanism and before and after the operation.

[0133] (Notes)

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes can be made within the technical concept described in the specification. In addition, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0135] <Description of Reference Numerals>

[0136] 1. 1A, 1B supply device

[0137] 1A supply device (steering mechanism)

[0138] 2. 2A handling device

[0139] 3 Check-in counter

[0140] 4 Small tray supply mechanism (container supply mechanism)

[0141] 7. Control device (association establishment device)

[0142] 9 Pallets

[0143] 10 small pallets (containers)

[0144] 11.11B Supply mechanism

[0145] 12. 12A, 12B Delivery Agency

[0146] 12a Steering mechanism

[0147] 30 Containment

[0148] 30a opening

[0149] Gate 30b

[0150] 31.31A Round trip mechanism (delivery mechanism, delivery mechanism)

[0151] 32 Reading device

[0152] 33 Detection device

[0153] 100, 100A, 100B handling system

[0154] 200 Luggage (items)

Claims

1. A transport system comprising: A check-in platform, which is used to check in items; A supply device that supplies a tray without the articles to the shipping platform; a detection device for detecting whether the article is loaded on the pallet at the consignment platform; and A transport device transports the pallet from the shipping platform to a transport destination after the detection.

2. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein: The orientation of the tray supplied by the supply device to the shipping platform is the same as the orientation in which the tray should be arranged on the shipping platform.

3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The transport device comprises: a transport mechanism disposed at a position separated from the consignment platform and transporting the pallet carrying the articles to the transport destination; and A delivery mechanism delivers the tray on which the articles are placed at the consignment platform from the consignment platform to the transport mechanism.

4. The transport system according to claim 3, wherein: The supply device is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with at least the transport mechanism of the transport device in a vertical direction.

5. The transport system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The delivery mechanism has a conveyor belt set in a manner to support both ends of the tray. The delivery mechanism delivers the tray carrying the articles from the shipping platform via the conveyor belt.

6. The transport system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The supply device comprises: a supply mechanism disposed at a position separated from the consignment platform, and supplying the tray without the articles to the supply position separated from the consignment platform; and A delivery mechanism delivers the pallet supplied by the supply mechanism to the shipping platform.

7. The transport system according to claim 6, wherein: The delivery mechanism includes a steering mechanism that changes the orientation of the pallet supplied by the supply mechanism to an orientation in which the pallet should be arranged on the consignment platform. The delivery mechanism delivers the pallet, the orientation of which has been changed by the steering mechanism, to the shipping platform.

8. The transport system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The delivery mechanism is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the conveying mechanism in a vertical direction.

9. The transport system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The supply mechanism supplies the tray while maintaining the posture of the tray such that a tray placement surface is inclined at an angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.

10. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: One or more reading devices that read, at the consignment platform, the inherent identification information pre-assigned to the pallet and the transport information indicating the transport destination assigned to the article placed on the pallet; and The association establishing device establishes association between the read identification information and the transport information.

11. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: The container supply mechanism supplies a container that can be used to store the articles and can be placed on the tray to the shipping platform.

12. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The shipping platform has a receiving body for receiving the pallet. The receiving body has: an opening portion, which is used to take the article into and out of the receiving body; and a door that opens and closes the opening, The door is controlled to open when the pallet is at a specified position on the shipping platform.

Images