CONTAINER INSPECTION SYSTEM, TRANSFER PROCEDURES AND PORT FACILITIES

Abstract

Container inspection system, comprehensive: a quay crane (1) comprising a transfer platform (2) and a lifting element, wherein the transfer platform (2) is attached to a machine body of the quay crane (1) and the lifting element is designed to lift a container (3) to a starting position (A) on the transfer platform (2); a scanning device (4) arranged on the transfer platform (2), wherein the scanning device (4) is integrated into the kaikran (1) to form an integral structure, and a conveying device (5) arranged on the transfer platform (2), wherein the conveying device (5) is designed to move the container (3) located in the starting position (A) so that it passes through a scanning channel of the scanning device (4), and the scanned container (3) is transported to a container receiving position (B) on the transfer platform (2), wherein the Container receiving position (B) is designed to store the container (3) which is to be lifted onto a container handling device, wherein the starting position (A) and the container receiving position (B) are arranged side by side along an extension direction of a movement track of the quay crane (1) and the starting position A is located in a truss structure of a machine body; and the container receiving position B extends partially out of a side face of the quay crane 1 and is located outside the truss structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This disclosure is based on and claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 201810300239.9 filed on April 4, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of security inspection and, more particularly, relates to a container inspection system, a transfer method, and a port facility. BACKGROUND

[0003] In current port facilities, containers are generally removed from a cargo ship by a quay crane, lifted, and transferred to an unmanned automated guided vehicle (AGV) on site. To prevent dangerous goods from being stored in containers on site, current port facilities are equipped with a scanning device on site to scan and inspect each container. Once detected, the dangerous goods are disposed of.

[0004] Due to the process of transferring containers to the site and then conducting scanning and inspection, it is necessary to occupy a certain space within the AGV's movement field, and each automated guide vehicle must transport the container for inspection, thereby reducing the container transfer efficiency. In addition, this process may allow dangerous and prohibited goods to enter the site, thus introducing certain potential security threats to the port facility.

[0005] CN 1 01 296 840 A describes a mobile buffer crane for handling freight containers with a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring freight containers between a ship and a land transport with a non-invasive inspection device located at an intermediate transfer position at which a suspended container can be moved back and forth longitudinally and thus non-invasively inspected.

[0006] CN 1 740 078 A aims to provide a crane equipped with an inspection device that can maintain excellent inspection conditions without compromising the efficiency of cargo transport.

[0007] CN 1 764 584 A describes a mobile multifunctional platform for contactless scanning and transport of containers with a crane device on the platform for moving the containers, an X-ray device, a screen that can be moved over and along the container and wheels for the platform.

[0008] CN 1 07 860 782 A describes a mobile goods inspection system. The system comprises: at least one inspection device, each inspection device comprising a radiation source and a detector, capable of moving to an assigned position, and used to inspect articles; automatic guide transport vehicles capable of being dispatched to a position near the assigned position; and a lateral hoist or a storage track hoist capable of lifting the at least one inspection device to the automatic guide transport vehicles and lifting the at least one inspection device from the automatic guide transport vehicles to the assigned position.

[0009] JP 2005- 255 362 A describes an inspection device and a method capable of inspecting a container load on a temporary parking platform for temporarily parking a container without obstructing an overhead crane of a container vehicle.

[0010] JP 2005 - 257 401 A describes a device for inspecting a container load which is capable of tracking the unloading or loading speed of the container of a quay crane.

[0011] CN 1 08 490 495 A describes a container inspection system, a transfer method, and a port facility. The container inspection system comprises a shore crane, a scanning device, and a conveyor device. The shore crane is provided with a transfer platform, a lifting component of the shore crane is used to lift a container to a starting position on the transfer platform; the scanning device is arranged on the transfer platform; and the conveyor device is arranged on the transfer platform and serves to move the container in the starting position through a scanning channel of the scanning device.

[0012] CN 2 08 092 256 U describes a container handling system and a port accommodation, wherein the container handling system comprises a quayside bridge equipped with a transport platform located on the quayside bridge, the liftable part of the quayside bridge is used to lift the container to the home position, which is transported on the platform with the container, a scanning device is arranged on the transport platform, and a conveyor is arranged on the transport platform to drive the container in the home position through the scanning device. SUMMARY

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a container inspection system, a transfer method, and a port facility that can improve the transfer efficiency of the container.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a container inspection system is provided, comprising: a quay crane (1) comprising a transfer platform (2) and a lifting element, wherein the transfer platform (2) is attached to a machine body of the quay crane (1) and the lifting element is designed to lift a container to a starting position (A) on the transfer platform (2); a scanning device (4) arranged on the transfer platform (2), the scanning device (4) being integrated into the quay crane (1) to form an integral structure; and a conveyor device (5) arranged on the transfer platform (2), wherein the conveyor device (5) is designed to move the container (3) located in the starting position (A) so that it traverses a scanning channel of the scanning device (4), and the scanned container (3) is conveyed to a container receiving position (B) on the transfer platform (2), wherein the container receiving position (B) is designed to store the container (3) to be lifted onto a container movement operating means, wherein the home position (A) and the container receiving position (B) are arranged side by side along an extending direction of a movement track of the quay crane (1), and the home position (A) is located in a truss structure of a machine body; and the container receiving position (B) partially extends out from a side surface of the quay crane (1) and is located outside the truss structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lifting element comprises: a first lifting part configured to lift the container to the home position and to lift the container onto the container moving equipment at the container receiving position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lifting element comprises: a first lifting part adapted to lift the container to the starting position; and a second lifting part designed to lift the container onto the container movement equipment at the container receiving position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the starting position and the container receiving position are predetermined positions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the scanning device is arranged between the starting position and the container receiving position.

[0019] In some embodiments, two scanning channels are provided on each side of the scanning device; each of the scanning channels is provided with a group of working positions, respectively; and each group of working positions comprises a home position and a container receiving position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conveying device comprises: a transfer vehicle and a track arranged on the transfer platform, wherein the transfer vehicle is movable along the track and is configured to carry the container.

[0021] In some embodiments, the transfer vehicle is configured to carry and move the container to the container receiving position and to return it to the starting position after the container has been lifted off the transfer vehicle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the scanning device is configured to enter a scanning working state after receiving an indication that the container arrives at the starting position and to exit the scanning working state after the scanning is completed.

[0023] In some embodiments, the quay crane is provided with a processing target position; and the processing target position is configured to transfer the container inspected by the scanning device to the processing target position and store it therein if dangerous goods are present.

[0024] In some embodiments, the conveying device is configured to move the container so that it traverses a scanning channel along a length direction of the container.

[0025] In some embodiments, a container inspection system comprises: a quay crane, wherein a transfer platform is arranged on the quay crane, and a lifting element of the quay crane is designed to lift a container to a starting position on the transfer platform; a scanning device arranged on the transfer platform; and a conveyor device arranged on the transfer platform and designed to move the container in the starting position so that it passes through a scanning channel of the scanning device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the conveying device is further configured to convey the scanned container to a container receiving position on the transfer platform, such that the container is lifted onto the container movement equipment at the container receiving position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lifting element of the quay crane comprises: a first lifting part configured to lift the container to the home position and to lift the container at the container receiving position to the container moving means.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lifting element of the quay crane comprises: a first lifting part adapted to lift the container to the starting position; and a second lifting part designed to lift the container onto the container movement equipment at the container receiving position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the starting position and the container receiving position are predetermined positions.

[0030] In addition, the scanning device is located between the starting position and the container receiving position.

[0031] In some embodiments, the home position and the container receiving position are arranged side by side along an extension direction of a movement track of the quay crane.

[0032] In some embodiments, a scanning channel is formed on each of two sides of the scanning device, and each of the scanning channels is provided with a group of home position and container receiving position, respectively.

[0033] In some embodiments, the conveying device comprises: a transfer vehicle and a track arranged on the transfer platform, wherein the transfer vehicle is configured to carry and move the container along the track.

[0034] In some embodiments, the container inspection system further comprises a control device configured to control the transfer vehicle to move after the transfer vehicle has stored the container and to control the transfer vehicle to return to the home position after the container has been lifted off the transfer vehicle.

[0035] In some embodiments, the container inspection system further comprises a control device configured to enable the scanning device to enter a scanning working state after determining that the container arrives at the home position and to exit the scanning working state after the scanning is completed.

[0036] In some embodiments, the quay crane is provided with a processing target position; and the quay crane can deposit the dangerous goods inspected by the scanning device at the processing target position.

[0037] In some embodiments, the conveying device is configured to move the container such that it traverses a scanning channel of the scanning device along a length direction of the container.

[0038] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a port facility is provided that includes the container inspection system of the above embodiments.

[0039] In some embodiments, the container inspection system further comprises a container movement resource, wherein the container movement resource comprises an automated guide vehicle to load the container.

[0040] According to still other embodiments of the present disclosure, a transfer method based on the container inspection system is provided, comprising: the lifting element of the quay crane lifts the container to the starting position on the transfer platform; and The conveyor moves the container so that it passes through the scanning channel of the scanning device.

[0041] In some embodiments, after the scanning is completed, the container transfer method further comprises: the conveyor device transports the container to the container receiving position on the transfer platform conveyor device; and the container is lifted onto a container movement device at the container receiving position.

[0042] In some embodiments, the conveying device comprises a transfer vehicle, and the container transfer method further comprises: the control device controls the transfer vehicle to return to the starting position after the container has been lifted off the transfer vehicle.

[0043] In some embodiments, the container transfer method further comprises: the control device causes the scanning device to enter a scanning working state after determining that the container arrives at the home position; and the control device causes the scanning device to exit the scanning working state after the container has been scanned.

[0044] In some embodiments, the container transfer method comprises: Lifting the container to the starting position on the transfer platform by the lifting element of the quay crane; and Moving the container through the conveyor so that it passes through the scanning channel of the scanning device.

[0045] In some embodiments, after the scanning is completed, the container transfer method further comprises: Transporting the container by the conveyor to the container receiving position on the transfer platform; and Lifting the container at the container receiving position onto the container movement equipment.

[0046] In some embodiments, the conveying device comprises a transfer vehicle, and the container transfer method further comprises: Cause the transfer vehicle to return to the starting position after the container has been lifted off the transfer vehicle.

[0047] In some embodiments, the container transfer method further comprises: after determining that the container arrives at the home position, causing the scanning device to enter a scanning working state; and after the container has been scanned, causing the scanning device to exit the scanning working state.

[0048] Based on the above technical solutions, in the container inspection system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the scanning device is arranged on the transfer platform of the quay crane; and when it is necessary to transfer the container from a first location to a second location, the container is lifted by the lifting member of the quay crane from the first location to the home position on the transfer platform, the container at the home position is moved by the conveyor device on the transfer platform to pass through the scanning channel of the scanning device, and the container inspected by the scanning device enters the second location.According to the inspection system, the scanning device is integrated into the quay crane without occupying an additional scanning area at the second site; moreover, rapid detection can be realized in the process of transferring the container to the second site, secondary inspection is not required, and dangerous prohibited goods can be prevented from entering the second site, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the entire container transfer process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS

[0049] The accompanying drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The schematic embodiments of the present disclosure and the description thereof are used to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute undue limitations on the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operating principle of a container inspection system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a front view of a container inspection system operating in a port facility according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a top view of a container inspection system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a side view of a container inspection system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is an enlarged drawing of a structure at a position I in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is an enlarged drawing of a structure at a position II in Fig. 3; and Fig. 7 is an enlarged drawing of a structure at a position III in Fig. 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The technical solution of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments.

[0051] Given the deficiencies in the container transfer process in an existing port facility, the inventor noted that when the container is transferred to the site and then scanned and inspected, each AGV must transport the container to a fixed area for scanning and inspection, or scan and inspect by moving the scanning device. When a large number of containers need to be transferred, more inspection time will undoubtedly be required, thereby reducing the container transfer efficiency. Furthermore, if the container is inspected after entering the site, it is likely to cause dangerous goods to enter the site, posing a potential safety hazard.

[0052] Based on the above considerations, and with the aim of optimizing the container transfer process, the inventor integrated the scanning and inspection chain into the process of transferring the container from the cargo ship to the off-road AGV, allowing the container to be inspected before entering the off-road area. Accordingly, the scanning device is integrated into the quay crane, eliminating the need to deploy a fixed or mobile scanning device in the off-road area.

[0053] Based on the as in Fig. 1 to Fig. Based on the above concept shown in Fig. 7, the present disclosure provides a container inspection system. In some embodiments, the container inspection system includes a quay crane 1, a scanning device 4, and a conveyor device 5. The quay crane 1 is arranged between a first location and a second location and is configured to transfer the container from the first location to the second location. For example, in the port, the first location is a cargo ship, the second location is a terrain, and the quay crane 1 may be arranged at a pier and is configured to lift the container 3 on the cargo ship to place the container on a container movement resource in the terrain. The container movement resource may be an AGV or a container truck, and the like. The following embodiments illustrate by taking the usage occasion as an example.In other usage situations, the first location may be a site and the second location may be a cargo ship, i.e. the container is shipped.

[0054] As in Fig. 4, a movement track is arranged at the bottom of the quay crane 1. According to the stopping position of the cargo ship and the position of the container on the ship, the quay crane 1 in the port facility can move along the movement track (in a direction of an arrow K) to change a lifting position and lift the container on the cargo ship onto the AGV in the travel field of the AGV.

[0055] The quay crane 1 comprises a machine body and a lifting element, wherein the machine body adopts a truss structure; and the lifting element comprises a crane boom and a lifting tool and is configured to perform a lifting operation. A transfer platform 2 is arranged on the quay crane 1. The transfer platform 2 can be arranged on the machine body, for example, in a lower region of the machine body, which is advantageous for unloading the container 3 onto the container moving equipment. The lifting element of the quay crane 1 is configured to lift the container 3 from the first location to a starting position A of the transfer platform 2.

[0056] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the scanning device 4 is arranged on the transfer platform 2 and includes a radiation source 41 and a detection arm. The detection arm may include a transverse arm 42 and a vertical arm 43 to form a portal frame and a scanning channel for the container 3 to pass through. The radiation source 41 can emit rays for scanning and inspecting the container. A plurality of detectors are arranged on the detection arm and are configured to receive rays transmitted by the radiation source 41 when the container 3 is scanned, thereby obtaining the internal state of the container 3 through image processing.

[0057] In some embodiments, the scanning device 4 may be integrally mounted on the transfer platform 2. Optionally, the entire scanning device 4 is detachably mounted on the transfer platform 2. When the scanning device 4 is in a failure state and requires maintenance and replacement, the scanning device 4 can be conveniently disassembled without affecting the normal use of the quay crane 1.

[0058] Still referring to Fig. 5, the conveyor device 5 is arranged on the transfer platform 2 and is designed to move the container 3 at the starting position A so that it passes through a scanning channel of the scanning device 4 in order to complete the scanning and inspection of the container 3. In some embodiments, as in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the conveying device 5 is designed to move the container 3 so that it traverses the scanning channel of the scanning device 4 along a length direction of the container 3, thereby facilitating scanning and inspection and achieving high scanning reliability.

[0059] The inspection system of the embodiment of the present disclosure integrates the scanning device 4 into the quay crane 1 to form an integral structure and has at least one of the following advantages: (1) In the container transfer process, the scanning and inspection chain is transferred to the process of transferring the container from the cargo ship to the site, and it is unnecessary to inspect after the container enters the site, thus eliminating the movement required by the AGV in the field to complete the scanning task, realizing rapid inspection, simplifying the container transfer process, and improving the transfer efficiency of the container. (2) The inspection in the process of transferring the container to the site can prevent dangerous and prohibited goods from entering the site, improve the safety of the port facility and eliminate the chain of removing the dangerous goods from the site. (3) Integrating the scanning device into the quay crane makes full use of the structural characteristics and space of the quay crane, and it is unnecessary to occupy an additional scanning area in the terrain, thereby saving space and optimizing the layout of various types of equipment in the port facility.

[0060] According to the method of placing the container on the transfer platform and then transporting the container through the conveyor for scanning in the lifting process, the scanning device can be directly fixed to the transfer platform, which is simple and convenient to adjust and saves costs; moreover, the conveyor can move the container to stably pass through the scanning channel, and thus is immune to environmental factors such as wind and the like, and the container will not experience vibration, compared with the method of floating the container in the air for inspection, thereby improving scanning accuracy.

[0061] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 4, the conveying device 5 is further configured to convey the scanned container 3 to the container receiving position B on the transfer platform 2, so that the container 3 is conveniently lifted onto the container moving equipment at the container receiving position B.

[0062] According to the embodiment, the scanned container 3 is transported to the container receiving position B in such a way that the quay crane 1 or other cranes can lift the scanned container 3 from a predetermined position, thus improving the container transfer efficiency. Furthermore, it is advantageous to realize the entire process of transferring the container from the cargo ship to the site and perform scanning and inspection in the process. Through the mutual cooperation of various parts, the degree of automation of the container transfer can be increased.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the conveying device 5 includes: a transfer vehicle and a track arranged on the transfer platform 2, the transfer vehicle being configured to carry the container 3; and a wheel set arranged on the bottom of the transfer vehicle can move along the track. The track can pass sequentially through the home position A, the scanning channel, and the container receiving position B. The transfer vehicle can move flexibly and quickly and has excellent carrying capacity. Optionally, the conveying device 5 may further be other operating means such as a belt or a roller.

[0064] To arrange the conveying device, a fixed platform may be formed on the existing quay crane 1; and the transfer platform 2 may be formed by arranging the track on the fixed platform so that the conveying device 5 can support the container 3 in completing the scanning in the lifting process. Furthermore, the transfer platform 2 may be additionally arranged on the quay crane 1.

[0065] According to different lifting elements to perform the lifting operation, three embodiments are given below.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 2, in the first embodiment, the lifting element of the quay crane 1 comprises a first lifting part 11 configured to lift the container 3 from the first location (such as the cargo ship) to the home position A on the transfer platform 2 and to lift the container 3 at the container receiving position B to the container movement means at the second location (such as the site). The first lifting part 11 may include a first lifting tool and a rope; for example, the first lifting tool may be a lifting hook of the quay crane 1.

[0067] The working principle is: the first lifting part 11 lifts the container 3 from the cargo ship and moves toward the shore along a first crane boom 13; and when the first lifting part 11 moves over the transfer platform 2, the rope of the first lifting part 11 extends, the container 3 is placed at the home position A of the transfer platform 2, and the container 3 is moved by the conveyor device 5 to be scanned and then arrives at the container receiving position B. At this time, the first lifting part 11 continuously moves over the container receiving position B along the first crane boom 13. If necessary, the first lifting part 11 can move transversely along an extending direction of a movement track of the quay crane 1, so that the container 3 is lifted from the container receiving position B and placed on the container moving equipment in the shore.

[0068] According to the embodiment, a structure of the quay crane 1 can be simplified, and the entire transfer and scanning process of the container can be completed by using only one lifting part, thereby simplifying the control.

[0069] As in Fig. 2, in the second embodiment, the lifting part of the quay crane 1 comprises: a first lifting part 11 configured to lift the container 3 from the first location (such as the cargo ship) to the starting position A on the transfer platform 2; and a second lifting part 12 configured to lift the container 3 at the container receiving position B to the container movement means at the second location (such as the site). The second lifting part 12 may comprise a second lifting tool and a rope; for example, the second lifting tool may be a lifting hook of the quay crane 1. In Fig. 2, the first lifting part 11 and the second lifting part 12 may be arranged on two opposite sides of the quay crane 1; the first lifting part 11 is arranged towards the first side; the second lifting part 12 is arranged towards the second side; and the first lifting part 11 may be higher than the second lifting part 12.

[0070] The working principle is: the first lifting part 11 lifts the container 3 from the cargo ship and moves toward the ground along the first crane boom 13. When the first lifting part 11 moves above the transfer platform 2, the rope of the first lifting part 11 is controlled to extend, the container 3 is placed at the home position A of the transfer platform 2, and at this time, the first lifting part 11 can return to perform a new lifting task along the first crane boom 13. Then, the conveyor device 5 moves the container 3 to be scanned and then arrives at the container receiving position B.The rope of the second lifting part 12 is shortened, and the second lifting part 12 moves over the container receiving position B to lift the container 3 from the container receiving position B, and moves toward the terrain along the second crane boom 14, and when the second lifting part 12 arrives at a position above the container moving equipment, the rope of the second lifting part 12 is extended so that the container 3 is placed on the container moving equipment in the terrain.

[0071] According to the embodiment, two lifting elements are arranged on the quay crane 1 to cooperate to complete the entire container transfer and container scanning process. After placing the container 3 at the home position A, the first lifting element 11 can return to lift a new container 3. Since the two lifting elements operate relatively independently, the transfer time can be shortened and the transfer efficiency can be improved.

[0072] With reference to Fig. 2, in the third embodiment, the lifting element of the quay crane 1 comprises a first lifting part 11 configured to lift the container 3 from the first location (such as the cargo ship) to the starting position A on the transfer platform 2. Furthermore, a transfer crane is additionally arranged on one side toward the second location of the quay crane 1 and configured to lift the container 3 at the container receiving position B onto the container movement equipment at the second location (such as the site).

[0073] According to the embodiment, it is unnecessary to increase the complexity of the structure of the quay crane 1, and the proper transfer crane can be selected according to a height of the transfer platform 2, so that the flexibility of use in various occasions can be improved.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, when the quay crane 1 moves along its movement track along the arrow K according to the lifting request, the scanning device 4 moves together with the quay crane 1, thereby facilitating use. Since there is no need to add a transfer crane to the above first and second embodiments, a step of adjusting the position of the transfer crane when the quay crane 1 moves along the movement track is eliminated, and the improvement can be further improved when it is necessary to lift the containers 3 in different positions.

[0075] A procedure for setting the starting position A and the container receiving position B is described below.

[0076] In some embodiments, the home position A and the container receiving position B are predetermined positions. For example, a first station may be set at the home position A, a second station may be set at the container receiving position B, and the first station and the second station are located at fixed positions on the transfer platform 2. According to the embodiment, the container 3 is placed at the fixed position on the transfer platform 2 each time, and the container 3, after being scanned, is lifted from the fixed position to the container moving equipment, thereby reducing the control difficulty of the lifting member, simplifying the work process, and improving the transfer reliability of the container.

[0077] Alternatively, multiple stations may be set up at the starting position A or the container receiving position B. During the transfer process of each container 3, the container 3 may be placed at different stations according to a predetermined rule in the control device. In this case, if the conveying device 5 fails to transport the container 3 away from the starting position A in a timely manner due to a failure, the fact that the next container is lifted from the cargo ship onto the transfer platform 2 is not affected, thus ensuring that the entire container lifting process proceeds smoothly.

[0078] In some embodiments, the scanning device 4 is arranged between the starting position A and the container receiving position B. As in Fig. 3, the scanning device 4 is located on a path where the home position A and the container receiving position B are linearly connected. Thus, according to the embodiment, a path of the container 3 from the home position A to the container receiving position B passes through the scanning channel, thus improving the container transfer efficiency.

[0079] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 4, the home position A and the container receiving position B are arranged side by side in an extending direction of a movement track of the quay crane 1. Length directions of the stations corresponding to the home position A and the container receiving position B coincide with the extending direction of the movement track of the quay crane 1. The scanning device 4 is arranged between the home position A and the container receiving position B.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 7, in the process of lifting the container 3 by the lifting member, since the length direction of the container 3 remains consistent with the extending direction of the movement track of the quay crane 1, the attachment method of the embodiment allows the conveying device 5 to move along the length direction of the container 3 to easily traverse the scanning channel of the scanning device 4. When the conveying device 5 is a transfer vehicle, the movement of the transfer vehicle is facilitated.

[0081] Out of Fig. 4, it can be seen that when the first lifting part 11 moves to a position corresponding to the transfer platform 2, the home position A is located under the first lifting part 11 of the quay crane 1 and in a truss structure of a machine body; and the container receiving position B partially extends from a side surface of the quay crane 1 and is located outside the truss structure, so that the second lifting part 12 of the quay crane 1 or the transfer vehicle can conveniently set down the container 3.

[0082] In other embodiments, the starting position A and the container receiving position B may be arranged side by side along a direction vertical to an extension direction of the movement track of the quay crane 1.

[0083] In some embodiments, two scanning channels are provided on each side of the scanning device 4; and each of the scanning channels is correspondingly provided with a group of home position A and container receiving position B. According to the embodiment, in the case where the quay crane 1 has a plurality of first lifting parts 11, a plurality of containers 3 can be lifted and scanned at the same time, thereby improving the transfer efficiency.

[0084] For example, two detection arms are arranged on the left and right sides of a radiation source 41, respectively, and the radiation source 41 can simultaneously transmit rays to the detection arms on the two sides. Or, two radiation sources 41 are provided and can transmit rays to the detection arms on the corresponding sides.

[0085] In some embodiments, the quay crane 1 is provided with a processing target position, and the processing target position is configured to deposit the container 3 containing dangerous goods inspected by the scanning device 4. The processing target position may be located in an area other than the starting position A and the container receiving position B on the transfer platform 2, and may also be located at other positions on the quay crane 1. The efficiency of transferring and scanning the container 3 can be improved by scheduling the processing target position instead of directly processing it during the lifting process.

[0086] In some embodiments, the container inspection system may further include a control device configured to control the transfer vehicle to move after the transfer vehicle has stored the container 3 and to control the transfer vehicle to return to the home position A after the container 3 has been lifted off the transfer vehicle. Since the transfer vehicle moves back and forth between the home position A and the container receiving position B, the container 3 can be transported by only one transfer vehicle.

[0087] Specifically, a detection part may be arranged on the transfer vehicle to detect whether the transfer vehicle is storing the container. For example, a pressure sensor is arranged on a storage surface of the transfer vehicle to judge whether the container 3 is stored on the transfer vehicle through pressure detection; or a distance sensor is arranged on a side part of the transfer vehicle to judge whether the container 3 is stored on the transfer vehicle through displacement detection.

[0088] In some embodiments, the container inspection system may further include a control device configured to allow the scanning device 4 to enter a scanning working state after determining that the container 3 arrives at the home position A and to exit the scanning working state after the scanning is completed. According to the embodiment, the scanning device 4 can operate as needed, thereby saving energy consumption.

[0089] Specifically, the control device enables the scanning device 4 to enter the scanning working state after receiving a signal that the container 3 arrives at the home position A and the radiation source 41 begins transmitting rays. At this time, the control device controls the conveyor device 5 to move the container 3 to traverse the scanning channel. After the entire container 3 has completely left the scanning channel, that is, after scanning is completed, the radiation source 41 is turned off, so that the scanning device 4 exits the scanning working state and enters the standby state.

[0090] In some embodiments, the control devices of the scanning device 4 and the conveying device 5 can be integrated into a control device of the quay crane 1, so that the control device performs integrated control of the quay crane 1, the scanning device 4, and the conveying device, thus eliminating signal interaction between different control devices, improving the control reliability of the container inspection system, and enhancing the degree of integration of the control device. Additionally, the quay crane 1, the scanning device 4, and the conveying device 5 can be independent control devices.

[0091] Second, the present disclosure further provides a port facility including the container inspection system of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the port facility may further include an AGV driving site as a second site. The port facility may be a smart port, and the quay crane 1 may be an automated quay crane.

[0092] In some embodiments, the container movement resource comprises an automated guide vehicle for loading the container 3.

[0093] At this port, the container 3 can be scanned and inspected during the transfer process from the cargo ship to the AGV driving station. This makes the overall transfer process of the container 3 more seamless. The chain for performing scanning and inspection at the AGV driving station is eliminated, and the container transfer process can be simplified, thereby improving the inspection and transfer efficiency of the container. It can also prevent dangerous goods from entering the port's AGV driving station, thereby improving safety. Additionally, there is no need to arrange the scanning device at the AGV driving station, leaving more space for the AGV's movement.

[0094] The method of the container inspection system of the present disclosure applied to the port facility is illustrated by placing the container inspection system in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 is taken as an example. (1) As in Fig. 2, the quay crane 1 moves along the movement track to a position facing the cargo ship. The first lifting part 11 lifts the container 3 from the cargo ship, so that the first lifting part 11 moves along the first crane boom 13 to a position above the transfer platform 2 to place the container 3 at the starting position A, as shown in Fig. 3. After the container 3 has been placed stably, the first lifting part 11 can return to lift the next container 3. (2) After receiving a signal that the container 3 has been placed at the home position A, the control device allows the scanning device 4 to enter the scanning working state and prepare for scanning. (3) The control device controls the transfer vehicle to move along the track, and the transfer vehicle transports the container 3 to pass through the scanning channel to realize scanning and inspection and move it to the container receiving position B. (4) as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the second lifting part 12 of the quay crane 1 lifts the container 3 from the container receiving position B such that the second lifting part 12 moves outward along a second crane boom 14 to a position above the AGV, and the second lifting part 12 sets the container 3 down on the AGV after the AGV has moved into place, wherein the second crane boom 14 may be located below the first crane boom 13. (5) After the second lifting part (12) lifts the container 3 from the container receiving position B, the transfer vehicle returns along the track to the starting position A and waits to transport the next container 3 for scanning.

[0095] Finally, the present disclosure further provides a container transfer method of the container inspection system. In a schematic embodiment, the transfer method comprises: Step 101: Lifting the container 3 to the starting position A on the transfer platform 2 by the lifting element of the quay crane 1; and Step 102: Moving the container 3 at the starting position A by the conveyor device 5 so that it passes through the scanning channel of the scanning device 4.

[0096] According to the embodiment, in the container transfer process, the scanning and inspection chain is transferred to the process of transferring the container from the cargo ship to the site, and it is unnecessary to inspect after the container enters the site, thereby eliminating the movement required by the AGV in the field to complete the scanning task, realizing rapid inspection, simplifying the container transfer process, and improving the transfer efficiency and safety of the container.

[0097] In addition, after scanning is completed, the container transfer process also includes: Step 103: Transporting the container 3 to the container receiving position B on the transfer platform 2 by the conveyor device 5; and Step 104: Lifting container 3 at container receiving position B onto the container movement equipment.

[0098] Steps 103 and 104 occur after step 102. In steps 102 and 103, the movement of the conveying device 5 can be controlled by a control device. In step 104, with respect to the quay cranes 1 having different structures, the container 3 can be lifted onto the container moving equipment by the first lifting part 11, the second lifting part 12, or the additionally arranged transfer crane on the quay crane 1. For example, the container moving equipment can be a moving vehicle such as an AGV or a container truck, and the like.

[0099] According to the embodiment, the scanned container 3 is transported to the container receiving position B so that the quay crane 1 or other cranes can lift the scanned container 3 from a predetermined position, thus improving the container transfer efficiency. Furthermore, it is advantageous to realize the entire process of transferring the container from the cargo ship to the site and perform scanning and inspection in the process. By integrating various parts, the degree of automation of the container transfer can be increased.

[0100] In some embodiments, the conveying device 5 comprises a transfer vehicle, and the container transfer method further comprises: Step 105: the control device controls the transfer vehicle to return to the starting position A after the container 3 is lifted from the transfer vehicle. Step 105 occurs after step 104. Since the transfer vehicle moves back and forth between the starting position A and the container receiving position B, the container 3 can be transported by only one transfer vehicle.

[0101] In other embodiments, the container transfer method further comprises: Step 106: Causing, by the control device, the scanning device 4 to enter a scanning working state after determining that the container 3 arrives at the home position A; and Step 107: Causing, by the control device, the scanning device 4 to exit the scanning working state after the container 3 has been scanned.

[0102] According to the embodiment, the scanning device 4 can operate as needed, thereby saving energy consumption.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended to merely illustrate the technical solution of the present disclosure, but not to limit it. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that changes to the specific implementations or equivalent replacements of some technical features may still be made and should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed in the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Container inspection system comprising: a quay crane (1) comprising a transfer platform (2) and a lifting element, wherein the transfer platform (2) is attached to a machine body of the quay crane (1) and the lifting element is designed to lift a container (3) to a starting position (A) on the transfer platform (2); a scanning device (4) arranged on the transfer platform (2), the scanning device (4) being integrated into the quay crane (1) to form an integral structure, and a conveyor device (5) arranged on the transfer platform (2), and wherein the conveyor device (5) is designed to move the container (3) located in the starting position (A) so that it passes through a scanning channel of the scanning device (4), and the scanned container (3) is transported to a container receiving position (B) on the transfer platform (2), wherein the Container receiving position (B) is designed to store the container (3) which is to be lifted onto a container movement device, wherein the home position (A) and the container receiving position (B) are arranged side by side along an extending direction of a movement track of the quay crane (1), and the home position A is located in a truss structure of a machine body; and the container receiving position B partially extends out from a side surface of the quay crane 1 and is located outside the truss structure. [2] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the lifting element comprises: a first lifting part (11) designed to lift the container (3) to the starting position (A) and to lift the container (3) onto the container movement means at the container receiving position (B). [3] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the lifting element comprises: a first lifting part (11) designed to lift the container (3) to the starting position (A); and a second lifting part (12) designed to lift the container (3) onto the container movement means at the container receiving position (B). [4] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the starting position (A) and the container receiving position (B) are predetermined positions. [5] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the scanning device (4) is arranged between the starting position (A) and the container receiving position (B). [6] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein two scanning channels are provided on both sides of the scanning device (4); and each of the scanning channels is provided with a group of working positions, respectively; each group of working positions comprising the home position (A) and the container receiving position (B). [7] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device (5) comprises a transfer vehicle and a track arranged on the transfer platform (2), the transfer vehicle being movable along the track and being adapted to carry the container (3). [8] Container inspection system according to claim 7, wherein the transfer vehicle is adapted to carry the container (3) and move it to the container receiving position (B) and return to the starting position (A) after the container (3) has been lifted off the transfer vehicle. [9] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the scanning device (4) is adapted to enter a scanning working state after receiving an indication that the container (3) arrives at the starting position (A) and to exit the scanning working state after the scanning has been completed. [10] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the quay crane (1) is provided with a processing target position which is designed to transfer the container (3) inspected by the scanning device (4) to the processing target position and to store it therein in the presence of dangerous goods. [11] Container inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device (5) is designed to move the container (3) so that it traverses a scanning channel along a length direction of the container (3). [12] Port facility comprising the container inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Port facility according to claim 12, further comprising a container movement operating means, wherein the container movement operating means comprises an automated guide vehicle for loading the container (3). [14] A container transfer method based on the container inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: Lifting the container (3) to the starting position (A) on the transfer platform (2) by the lifting element of the quay crane (1); and Moving the container (3) through the conveyor device (5) so that it passes through the scanning channel of the scanning device (4). [15] The container transfer method according to claim 14, wherein, after the scanning has been completed, the container transfer method further comprises: Transporting the container (3) by the conveying device (5) to a container receiving position (B) on the transfer platform (2); and Lifting the container (3) at the container receiving position (B) onto a container movement device. [16] Container transfer method according to claim 14, wherein the conveying device (5) comprises a transfer vehicle, and the container transfer method further comprises: Cause the transfer vehicle to return to the starting position (A) after the container (3) has been lifted off the transfer vehicle. [17] Container transfer method according to claim 14, further comprising: after determining that the container (3) arrives at the starting position (A), causing the scanning device (4) to enter a scanning working state; and after scanning the container (3), cause the scanning device (4) to exit the scanning working state.

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