Baggage sorting system for an airport for the automatic presorting and supplying of baggage items

Abstract

The invention relates to a baggage sorting system (40) for an airport for automatically presorting and transferring baggage items (15) from a conveyor belt (20) to a feed conveyor (30) for supplying to a loading station (34), comprising a transfer unit (50) for transferring baggage items (15) from the conveyor belt (20) to the feed conveyor (30); a baggage recognition unit (60) for identifying baggage items (15) and for categorising individual baggage items (15); and a control unit (70) for selecting individual baggage items (15) for transfer to the feed conveyor (30) based on the categorisation and / or on predefined requirements for loading into the freight container (18). The transfer unit (50) comprises a baggage handler (52), which is designed and configured to transfer a baggage item (15) from the conveyor belt (20) to the feed conveyor (30). During transfer by means of the transfer unit (50), the baggage items (15) are automatically presorted.

Description

[0001] Baggage sorting system for an airport for automatic pre-sorting and feeding of baggage

[0002] The present invention relates to a baggage sorting system for an airport for automatically pre-sorting and removing baggage from a conveyor belt and transferring the baggage to a feed belt adjacent to the conveyor belt for feeding it to a loading station for loading a freight container. The invention further relates to a system comprising the baggage sorting system, a conveyor belt for transporting baggage, and a feed belt for feeding baggage to a loading station.

[0003] Automated baggage transport and sorting has been in place at airports for some time, especially at larger airports. The systems used for this purpose are used to transport baggage from various entry points, such as a drop-off point in the check-in area, to a loading station. The baggage can be pre-sorted according to flight number and flight class. At the loading station, the baggage is usually manually transferred from a conveyor belt or feeder belt into suitable containers, such as transport containers, for transport to the aircraft.

[0004] The baggage is transported within the transportation facilities using technical equipment such as conveyor belts or endless belt tray transport systems, in which transport trays are joined together in an endless pattern. Suitable vehicles or industrial trucks are also used to transport and convey baggage or containers.

[0005] Loading of the containers is usually done manually or by hand. Airport employees remove the baggage from the conveyor belt and place or stack it in the appropriate cargo container, which is then transported to the aircraft for which the baggage is intended. The filling and loading of the cargo containers depends on the pieces of baggage to be loaded, their size, weight, and shape. The arrangement and, if necessary, sorting depend on the skill of the individual employees. It is possible to manually change the order in which the baggage is delivered to the loading station by walking along the feeder belt and selecting a suitable piece of baggage to optimize the loading and fill level of the cargo containers.

[0006] With automated loading, the baggage is removed from the infeed conveyor in the order in which it arrives at the end of the conveyor. Pre-sorting is not possible with existing systems, especially if no further modifications are required and the existing space is to be used for loading and infeed.

[0007] There is therefore a need to create an improved supply of baggage to a loading station for automatic loading.

[0008] The present object is achieved by a baggage sorting system having the features of claim 1, by a system having the features of claim 13, by a control unit having the features of claim 16 and by a method having the features of claim 18.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a baggage sorting system for an airport for automatically pre-sorting and removing baggage from a conveyor belt. The baggage sorting system transfers baggage from the conveyor belt to an adjacent feed belt, which is provided for feeding the baggage to a loading station where the baggage is loaded into a freight container. Preferably, the baggage is loaded automatically at the loading station, for example, using an automatic loading system.

[0010] The baggage sorting system comprises a transfer unit with a baggage handler, which can be used to transfer baggage from the conveyor belt to the infeed belt. The baggage is transferred by the transfer unit, preferably essentially perpendicular to the conveyor belt and / or the infeed belt. A baggage can be transferred from the conveyor belt, preferably in a first step, to the transfer unit, and then, in a second step, from the transfer unit to the infeed belt, before being moved further toward a loading station. The baggage is moved by the baggage handler, which can be designed in various ways and enables automatic movement of the baggage.

[0011] In order to transfer a piece of luggage from the conveyor belt to the infeed belt, baggage recognition is necessary. This is carried out by a baggage recognition unit. The baggage recognition unit categorizes the individual pieces of luggage, for example, by type, size, or condition. It is of course possible for the baggage recognition unit to identify and categorize the individual pieces using different sub-units. These sub-units can also be spatially separated from one another. For example, it is conceivable for categorization to take place directly at an entry point, such as the drop-off point in the check-in area.Information about the category or type of luggage can be stored directly in the luggage recognition unit or, for example, transported with the luggage itself, for example in the form of a banderol, a QR code or an RFID that is attached directly to the luggage when the luggage is picked up. A control unit of the luggage sorting system controls the transfer unit and selects individual pieces of luggage for transfer to the infeed belt. The selection is made based on the recognised pieces of luggage and the categorisation. In addition or alternatively, the selection can also be based on predefined requirements for loading into the freight container. For example, it is conceivable for the control unit to recognise that large pieces of luggage should be selected first and then smaller pieces of luggage such as suitcases or beauty cases.It is also possible for the control unit to further process the dimensions of the detected pieces of luggage, comparing the respective dimensions with the area or volume information within the freight container, and then deciding on the selection of the pieces of luggage. Information on the current fill level and loading configuration of a freight container can be provided to the control unit by a loading system.

[0012] By selecting the pieces of luggage based on requirements, categorization, or even dimensions, they are automatically pre-sorted during handover. For example, it is possible for individual pieces of luggage to be transferred from the handover unit to the infeed conveyor, while others are transported past the handover unit without being handed over. This can be particularly useful if the conveyor belt for delivering the luggage is designed as a carousel, so that pieces of luggage that have passed through the handover unit without being handed over can reach it again at a later time.

[0013] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a baggage sorting system for an airport for automatically pre-sorting and removing pieces of baggage from a conveyor belt. The baggage sorting system is designed to transfer pieces of baggage from the conveyor belt to a feed belt, wherein the feed belt is preferably adjacent to the conveyor belt. The feed belt feeds the pieces of baggage to a loading station, where the pieces of baggage are loaded or filled into a freight container. The baggage sorting system according to the invention comprises the baggage sorting system, as described above, the conveyor belt, by means of which pieces of baggage are transported from a drop-off point towards a loading point in the airport, and the feed belt for transporting the pieces of baggage to the loading station. The loading station is arranged at the end of the feed belt, but is preferably not part of the baggage sorting system.Alternatively, the loading station can be assigned to the sorting system. The conveyor belt and infeed belt are arranged such that the baggage sorting system is at least partially located between the conveyor belt and the adjacent infeed belt. This typically utilizes the space available at an airport, allowing the baggage sorting system to be installed within the airport without any changes to the baggage handling structure.

[0014] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a control unit for selecting individual pieces of luggage for transfer from a conveyor belt to the feeder belt, wherein the selection is based on a categorization of the pieces of luggage and / or on other predefined requirements for loading into the freight container. The control unit comprises an input interface for receiving information from a baggage recognition system or unit, for example a baggage sorting system. The information relates to pieces of luggage on the conveyor belt, wherein the information may include a categorization of the pieces of luggage. The control unit further comprises an output interface for outputting a control signal for a transfer unit or a baggage handler of a transfer unit.For this purpose, the control unit is designed to generate the control signal by means of which the transfer unit is controlled in such a way that pieces of luggage are transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit.

[0015] The control unit is configured to select a recognized piece of luggage based on the information from the luggage recognition unit. Alternatively or additionally, the selection of a recognized piece of luggage can also be based on a categorization performed. The control signal generated by the control unit is used to control the transfer unit or the luggage handler such that the selected piece of luggage is transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit.

[0016] The control unit can preferably be further configured to generate an additional or expanded control signal with which the transfer unit is controlled to transfer the selected piece of luggage from the transfer unit to the infeed belt. It is also possible for the control signal to be configured such that a piece of luggage is transferred directly from the conveyor belt to the infeed belt by means of the transfer unit. In this case, the control signals are adapted and matched to the transfer unit used and its design. Depending on the configuration of the transfer unit, corresponding control signals are generated and output.

[0017] Further aspects relate to a corresponding method for automatically pre-sorting and removing luggage and for transferring the luggage to a conveyor belt. The method can be implemented, for example, in the form of a computer program product with program code for performing the steps of the method, wherein the method steps are performed when the program code is executed on a computer.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the method and the computer program product can be implemented according to the embodiments described for the device in the dependent claims.

[0019] According to the invention, the transfer of luggage from the conveyor belt to the infeed belt takes place via the transfer unit. This transfer unit can be designed in various ways. Typically, it includes a luggage handler for transferring the luggage from the conveyor belt to the infeed belt. This can occur, for example, directly or indirectly, in one or more steps.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system, the transfer unit has an intermediate storage area designed to receive a piece of baggage. In this embodiment, a piece of baggage is generally transferred indirectly from the conveyor belt to the feed belt. Here, the baggage is first transferred from the conveyor belt to the intermediate storage area. In a further step, which can follow directly or with a time delay, the baggage is then transferred from the intermediate storage area to the feed belt. The baggage generally remains in the intermediate storage area for some time, so that the first and second transfer steps are separated in time. By temporarily storing the baggage in the intermediate storage area, pre-sorting can be carried out. While one piece of baggage is stored in the intermediate storage area, other pieces of baggage can be transferred directly from the conveyor belt to the feed belt.The temporarily stored piece of luggage can then be transferred to the conveyor belt at a later time. This changes the order of the luggage for loading. In the embodiment outlined here, the intermediate storage area is preferably designed to accommodate exactly one piece of luggage.

[0021] In an alternative and equally preferred embodiment, the transfer unit has a plurality of intermediate storage units designed to receive exactly one piece of luggage. This makes it possible to further refine pre-sorting, as several pieces of luggage can be temporarily stored before they reach the feed belt. This allows the sequence of several pieces of luggage to be changed easily and efficiently, enabling optimal loading of a freight container. The sequence implemented by the intermediate storage unit can be predetermined or determined by a control unit. It can preferably depend on the current loading situation of the freight container as well as on the category of the individual pieces of luggage, their format, or other properties.

[0022] A likewise preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system has a transfer unit comprising precisely one intermediate storage unit. This intermediate storage unit is preferably designed to accommodate multiple pieces of baggage.

[0023] The preferred transfer units with an intermediate storage unit are designed so that each piece of luggage can be served and processed independently of other pieces of luggage. Thus, the pieces of luggage can be transferred to the feed belt independently of one another.

[0024] In preferred embodiments of the baggage sorting system in which the transfer unit comprises an intermediate storage unit, the intermediate storage unit has a baggage receptacle. This baggage receptacle serves to receive the baggage from the conveyor belt and to store it temporarily for a predetermined time or a variable time. The baggage receptacle is preferably tray-like or panel-like. It can be rail-like, net-like, or grid-like. The baggage receptacle preferably comprises a conveyor belt, a chute, a tilting unit, or a robot to transfer the piece of baggage from the baggage receptacle to the feed belt. For example, an embodiment is conceivable in which the baggage receptacle is a conveyor belt that is moved independently of the transport belt and the feed belt when the piece of baggage is received or passed on to the feed belt.Also conceivable is a tray-like baggage receptacle that includes a tilting unit so that the piece of baggage can be transferred to the conveyor belt for handover by tilting the baggage receptacle.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the luggage receptacle of the intermediate storage unit of the transfer unit is designed such that it has substantially the same height as the feed belt and / or the conveyor belt. The top of the luggage receptacle is thus at the same or substantially the same level as the feed belt or the conveyor belt. This configuration is particularly useful when the luggage receptacle is designed as a conveyor belt, allowing for easy onward transport of the luggage.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the transfer unit comprises a control unit that controls the transfer unit. The control unit causes a piece of luggage to be transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit and, if applicable, to an intermediate storage area, and then forwarded to the feed belt at a later time or immediately. The control unit is preferably designed to control and / or initiate the pickup of the piece of luggage. In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit is designed to additionally or alternatively control and / or initiate the transfer of a piece of luggage from an intermediate storage area to the feed belt.

[0027] A similarly preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system provides an automatic baggage handler that is configured as a robot, comprises a robot, or is part of a robot. The baggage handler preferably has a gripper, a gripper, a pusher, a plunger, or a ram, or is configured as such a component. The baggage handler is preferably used to remove a baggage item from the conveyor belt and feed it to the transfer unit, an intermediate storage unit, or the feed belt. The presence of multiple baggage handlers in the transfer unit is preferred, particularly when the transfer unit has one or more intermediate storage units.

[0028] The baggage sorting system preferably comprises a plurality of baggage handlers, which can be combined in a transfer unit. Multiple automatic baggage handlers are advantageous when the transfer unit has a plurality of intermediate storage units that can be operated independently of one another. Multiple baggage handlers are also advantageous in order to be able to transfer baggage not only to an intermediate storage unit, but also directly from the conveyor belt to the feed belt. The automatic baggage handler is particularly preferably designed to move a piece of baggage essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt when it is removed from the conveyor belt. This arrangement makes it possible to create a transfer unit that requires very little space. In addition, a piece of baggage can be transferred quickly from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit or the feed belt.

[0029] An embodiment of a baggage sorting system in which the transfer unit is substantially flush with the conveyor belt in the region of the transfer unit and is free of any boundaries between the transfer unit and the conveyor belt is also preferred. In this way, a piece of baggage can be easily transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit or the feed belt. In this way, it is possible for the pieces of baggage to slide or be pushed from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit, for example if the baggage handler is designed as a pusher or a ram. Accessibility between the transfer unit and the conveyor belt is preferably achieved if the transfer unit comprises an intermediate storage device. Accessibility of the same or a similar type is also preferably achieved between the feed belt and the transfer unit.If the conveyor belt and feed belt are directly adjacent, in a preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system there is no barrier between the two belts, so that items of baggage can be easily pushed or glide across.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system, the baggage detection unit comprises a camera. The camera is preferably a 3D camera or a CCD camera. The camera is preferably arranged such that it is directed at the transfer unit and / or the conveyor belt, very preferably at the conveyor belt in the region of the transfer unit and / or at the conveyor belt in an area in front of the transfer unit in the direction of movement. In this way, incoming pieces of baggage can be detected and the information acquired thereby processed, so that a decision regarding transfer can preferably be made by the control unit before the piece of baggage arrives at the transfer point and is processed by the transfer unit.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system, the control unit comprises an input interface for receiving information from the baggage recognition unit and, based on this information, selecting a recognized piece of baggage. The baggage can be recognized in the baggage recognition unit and, for example, preferably additionally in the control unit. The control unit is further configured to control the transfer unit or the baggage handler such that the recognized and selected piece of baggage is transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit. Likewise, control is possible in which the piece of baggage is transferred directly from the conveyor belt to the feed belt, depending on the embodiment of the baggage sorting system. The information from the baggage recognition unit received by the control unit at its input interface preferably includes a categorization of the recognized piece of baggage.This allows a reliable decision to be made as to what should happen to the baggage—i.e., whether the baggage should be transported past the transfer unit, placed in a buffer at the transfer unit, or transferred directly to the infeed conveyor. Using the baggage categorization as information, improved pre-sorting can be achieved.

[0032] Preferably, the control unit comprises an output interface at which the generated control signal for the transfer unit or the baggage handler is output. The control signal is based on information from the baggage recognition unit as well as on further information, e.g., additional camera images from other cameras or other information that can be obtained, for example, by reading a barcode or similar marking on a label on the baggage.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system according to the invention for an airport, the conveyor belt is a carousel-like conveyor belt or a carousel. Baggage items not collected at the transfer unit can then be transported past the transfer unit multiple times. This also allows for pre-sorting, even if the baggage sorting system or its transfer unit does not have an intermediate storage facility.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the baggage sorting system, no lateral boundary is provided on the conveyor belt in the area of ​​the transfer unit. At least in the area of ​​the transfer unit, the side of the conveyor belt facing the transfer unit is free of a lateral boundary. The conveyor belt is preferably designed such that items of baggage can be transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit, glide over, or be pushed over. This is particularly advantageous if the baggage handler is a pusher, a stamp, a slider, or the like, and the items of baggage are pushed over.

[0035] The invention is described and explained in more detail below using selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a baggage sorting system with a baggage sorting facility;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a control unit for a baggage sorting system;

[0038] Figures 3a, 3b show a baggage sorting system with a transfer unit and a detailed drawing of the transfer unit;

[0039] Figures 4a, 4b show a further embodiment of a baggage sorting system with an alternative transfer unit and a detailed drawing;

[0040] Figures 5a - 5c show various embodiments of a transfer unit in section; and Figure 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention for automatically pre-sorting and removing pieces of luggage.

[0041] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a baggage sorting system 10 with a conveyor belt 20 for transporting baggage within an airport and a feed belt 30 for feeding baggage to a loading station in order to load the baggage into a freight container. The baggage sorting system 10 further comprises a baggage sorting system 40, which can preferably be arranged between the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30. In the embodiment shown here, the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30 is the same and is represented by the arrows 12. Of course, the direction of movement of the individual belts can be opposite. It is also possible for the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30 to be arranged not parallel, but at any angle, even perpendicular to one another.

[0042] The baggage sorting system 40 is used in an airport for automatically pre-sorting and removing baggage from the conveyor belt 20 and transferring the baggage to a feed belt 30 adjacent to the conveyor belt 20 for feeding to a loading station (not shown here) for loading a freight container. The baggage sorting system 40 has a transfer unit 50, a baggage detection unit 60, and a control unit 70.

[0043] The transfer unit 50 for transferring luggage comprises a luggage handler 52, with which a piece of luggage is transferred from the conveyor belt 20 to the feed belt 30. The luggage is transferred in the direction of arrow 14. In principle, it is possible for a piece of luggage to be moved not only perpendicular to the conveying direction or direction of movement (arrow 12) of the conveyor belt 20, but also at an angle other than 90°. However, in practical use, it has proven advantageous and expedient for the luggage to be transferred essentially perpendicular to the conveyor belt and / or feed belt.

[0044] The baggage detection unit 60 preferably comprises an optical sensor, very preferably a camera 62, which may, for example, be a 3D camera. High-resolution cameras can also be used, for example, to have a large number of camera images available for evaluation and categorization.

[0045] In principle, categorization can also be based on the shape, size, type and dimensions of a piece of luggage.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a control unit 70 for selecting individual pieces of luggage for transfer to the feed belt based on a categorization and / or on predefined requirements or current information for loading into the freight container. The control unit 70 comprises an input interface 72 for receiving information from the luggage recognition unit about pieces of luggage on the conveyor belt. This information can also include information about a categorization of the piece of luggage. In addition, further information or features of the piece of luggage can be fed to the control unit 70 via the input interface 72. The input interface 72 is preferably also designed to receive further information from a loading system for the freight containers, such as the current fill status of a freight container, its type, etc.

[0047] An output interface 74 of the control unit 70 is configured to output a control signal for the transfer unit or the baggage handler of the transfer unit. The control signal controls the transfer unit such that baggage items are transferred from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit or to the infeed belt.

[0048] A processor unit 76 of the control unit 70 is preferably configured to generate the control signal with which the transfer unit is controlled to transport the selected piece of luggage from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit. The selection of the piece of luggage to be transferred is based on the information from the luggage recognition unit, the categorization performed, and / or other information.

[0049] In principle, the baggage recognition unit can also be designed in two or more parts, with one part being assigned directly to the transfer unit. Another part can be located, for example, in the check-in area or baggage drop-off area of ​​the airport, so that baggage can be categorized directly upon baggage drop-off. This can be done manually, for example, via input from an employee or a passenger. In addition to categorization during baggage drop-off, further categorization could take place directly in the baggage recognition unit near the transfer unit. The categorization can be based on images captured by a camera, for example.

[0050] Figure 3a shows a schematic view of a baggage sorting system 10 with a baggage sorting system 40 and a conveyor belt 20 designed as a carousel 22 and a feed belt 30 directly adjacent to the conveyor belt 20. At one end 32 of the feed belt 30, an automatic loading device in the form of a robot 16 is arranged to load pieces of baggage into a freight container 18.

[0051] The transfer unit 50 is arranged in the area where the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30 run parallel. Here, a simple transfer from the conveyor belt 20 to the feed belt 30 can take place. In the embodiment shown here, the transfer unit 50 comprises a baggage handler 52, which is formed by a cross member 54 and a gripper 56.

[0052] Several cameras 62 are positioned near the transfer unit 50 so that pieces of luggage can be observed and recorded both before and during transfer from the conveyor belt 20 to the feed belt 30. This allows the transfer process to be monitored simply and effectively. Sufficient data in the form of images can be collected to generate sufficient information for a control signal from the control unit. By evaluating the received images, the shape, size, and dimensions of a piece of luggage, as well as its category, can be easily determined.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit and / or the baggage recognition unit can have an AI unit to perform the recognition and / or categorization of the baggage using artificial intelligence. Training data from different baggage items and types can be recorded and stored in a central computer or memory, in particular to enable the quick and reliable categorization of baggage items.

[0054] Figure 3b shows a section through the transfer unit 50 of the baggage sorting system 40. The baggage handler 52 is designed as a gripper 56, which is movable on a crossbeam 54 arranged above the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30. The gripper 56 moves to the desired position, removes a baggage item 15 from the conveyor belt 20, and, after moving along the crossbeam 54, places it on the feed belt 30.

[0055] In the embodiment shown here, the feed belt 30 is arranged horizontally, while the conveyor belt 20 is inclined, allowing easier transfer of the baggage item 15 using grippers 56. Furthermore, this embodiment has the advantage that the conveyor belt 20, which is designed as a standard carousel 22 with an inclined position, as shown here, does not need to be modified. No adjustments or structural changes are required.

[0056] Since in the embodiment shown here according to Figure 3a, the conveyor belt 20 is designed as a carousel 22, the items of luggage 15 can be sorted or pre-sorted by means of the conveyor belt 20. If an incoming, identified item of luggage 15 is deemed not ideal for loading into the freight container 18 at the current time, the transfer to the feed belt 30 can be suspended. The item of luggage 15 would then be transported further on the conveyor belt 20 and, after another cycle, arrive at the transfer station 50 again at a later time. In the meantime, however, other items of luggage 15 that appear more suitable may have arrived at the transfer unit 50. The use of a carousel 22 as the conveyor belt 20 therefore offers a simple way to implement pre-sorting.

[0057] Figure 4a shows another embodiment of a baggage sorting system 40 of a baggage sorting system 10. In the embodiment shown here, the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30 are spaced apart from each other. The transfer unit 50 is at least partially arranged between the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30.

[0058] The transfer unit 50 comprises several baggage handlers 52, which can be designed, for example, as pushers 58.

[0059] In this preferred embodiment, the transfer unit 50 has an intermediate storage area 80, which has four transfer stations or baggage receptacles 82 in which pieces of baggage can be temporarily stored. In this way, the incoming pieces of baggage can be pre-sorted, i.e., the order in which they are fed to the loading station 34 at the end 32 of the feed belt 30 can be changed.

[0060] In addition to the intermediate storage unit 80 comprising the four baggage receptacles 82, a direct transfer station 84 is also provided, where the baggage is transferred directly to the feed belt 30. This is the upper transfer station in Figure 4a, where the pusher 58, designed in the form of a plunger 59, is extended, as indicated by the dotted line. The transfer unit 50 can be configured in the area between the conveyor belt 20 and the feed belt 30 in the form of a smooth floor or a plate, a tray, or a panel. This applies in particular to the direct transfer station 84.

[0061] Figure 4b shows a cross-section through the transfer unit 50 with conveyor belt 20 and feed belt 30. The baggage receptacle 82 in the form of a conveyor belt 86 is arranged between the two belts. By moving the conveyor belt 86, a piece of baggage 15 can thus move from the conveyor belt 20 to the intermediate storage 80 and, by stopping the conveyor belt 86, can remain there, i.e., be temporarily stored or stored. By moving the conveyor belt 86, a piece of baggage 15 can be transported from the baggage receptacle 82 to the feed belt 30 if it has been selected for loading into the freight container and the transfer unit 50 has been controlled accordingly. Of course, it is also possible to run the conveyor belt 86 "backwards" so that a piece of baggage can be conveyed back onto the conveyor belt 20.

[0062] In addition to the embodiment of the transfer unit 50 shown here with four baggage receptacles 82 in the intermediate storage area 80, other configurations can of course also be implemented. Thus, the number of baggage receptacles 82 and / or the number of intermediate storage areas 80 can be changed and varied. The more baggage receptacles (baggage receptacle 82) there are, the more precisely the pre-sorting of the baggage items 15 and the loading of the freight container at the end of the feed belt 30 can be carried out.

[0063] Of course, transfer units are possible that do not have a direct transfer point 84, but only intermediate storage 80 and baggage receptacles 82.

[0064] By means of the intermediate storage device 80, a very elegant and effective pre-sorting of the luggage items 15 can be carried out. Transfer of luggage items 15 from the transport belt 20 to the feed belt 30 can be carried out indirectly if an intermediate storage device 80 is integrated into the transfer unit 50.

[0065] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 4a with multiple pushers 58 or plungers 59, it is also possible to install a pusher 58 on a rail, trolley, or crossbeam, similar to the gripper 56 in Figures 3a and 3b, respectively. The rail or crossbeam could preferably be movable in and against the transport direction of the feed belt 30. Thus, several buffers 80 or baggage receptacles 82 could be served with just one baggage handler 52.

[0066] Alternatively, instead of a pusher 58 or plunger 59 or a gripper with a traverse, a multi-axis robot could also be positioned near the transfer unit 50, the robot arm of which can move baggage items 5 from the conveyor belt 20 into the buffer and then onto the feed belt 30 or directly onto the feed belt 30.

[0067] Figures 5a-5c show some exemplary embodiments of transfer units 50 with which items of luggage 15 can be moved from the conveyor belt 20 to the feed belt 30; according to Figures 5a and 5b, a luggage receptacle 82 is interposed.

[0068] The baggage receptacle 82 is designed in Figure 5a in the form of a tray 88. The pusher 58 can move the piece of baggage 15 from the transport belt 20 onto the tray 88. A further movement of the piece of baggage 15 from the tray 88 onto the feed belt 30 can take place either via the same pusher 58 or via a separate or different baggage handler 52. It is also possible for the tray 88 to be tilted so that a piece of baggage 15 slides or slides onto the feed belt 30 when tilted. The feed belt 30 can preferably have a lateral limitation on the side facing away from the tray 88 to prevent a piece of baggage 15 from sliding down.

[0069] While according to Figure 5a, conveyor belt 20 and feed belt 30 are at the same height, according to Figure 5b, the conveyor belt is raised above the feed belt 30. The baggage receptacle 82, designed as a conveyor belt 86, enables further transport of the item of luggage 15 after it has been moved from the conveyor belt 20 to the baggage receptacle by means of a pusher 58. Further movement is achieved by the conveyor belt 86, so that the item of luggage 15 reaches the feed belt 30. Of course, it is also possible for the feed belt 30 to be raised above the conveyor belt 20. The conveyor belt 86 only needs to have sufficient grip or a sufficiently high roughness to prevent a piece of luggage from slipping off the baggage receptacle 82 on its own.

[0070] Figure 5c shows an embodiment without an intermediate storage device. The baggage handler 52 is designed as a gripper 56, which is moved along a cross member 54. Conveyor belt 20 and feed belt 30 are directly adjacent. The gripper 56 grasps the baggage 15 and transports it toward the feed belt 30. In a subsequent step, it deposits it there so that it can be moved to the loading station. A (multi-axis) robot could also be used here.

[0071] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the basic process flow of a method for automatically pre-sorting and removing baggage from a conveyor belt and transferring the baggage to an adjacent infeed belt. Such a method is typically used in an airport when baggage is to be removed from a conveyor belt and transported to a loading station via an infeed belt to enable loading of a freight container.

[0072] In a basic transport step S10, which is optional here, a piece of baggage is moved and transported by a conveyor belt toward the transfer unit of a baggage sorting system. This step occurs at every airport to transport baggage from a check-in point to a loading or unloading station.

[0073] In a further step S12, a piece of luggage is detected on the conveyor belt near a transfer unit. The transfer unit can be part of a baggage sorting system. Detection can be performed, for example, using cameras in conjunction with a baggage detection unit.

[0074] In step S14, a recognized piece of baggage is categorized according to predefined requirements for loading into the freight container. The predefined requirements can either be based on general specifications and definitions or determined by the loading station, for example, based on the current loading situation in a freight container. In this case, the categorization could, for example, be a suitability for loading the freight container, whereby this suitability is temporary and situation-dependent. By loading and adding further pieces of baggage into the freight container, the suitability and categorization can change accordingly. In this case, feedback must be provided from the loading station to the baggage recognition unit or to a control unit of the baggage sorting system.

[0075] Step S16 involves selecting a piece of luggage for transfer from the conveyor belt to the transfer unit. The selection can be based on the categorization and / or the current loading and filling situation in the freight container. Other categorization options include the size, dimensions, ratio of length, width, height, or weight of a piece of luggage.

[0076] Step S18 involves transferring the selected piece of luggage to the transfer unit. In this step, the piece of luggage can be placed in a position suitable for transfer.

[0077] In step S20, the piece of luggage is transferred to the conveyor belt. Optionally, the piece of luggage can be temporarily stored in a buffer of the transfer unit for a predetermined or dynamically variable period of time.

[0078] In a step S22, the piece of luggage is fed on the feed belt to the loading station, for example with a luggage handler provided for this purpose.

[0079] Using the method steps presented here, baggage items can be pre-sorted so that they arrive at the loading station in a predefined order. This predefined order may differ from the order in which they are transported to the transfer unit. In an optional and additional step S24, feedback can be provided by a monitoring unit at the loading station, which can be fed to the control unit of the baggage sorting system. In this way, it is possible to improve the selection and pre-sorting of baggage items, particularly when artificial intelligence, such as an AI unit, a neural network, a Petri net, or other computer systems, is used.

[0080] The invention has been comprehensively described and explained with reference to the drawings and the description. The description and explanation are to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments or variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon use of the present invention and upon careful analysis of the drawings, the disclosure, and the following claims.

[0081] In the patent claims, the words "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the presence of further elements or steps. The undefined article "a" or "an" does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single element or unit can perform the functions of several of the units mentioned in the patent claims. A unit, a plant, and a system can be partially or completely implemented in hardware and / or software. The mere mention of some measures in several different dependent claims should not be understood to mean that a combination of these measures cannot also be used advantageously. Reference signs in the patent claims are not to be understood as limiting. Reference signs

[0082] 10 Baggage sorting system

[0083] 12 Arrow

[0084] 14 Arrow

[0085] 15 pieces of luggage

[0086] 16 robots

[0087] 18 freight containers

[0088] 20 conveyor belt

[0089] 22 Carousel

[0090] 30 feed belt

[0091] 32 End

[0092] 34 Loading station

[0093] 40 Baggage sorting system

[0094] 50 transfer unit

[0095] 52 baggage handlers

[0096] 54 T raverse

[0097] 56 grippers

[0098] 58 pushers

[0099] 59 tappets

[0100] 60 baggage detection unit

[0101] 62 Camera

[0102] 70 Control unit

[0103] 72 Input interface

[0104] 74 Output interface

[0105] 76 Processor unit

[0106] 80 caches

[0107] 82 Luggage storage

[0108] 84 Direct handover point

[0109] 86 Conveyor belt

[0110] 88 tray

Claims

Patent claims 1. Baggage sorting system (40) for an airport for automatically pre-sorting and removing pieces of baggage (15) from a conveyor belt (20) and transferring the pieces of baggage (15) to a feed belt (30) adjacent to the conveyor belt (20) for feeding to a loading station (34) for loading a freight container (18), comprising - a transfer unit (50) for transferring items of luggage (15) from the conveyor belt (20) to the feed belt (30); - a baggage recognition unit (60) for recognizing pieces of baggage (15) and for categorizing individual pieces of baggage (15); - a control unit (70) for selecting individual pieces of luggage (15) for transfer to the feed belt (30) based on the categorization and / or on predefined requirements for loading into the freight container (18); wherein the transfer unit (50) comprises a baggage handler (52) designed and configured to transfer a piece of luggage (15) from the conveyor belt (20) to the feed belt (30); the transfer by means of the transfer unit (50) takes place substantially perpendicular to the conveyor belt (20) and / or feed belt (30); and an automatic pre-sorting of the pieces of luggage (15) takes place during the transfer.

2. Baggage sorting system (40) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transfer unit (50) comprises an intermediate storage unit (80) which is designed to receive a piece of baggage (15), preferably to receive exactly one piece of baggage (15).

3. Baggage sorting system (40) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transfer unit (50) comprises a plurality of intermediate storage units (80) which are designed to receive exactly one piece of baggage (15) or the transfer unit (50) comprises exactly one intermediate storage unit (80) which is designed to receive a plurality of pieces of baggage (15), wherein in each case preferably one piece of baggage (15) can be transferred to the feed belt (30) independently of other pieces of baggage (15).

4. Baggage sorting system (40) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the intermediate storage (80) of the transfer unit (50) comprises a baggage receptacle (82), which is preferably designed in the manner of a tableau, tray, rail, net or grid and / or preferably comprises a conveyor belt (86), a chute or a tilting unit in order to transfer a piece of baggage (15) onto the feed belt (30).

5. Baggage sorting system (40) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the baggage receptacle (82) has substantially the same height as the feed belt (30) and / or the conveyor belt (20).

6. Baggage sorting system (40) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the control unit (70) controls the transfer unit (50) in order to control and / or initiate a pickup of a piece of baggage (15) and / or preferably the transfer of a piece of baggage (15) from the intermediate storage device (80) to the feed belt (30).

7. Baggage sorting system (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic baggage handler (52) comprises a robot (16) or is part of a robot (16) and the baggage handler (52) preferably comprises a gripper, a gripper (56), a slider, a stamp or a plunger (59) in order to remove a piece of baggage (15) from the conveyor belt (20).

8. Baggage sorting system (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic baggage handler (52) is designed to move a baggage item (15) during removal from the conveyor belt (20) substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (20).

9. Baggage sorting system (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer unit (50) is substantially flush with the conveyor belt (20) in the region of the transfer unit (50) and is free of boundaries between the transfer unit (50) and the conveyor belt (20), preferably in such a way that items of baggage (15) can slide or be pushed from the conveyor belt (20) onto the transfer unit (50).

10. Baggage sorting system (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the baggage recognition unit (60) comprises a camera (62), preferably a 3D camera, which is preferably directed at the transfer unit (50) and / or the conveyor belt (20), very preferably at the conveyor belt (20) in the region of the transfer unit (50) and / or in an area in front of the transfer unit (50) in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (20).

11. Baggage sorting system (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (70) has an input interface (72) for receiving information from the baggage recognition unit (60) and, based on the information from the baggage recognition unit (60), selects a recognized piece of baggage (15) and controls the transfer unit (50) or the baggage handler (52) such that the selected piece of baggage (15) is transferred from the conveyor belt (20) to the transfer unit (50), wherein the information from the baggage recognition unit (60) preferably comprises a categorization of the recognized piece of baggage (15).

12. Baggage sorting system (40) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control unit (70) comprises an output interface at which a control signal for the transfer unit (50) or the baggage handler (52) is output.

13. Baggage sorting system (10) for an airport for automatically pre-sorting and removing baggage items (15) from a conveyor belt (20) and transferring the baggage items (15) to a feed belt (30) adjacent to the conveyor belt (20) for feeding to a loading station (34) for loading a freight container (18), comprising - a baggage sorting system (40) according to one of the preceding claims; - the conveyor belt (20) for transporting pieces of baggage (15) from a drop-off point towards a loading point in the airport; - the feed belt (30) for feeding items of luggage (15) to a loading station (34), wherein the loading station (34) is arranged at the end (32) of the feed belt (30); wherein - the baggage sorting system (40) is arranged between the conveyor belt (20) and the feed belt (30).

14. Baggage sorting system (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conveyor belt (20) is a carousel-like belt or carousel (22) and the pieces of baggage (15) can be transported past the transfer unit (50) several times.

15. Baggage sorting system (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the conveyor belt (20) in the region of the transfer unit (50) is free of a lateral boundary at least on one side facing the transfer unit (50), preferably in such a way that pieces of baggage (15) can slide or be pushed from the conveyor belt (20) onto the transfer unit (50).

16. Control unit (70) for selecting individual pieces of luggage (15) for transfer to the feed belt (30) based on a categorization and / or on predefined requirements for loading into the freight container (18), comprising - an input interface (72) for receiving information from a baggage recognition unit (60) about pieces of baggage (15) on the conveyor belt (20), the information comprising a categorization of the pieces of baggage (15); - an output interface (74) for outputting a control signal for a transfer unit (50) or a baggage handler (52) of the transfer unit (50) in order to control the transfer unit (50); wherein the control unit (70) is designed to - to select a recognized piece of luggage (15) based on the information from the luggage recognition unit (60) and / or the categorization carried out; and - to generate the control signal with which the transfer unit (50) or the baggage handler (52) is controlled such that the selected baggage item (15) is transferred from the conveyor belt (20) to the transfer unit (50).

17. Control unit (70) according to the preceding claim, which is designed to generate a control signal in order to transfer the selected piece of luggage (15) from the transfer unit (50) to the feed belt (30).

18. Method for automatically pre-sorting and removing pieces of luggage (15) from a conveyor belt (20) and transferring the Luggage items (15) to a feed belt (30) adjacent to the conveyor belt (20) for feeding to a loading station (34) for loading a freight container (18) at an airport, comprising the following steps: - transporting a piece of luggage (15) on a conveyor belt (20); - detecting a piece of luggage (15) on the conveyor belt (20) near a transfer unit (50); - Categorizing the recognized piece of luggage (15), preferably according to predefined requirements for loading into the freight container (18); - selecting a piece of luggage (15) for transfer from the conveyor belt (20) to the transfer unit (50); - Transferring the selected piece of luggage (15) to the transfer unit (50); - transferring the piece of luggage (15) to the feed belt (30); and - feeding the piece of luggage (15) on the feed belt (30) to the loading station (34); wherein a pre-sorting of pieces of luggage (15) takes place in such a way that they are fed to the loading station (34) in a predetermined order.

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