Baggage scanning system, particularly for an airport

Abstract

Baggage scanning device, particularly for an airport. The scanning device (12) includes a scanning chamber (16) in which baggage is to be scanned. The scanning chamber (16) is sized to allow passage through a first baggage conveyor (18). The scanning device (12) includes a recess (28) formed below the scanning chamber (16). The recess (28) is sized to allow passage through a second conveyor for conveying return trays. (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Baggage scanning device, particularly for an airport

[0001] The present invention relates to a baggage scanning device, particularly intended for use in an airport.

[0002] In the prior art, a baggage scanning system is already known, comprising a scanning device and a baggage conveying device to the scanning device.

[0003] The scanning device, for example an X-ray imaging device, makes it possible to produce an image reproducing the inside of the luggage passing through this device.

[0004] The conveying device, for example at least one conveyor belt and / or rollers, allows the movement, preferably automatic, of luggage, from an entry point where the luggage is placed, to an exit point where the luggage is retrieved, by passing through the scanning device.

[0005] In the case of hand luggage, this is generally placed in trays designed for this purpose, and specifically sized according to the scanning device. In particular, luggage that is too large to fit in the trays is not suitable for this scanning system and will not be allowed through. The trays also allow users to store personal belongings, such as keys, mobile phones, etc.

[0006] The bins are thus intended to circulate from the entry point to the exit point. In order to allow continuous operation, it is necessary to return the bins to the entrance of the conveyor system. In some prior art cases, the bins are returned manually to the entrance of the conveyor system. In other cases, in order to streamline the flow of users, the bins are returned automatically by means of a second return conveyor system.

[0007] For example, documents TW 2022 41786 or KR 2023 0100083 describe return conveying devices arranged on the side of the scanning device, parallel to the first conveying device. Such return conveying devices are bulky.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to optimize the size of a baggage scanning system, in order for example to optimize the installation of such systems in a restricted airport space.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates in particular to a baggage scanning device, comprising a scanning chamber in which the baggage is intended to be scanned, the scanning chamber being dimensioned to be traversed by a first conveying device for conveying luggage, characterized in that it includes a recess provided below the scanning chamber, the recess being sized to be crossed by a second conveying device intended to convey return bins.

[0010] The second conveyor passes beneath the scanning chamber and can therefore extend below the first conveyor without requiring the first conveyor to be raised. The width of the second conveyor is thus limited, as it extends, at least partially, within the same footprint as the first conveyor. Furthermore, since the second conveyor does not require raising the first conveyor, it is not necessary to add ascending and descending conveyor modules to the first conveyor to enter the scanning chamber, so the overall length of the scanning system remains limited.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the scanning system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] - The device includes legs supporting the scanning chamber, the legs delimiting transversely the obvious.

[0013] - The recess has a height approximately equal to 350 mm, and / or a width approximately equal to 750 mm.

[0014] - The scanning chamber comprises a plurality of X-ray sources stationary.

[0015] The invention also relates to a baggage scanning system, comprising a scanning device as defined above, and a first conveying device passing through the scanning chamber, characterized in that the scanning system includes a second conveying device passing through the recess.

[0016] Optionally, the second conveying device extends at least partially, preferably entirely, below the first conveying device.

[0017] Preferably, the scanning system includes automated means for transmitting trays from the first conveying device to the second conveying device.

[0018] Various aspects and advantages of the invention will be highlighted in the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0019] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a side view of a scanning system comprising a conveying device according to one embodiment of the invention, and

[0020] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of the scanning device equipping the system of scanning of [Fig. 1].

[0021] Figure 1 shows a baggage scanning system 10, particularly for hand luggage. Such a scanning system 10 is intended, in particular, for use in an airport or any other public venue requiring baggage screening.

[0022] The scanning system 10 comprises a scanning device 12 and a first conveying device 14.

[0023] The scanning device 12 is shown in more detail in [Fig. 2]. The scanning device 12 includes scanning means, for example X-ray imaging means or any other technology enabling the interior of luggage to be analyzed without needing to be opened.

[0024] The scanning device 12 conventionally comprises a scanning chamber 16 in which luggage 18 is intended to be scanned.

[0025] The scanning chamber 16 comprises a plurality of stationary X-ray sources. Such a scanning chamber differs from a conventional scanning chamber, which usually comprises rotating X-ray sources requiring a large motor to drive these rotations. Since the scanning chamber 16 lacks such a motor, it is not necessary to raise it to allow the return of the trays under the scanning device 12.

[0026] Preferably, the luggage 18 is installed in bins 20, or alternatively the luggage 18 is not in bins, but bins 20 are in all cases used to transport personal effects, such as keys, mobile phones, coats, etc.

[0027] The first conveying device 14 passes through the scanning chamber 16. For example, the first conveying device 14 includes a conveyor belt 22 for the automatic conveying of luggage 18 and trays 20. The conveyor belt 22 passes through the scanning chamber 16. Alternatively or additionally, the first conveying device 14 includes rollers perpendicular to the direction of travel of the luggage 18 and trays 20, on which the luggage 18 and trays 20 roll when pushed. Thus, the first conveying device 14 may include only a conveyor belt, only rollers, or a combination of at least one conveyor belt over at least part of its length and rollers over at least another part of its length.

[0028] The first conveying device 14 extends from a first end 14a, at which the luggage 18 and the bins 20 are arranged, to a second end 14b, from which the luggage 18 and the bins 20 are retrieved. The scanning device 12 is therefore arranged between the first 14a and the second 14b ends.

[0029] To allow the return of the bins 20 to the first end 14a, the scanning system according to the invention comprises a second conveying device 24, including a second conveying belt 26, and / or rollers (in the same manner as the first conveying device 14). The second conveying device 24 extends between a first end 24a, at which the bins 20 from the first conveying device 14 are placed, and a second end 24b, at which the bins 20 are retrieved for use on the first conveying device 14. Thus, the first end 24a of the second conveying device 24 is located near the second end 14b of the first conveying device 14, and the second end 24b of the second conveying device 24 is located near the first end 14a of the first conveying device 14.

[0030] In accordance with the invention, the second conveying device 24 extends, at least in part, and preferably entirely, below the first conveying device 14.

[0031] The scanning device 12 according to the invention includes a recess 28 provided below the scanning chamber 16, the second conveying device 24 passing through said recess 28. Thus, the footprint of the second conveying device 24 is reduced, since it extends under the first conveying device 14 and under the scanning device 16, therefore not implying any additional footprint.

[0032] The recess 28 has dimensions allowing passage of the second conveying device 24 carrying the bins 20. For example, the recess 28 has a height of approximately 350 mm and / or a width of approximately 750 mm. The first conveying device 14 is generally located at a height of 800 mm from the ground.

[0033] The recess 28 is for example delimited transversely by legs 30 of the scanning device 12, carrying the scanning chamber 16.

[0034] It should be noted that the transfer of the bins 20 from the first 14 to the second 24 conveyor device can be done manually, or alternatively automatically. In this second case, the system 10 preferably includes automated means for transferring bins 20 from the first conveyor device 14 to the second conveyor device 24.

[0035] For example, the second end 14b of the first conveyor 14 is set back from the first end 24a of the second conveyor 24, to allow the bins 20 to pass from one conveyor to the other.

[0036] Such automated means allow a continuous flow of bins circulating on the first conveyor 14, with a continuous return of bins by the second conveyor 24.

[0037] Alternatively, a storage area for bins 20 is provided downstream of the second end 14b of the first conveyor 14, and / or upstream of the first end 14a of the first conveyor 14.

Claims

Demands

1. Baggage scanning device (12), comprising a scanning chamber (16) in which baggage is intended to be scanned, the scanning chamber (16) being dimensioned to be traversed by a first conveying device (14) conveying baggage (18), characterized in that it comprises a recess (28) formed below the scanning chamber (16), the recess (28) being dimensioned to be traversed by a second conveying device (24) intended to convey return bins (20).

2. Scanning device (12) according to claim 1, comprising legs (30) supporting the scanning chamber (16), the legs (30) transversely delimiting the recess (28).

3. Scanning device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess (28) has a height of substantially 350 mm, and / or a width of substantially 750 mm.

4. Scanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the scanning chamber (16) comprises a plurality of stationary X-ray sources.

5. Baggage scanning system (10), comprising a scanning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a first conveying device (14) passing through the scanning chamber (16), characterized in that the scanning system (10) comprises a second conveying device (24) passing through the recess (28).

6. Scanning system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the second conveying device (24) extends at least in part, preferably entirely, below the first conveying device (14).

7. Scanning system (10) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising automated means for transmitting trays (20) from the first conveying device (14) to the second conveying device (24).