Cargo conveyor unit

Abstract

A cargo conveyor unit 1 comprising a chassis 2 for moving the unit. A driveable cargo belt 4 for conveying baggage or cargo 5. The cargo belt 4 comprises a main belt 8, and at least one lead belt 9 pr

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to cargo conveyor unit, comprising a chassis for moving the cargo conveyor unit on ground, and a drivable cargo belt for linear conveying baggage or cargo over a length of the cargo belt between two ends of the cargo belt. The invention further relates to a method for linear conveying baggage or cargo from a cargo origin to a cargo target, using such cargo conveyor unit. BACKGROUND ART US9193459B2, US6517028B2, US4780043A, US4819782A, US9452901B2 and US20160194165A1 suggest container systems to quickly load and unload airplanes. It adds a mechanism to the airplane which decreases efficiency and only works if both the departure airport and the arrival airport has the special high loader system. US20100145502A1 suggests automatically loading and unloading a baggage container. US5000646A suggests a robot truck inside the cargo hold to take baggage from the belt to a person for stacking. US9096317B2 suggests a permanently installed robot inside aircraft hold PROBLEM STATEMENT This application addresses the problem of efficiently and effectively conveying baggage or cargo in various transportation settings. This and other objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further improvements are given by the dependent claims. The application provides solutions for adjusting the length of the cargo belt, aligning the baggage or cargo to the belt, automating the transfer of baggage or cargo, monitoring the state of the cargo conveyor unit, optimizing weight distribution inside a cargo compartment, and driving the cargo conveyor unit on the ground. Additionally, the application provides methods for conveying baggage or cargo into cargo compartments, installing nets to hold the baggage or cargo in place during transportation, and installing balloons on top of the baggage or cargo. Embodiments of the invention are associated with various advantages and / or technical effects. For improving over the know cargo conveyor units, the invention suggests that the cargo belt comprises a main belt and at least one lead belt protruding from the main belt to one of the ends of the cargo belt, and a belt compartment underneath the main belt wherein the at least one lead belt is at least predominantly storable into the belt compartment for adjusting the length of the cargo belt. The provision of a main belt with at least one retractable lead belt allows for adjustable length of the cargo belt, accommodating various cargo sizes and operational spaces. The belt compartment design for storing the lead belt enhances the compactness and safety of the unit when the extended length is not required, reducing potential tripping hazards and space usage. The cargo conveyor unit provides the advantage of modularity, allowing for easy adjustment of the length of the cargo belt by storing the lead belt into the belt compartment. The unit offers the advantage of versatility, as it can accommodate different types of baggage or cargo due to the alignment means and tilted side belts for aligning and securing the items on the cargo belt. In a development, at least one of the lead belts comprises a linear series of belt sections connected by pivoting joints. The linear series of belt sections connected by pivoting joints in the lead belt facilitates smooth extension and retraction, improving the operational efficiency of the cargo conveyor unit. The pivoting joints allow for better maneuverability and flexibility of the lead belt, enabling it to conform to irregular surfaces or navigate around obstacles. The modular design allows for easy maintenance and upgrades. Each belt section can be individually replaced or serviced, ensuring minimal downtime. In a further development, the cargo conveyor unit has alignment means at each edge between the ends of the cargo belt for aligning the baggage or cargo to the cargo belt. Alignment means at each edge of the cargo belt ensure that baggage or cargo is consistently positioned, leading to a reduction in jams and misalignments during transport. The presence of alignment means enhances the precision of cargo placement on the belt, contributing to improved handling and throughput speed. In a further development, the alignment means are tilted side belts running parallel to the cargo belt. Tilted side belts running parallel to the cargo belt provide additional guidance for baggage or cargo, ensuring that items remain securely on the conveyor during transit. The use of tilted side belts can help to centralize the load on the cargo belt, reducing wear and tear on the conveyor system and extending its operational lifespan. In a further development, the cargo conveyor unit has a handling device at at least one of the ends of the cargo belt for automatic transfer of the baggage or cargo from or to the cargo belt. The inclusion of a handling device provides the advantage of automating the transfer of baggage or cargo, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor. The inclusion of a handling device at the end of the cargo belt enables automatic transfer of baggage or cargo, streamlining the loading and unloading process and reducing manual labor requirements. Automatic transfer through the handling device minimizes the risk of damage to the cargo or injury to workers, promoting a safer working environment and better protection of goods. In a further development, the handling device comprises heads that are extendable from and retractable into the at least one of the ends of the cargo belt. The inclusion of extendable and retractable heads in the handling device enhances the versatility of the cargo conveyor unit, allowing for adaptable interfacing with various cargo types and sizes, thereby improving operational efficiency. The retractable nature of the heads contributes to a compact design when not in use, reducing the risk of damage during idle periods and facilitating easier storage and transportation of the unit. In a further development, the cargo conveyor unit comprises at least one sensor or camera for monitoring the state of the cargo conveyor unit, the baggage or cargo and / or a cargo compartment at at least one of the ends of the cargo belt. The integration of sensors or cameras enables real-time monitoring of the cargo conveyor unit and its contents, which can lead to increased security and the prevention of cargo loss or theft. The unit's integration of sensors or cameras offers the advantage of monitoring the state of the cargo conveyor unit, baggage or cargo, and cargo compartments, ensuring safe and efficient operation. The ability to monitor the state of the cargo compartment ensures proper handling and can alert operators to potential issues such as overloading or improper loading, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents. In a further development, the cargo conveyor unit has a logic unit for receiving and / or distributing the baggage or cargo in particular for optimizing weight distribution inside a cargo compartment. The logic unit provides the advantage of optimizing weight distribution inside a cargo compartment, improving stability and safety during transportation. The logic unit's capability to optimize weight distribution inside a cargo compartment can lead to improved balance and stability of the vehicle or aircraft, resulting in safer and more fuel-efficient transportation. By automating the receiving and distribution process of baggage or cargo, the logic unit can significantly reduce manual labor requirements and minimize human error, leading to increased throughput and reliability. In a further development, the cargo conveyor unit has a drive unit for driving the cargo conveyor unit on the ground and / or for linear driving the cargo belt between the two ends. The drive unit's ability to move the cargo conveyor unit on the ground independently eliminates the need for additional towing vehicles, reducing congestion on the tarmac and lowering operational costs. The linear driving feature of the cargo belt ensures smooth and controlled movement of cargo between the two ends, minimizing the risk of damage to the cargo and enhancing the precision of loading and unloading operations. For improving over the know methods, the invention suggests that the cargo belt comprises a main belt, and at least one lead belt protruding from the main belt to one end of the cargo belt, and a belt compartment underneath the main belt, wherein the at least one lead belt is at least predominantly storable into the belt compartment for adjusting the length of the cargo belt. The method according to the invention can be executed using the cargo conveyor unit as mentioned supra, and is characterized by the same advantages. In a further development of the method, the cargo origin and the cargo target are a cargo compartment at a luggage cart or inside an airplane or a baggage belt or a human cargo operator’s work area in particular in an airport. The method's flexibility in accommodating various cargo origins and targets, such as luggage carts, airplane compartments, baggage belts, or human operator areas, ensures seamless integration into existing airport logistics systems. By streamlining the transfer of cargo between different points within the airport environment, the method can significantly reduce transfer times and improve the overall efficiency of cargo handling operations. In a further development, the main belt is inclined to span a height difference between the cargo origin and the cargo target. The inclination of the main belt to span a height difference facilitates the ergonomic loading and unloading of cargo, reducing the physical strain on workers and improving efficiency in cargo handling operations. The inclined belt design allows for the utilization of gravity to assist in the movement of cargo, potentially reducing the energy consumption and mechanical complexity required for cargo conveyance between different elevations. In a further development, after conveying the baggage or cargo into the cargo compartment a net is installed inside the cargo compartment that holds the baggage or cargo in place, in particular during takeoff, flight and landing of the airplane. The installation of a net inside the cargo compartment ensures the secure retention of baggage or cargo, minimizing the risk of movement and potential damage during the critical phases of takeoff, flight, and landing. The use of a net for holding cargo in place enhances safety by preventing shifts in weight distribution within the cargo compartment, which could otherwise affect the stability and control of the airplane. In a further development, the cargo compartment has a fan-shaped mechanism for installing the net. The fan-shaped mechanism for installing the net allows for quick and efficient securing of the cargo, reducing turnaround times and increasing the productivity of cargo operations. The fan-shaped design provides a scalable solution that can be adapted to various cargo compartment sizes and shapes, ensuring versatility and broad applicability of the method across different aircraft types. In a further development, a balloon is installed and inflated on top of the baggage or cargo. The installation and inflation of a balloon on top of the baggage or cargo creates an additional protective layer that can absorb shocks and vibrations, further safeguarding the cargo during transit. The balloon serves as a space-filling structure that can prevent the movement of cargo, ensuring that even when the cargo compartment is not fully loaded, the cargo remains securely in place without the need for additional load securing measures. The CargoCobra cargo conveyor unit is an advanced, fully automated solution designed to streamline the loading and unloading of aircraft baggage and cargo. This system features a conveyor belt with dual-axis pivoting joints to reach all corners of the cargo hold. Equipped with retractable loading and unloading heads at both ends, it ensures efficient handling of various baggage sizes and shapes. The system integrates a sophisticated vision system for real-time navigation and spatial recognition, enabling precise identification, picking, and placing of baggage. DEFINITIONS The terms "cargo conveyor unit" and “cargocobra” are understood in the present context to refer to a cargo conveyor unit, which is used for moving baggage or cargo, which is storable into a cargo compartment of the cargo conveyor unit. A "chassis" designates the frame of the cargo conveyor unit, which is usually made of metal. The "ground" designates the ground surface on which the cargo conveyor unit is moving. A "cargo belt" designates a belt for conveying baggage or cargo, which is movable over a length of the cargo belt between two ends of the cargo belt. The term "baggage" is understood in the context of the present patent application to refer to any kind of cargo, such as personal or semi-personal items. The term "cargo" is understood in the context of the present invention to refer to any kind of cargo, such as personal or commercial goods. The term "baggage" is understood in particular to refer to personal or business luggage, such as handbags, receptacles and the like. A "length of the cargo belt" designates the distance between the two ends of the cargo belt. An "end of the cargo belt" designates the end of the cargo belt that is connected to the chassis. A "main belt" designates a central section of the cargo belt, typically mounted to the chassis. A "lead belt", “belty”, “beltie”, “beltie system” or “belty unit” designates a belt section that is storable into the belt compartment for adjusting the length of the cargo belt. A "belt compartment" or "storage compartment" designates a compartment in which the at least one lead belt is storable. A "linear series" designates a series of belt sections that are connected by pivoting joints. A "belt section" designates a belt section of the at least one lead belt (9) or the main belt (8). A "short conveyor belt" designates a belt that is shorter than the length of the cargo belt. A "joint" designates a pivotable connection between two parts. A "pivoting joint" designates a joint that allows the parts to pivot relative to each other around a pivot axis. An "adjustment mechanism" designates the mechanism that adjusts the width of the cargo belt. An "edge of the cargo belt" designates the edge of the cargo belt that is connected to the chassis. A "side belt" designates a belt that is arranged on the edge of the cargo belt. An "adjustable belt" designates a belt that can be adjusted in position. A" tilted side belt" designates a belt that is tilted perpendicular to the direction of the belt travel. A "handling device" designates a device for handling baggage or cargo. A "head" designates a device that is used to transfer baggage or cargo from or to the cargo belt. A "monitoring unit" designates an entirety of means for monitoring and surveying. A "sensor" designates a sensor that is able to detect the presence, position, size, and / or weight of a baggage or cargo on the cargo belt. A "camera" designates a camera, a video camera, or a video camcorder. A "cargo compartment" or “cargo hold” designates a compartment for stowing the cargo belt. A "logic unit designates a computer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a microprocessor unit, a microcomputer unit, a computer unit. A "drive unit" designates the drive motor, the drive shaft, the drive belt, the drive pulley, the drive wheel, the drive wheel rim, the drive wheel hub. A "cargo origin" designates an origin of baggage or cargo that is to be moved by the cargo conveyor unit. A "cargo target" designates a target of the baggage or cargo that is to be moved by the cargo conveyor unit. A "luggage cart" designates a luggage cart that is used to transport luggage or other items. A "carriage" designates a vehicle, a trailer, a container, a train, a bus, a truck, a car, a motorcycle. An "airplane" designates any type of aircraft, including but not limited to airplanes, helicopters, and other types of aircraft. Use case(s) The invention is explained in some use cases. We show in Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5-7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10-12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 shows a cargo conveyor unit according to the invention; shows an aerial view of the cargo conveyor unit; shows a front view of the cargo conveyor unit; shows a side view of the cargo conveyor unit; show alignment means; shows handing heads; shows an aerial view of the alignment means; show the cargo conveyor unit; shows the main belt with a sensor for monitoring state of cargo; shows a cargo compartment with net; shows a cargo compartment with fan-shaped mechanism; shows a cargo compartment with an inflated balloon; shows an aerial view of the cargo conveyor unit; shows a side view of a cargo origin and the cargo conveyor unit; and Figure 19 shows a baggage belt and the cargo conveyor unit. In Figures 1 to 5, a cargo conveyor unit 1 is illustrated with its various components functioning to move cargo 5 from a cargo origin 25 area to a cargo target 26 inside an airplane 28. The unit includes a chassis 2 equipped with a drive unit 24 to enable ground 3 movement. Attached to the chassis 2 is a main belt 8 and two lead belts 9 which extend from the main belt 8 towards the cargo belt 4 ends 7. Together, the main belt 8 and the lead belts 9 comprise a drivable cargo belt system with belt sections 12 and the linear series 11 of these sections 12, which are connected by pivoting joints 13. A handling device 17 is situated at the each end 7, designed for the automatic transfer of cargo 5 onto or off the system. The figure also shows cargo compartments 22 both in the airplane 28 as well as in a luggage cart 27, suggesting the flexible nature of the cargo conveyor unit 1 in bridging various cargo origins 25 and cargo targets 26. The cargo belt system, including the main belt 8 and the lead belt 9, is adjustable in length 6, designed to adapt to the various distances between the cargo compartments 22. Overall, the figure illustrates the operation and versatility of the cargo conveyor system 1 in an airport 31 setting, facilitating the handling of baggage 5 and cargo 5 between different points such as luggage carts 27, baggage belts 29, or aircraft 28. The Cargo Conveyor Unit 1 operates in the context of an airport 31 to facilitate baggage 5 or cargo 5 transfer to an airplane 28. The unit sits on a chassis 2 with an included drive unit 24 for mobility on the ground 3. A central feature of the cargo conveyor unit 1 is the main belt 8, which conveys the cargo 5. The figure also features protruding lead belts 9, which extend from the main belt 8 into the cargo compartments 22 of the luggage cart 27, and of the airplane 28. This extension serves as a bridge between the airplane 28's cargo hold 22 and the unit, transferring cargo 5 onto or off the aircraft 28.The lead belt 9 includes a linear series 11 of belt sections 12, connected by pivoting joints 13, hinting at flexibility and the ability to fold or extend as needed. At the end of the Cargo Conveyor Unit 1 closest to the luggage cart 27 or cargo target 26, there is a handling device 17 that assists in the automatic transfer of cargo 5.On the left of the figure, the airplane 28 is shown with a cargo compartment 22 where cargo 5 originates or is targeted. The cargo 5 is conveyed along the pathway formed by the main belt 8 and lead belts 9, with a height difference 32 being spanned by the inclined position of the cargo conveyor unit 1. The side view provides a comprehensive understanding of the intended use of the Cargo Conveyor Unit 1 in an airport 31 environment, highlighting key features and the interaction between the cargo conveyer unit 1 and an airplane 28 for effective cargo 5 handling. Figure 4 depicts a schematic side view of the cargo conveyor unit 1 in operation, employing its cargo belt 4 with a main belt 8 to transport cargo 5 to and from the airplane 28. The unit is in use at an airport 31 to move baggage 5 or cargo 5 from a cargo compartment 22 within the airplane 28, which serves as the cargo origin 25, to a cargo target 26, namely a luggage cart 27. The lead belt 9 extends from the main belt 8 to reach the cargo target 26, represented by the luggage cart 27. This extension of the lead belt 9 from the main structure of the cargo belt 4 allows the cargo conveyor unit 1 to bridge the gap to the cargo compartment 22 of the luggage cart 27, facilitating efficient loading and unloading of the cargo 5.The use of the lead belt 9 indicates the flexibility of the system in adjusting to various operational distances and heights. The method involves altering the length of the cargo belt 6 as needed to accommodate different cargo 5 transferring scenarios between the airplane 28 and auxiliary transportation means such as luggage carts 27. In Fig. 5, cargo 5 is positioned along the lead belt 9 section of the conveyor system. The lead belt 9 protrudes from the main belt 8 and consists of a linear series 11 of belt sections 12, which are connected by pivoting joints 13 allowing for flexibility and adjustability of the belt length 6. The cargo 5 is aligned using alignment means 14 positioned at each edge 15 of the conveyor unit, which are tilted and running parallel to the main belt 8. These tilted side belts 16 help maintain the position of the cargo 5 on the cargo conveyor unit 1, ensuring that it is transported securely and efficiently. According to Fig’s 6, and 7, the alignment means 14 are situated at each edge 15 of the cargo conveyor unit 1. These alignment means 14 double as tilted side belts 16, which run parallel to the cargo belt 4, and they assist in aligning the baggage 5 or cargo 5. The alignment means 14 on both sides of the belt sections 12 are designed to aid in aligning cargo 5 on the cargo conveyor unit 1. Specifically, the edges 15 where the alignment means 14 are installed extend along the length 6 of the cargo belt 4. The tilted side belts 16 run parallel to the belt sections 12, are positioned at an angle relative to the main conveying surface to ensure that cargo 5 remains centered and does not slip off during movement. The dashed lines likely indicate motion or adjustability of the side belts or alignment means 14. According to Fig’s 8, and 9, the belt section 12 has the cargo belt 4, which is designed to convey cargo 5. Along the edges 15 of the cargo belt 4, there are alignment means 14, namely tilted side belts 16. These side belts 16 are running parallel to the main cargo belt 4 and are intended to align the cargo 5 as it moves along the main belts 8 length 6. Additionally, there are cameras 21 and sensors 20 positioned on either side of the belt 4 for supervision of the cargo conveyor units 1 operation or the state of the cargo 5. According to Fig’s 10-12, the cargo conveyer unit 1 includes a belt compartment 10, situated underneath the main belt 8 and designed to store the lead belts 9 when not in use, serving to adjust the conveyor's length 6 according to need. The lead belts 9 comprise a linear series 11 of belt sections 12 along its length 6, connected by pivoting joints 13. The cargo conveyor units 1 drive unit 24 is responsible for both moving the unit on the ground 3 and for driving the cargo belt 4 linearly between its two ends 7. The lead belt 9 in the retracted position within the belt compartment 10 according to figures 11 and 12 indicates how the length 6 of the conveyor can be varied to accommodate different cargo 5 handling scenarios. The cargo conveyor unit 1 is also designed to account for a height difference 32, which enables it to connect points that are not on the same level, such as a cargo origin 25 and a cargo target 26. This capability is essential for loading cargo 5 into areas like an airplane 28 cargo compartment 22 or other elevated or lower surfaces. According to Figure 14, in a cargo compartment 22, above the cargo 5, there's a net 33 that stretches across the entire width of the cargo compartment 22. The net 33 is held in place by fasteners or anchors on each side of the cargo compartment 22, to contain and secure the baggage 5 or cargo 5 during various stages of transport. According to Fig. 15, the net 33 is placed over baggage 5 or cargo 5. The net 33 is used to secure the items during movement, particularly during the critical phases of takeoff, flight, and landing. The fan-shaped mechanism 34 is shown in an operational position, indicating how it deploys to extend or tension the net 33 within the cargo compartment 22. Figure 16 depicts a sectional view of a cargo compartment 22 as part of an airplane 28. Cargo 5 takes up the bottom region of the cargo compartment 22. A Balloon 35 spans over the cargo 5, is displayed in its inflated state. The purpose of this balloon 35 is to rest on top of the baggage 5 or cargo 5 to maintain its position, adding an additional safety measure by occupying space that could otherwise allow for cargo 5 movement during transport. Figure 17 depicts a cargo conveyor unit 1 with its chassis 2 positioned on the ground 3, outlining the operational set-up within the context of an airport 31 for loading cargo 5 into the cargo compartment 22 of an airplane 28. The main belt 8 of the cargo conveyor unit 1 is shown connecting to two lead belts 9, extending from one end of the main belt 8 towards the interior of the airplane 28 and reaching the cargo compartment 22, which doubles as the cargo target 26. Cargo 5 is situated on a luggage cart 27, ready to be conveyed to the airplane 28. A monitoring unit 19 and logic unit 23 are also represented in proximity to the chassis 2. These components are designed for supervising and managing the cargo 5 transfer process. According to Figure 18, the main belt 8 is the central part of the cargo conveyor unit 1 intended for the conveyance of cargo 5. The lead belts 9 are illustrated as an extension from the main belt 8. This extension allows for the adjustment of the length of the cargo belt 6 for various cargo 5 handling situations. The cargo 5 is stacked on top of a cargo compartment 22 as cargo origin 25 on a luggage cart 27. The arrows around the lead belt 9 indicate possible movements or operational directions. Figure 19 shows the cargo conveyor unit 1, and a luggage cart 27 used to transport baggage 5 or cargo 5 from a baggage belt 29.. Reference list 1 Cargo conveyor unit, cargocobra 2 Chassis 3 Ground 4 Cargo belt 5 Baggage, cargo, luggage 6 Length of the cargo belt 7 End of the cargo belt 8 Main belt 9 Lead belt 10 Belt compartment, storage compartment 11 Linear series 12 Belt section, short conveyor belt, belty, beltie, belty unit, beltie system 13 Joint 14 Alignment means, adjustment mechanism 15 Edge of the cargo belt 16 Side belt, adjustable belt 17 Handling device 18 Head 19 Monitoring unit 20 Sensor 21 Camera 22 Cargo compartment, cargo hold 23 Logic unit 24 Drive unit 25 Cargo origin 26 Cargo target 27 Luggage cart, carriage 28 Airplane, aircraft 29 Baggage belt 30 Human cargo operator’s work area 31 Airport 32 Height difference 33 Net 34 Fan-shaped mechanism 35 Balloon

Claims

1. Cargo conveyor unit (1), comprising a chassis (2) for moving the cargo conveyor unit (1) on ground (3), and a drivable cargo belt (4) for linear conveying baggage or cargo (5) over a length (6) of the cargo belt (4) between two ends (7) of the cargo belt (4), characterized in that the cargo belt (4) comprises a main belt (8), and at least one lead belt (9) protruding from the main belt (8) to one of the ends (7) of the cargo belt (4), further characterized by a belt compartment (10) underneath the main belt (8), wherein the at least one lead belt (9) is at least predominantly storable into the belt compartment (10) for adjusting the length (6) of the cargo belt (4).

2. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one lead belt (9) comprises a linear series (11) of belt sections (12) connected by pivoting joints (13).

3. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by alignment means (14) at each edge (15) between the ends (7) of the cargo belt (4), for aligning the baggage or cargo (5) to the cargo belt (4).

4. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the alignment means (14) are tilted side belts (16) running parallel to the cargo belt (4).

5. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a handling device (17) at at least one of the ends (7) of the cargo belt (4) for automatic transfer of the baggage or cargo (5) from or to the cargo belt (4).

6. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the handling device (17) comprises heads (18) that are extendable from and retractable into the at least one of the ends (7) of the cargo belt (4).

7. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a monitoring unit (19) comprising at least one sensor (20) or camera (21) for monitoring the state of the cargo conveyor unit (1), the baggage or cargo (5), and / or a cargo compartment (22) at at least one of the ends (7) of the cargo belt (4).

8. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a logic unit (23) for receiving and / or distributing the baggage or cargo (5), in particular for optimizing weight distribution inside a cargo compartment (22).

9. Cargo conveyor unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a drive unit (24) for driving the cargo conveyor unit (1) on the ground (3) and / or for linear driving the cargo belt (4) between the two ends (7)10. Method for linear conveying baggage or cargo (5) from a cargo origin (25) to a cargo target (26), using a cargo conveyor unit (1), the cargo conveyor unit (1) comprising a chassis (2) for moving the cargo conveyor unit (1) on ground (3), and a drivable cargo belt (4) for linear conveying baggage or cargo (5) over a length (6) of the cargo belt (4) from the cargo origin (25) to the cargo target (26), characterized in that the cargo belt (4) comprises a main belt (8), and at least one lead belt (9) protruding from the main belt (8) to one end (7) of the cargo belt (4), further characterized by a belt compartment (10) underneath the main belt (8), wherein the at least one lead belt (9) is at least predominantly storable into the belt compartment (10) for adjusting the length (6) of the cargo belt (4).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the cargo origin (25) and the cargo target (26) are a cargo compartment (22) at a luggage cart (27) or inside an airplane (28), or a baggage belt (29), or a human cargo operator’s work area (30), in particular in an airport (31).

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in thatthe main belt (8) is inclined to span a height difference (32) between the cargo origin (25) and the cargo target (26).

13. Method according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that after conveying the baggage or cargo (5) into the cargo compartment (22), a net (33) is installed inside the cargo compartment (22) that holds the baggage or cargo (5) in place, in particular during takeoff, flight and landing of the airplane (28).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in thatthe cargo compartment (22) has a fan-shaped mechanism (34) for installing the net (33).

15. Method according to one of claims 10 and 14, characterized in that a balloon (35) is installed and inflated on top of the baggage or cargo (5).

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