Package processing system

Abstract

To provide a package processing system capable of smoothly performing predetermined processing to packages from multiple transport paths.SOLUTION: A package processing system 20 includes multiple first transport passages 110, a second transport passage 120, a processing device 210, and a lining-up device 230. Each of the first transport passages 110 transports packages 90. The second transport passage 120 may receive the packages 90 from the first transport passages 110. Further, the second transport passage 120 may transport the packages 90 in a parallel state in a second transport direction 121 in at least a part thereof. The second transport direction 121 is a direction intersecting with first transport directions 111 of the respective first transport passages 110. The processing device 210 performs predetermined processing to the packages 90. The lining-up device 230 outputs the packages 90 transported by the second transport passage 120 in one line to the processing device 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage handling system.

Background Art

[0002] There are scenarios where predetermined processing is performed on luggage from a plurality of conveyor lines. In such scenarios, it is necessary to smoothly convey the luggage from the plurality of conveyor lines to the location where the predetermined processing is performed in order to improve efficiency.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes supplying articles from a plurality of receiving workplaces to a manual sorting line or an automatic sorting line. Further, it is described that an automatic merging and aligning conveyor or a normal conveyor that is not an automatic merging and aligning conveyor is used as the manual sorting line or the automatic sorting line.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, a pair of symmetric diagonal conveyors with different conveyance speeds are used as an automatic merging and aligning conveyor for aligning articles in a line, and the number of articles that can be conveyed is small with respect to the arrangement space of the conveyors. Further, consideration has not been given to efficiently receiving the luggage conveyed on the plurality of conveyance paths and aligning it in a line so that the next processing can be easily performed. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the conveyance efficiency and processing efficiency of articles from a plurality of lines.

[0006] The present invention provides a luggage handling system that can smoothly perform predetermined processing on the introduction of luggage from a plurality of conveyance paths.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the following baggage handling system is provided.

[0008] 1. A plurality of first conveying paths each for conveying baggage, a second conveying path capable of receiving the baggage from the plurality of first conveying paths and conveying the plurality of baggage in a parallel state at least in part in a second conveying direction which is a direction intersecting the first conveying direction of each of the plurality of first conveying paths, a processing device for performing a predetermined process on the baggage, and an aligning device for outputting the plurality of baggage conveyed on the second conveying path to the processing device in a single row. Baggage handling system. 2. The baggage handling system according to 1., wherein the processing device performs at least any one of dimension measurement of the baggage, weight measurement of the baggage, and inspection of the baggage. Baggage handling system. 3. The baggage handling system according to 2., wherein the processing device is an X-ray inspection device. Baggage handling system. 4. The baggage handling system according to any one of 1. to 3., wherein the aligning device includes a plurality of conveyors, and an aligning control unit for controlling the plurality of conveyors using an image including at least any one of the plurality of baggage in a parallel state. Baggage handling system. 5. The baggage handling system according to any one of 1. to 4., further includes a second conveyance control unit for controlling the conveyance of the plurality of baggage by the second conveyance path based on at least the delivery amount of the baggage of the aligning device. Baggage handling system. 6. The baggage handling system according to 5., When the second conveyance control unit stops the conveyance of the plurality of packages by the second conveyance path, it further includes a first conveyance control unit that stops the conveyance of the packages by at least any one of the plurality of first conveyance paths. Package handling system. 7. In the package handling system according to any one of 1. to 6., The package can be introduced into at least any one of the plurality of first conveyance paths at the unloading work site, Each of the plurality of first conveyance paths conveys the introduced package Package handling system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a package handling system that can smoothly perform predetermined processing on packages from a plurality of conveyance paths.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a baggage handling system 20 according to the first embodiment. The baggage handling system 20 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of first conveyance paths 110 and a second conveyance path 120. Each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 conveys a baggage 90. The second conveyance path 120 can receive the baggages 90 from the plurality of first conveyance paths 110. Further, the second conveyance path 120 can convey a plurality of baggages 90 in a parallel state at least in part in the second conveyance direction 121. The second conveyance direction 121 is a direction that intersects the first conveyance direction 111 of each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110.

[0013] Further, the baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment further includes a processing device 210 and an alignment device 230. The processing device 210 performs a predetermined process on the baggage 90. The alignment device 230 outputs a plurality of baggages 90 conveyed on the second conveyance path 120 to the processing device 210 in a single row. The baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0014] Hereinafter, the positional relationship in each conveyance path such as the first conveyance path 110 and the second conveyance path 120 may be described using the terms "upstream" and "downstream". That is, the baggage 90 is conveyed along the conveyance path from "upstream" to "downstream". The x, y, and z directions shown in each figure are three mutually orthogonal directions.

[0015] Each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 is constituted by a conveyor. The conveyor constituting the first conveyance path 110 may be, for example, a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor. The conveyor constituting the first conveyance path 110 may be a driven conveyor driven by a motor or the like, or a free conveyor such as a free roller conveyor. When the first conveyance path 110 is constituted by a free conveyor, the first conveyance path 110 may or may not be inclined so as to descend toward the second conveyance path 120. When the first conveyance path 110 is a free conveyor and is inclined, the baggage 90 moves by its own weight.

[0016] For example, in the unloading workplace 900, it is possible to introduce the package 90 into at least any one of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110. For example, at least a part (for example, the inlet) of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 is provided in the unloading workplace 900. Each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 conveys the introduced package 90. In the unloading workplace 900, for example, packages are unloaded from the truck 92. Each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 can convey, for example, the package 90 unloaded from the truck 92.

[0017] In the unloading workplace 900, an operator introduces the package 90 loaded on the truck 92 into the first conveyance path 110. For example, one first conveyance path 110 is provided for each truck 92. If the introduction of the package from the first conveyance path 110 to the second conveyance path 120 is delayed, the flow of the package 90 in the first conveyance path 110 is delayed. When the first conveyance path 110 is filled with the package 90, the operator has to wait for a sufficient space to become available in the first conveyance path 110 to introduce the package 90. As a result, it takes time to unload the truck 92.

[0018] According to the present embodiment, since the second conveyance path 120 can smoothly receive the packages from each first conveyance path 110, the operator can also smoothly introduce the package 90 into the first conveyance path 110. Therefore, the efficiency of the unloading work is improved. Note that the unloading may be performed by a device such as a robot.

[0019] The first conveyance direction 111 is the conveyance direction of the first conveyance path 110. In the example of FIG. 1, the first conveyance directions 111 in the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 are all the same. However, it is not limited to this example, and the first conveyance directions 111 in the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 do not necessarily have to be all the same. For example, the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 may be non-parallel to each other. When the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 are provided in the unloading workplace 900 from a truck, the package 90 is conveyed from the stop position of the truck 92 toward the second conveyance path 120.

[0020] The second conveying path 120 receives the packages 90 from a plurality of first conveying paths 110. The second conveying path 120 conveys the packages 90 in a direction different from the first conveying direction 111. The angle formed by the second conveying direction 121, which is the conveying direction of the second conveying path 120, and the first conveying direction 111 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 45° or more and 135° or less, preferably 75° or more and 105° or less. Since the second conveying path 120 can convey a plurality of packages 90 in a parallel state, the conveying efficiency is high.

[0021] The second conveying path 120 is constituted by a conveyor. The conveyor constituting the second conveying path 120 may be, for example, a roller conveyor, a modular conveyor, or a belt conveyor. The conveyor constituting the second conveying path 120 may be a driving conveyor driven by a motor or the like, or a free conveyor such as a free roller conveyor. When the second conveying path 120 is constituted by a free conveyor, the second conveying path 120 is inclined so as to descend from upstream to downstream. In a free conveyor, the package 90 moves by its own weight. Also, as will be described later, the second conveying path 120 may be inclined in the width direction 122 of the second conveying path 120. The width direction 122 of the second conveying path 120 is, for example, a direction orthogonal to the second conveying direction 121. The second conveying path 120 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The second conveying path 120 conveys the packages 90 received from the first conveying path 110 toward the aligning device 230. The aligning device 230 is located between the second conveying path 120 and the processing device 210. The aligning device 230 receives the packages 90 from the second conveying path 120. The plurality of packages 90 received by the aligning device 230 from the second conveying path 120 may be in a parallel state. Then, the aligning device 230 outputs the plurality of packages 90 in a parallel state in a single row to the processing device 210. By having the aligning device 230, the packages 90 can be input one by one to the processing device 210, and predetermined processing can be performed one by one in the processing device 210. The aligning device 230 will also be described in detail later.

[0023] The processing device 210 receives a plurality of packages 90 from the serialization device 230 in a serialized state. The processing device 210 processes the plurality of packages 90 received from the serialization device 230 one by one in order. The processing device 210 is, for example, a device that performs at least any one of dimension measurement of the package 90, weight measurement of the package 90, and inspection of the package 90. That is, the predetermined processing can be, for example, at least any one of dimension measurement, weight measurement, and inspection. By doing so, information necessary for further transportation of the package 90 can be obtained, or necessary inspections can be performed. Specifically, the processing device 210 may be a measuring machine that performs at least one of dimension measurement and weight measurement, or an X-ray inspection device. The processing device 210 performs a predetermined process on the package 90 on the processing stage 211. The processing stage 211 is configured by a conveyor. The package 90 may be processed while being conveyed on the processing stage 211, or may be processed in a state of being temporarily stopped on the processing stage 211.

[0024] When the processing device 210 is a measuring machine that performs at least one of dimension measurement and weight measurement, the measurement result of the package 90 is recorded as information of the package 90. For example, unique identification information is defined for each package 90. Each package 90 is attached with a label having identification information such as a code that is identification information, a barcode indicating the identification information, a two-dimensional code indicating the identification information, or a label or tag having identification information such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). For example, the processing device 210 can identify the identification information of each package 90 by reading the information described on this label or reading the information from the RFID. The processing device 210 stores the identification information of the package 90 and the measurement result of the package 90 in association with each other in a storage unit accessible from the processing device 210.

[0025] When the processing device 210 is an X-ray inspection device, an inspection image showing the internal state of the package 90 is displayed on the display of the processing device 210. By looking at this displayed inspection image, an operator can check, for example, whether the package 90 contains dangerous goods or the like. Also, the operator extracts the package 90 that seems to need to be examined in more detail by looking at the inspection images of a plurality of packages 90.

[0026] The package processing system 20 may include a plurality of processing devices 210 that perform different processes. For example, the package 90 that has passed through one processing device 210 may be introduced into the next processing device 210.

[0027] The package 90 that has exited the processing device 210 may be further conveyed to a predetermined location. The subsequent conveyance route of the package 90 may be determined according to the measurement result or inspection result at the processing device 210. By doing so, a plurality of packages 90 are sorted.

[0028] The package processing system 20 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of first conveyance paths 110, second conveyance paths 120, an alignment device 230, and a processing device 210 in this order, so that a predetermined process can be smoothly performed on the packages 90 from the plurality of first conveyance paths 110. In particular, when the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 are provided at the unloading work area 900 from the truck 92, the efficiency of the unloading work can also be improved.

[0029] The package processing system 20 according to the present embodiment described above includes a conveyance system 10, an alignment device 230, and a processing device 210. The conveyance system 10 is a system including a first conveyance path 110 and a second conveyance path 120.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the conveyance system 10 according to the present embodiment. The second conveyance path 120 will be described in detail below. The second conveyance path 120 can receive the packages 90 from the plurality of first conveyance paths 110. The second conveyance path 120 can convey a plurality of packages 90 in the second conveyance direction 121, at least temporarily, and at least partially in a parallel state.

[0031] The transport system 10 according to this embodiment further includes a guide 130. The guide 130 is along the second transport direction 121 of the second transport path 120. The second transport path 120 is configured to slide the luggage 90 received from the plurality of first transport paths 110 in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120 until it is restricted by the guide 130 or other luggage 90 on the second transport path 120. By doing so, the luggage 90 from the plurality of first transport paths 110 can be smoothly merged and transported in the second transport direction 121.

[0032] As an example, the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120 is a direction orthogonal to the second transport direction 121. The second transport path 120 is configured to slide the luggage 90 received from the plurality of first transport paths 110 in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120 while transporting it in the second transport direction 121. By doing so, the transport in the second transport direction 121 can be continued.

[0033] In this embodiment, the plurality of inlets 113 through which the second transport path 120 receives the luggage 90 from the plurality of first transport paths 110 are located at one end 126 in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120. And the guide 130 is located at the other end 127 in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120. The second transport path 120 slides the luggage 90 from each of the plurality of inlets 113 toward the guide 130.

[0034] In the second transport path 120, the number of the luggage 90 that can be in a parallel state (that is, the number of the luggage 90 that can be arranged in the width direction 122) is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 2 or more and 6 or less, and may be 3 or more and 5 or less. Note that the sizes and shapes of one or more pieces of luggage 90 simultaneously transported on the second transport path 120 do not have to be unified. In the second transport path 120, the actual number of the luggage 90 in a parallel state depends on the combination of the luggage 90 transported at that time.

[0035] Note that the second conveyance path 120 may not only receive the package 90 from the first conveyance path 110, but also have an introduction section where the package 90 is directly introduced from a truck 92 or the like.

[0036] Examples of the conveyor constituting the second conveyance path 120 are various.

[0037] FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of the second conveyance path 120. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 6, the conveyance surface 123 of the second conveyance path 120 is inclined so as to descend from each of the plurality of receiving ports 113 toward the guide 130. By doing so, the package 90 introduced from the receiving port 113 moves toward the guide 130 by its own weight.

[0038] In this example, the package 90 introduced from the receiving port 113 onto the conveyance surface 123 slides on the conveyance surface 123 toward the guide 130 as shown in FIG. 3. When there is no other package 90 between the receiving port 113 and the guide 130, the introduced package 90 hits the guide 130 as shown in FIG. 4. The package 90 that has hit the guide 130 finishes sliding in the width direction 122 and is simply conveyed in the second conveyance direction 121.

[0039] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when there is another package 90 between the receiving port 113 and the guide 130, the introduced package 90 hits the other package 90 as shown in FIG. 6 and finishes sliding in the width direction 122. Then, these packages 90 are conveyed in the second conveyance direction 121 in a parallel state and in contact with each other.

[0040] The material of the conveyance surface 123 and the angle of the conveyance surface 123 are adjusted so that the package 90 can slide in the width direction 122.

[0041] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 123, the guide 130 may overlap with the second conveyance path 120 or may not overlap. Also, the guide 130 may be in contact with the second conveyance path 120 or may not be in contact. The guide 130 may be driven in conjunction with the drive of the second conveyance path 120 or may be stationary.

[0042] Although the structure of the guide 130 is not particularly limited, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the guide 130 is a wall-shaped member extending along the second conveyance direction 121 of the second conveyance path 120.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the guide 130. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the guide 130 is a columnar member arranged along the second conveyance direction 121 of the second conveyance path 120. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of columnar members are provided as the guide 130. The cross-sectional shape of the columnar member is not particularly limited. The columnar member may be cylindrical or prismatic. Further, those columnar members may be rotatable or may be rotating.

[0044] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating in detail the structure of the conveyance surface 123 of the second conveyance path 120. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the second conveyance path 120 is viewed with the direction perpendicular to the conveyance surface 123 as the line-of-sight direction. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the second conveyance path 120 is viewed with the direction parallel to the conveyance surface 123 and perpendicular to the second conveyance direction 121 as the line-of-sight direction. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second conveyance path 120 is realized by a conveyor including a plurality of rollers 128 moving in the second conveyance direction 121. This will be described in detail below.

[0045] The conveyor constituting the second conveyance path 120 includes a plurality of conveyance members 125a. The plurality of conveyance members 125a are arranged in a line in the second conveyance direction 121. Adjacent conveyance members 125a are rotatably connected to each other by a shaft 125b. The plurality of connected conveyance members 125a constitute an endless belt and function as the belt of a belt conveyor. That is, the conveyance members 125a constituting the conveyance surface 123 are moved in the second conveyance direction 121 by a pulley driven by a motor.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of openings are provided in the conveyance member 125a, and rollers 128 are attached in each opening. When the rollers 128 rotate, the luggage 90 on the conveyance surface 123 moves in the width direction 122.

[0047] A plurality of rollers 128 are at least partially exposed so as to contact the load 90 on the conveying surface 123. The rotation axes 129 of the plurality of rollers 128 intersect the width direction 122 of the second conveying path 120. The angle formed by the rotation axis 129 and the width direction 122 is, for example, 45° or more and 135° or less, preferably 75° or more and 105° or less. Also, the rotation axis 129 is substantially parallel to the conveying surface 123. The angle formed by the rotation axis 129 and the conveying surface 123 is, for example, 5° or less.

[0048] On the conveying surface 123, the number of rollers 128 arranged in the width direction 122 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 3 or more. For the sake of the slipperiness of the load 90, the distance between adjacent rollers 128 in the width direction 122 is preferably 10 cm or less. In the example of FIG. 8, a plurality of rollers 128 are arranged in a row on each conveying member 125a, but they may be arranged in two or more rows.

[0049] The plurality of rollers 128 may be driven by a motor or may be free rollers not driven by a motor. When the plurality of rollers 128 are driven by a motor or the like, the conveying surface 123 of the second conveying path 120 does not have to be inclined so as to descend from each of the plurality of inlets 113 toward the guide 130. That is, the conveying surface 123 may be a horizontal plane.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the alignment device 230. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the alignment device 230. The alignment device 230 will be described in detail below. The alignment device 230 includes a plurality of conveyors 232 and an alignment control unit 234. The alignment control unit 234 controls the plurality of conveyors 232 using an image including at least any one of a plurality of loads 90 in a parallel state. By doing so, the plurality of loads 90 can be aligned.

[0051] A plurality of packages 90 are introduced into the alignment device 230 from the second conveyance path 120. However, other devices or areas may be further provided between the alignment device 230 and the second conveyance path 120. Also, when the conveyance surface 123 of the second conveyance path 120 is inclined, an area for continuously connecting the conveyance surface 123 of the second conveyance path 120 and the horizontal conveyance surface of the alignment device 230 may be provided.

[0052] The plurality of packages 90 introduced into the alignment device 230 are introduced into a delivery area 233 constituted by a plurality of conveyors 232. In the delivery area 233, two or more packages 90 may be in a parallel state. The plurality of conveyors 232 can be driven independently of each other. The conveyance directions of the plurality of conveyors 232 are parallel to each other. The plurality of conveyors 232 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to their conveyance directions. The conveyance surfaces of the plurality of conveyors 232 are located in the same plane and constitute the delivery area 233.

[0053] In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, the alignment device 230 further includes an imaging unit 238, a plurality of conveyor drive units 236, and an output conveyor 239.

[0054] The imaging unit 238 is, for example, a camera, and generates an image by imaging the luggage 90 introduced into the serialization device 230. The position where the imaging unit 238 is provided is not particularly limited. The image of the luggage 90 introduced into the serialization device 230 may be captured before the introduction of the serialization device 230 (for example, immediately before the introduction), or may be captured after the introduction. The imaging unit 238 may generate an image including the entire delivery area 233. The imaging unit 238 may image each of the entrance (i.e., upstream of the delivery area 233), the middle, and the exit (i.e., downstream of the delivery area 233) of the delivery area 233. The imaging unit 238 may perform imaging intermittently. The imaging unit 238 may perform imaging at a predetermined cycle, or may perform imaging under the control of the serialization control unit 234 in S101 described later, for example. Depending on the timing, the luggage 90 may not be shown in the image generated by the imaging unit 238. As will be described later with an example, the serialization control unit 234 controls the conveyor 232 by analyzing the conveyance state of the luggage 90 in the delivery area 233.

[0055] The conveyor drive unit 236 is provided for each conveyor 232. The conveyor drive unit 236 is composed of a circuit for driving the motor of the conveyor 232. The conveyor drive unit 236 includes, for example, a power supply circuit and a switching circuit. The conveyor drive unit 236 drives the conveyor 232 in response to a control signal from the serialization control unit 234. The serialization control unit 234 can independently control the plurality of conveyors 232 by sending control signals to the plurality of conveyor drive units 236 independently.

[0056] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the serialization control unit 234.

[0057] When the operation of the serialization device 230 is in the ON state, the serialization control unit 234 drives all the conveyors 232 at a predetermined initial speed. The initial speed is preferably determined such that the conveyor 232 can convey the package 90 faster than the second conveyance path 120. The serialization control unit 234 can drive all the conveyors 232 by sending a control signal for driving the conveyor 232 to each conveyor drive unit 236.

[0058] Also, when an image is generated by the imaging unit 238, the serialization control unit 234 acquires the generated image from the imaging unit 238 (S101). Note that the serialization control unit 234 may acquire an image from a camera or the like outside the serialization device 230. In that case, the serialization device 230 may not include the imaging unit 238.

[0059] In S102, the serialization control unit 234 processes the image acquired in S101 to detect the package 90 in the delivery area 233. Specifically, the serialization control unit 234 detects the package 90 and its position from the image.

[0060] If no package is detected (No in S102), in S109, the serialization control unit 234 determines whether to end the operation of the serialization device 230. If the operation of the serialization device 230 is set to OFF (Yes in S109), the serialization control unit 234 stops all the conveyors 232 and ends the process. On the other hand, if the operation of the serialization device 230 is not set to OFF (No in S109), the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S101 again.

[0061] When a package 90 within the delivery area 233 is detected (Yes in S102), the serialization control unit 234 identifies one package 90 to be delivered (S103). For example, the serialization control unit 234 identifies the package 90 that is the foremost in the delivery area 233 as the package to be delivered. The foremost package 90 is the package 90 whose tip is located on the side farthest from the second conveyor path 120. The serialization control unit 234 identifies the foremost package 90 among the one or more detected packages 90 based on the positions of the one or more detected packages 90 detected in S102. Also, when the positions of the multiple detected packages 90 are the same as each other in the conveyance direction of the delivery area 233, the serialization control unit 234 can identify the package 90 to be delivered among those multiple packages 90 based on a predetermined rule. The predetermined rule is, for example, a rule such as "Regarding the conveyance direction as the line-of-sight direction, the package 90 located on the rightmost side is the package to be delivered." or "Regarding the conveyance direction as the line-of-sight direction, the package 90 located on the leftmost side is the package to be delivered."

[0062] Next, in S104, the serialization control unit 234 identifies one or more target conveyors for delivering the package 90 that is the delivery target from among the multiple conveyors 232. For example, the serialization control unit 234 identifies one or more conveyors 232 carrying the package 90 that is the delivery target as the target conveyors. The package 90 that is the delivery target may be located only on one conveyor 232, or may be located across two or more conveyors 232. The serialization control unit 234 can identify the one or more target conveyors using the acquired image.

[0063] As another example, the serialization control unit 234 may identify the package 90 to be sent out and the target conveyor by processing a plurality of images. Specifically, an imaging unit 238 may be provided for each conveyor 232, and a plurality of images captured by the plurality of imaging units 238 at each time may be processed to identify the package 90 to be sent out and the target conveyor. That is, each image acquired by the serialization control unit 234 may include all of the plurality of packages 90 in a parallel state, or may include only a part of them.

[0064] Next, in S105, the serialization control unit 234 accelerates the identified one or more target conveyors. That is, the serialization control unit 234 outputs a control signal for accelerating the conveyor 232 identified as the target conveyor to the conveyor drive unit 236. The conveyor drive unit 236 that has received the control signal accelerates the conveyor 232. As a result, only one or more conveyors 232 carrying the package 90 to be sent out are accelerated.

[0065] Next, in S106, the serialization control unit 234 acquires the latest image generated by the imaging unit 238. The image acquired in S106 is an image captured later than the image acquired in S101.

[0066] Then, in S107, the serialization control unit 234 determines whether the packages 90 in the delivery area 233 are undergoing state transitions as expected by processing the image acquired in S106. Specifically, the serialization control unit 234 identifies the positions of the packages 90 to be sent out by processing the image, and determines whether the packages 90 to be sent out are being normally accelerated in light of the speed of the target conveyor after acceleration. Note that the serialization control unit 234 may further determine whether the packages 90 in the delivery area 233 are undergoing state transitions as expected based on the positions of the packages 90 that are not the targets to be sent out.

[0067] For example, when the package 90 to be sent out is not successfully conveyed by the target conveyor, or when the package 90 in the sending area 233 does not undergo state transition as expected (No in S107), the serialization control unit 234 returns the conveyance speeds of all the conveyors 232 to the initial speed and then performs the process of S103 again. In the returned S103, the serialization control unit 234 uses the latest image acquired so far (in this case, the image acquired in S106) to identify the package 90 to be sent out again.

[0068] When it is determined that the package 90 in the sending area 233 has undergone state transition as expected (Yes in S107), the serialization control unit 234 determines whether the sending of the package 90 to be sent out is completed (S108). The state where the sending is completed means that the entire package 90 to be sent out has been output to the downstream side from the sending area 233. For example, the serialization control unit 234 can acquire the latest image generated by the imaging unit 238 and process the image to determine whether the sending is completed. As another example, the serialization control unit 234 may use the detection result of a sensor (not shown) provided at the exit of the sending area 233 for detecting the passage of the package 90 to determine whether the sending is completed.

[0069] When the sending is not completed (No in S108), the serialization control unit 234 returns the conveyance speeds of all the conveyors 232 to the initial speed and then performs the process of S103 again. In the returned S103, the serialization control unit 234 uses the latest image acquired so far to identify the package 90 to be sent out again.

[0070] When the sending is completed (Yes in S108), the serialization control unit 234 returns the conveyance speeds of all the conveyors 232 to the initial speed and then performs the process of S109. The process of S109 is as described above.

[0071] In the example of FIG. 10, the package 90 sent out from the delivery area 233 is introduced into the output conveyor 239. The entrance of the output conveyor 239 has a width capable of receiving the packages 90 from all the conveyors 232. Also, the output conveyor 239 has an exit that is narrower than the entrance of the output conveyor 239. The package 90 introduced into the output conveyor 239 is guided to the exit. Then, the package 90 that has passed through the output conveyor 239 is introduced into the processing device 210.

[0072] The hardware configuration of the serialization control unit 234 will be described below. The serialization control unit 234 may be realized by hardware (e.g., a hard-wired electronic circuit, etc.) that realizes the serialization control unit 234, or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.). Below, the case where the serialization control unit 234 is realized by a combination of hardware and software will be further described.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a computer 1000 for realizing the transport system 10. The computer 1000 is an arbitrary computer. For example, the computer 1000 may be a System On Chip (SoC), a Personal Computer (PC), a server machine, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, etc. The computer 1000 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize the serialization control unit 234, or may be a general-purpose computer. Also, the serialization control unit 234 may be realized by one computer 1000, or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of computers 1000.

[0074] The computer 1000 has a bus 1020, a processor 1040, a memory 1060, a storage device 1080, an input / output interface 1100, and a network interface 1120. The bus 1020 is a data transmission path for the processor 1040, the memory 1060, the storage device 1080, the input / output interface 1100, and the network interface 1120 to transmit and receive data from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1040 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection. The processor 1040 is various processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The memory 1060 is a main storage device realized using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The storage device 1080 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0075] The input / output interface 1100 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to an input / output device. For example, an input device such as a touch panel and an output device such as a display are connected to the input / output interface 1100. The method by which the input / output interface 1100 connects to the input device and the output device may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0076] The network interface 1120 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to a network. This communication network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method by which the network interface 1120 connects to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0077] The storage device 1080 stores a program module that implements the serialization control unit 234. The processor 1040 reads the program module into the memory 1060 and executes it, thereby implementing the functions corresponding to the program module.

[0078] The serialization control unit 234 can acquire an image via the input / output interface 1100 or the network interface 1120. Further, the serialization control unit 234 can transmit a control signal to the conveyor drive unit 236 via the input / output interface 1100 or the network interface 1120.

[0079] Although the example of the serialization device 230 has been described above, the serialization device 230 is a so-called singulator, and various configurations other than the above-described configuration can be adopted.

[0080] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system 10 according to the second embodiment. The transport system 10 and the baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment are the same as the transport system 10 and the baggage handling system 20 according to the first embodiment, respectively, except for the points described below.

[0081] In the transport system 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of inlets 113 through which the second transport path 120 receives the baggage 90 from the plurality of first transport paths 110 are located at both ends in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120. And the guide 130 is not located at the end in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120. By doing so, the first transport path 110 can be arranged more freely than when the inlets 113 are located only on one side of the second transport path 120. This will be described in detail below.

[0082] In this embodiment, the second conveyance path 120 is divided into two by a guide 130, namely a first region 131 and a second region 132. In each of the first region 131 and the second region 132, two or more packages 90 can be conveyed in parallel in the second conveyance direction 121. The first conveyance direction 111 of the first conveyance path 110 for introducing the package 90 into the first region 131 is opposite to the first conveyance direction 111 of the first conveyance path 110 for introducing the package 90 into the second region 132.

[0083] For example, throughout the second conveyance path 120, the number of packages 90 that can be in a parallel state (i.e., the number of packages 90 that can be arranged in the width direction 122) is 4 or more. Note that the number of packages 90 that can be in a parallel state in the first region 131 and the number of packages 90 that can be in a parallel state in the second region 132 may be the same as or different from each other. In the example of FIG. 14, the guide 130 is located near the center in the width direction 122 of the second conveyance path 120. For example, the difference between the width in the width direction 122 of the first region 131 and the width in the width direction 122 of the second region 132 is 0% or more and 20% or less, preferably 0% or more and 5% or less, of the width in the width direction 122 of the entire second conveyance path 120.

[0084] Note that in at least one of the first region 131 and the second region 132, the package 90 may be conveyed in only one row. In that case, for example, for the region where the package 90 is conveyed in only one row, only one receiving port 113 may be provided.

[0085] The positions of the receiving ports 113 for introducing the package 90 into the first region 131 and the positions of the receiving ports 113 for introducing the package 90 into the second region 132 may be aligned or offset in the second conveyance direction 121. At any of the receiving ports 113, the package 90 introduced from the receiving port 113 slides in the width direction 122 of the second conveyance path 120 toward the guide 130 as described in the first embodiment.

[0086] When the conveying surface 123 of the second conveying path 120 is inclined so as to descend from each of the plurality of receiving ports 113 toward the guide 130, the conveying surface 123 of the second conveying path 120 is configured such that its cross section depicts a V shape with the guide 130 at the bottom. In other words, it can be said that the second conveying path 120 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the conveying system according to the first embodiment is combined symmetrically with respect to the guide 130.

[0087] As another example, when the conveying surface 123 has rollers 128 as described in the first embodiment and the rollers 128 are driven by a motor, the driving directions (rotation directions) of the rollers 128 are opposite between the first region 131 and the second region 132. In this case, the second conveying path 120 can have a planar conveying surface 123 as a whole. Also, each of the plurality of conveying members 125a can constitute the conveying surface 123 extending across the first region 131 and the second region 132.

[0088] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the baggage handling system 20 according to the third embodiment. The conveying system 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as the conveying system 10 according to the first or second embodiment, except for the points described below. The baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment is the same as the baggage handling system 20 according to the first or second embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0089] The conveying system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a second conveying control unit 420, a first conveying control unit 410, a second conveying drive unit 421, and a plurality of first conveying drive units 411. The baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment further includes an operation unit 400. In the conveying system 10 and the baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment, the conveyance of the baggage 90 at each location is controlled according to the situation.

[0090] The hardware configurations of the computers that implement the first transfer control unit 410 and the second transfer control unit 420 are represented, for example, by FIG. 13, similar to the serialization control unit 234. However, in the storage device 1080 of the computer 1000 that implements the first transfer control unit 410 of the present embodiment, a program module that implements the functions of the first transfer control unit 410 of the present embodiment is stored. In the storage device 1080 of the computer 1000 that implements the second transfer control unit 420 of the present embodiment, a program module that implements the functions of the second transfer control unit 420 of the present embodiment is stored. The first transfer control unit 410 and the second transfer control unit 420 may be implemented by one computer 1000, or may be implemented by different computers 1000.

[0091] The operation unit 400 is operated by a user of the baggage handling system 20. The operation unit 400 is, for example, a touch panel or an operation panel. The serialization control unit 234 can acquire the information output from the operation unit 400. Further, the serialization control unit 234 can acquire information indicating the state of the processing device 210 from the processing device 210. The operation unit 400 and the processing device 210 are connected to the computer 1000 that implements the serialization control unit 234 via the input / output interface 1100 or the network interface 1120 of the computer 1000 that implements the serialization control unit 234.

[0092] The second transfer path 120 according to the present embodiment is composed of a driving conveyor driven by a motor or the like. The second transfer driving unit 421 is a circuit for driving this driving conveyor. The second transfer driving unit 421 includes, for example, a power supply circuit and a switching circuit. The second transfer driving unit 421 drives the conveyor in response to a control signal from the second transfer control unit 420, and conveys the baggage 90 on the second transfer path 120. The second transfer driving unit 421 is connected to the computer 1000 that implements the second transfer control unit 420 via the input / output interface 1100 or the network interface 1120 of the computer 1000 that implements the second transfer control unit 420.

[0093] The first conveyor path 110 according to this embodiment is composed of a driving conveyor driven by a motor or the like. The first conveyance driving unit 411 is a circuit for driving this driving conveyor. The first conveyance driving unit 411 is provided for each first conveyor path 110. The first conveyance driving unit 411 includes, for example, a power supply circuit and a switching circuit. The first conveyance driving unit 411 drives the conveyor according to a control signal from the first conveyance control unit 410, and conveys the load 90 on the first conveyor path 110. The first conveyance control unit 410 can independently control a plurality of first conveyor paths 110 by sending control signals independently to the plurality of first conveyance driving units 411. The first conveyance driving unit 411 is connected to a computer 1000 that realizes the first conveyance control unit 410 via an input / output interface 1100 or a network interface 1120 of the computer 1000.

[0094] When the serialization control unit 234, the first conveyance control unit 410, and the second conveyance control unit 420 are realized by different computers 1000, those computers 1000 are connected to each other via a network interface 1120.

[0095] In this embodiment, the serialization control unit 234 controls a plurality of conveyor driving units 236 according to the status of the processing device 210 or an operation on the operation unit 400.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a flowchart exemplifying the flow of processing performed by the serialization control unit 234 according to this embodiment. The serialization control unit 234 according to this embodiment performs processing as shown in FIG. 16 instead of the processing described with reference to FIG. 12 in the first embodiment. The processing performed by the serialization control unit 234 according to this embodiment is the same as the processing performed by the serialization control unit 234 according to the first embodiment, except for the processing from confirming the completion of sending out to acquiring an image again.

[0097] S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, and S209 are the same as S101, S102, S103, S104, S105, S106, S107, S108, and S109 described in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0098] However, in this embodiment, when the delivery of the package 90 to be delivered is completed (Yes in S208), the serialization control unit 234 determines in S210 whether a stop signal has been received from the operation unit 400.

[0099] For example, when an operator inspecting the package 90 in the processing device 210 discovers a package 90 that needs to be checked in more detail, an operation can be performed on the operation unit 400 to stop the serialization device 230. When an operation to stop the serialization device 230 is performed on the operation unit 400, a stop signal is transmitted from the operation unit 400 to the serialization control unit 234. Also, the operation unit 400 can receive an operation to restart the serialization device 230. When an operation to restart the serialization device 230 is performed on the operation unit 400, a restart signal is transmitted from the operation unit 400 to the serialization control unit 234.

[0100] When the serialization control unit 234 receives a stop signal from the operation unit 400 (Yes in S210), the process of S211 is performed after S210. In S211, the serialization control unit 234 determines whether a restart signal from the operation unit 400 has been received after S210. When the serialization control unit 234 has not received a restart signal from the operation unit 400 (No in S211), the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S212. S212 is the same as S109 described in the first embodiment. However, when the operation of the serialization device 230 is not OFF (No in S212), the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S211 again. When the operation of the serialization device 230 is OFF (Yes in S212), the serialization control unit 234 ends the process.

[0101] When the serialization control unit 234 receives a resume signal from the operation unit 400 (Yes in S211), the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S215. S215 is the same as S212. However, when the operation of the serialization device 230 is not OFF in S215 (No in S215), the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S201 again.

[0102] In S210, when the serialization control unit 234 has not received a stop signal from the operation unit 400 (No in S210), the serialization control unit 234 then performs the process of S213. In S213, the serialization control unit 234 determines whether a plurality of packages 90 have entered the processing device 210. The serialization control unit 234 can make the determination of S213, for example, using the information acquired from the processing device 210.

[0103] As an example, the serialization control unit 234 acquires from the processing device 210 information indicating whether two or more packages 90 have entered the processing device 210 within a period for processing one package 90. In the processing device 210, for example, using an image obtained by imaging the processing stage 211, it can be determined whether two or more packages 90 have entered the processing device 210 within a period for processing one package 90. Then, the processing device 210 outputs information indicating the determination result to the serialization control unit 234.

[0104] As another example, the serialization control unit 234 may acquire from the processing device 210 an image obtained by imaging the processing stage 211. In that case, the serialization control unit 234 processes the image to determine whether two or more packages 90 have entered the processing device 210 within a period for processing one package 90.

[0105] If two or more packages 90 enter the processing device 210 within the period for processing one package 90 (Yes in S213), the serialization control unit 234 then performs the process of S214. In S214, the serialization control unit 234 waits without driving any of the conveyors 232 for T1 seconds. For example, when an operator is arranged between the serialization device 230 and the processing device 210 for package sorting, the operator performs the process so that the packages 90 enter the processing device 210 one by one. Then, after T1 seconds have elapsed, the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S213 again. T1 seconds is a predetermined time, for example, 1 second or more and 5 seconds or less. In the second S213, the determination is made based on the image obtained by imaging after the previous S213.

[0106] If two or more packages 90 have not entered the processing device 210 within the period for processing one package 90 (No in S213), the serialization control unit 234 performs the process of S215.

[0107] The serialization control unit 234 according to the present embodiment controls the conveyor 232 according to whether a stop signal is received, so that it can control the delivery of the packages 90 from the serialization device 230 according to the processing result of the processing device 210. Further, since the serialization control unit 234 according to the present embodiment controls the conveyor 232 according to the processing status of the processing device 210, it is possible to prevent an excessive number of packages 90 from being introduced into the processing device 210 beyond the processing capacity of the processing device 210.

[0108] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the second conveyance control unit 420 according to the present embodiment. The second conveyance control unit 420 controls the conveyance of a plurality of packages 90 by the second conveyance path 120 based at least on the delivery amount of the packages 90 from the serialization device 230. By doing so, it is possible to control the conveyance by the second conveyance path 120 according to the processing status of the plurality of packages 90 by the serialization device 230. In the example of FIG. 17, the second conveyance control unit 420 controls the conveyance of a plurality of packages 90 by the second conveyance path 120 based on the inflow amount of the packages 90 to the serialization device 230 and the delivery amount of the packages 90 from the serialization device 230.

[0109] When the operation of the transfer system 10 is in the ON state, the second transfer control unit 420 turns on the second transfer drive unit 421 and transfers the load 90 through the second transfer path 120 (S300).

[0110] Then, the second transfer control unit 420 determines the inflow rate n of the load 90 into the serialization device 230 i (S301). The inflow rate n i is the number of loads 90 introduced into the serialization device 230 within T2 seconds. T2 seconds is a predetermined time, for example, 1 second or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0111] Next, the second transfer control unit 420 determines the delivery rate n of the load 90 from the serialization device 230 o (S302). The delivery rate n o is the number of loads 90 delivered from the serialization device 230 within T2 seconds. Note that the order of S301 and S302 may be reversed.

[0112] For example, the second transfer control unit 420 uses a plurality of time-series images generated by imaging the delivery area 233 of the serialization device 230 to determine the inflow rate n i and the delivery rate n o . These plurality of time-series images can form a video. These images are generated, for example, by the imaging unit 238 of the serialization device 230. The second transfer control unit 420 acquires these images from the serialization control unit 234. Then, the second transfer control unit 420 processes the acquired images to determine the inflow rate n i and the delivery rate n o .

[0113] When the inflow rate n i and the delivery rate n o are determined, in S303, the second transfer control unit 420 determines whether n o < n i holds. n o < n iWhen this holds true (Yes in S303), the second conveyance control unit 420 turns off the second conveyance drive unit 421 for T3 seconds and stops the conveyance of the load 90 by the second conveyance path 120 for T3 seconds (S305). Specifically, when the conveyance of the second conveyance path 120 is in the ON state, it is switched to the OFF state. When the conveyance of the second conveyance path 120 is already in the OFF state, the OFF state is maintained. T3 seconds is a predetermined time, for example, 1 second or more and 10 seconds or less. Note that, instead of turning off the second conveyance drive unit 421 for T3 seconds in S305, the second conveyance control unit 420 may slow down the conveyance speed of the second conveyance path 120 for T3 seconds to be lower than the conveyance speed of the second conveyance path 120 in S300. Next to S305, the second conveyance control unit 420 performs the process of S303 again.

[0114] On the other hand, n o <n i When this does not hold true (No in S303), the second conveyance control unit 420 sets the conveyance of the load 90 by the second conveyance path 120 to the ON state and performs the process of S306. Specifically, when the conveyance of the second conveyance path 120 is in the OFF state, it is switched to the ON state. When the conveyance of the second conveyance path 120 is already in the ON state, the ON state is maintained. In S306, the second conveyance control unit 420 determines whether to end the operation of the conveyance system 10. When the operation of the conveyance system 10 is set to OFF (Yes in S306), the second conveyance control unit 420 stops the conveyance of the load 90 by the second conveyance path 120 and ends the operation. On the other hand, when the operation of the conveyance system 10 is not set to OFF (No in S306), the second conveyance control unit 420 continues the ON state of the second conveyance drive unit 421 in S300.

[0115] Note that, instead of the second conveyance control unit 420 specifying the inflow amount n i and the delivery amount n o the serialization control unit 234 may specify the inflow amount n i and the delivery amount n o And the second conveyance control unit 420 may acquire information indicating the inflow amount n i and the delivery amount n o from the serialization control unit 234. Or, no <n i Instead of the second conveyance control unit 420 determining whether <n> holds, the serialization control unit 234 may determine. Then, the second conveyance control unit 420 may acquire the determination result from the serialization control unit 234. Further, simply, the second conveyance control unit 420 or the serialization control unit 234 specifies the feed amount <n> o and controls the conveyance by the second conveyance path 120 based on whether the feed amount <n> o is greater than a predetermined amount.

[0116] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the first conveyance control unit 410 according to the present embodiment. When the second conveyance control unit 420 stops the conveyance of a plurality of packages 90 by the second conveyance path 120, the first conveyance control unit 410 stops the conveyance of the packages 90 by at least any one of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110. By doing so, the conveyance by the first conveyance path 110 can be controlled according to the conveyance status of the plurality of packages 90 by the second conveyance path 120, and an overflow of the second conveyance path 120 can be prevented. This will be specifically described below.

[0117] When the operation of the conveyance system 10 becomes ON, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether the second conveyance drive unit 421 is in the OFF state (S401). The first conveyance control unit 410 can acquire information indicating the drive state of the second conveyance drive unit 421 from the second conveyance control unit 420 and use it for the determination. When the second conveyance drive unit 421 is in the OFF state (Yes in S401), the first conveyance control unit 410 switches a predetermined first conveyance path 110 among the plurality of first conveyance drive units 411 to the OFF state (S402). (If the predetermined first conveyance path 110 is already in the OFF state, that state is maintained.) By doing so, the conveyance of the package 90 by the first conveyance path 110 corresponding to the first conveyance drive unit 411 that has become OFF stops. The first conveyance control unit 410 may stop the conveyance by all the first conveyance paths 110 in S402, or may stop only the conveyance by some of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110.

[0118] Next, after S402, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether to end the operation of the conveyance system 10 (S404). When the operation of the conveyance system 10 is turned off (Yes in S404), the first conveyance control unit 410 stops the conveyance by all the first conveyance paths 110 and ends the operation. On the other hand, when the operation of the conveyance system 10 is not turned off (No in S404), the first conveyance control unit 410 performs the process of S401 again while keeping the conveyance of the predetermined first conveyance path 110 stopped.

[0119] On the other hand, when the second conveyance drive unit 421 is not in the OFF state (No in S401), the first conveyance control unit 410 turns on all the first conveyance drive units 411 (S403).

[0120] Next, after S403, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether to end the operation of the conveyance system 10 (S404). When the operation of the conveyance system 10 is turned off (Yes in S404), the first conveyance control unit 410 stops the conveyance by all the first conveyance paths 110 and ends the operation. On the other hand, when the operation of the conveyance system 10 is not turned off (No in S404), the first conveyance control unit 410 performs the process of S401 again while keeping all the first conveyance drive units 411 in the ON state.

[0121] Although the case where one first conveyance control unit 410 controls a plurality of first conveyance paths 110 has been described above, the first conveyance control unit 410 may be provided for each first conveyance path 110.

[0122] According to the present embodiment, since the conveyance of subsequent (upstream) packages 90 is controlled according to the processing status of the packages 90 in each component of the package processing system 20, it is unlikely that the packages 90 will accumulate excessively in a specific location, and the packages 90 can be smoothly introduced into the first conveyance path 110.

[0123] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an overview of the transport system 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The transport system 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as the transport system 10 according to at least any one of the first to third embodiments, except for the points described below. The baggage handling system 20 according to the present embodiment is the same as the baggage handling system 20 according to at least any one of the first to third embodiments, except for the points described below.

[0124] The transport system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of first transport paths 110, a second transport path 120, a distance sensor 117, and a first transport control unit 410. Each of the plurality of first transport paths 110 transports a baggage 90. The second transport path 120 can receive the baggage 90 from the plurality of first transport paths 110. Further, the second transport path 120 can transport a plurality of baggages 90 in a parallel state at least in part in the second transport direction 121. The second transport direction 121 is a direction that intersects the first transport direction 111 of each of the plurality of first transport paths 110. The target first transport path 110t is one of the plurality of first transport paths 110. The receiving port 113t is the receiving port 113 through which the second transport path 120 receives the baggage 90 from the target first transport path 110t. The distance sensor 117 measures a first distance d1 upstream of the second transport path 120 from the receiving port 113t. The first distance d1 is the distance between a reference point located at one end 126 of the second transport path 120 and an object located on the second transport path 120 side from this reference point. The one end 126 is an end in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120 and is the end on the receiving port 113t side. The first transport control unit 410 controls the transport by the target first transport path 110t using the first distance d1 measured by the distance sensor 117. This will be described in detail below.

[0125] According to the transport system 10 according to the present embodiment, the first transport control unit 410 controls the transport by the target first transport path 110t using the first distance d1, so that the baggage 90 from the target first transport path 110t can be smoothly merged into the second transport path 120.

[0126] As described in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the second conveyance path 120 is configured to slide the packages 90 received from the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 in the width direction 122 of the second conveyance path 120 until they are restricted by the guide 130 or other packages 90 on the second conveyance path 120.

[0127] The first conveyance path 110 according to this embodiment is configured by a drive conveyor driven by a motor or the like. The conveyance system 10 according to this embodiment includes the plurality of first conveyance drive units 411 described in the third embodiment. The first conveyance control unit 410 can independently control the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 by sending control signals to the plurality of first conveyance drive units 411 independently.

[0128] The distance sensor 117 is, for example, a non-contact sensor. Specifically, it is a sensor that outputs an electromagnetic wave (for example, laser light), receives the electromagnetic wave reflected by an object, and measures the distance from the distance sensor 117 to the object. However, the distance sensor 117 is not limited to such a type of sensor. The distance sensor 117 is connected to the computer 1000 that realizes the first conveyance control unit 410 via the input / output interface 1100 or the network interface 1120 of the computer 1000 that realizes the first conveyance control unit 410. The distance sensor 117 is arranged at a reference point, for example. An object located on the second conveyance path 120 side from the reference point can be, for example, a package 90 being conveyed on the second conveyance path 20 or the guide 130. When there is no package 90 on the second conveyance path 120 in the region measured by the distance sensor 117, the distance sensor 117 outputs a distance equal to or greater than the width of the second conveyance path 120 (width in the width direction 122) as the measurement result (first distance d1). Note that the first distance d1 is preferably a distance in the width direction 122.

[0129] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the first conveyance control unit 410 according to this embodiment for one target first conveyance path 110t.

[0130] When the operation of the transfer system 10 is in the ON state, the first transfer control unit 410 acquires information indicating the first distance d1 from the distance sensor 117 (S501). Then, it compares the first distance d1 with a predetermined threshold value and determines whether the first distance d1 is less than or equal to the threshold value (S502). The threshold value is determined such that at least when the first distance d1 is greater than the threshold value, a distance necessary for introducing the load 90 into the second transfer path 120 is ensured. If the first distance d1 is not less than or equal to the threshold value (No in S502), the first transfer control unit 410 transmits a control signal to the first transfer drive unit 411 of the target first transfer path 110t to drive the first transfer drive unit 411, outputs one load 90 from the target first transfer path 110t, and introduces it into the second transfer path 120 (S503). Here, only one load 90 is output from the target first transfer path 110t. Also, in the present embodiment, no load 90 is output from the target first transfer path 110t except in S503.

[0131] Next, the first transfer control unit 410 determines whether to end the operation of the transfer system 10 (S505). If the operation of the transfer system 10 is set to OFF (Yes in S505), the first transfer control unit 410 ends the operation. On the other hand, if the operation of the transfer system 10 is not set to OFF (No in S505), the first transfer control unit 410 performs the process of S501 again.

[0132] If the first distance d1 is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value (Yes in S502), the first transfer control unit 410 waits for T4 seconds without transferring the load 90 to the target first transfer path 110t (S504). T4 seconds is a predetermined time, for example, not less than 1 second and not more than 5 seconds. After waiting for T4 seconds, the first transfer control unit 410 performs the process of S501 again.

[0133] Note that the measurement timing of the first distance d1 and the introduction timing of the load 90 into the second transfer path 120 are set according to the time it takes for the load 90 to slide in the width direction 122 and the transfer speed of the load handling system 20.

[0134] In the example of FIG. 19, a distance sensor 117 is provided for each of the plurality of first transport paths 110. Further, a threshold value is determined for each of the plurality of first transport paths 110. Then, the first transport control unit 410 controls the transport of each of the plurality of first transport paths 110 as the target first transport path 110t. Here, a larger threshold value is determined for the first transport path 110 that introduces the load 90 to the upstream side of the second transport path 120.

[0135] When the introduction of the load 90 from the plurality of first transport paths 110 is not particularly controlled, in the first transport path 110 that introduces the load 90 to the downstream of the second transport path 120, the second transport path 120 is more likely to be already filled with the load 90 and unable to introduce the load 90, compared to the first transport path 110 that introduces the load 90 to the upstream. On the contrary, since a larger threshold value is determined for the first transport path 110 that introduces the load 90 to the upstream side of the second transport path 120, the load 90 can be introduced from the plurality of first transport paths 110 in a well-balanced manner.

[0136] The first transport control unit 410 according to the present embodiment may further perform the process described with reference to FIG. 18 in the third embodiment. That is, the first transport control unit 410 according to the present embodiment may prevent the load 90 from being output from the target first transport path 110t while the transport of the load 90 by the second transport path 120 is stopped.

[0137] Although the case where one first transport control unit 410 controls the plurality of first transport paths 110 has been described above, a first transport control unit 410 may be provided for each of the first transport paths 110.

[0138] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an outline of the transport system 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The transport system 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as the transport system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, except for the points described below. The load processing system 20 according to the present embodiment is the same as the load processing system 20 according to the fourth embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0139] The conveying system 10 according to this embodiment further includes a size sensor 115 that measures the size of the target load 90t. The target load 90t is the load 90 that the target first conveying path 110t intends to introduce into the second conveying path 120. The first conveyance control unit 410 according to this embodiment controls the conveyance by the target first conveyance path 110t using the size of the target load 90t and the first distance d1.

[0140] Specifically, when the length L1 of the target load 90t measured by the size sensor 115 is greater than the first distance d1, the first conveyance control unit 410 does not temporarily introduce the target load 90t from the target first conveyance path 110t to the second conveyance path 120. Here, the length L1 is the length of the target load 90t in the width direction 122 of the second conveyance path 120.

[0141] Further, the conveying system 10 according to this embodiment further includes a gap sensor 119. The gap sensor 119 measures a gap d2 upstream of the receiving port 113t. The gap d2 is the gap in the second conveyance direction 121 between the load rows 91 adjacent to each other in the second conveyance direction 121. The load row 91 is a row composed of one or more loads 90 being conveyed on the second conveyance path 120 and is a row in the width direction 122 of the second conveyance path 120. The first conveyance control unit 410 controls the conveyance by the target first conveyance path 110t using the length L2 of the target load 90t measured by the size sensor 115 and the gap d2. Here, the length L2 is the length of the target load 90t in the second conveyance direction 121 of the second conveyance path 120.

[0142] Specifically, when the length L2 of the target load 90t measured by the size sensor 115 is greater than the gap d2, the first conveyance control unit 410 does not temporarily introduce the target load 90t from the target first conveyance path 110t to the second conveyance path 120.

[0143] According to this embodiment, under the control of the first conveyance control unit 410, when there is a space on the second conveyance path 120 that can receive the target load 90t according to the size of the target load 90t, the target load 90t can be introduced into the second conveyance path 120. The conveyance system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0144] The size sensor 115 may be, for example, a contact type sensor or a non-contact sensor. Specifically, the size sensor 115 can be a sensor that calculates the length of the load 90 based on the time during which the light beam is blocked when the load 90 or the light beam is moved so that the light beam crosses the load 90. However, the size sensor 115 is not limited to such a type of sensor, and various types can be adopted. The size sensor 115 is provided so as to measure a plurality of loads 90 on the target first conveyance path 110t one by one in the conveyance order as the target load 90t. Specifically, the size sensor 115 measures the load 90 closest to the second conveyance path 120 in the target first conveyance path 110t as the target load 90t. The size of the target load 90t can be measured while being conveyed on the target first conveyance path 110t. When the target load 90t is introduced into the second conveyance path 120, the next load 90 is measured as the target load 90t.

[0145] The size sensor 115 is connected to the computer 1000 that realizes the first conveyance control unit 410 via the input / output interface 1100 or the network interface 1120 of the computer 1000 that realizes the first conveyance control unit 410.

[0146] Since the second conveyance path 120 can convey the loads 90 in a parallel state, a load row 91 can be formed on the second conveyance path 120. In one load row 91, the loads 90 adjacent to each other in the width direction 122 are in contact with each other. Among the load rows 91, the distance between the load 90 closest to one end 126 of the second conveyance path 120 and the one end 126 can be measured as the first distance d1.

[0147] The distance sensor 119 is, for example, a non-contact sensor. Specifically, the distance sensor 119 includes a light output unit 119a and a light receiving unit 119b. The light receiving unit 119b receives the light output from the output unit 119a. The output unit 119a and the light receiving unit 119b are provided at both ends in the width direction 122 of the second conveyance path 120. That is, the second conveyance path 120 is located between the output unit 119a and the light receiving unit 119b. Then, while the package 90 passes between the output unit 119a and the light receiving unit 119b, the light beam 118 is blocked, and the light receiving unit 119b does not receive the light from the output unit 119a. Therefore, based on the length of time during which the light receiving unit 119b continuously receives the light from the output unit 119a and the conveyance speed of the second conveyance path 120, the interval d2 between adjacent package rows 91 is calculated. The distance sensor 119 is connected to a computer 1000 that implements the first conveyance control unit 410 via an input / output interface 1100 or a network interface 1120 of the computer 1000 that implements the first conveyance control unit 410.

[0148] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the first conveyance control unit 410 according to the present embodiment for one target first conveyance path 110t.

[0149] When the operation of the conveyance system 10 is in the ON state, the first conveyance control unit 410 acquires information indicating the lengths L1 and L2 of the target package 90t from the size sensor 115 (S601). Further, the first conveyance control unit 410 acquires information indicating the first distance d1 from the distance sensor 117 (S602). However, the order of S601 and S602 may be reversed.

[0150] Next, the first conveyance control unit 410 compares the acquired length L1 with the first distance d1 to determine whether d1 < L1 holds (S603). If d1 < L1 does not hold (No in S603), the first conveyance control unit 410 transmits a control signal to the first conveyance drive unit 411 of the target first conveyance path 110t to drive the first conveyance drive unit 411, outputs the target load 90t from the target first conveyance path 110t, and introduces it into the second conveyance path 120 (S606). Here, only one of the target loads 90t is output from the target first conveyance path 110t. Also, in this embodiment, no load 90 is output from the target first conveyance path 110t except in S606.

[0151] Next to S606, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether to end the operation of the conveyance system 10 (S607). If the operation of the conveyance system 10 is set to OFF (Yes in S607), the first conveyance control unit 410 ends the operation. On the other hand, if the operation of the conveyance system 10 is not set to OFF (No in S607), the first conveyance control unit 410 performs the process of S601 with the next load 90 as the target load 90t.

[0152] On the other hand, if d1 < L1 holds (Yes in S603), since there is no room to parallelize the target load 90t with the load train 91 on the second conveyance path 120, the process of the next S604 is performed without introducing the target load 90t into the second conveyance path 120.

[0153] In S604, the first conveyance control unit 410 acquires information indicating the interval d2 from the interval sensor 119.

[0154] Next, the first conveyance control unit 410 compares the length L2 acquired in S601 with the interval d2 acquired in S604, and determines whether d2 < L2 holds (S605). If d2 < L2 does not hold (No in S605), the first conveyance control unit 410 transmits a control signal to the first conveyance driving unit 411 of the target first conveyance path 110t to drive the first conveyance driving unit 411, outputs the target load 90t from the target first conveyance path 110t, and introduces it into the second conveyance path 120 (S606). At this time, the target load 90t is introduced between the load trains 91 of the second conveyance path 120. Next to S606, the first conveyance control unit 410 performs the process of S607.

[0155] On the other hand, when d2 < L2 holds (Yes in S605), since there is no width for introducing the target load 90t between the load trains 91, the process of S607 is performed without introducing the target load 90t into the second conveyance path 120. Since the target load 90t has not been output from the target first conveyance path 110t, in S601 performed next, the target load 90t is again treated as the target load 90t. On the other hand, since the conveyance of the load 90 is in progress in the second conveyance path 120, in the next S602, the first distance d1 is measured for a different load train 91.

[0156] In the example of FIG. 21, a size sensor 115 is provided for each first conveyance path 110, a distance sensor 117 is provided for each first conveyance path 110, and an interval sensor 119 is provided for each first conveyance path 110. Also in the conveyance system 10 according to the present embodiment, the first conveyance control unit 410 can control the conveyance of each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 as the target first conveyance path 110t.

[0157] According to the conveyance system 10 according to the present embodiment, the load 90 can be introduced from the first conveyance path 110 to the second conveyance path 120 according to the size of each load 90 and the free state of the second conveyance path 120.

[0158] (Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an overview of the transport system 10 according to the sixth embodiment. The transport system 10 according to this embodiment is the same as the transport system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, except for the points described below. The baggage handling system 20 according to this embodiment is the same as the baggage handling system 20 according to the fourth embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0159] Similar to the fifth embodiment, the transport system 10 according to this embodiment includes a size sensor 115 that measures the size of the target baggage 90t. The size sensor 115 is as described in the fifth embodiment. The target baggage 90t is the baggage 90 that the target first transport path 110t attempts to introduce into the second transport path 120. The first transport control unit 410 according to this embodiment controls the transport by the target first transport path 110t using the size of the target baggage 90t and the first distance d1.

[0160] In this embodiment, the distance sensor 117 measures the change over time of the first distance d1. The first transport control unit 410 controls the transport by the target first transport path 110t using the measured change over time. Specifically, the first transport control unit 410 determines whether the space on the second transport path 120 is larger than the target baggage 90t based on the measured change over time.

[0161] According to this embodiment, under the control of the first transport control unit 410, when there is a space on the second transport path 120 that can receive the target baggage 90t according to the size of the target baggage 90t, the target baggage 90t can be introduced into the second transport path 120. Also, it is not necessary to use the interval sensor 119 as described in the fifth embodiment. The transport system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0162] Similar to the fifth embodiment, the length L1 is the length of the target baggage 90t in the width direction 122 of the second transport path 120, and the length L2 is the length of the target baggage 90t in the second transport direction 121 of the second transport path 120.

[0163] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the first conveyance control unit 410 according to the present embodiment for one target first conveyance path 110t.

[0164] When the operation of the conveyance system 10 becomes the ON state, the first conveyance control unit 410 acquires information indicating the lengths L1 and L2 of the target load 90t from the size sensor 115 (S701). Further, the first conveyance control unit 410 acquires information indicating the change over time of the first distance d1 (referred to as "change-over-time data") from the distance sensor 117 (S702).

[0165] A graph of the change-over-time data is illustrated in the upper part of FIG. 23. The vertical axis of this graph is the measured value by the distance sensor 117, that is, the first distance d1, and L corresponds to the width of the second conveyance path 120 in the width direction 122. The horizontal axis of this graph is time, and the right side indicates an earlier time. A plurality of loads 90 on the second conveyance path 120 are moving with respect to the distance sensor 117. Therefore, as can be understood from this graph, according to the change-over-time data, the shape and size of the space on the second conveyance path 120 as viewed from the distance sensor 117 are grasped. In this graph, the change-over-time data is drawn in bold, and the white region corresponds to the space on the second conveyance path 120. In this graph, the size of the target first conveyance path 110t is illustrated by a dotted rectangle.

[0166] The change-over-time data is, for example, the first distance d1 at each time in a period starting from the time T5 seconds before the current time t c and ending at the current time t. c The time T5 seconds may be determined in advance. Alternatively, the time T5 seconds may be specified based on the length L2 of the load. Specifically, the first conveyance control unit 410 may determine T5 based on the time T obtained by dividing the length L2 by the conveyance speed by the second conveyance path 120. L2 Alternatively, the first conveyance control unit 410 may use the time T L2 as T5. The first conveyance control unit 410 can acquire the conveyance speed by the second conveyance path 120 from the second conveyance control unit 420, for example.

[0167] The distance sensor 117 repeatedly performs measurements at a predetermined cycle. The measurement cycle of the distance sensor 117 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 0.1 second or more and 0.5 second or less. The first conveyance control unit 410 may acquire the latest change-over-time data from the distance sensor 117 in S702, or the first conveyance control unit 410 may acquire the measurement result of the distance sensor 117 each time a measurement is performed. In the latter case, the first conveyance control unit 410 extracts the latest change-over-time data from the acquired measurement results in S702.

[0168] Subsequent to S701 and S702, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether the space on the second conveyance path 120 grasped using the change-over-time data is larger than the target load 90t (S703). Specifically in S703, the first conveyance control unit 410, for example, divides the length L2 by the conveyance speed by the second conveyance path 120 to calculate the time T L2 and then determines whether all the first distances d1 during the T c seconds up to the time t L2 in the change-over-time data acquired in the most recent S702 are larger than the length L1 of the target load 90t. If all the first distances d1 during the T c seconds up to the time t L2 are larger than the length L1 of the target load 90t, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines that the space is larger than the target load 90t. Otherwise, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines that the space is not larger than the target load 90t.

[0169] If the space is not larger than the target load 90t (No in S703), the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether to end the operation of the conveyance system 10 (S706). If the operation of the conveyance system 10 is turned off (Yes in S706), the first conveyance control unit 410 ends the operation. On the other hand, if the operation of the conveyance system 10 is not turned off (No in S706), it returns to S702, and the first conveyance control unit 410 acquires the latest change-over-time data at that time again.

[0170] When the space is larger than the target load of 90 t (Yes in S703), the first conveyance control unit 410 transmits a control signal to the first conveyance drive unit 411 of the target first conveyance path 110 t to drive the first conveyance drive unit 411, outputs the target load of 90 t from the target first conveyance path 110 t, and introduces it into the second conveyance path 120 (S704). Here, only one of the target loads of 90 t is output from the target first conveyance path 110 t. Also, in the present embodiment, no load of 90 t is output from the target first conveyance path 110 t except in S704.

[0171] Subsequent to S704, the first conveyance control unit 410 determines whether to end the operation of the conveyance system 10 (S705). When the operation of the conveyance system 10 is set to OFF (Yes in S705), the first conveyance control unit 410 ends the operation. On the other hand, when the operation of the conveyance system 10 is not set to OFF (No in S705), the first conveyance control unit 410 performs the process of S701 with the next load of 90 t as the target load of 90 t.

[0172] In the example of FIG. 23, a size sensor 115 is provided for each first conveyance path 110, and a distance sensor 117 is provided for each first conveyance path 110. Also in the conveyance system 10 according to the present embodiment, the first conveyance control unit 410 can control the conveyance of each of the plurality of first conveyance paths 110 as the target first conveyance path 110 t.

[0173] According to the conveyance system 10 according to the present embodiment, the load of 90 t can be introduced from the first conveyance path 110 to the second conveyance path 120 according to the size of each load of 90 t and the free state of the second conveyance path 120.

[0174] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. These are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations may be adopted other than those described above. For example, in the sequence diagrams and flowcharts used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown can be changed within a range that does not interfere with the content. Also, the above-described embodiments can be combined within a range where the contents do not conflict with each other.

Explanation of Signs

[0175] 10 Conveying system 20 Freight handling system 90 Freight 91 Freight train 92 Truck 110 First conveying path 111 First conveying direction 113 Receiving port 115 Size sensor 117 Distance sensor 119 Spacing sensor 120 Second conveying path 121 Second conveying direction 122 Width direction 123 Conveying surface 128 Roller 130 Guide 210 Processing device 211 Processing stage 230 Serializing device 232 Conveyor 233 Delivery area 234 Serialization control unit 238 Imaging unit 239 Output conveyor 400 Operation unit 410 First conveyance control unit 420 Second conveyance control unit 900 Loading and unloading workplace 1000 Computer

Claims

1. A plurality of first conveying paths each for conveying a load, a second conveying path capable of receiving the loads from the plurality of first conveying paths and conveying the plurality of loads at least partly in parallel in a second conveying direction which is a direction intersecting the first conveying direction of each of the plurality of first conveying paths, a processing device for performing a predetermined process on the load, and an aligning device for outputting the plurality of loads conveyed on the second conveying path to the processing device in a single row. A load processing system.

2. The load processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processing device performs at least any one of dimension measurement of the load, weight measurement of the load, and inspection of the load. A load processing system.

3. The load processing system according to claim 2, wherein the processing device is an X-ray inspection device. A load processing system.

4. In the load processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the aligning device includes a plurality of conveyors, and an aligning control unit for controlling the plurality of conveyors by using an image including at least any one of the plurality of loads in a parallel state. A load processing system.

5. In the load processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the load processing system further includes a second conveyance control unit for controlling the conveyance of the plurality of loads by the second conveyance path based on at least the delivery amount of the loads of the aligning device. A load processing system.

6. The load processing system according to claim 5, wherein when the second conveyance control unit stops the conveyance of the plurality of loads by the second conveyance path, the load processing system further includes a first conveyance control unit for stopping the conveyance of the loads by at least any one of the plurality of first conveyance paths. A load processing system.

7. In the load processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the load can be introduced into at least any one of the plurality of first conveyance paths at the unloading workplace, and each of the plurality of first conveyance paths conveys the introduced load. A load processing system.

Images