Baggage storage system

Abstract

To provide a baggage storage system in which a storage space for baggage is made efficient.SOLUTION: A baggage storage system (1) includes a storage and retrieval device, and the storage and retrieval device has a transfer device capable of collectively transferring containers from an uppermost stage to a required stage of a container stack in which containers (420) storing luggage (410) of passengers are stacked, and stores the luggage in a storage area (540) in a state where the containers are stacked in the storage area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for storing baggage. [Background technology]

[0002] In the transportation of passengers by airplane, a service is provided in which passenger baggage is checked in before departure and the baggage is handed over to the passenger after arrival. An example of a system used for such a service is disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-290511 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above services require the temporary storage of a large amount of baggage at the departure airport before the flight, making efficient use of baggage storage space a challenge.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a baggage storage system that makes efficient use of baggage storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the baggage storage system of the present invention is a baggage storage system installed at an airport, and is equipped with an entry / exit device that stores containers containing passenger baggage that are placed at an entry location in a storage area, and removes the containers stored in the storage area and places them at an exit location, and the entry / exit device is capable of transferring the containers all at once, from the topmost level of a container stack in which the containers are stacked to a level other than the topmost level, and is configured to store the baggage in the storage area by picking up the containers from the entry location and stacking them in the storage area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a baggage storage system can be realized that makes efficient use of baggage storage space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overview of a baggage storage system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of the storage and retrieval device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container gripping and lifting device as seen from vertically above. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing components of the container gripping and lifting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a take-out device. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the take-out device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. In the drawings, when there are a plurality of elements to be assigned the same reference numeral, only some of the elements may be assigned the same reference numeral.

[0010] (Baggage storage system overview) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overview of baggage storage system 1. Baggage storage system 1 is a system installed at an airport. The area within the airport where baggage storage system 1 is installed is referred to as installation area 500. Baggage storage system 1 stores passenger baggage 410 in containers 420.

[0011] The container 420 has a shape that allows it to be stacked. The container 420 also has a foldable structure. However, the container 420 does not necessarily have to have a foldable structure.

[0012] In the installation area 500, a storage location 510, an input location 520, a stacking area 530, and a storage area 540 are set. The input location 510 is a location where baggage 410 is stored in a container 420. The input location 520 is a location where the container 420 containing the baggage 410 is placed. The stacking area 530 is an area where the container 420 transferred from the input location 520 is placed while being stacked. The storage area 540 is an area where the stacked containers 420 are stored. Note that in the baggage storage system 1, the container 420 placed in the input location 520 may be transferred directly to the storage area 540 for storage without passing through the stacking area 530.

[0013] The installation area 500 is further provided with a de-staging area 550 and a delivery position 560. The de-staging area 550 is an area where the containers 420 taken out from the storage area 540 are de-staging. The delivery position 560 is a position where the de-staging containers 420 are delivered.

[0014] The installation area 500 further includes a container loading area 570 where the containers 420 are stored in a folded state. Also installed in the installation area 500 are a container assembling device 581 that assembles the folded containers 420, and a container folding device 582 that folds the assembled containers 420. In Fig. 1, only the positions of the container assembling device 581 and the container folding device 582 are shown, and the specific structures are omitted.

[0015] A conveyor (not shown) for transporting containers 420 is installed in the section from the container loading area 570 via the container assembling device 581 to the storage position 510. The containers 420 are assembled by the container assembling device 581 on the way from the container loading area 570 to the storage position 510 by the conveyor, and the baggage 410 is stored at the storage position 510.

[0016] A conveyor (not shown) for transporting containers 420 is also installed in the section from the unloading position 560 to the container loading area 570 via the container folding device 582. The container 420 from which baggage 410 has been removed at the unloading position 560 is folded by the container folding device 582 on the way from the unloading position 560 to the container loading area 570 by the conveyor, and is stored again in the container loading area 570.

[0017] As described above, the container 420 does not necessarily have to have a foldable structure. If the container 420 does not have a foldable structure, a larger space is required to store the container 420. In other words, fewer containers 420 can be stored in the same amount of space. On the other hand, in this case, the container assembling device 581 and the container folding device 582 are not required, and therefore the costs required to install and maintain the baggage storage system 1 are reduced.

[0018] The relative positions of the respective positions and areas in installation area 500, as well as the area of ​​the areas, are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1. The relative positions of the respective positions and areas in installation area 500, as well as the area of ​​the areas, may be set as appropriate, taking into consideration the area of ​​the airport, the number of users, and the number of aircraft taking off and landing at the airport, etc. Furthermore, the relative positions of the respective positions and areas, as well as the area and area ratios of the areas, may be changed before or during operation of baggage storage system 1, for example, for each period such as one day, depending on the scheduled arrivals at the airport or the work content, etc. Furthermore, work spaces and / or passageways for workers may be provided as appropriate within installation area 500.

[0019] The baggage storage system 1 also includes a control device (not shown) that controls the operation of each device described below. For simplicity, the following description will be given assuming that the operations that the control device controls and executes for each device are executed by each device itself.

[0020] (Storage and retrieval equipment) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the storing / retrieving device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the baggage storage system 1 includes the storing / retrieving device 100. The storing / retrieving device 100 has a transfer device 10. The transfer device 10 transfers a container 420 within an installation area 500. The transfer device 10 stores the container 420 to be placed at the receiving position 520 shown in FIG. 1 in a stacking area 530. At this time, the transfer device 10 stacks the container 420 on top of the container 420 previously stored in the stacking area 530, thereby forming a container stack of stacked containers 420. Furthermore, the transfer device 10 removes the container 420 stored in the stacking area 530 and places it in the storage area 540. At this time, the transfer device 10 can transfer all of the containers 420 from the top to the required level of the container stack at once.

[0021] 2, the transfer device 10 includes a first travelling body 11, a second travelling body 12, and a container gripping and lifting device 13. Two mutually perpendicular directions in the installation area 500 are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. At each end of the installation area 500 in the X direction, guide rails 15a and 15b are installed parallel to the Y direction at a fixed height above two parallel sides in the Y direction.

[0022] The first running body 11 is a structure that is movable in the Y direction. The first running body 11 has a shape that is longer in the X direction than the distance between the guide rails 15a and 15b. Both ends of the first running body 11 are supported on the guide rails 15a and 15b so that the first running body 11 is movable in the Y direction.

[0023] The second running body 12 is a structure supported on the first running body 11 so as to be movable along the X direction. The second running body 12 also supports a container gripping and lifting device 13. Therefore, the container gripping and lifting device 13 can be positioned directly above any position in the installation area 500 by moving the first running body 11 in the Y direction and the second running body 12 in the X direction.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the container gripping and lifting device 13 as seen from vertically above. In Fig. 3, reference numeral 301 is a plan view showing the container gripping and lifting device 13 before gripping the container 420, and reference numeral 302 is a plan view showing the container gripping and lifting device 13 after gripping the container 420.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the container gripping and lifting device 13 includes movable tables 131a, 131b supported on the second running body 12 so as to be movable toward and away from each other in the X direction, and a pair of container gripping units 132a, 132b supported on these movable tables 131a, 131b.

[0026] Each container gripping unit 132a, 132b moves up and down through a rectangular planar opening penetrating the second carrier 12 in the vertical direction and an opening elongated in the X direction between a pair of X-direction side frames constituting the first carrier 11 (see FIG. 2). Each container gripping unit 132a, 132b is composed of a pair of Y-direction long gripping angle members 133a, 133b and 133c, 133d and long columnar members 134a, 134b. The long columnar member 134a is disposed at the center between the long gripping angle members 133a, 133b. The long columnar member 134b is disposed at the center between the long gripping angle members 133c, 133d. Support means 135a, 135b that clamp and support the container 420 are supported at the lower ends of the long columnar members 134a, 134b, respectively.

[0027] The pair of container gripping units 132a, 132b move toward and away from each other in the X direction. The Y direction positions of the long columnar members 134a, 134b of each container gripping unit 132a, 132b are constant. The pair of long gripping angle members 133a, 133b and 133c, 133d on both sides of the long columnar members 134a, 134b move toward and away from each other symmetrically in the Y direction.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the components of the container gripping and lifting device 13. As shown in Fig. 4, the pair of gripping long angle members 133a, 133b in the Y direction are connected to each other by a liftable body 136a supported so as to be liftable and lowerable on a long columnar member 134a located between them, and by two upper and lower parallel links 137. In addition, the pair of gripping long angle members 133c, 133d in the Y direction are connected to each other by a liftable body 136b supported so as to be liftable and lowerable on a long columnar member 134b located between them, and by two upper and lower parallel links 137.

[0029] The pair of long gripping angle members 133a, 133c in the X direction are connected to each other by a liftable member 138a located between them and two upper and lower parallel links 139. The pair of long gripping angle members 133b, 133d in the X direction are connected to each other by a liftable member 138b located between them and two upper and lower parallel links 139. This allows the four long gripping angle members 133a to 133d to move toward and away from each other in the X and Y directions while maintaining a vertical posture. The four long gripping angle members 133a to 133d and the pair of long columnar members 134a, 134b in the X direction move up and down together, but are not able to move up and down individually.

[0030] The operation of the transfer device 10 to lift and transport the container 420 using the container gripping and lifting device 13 is as follows. First, the transfer device 10 moves the second running body 12 in the X direction relative to the first running body 11, and moves the first running body 11 in the Y direction, so that the container gripping and lifting device 13 is positioned directly above the container 420 to be stored. Before or during the movement of the first running body 11 and the second running body 12, the transfer device 10 may move the container gripping units 132a, 132b so that they approach each other in the X direction. Furthermore, the transfer device 10 may move the long gripping angle irons 133a, 133b and 133c, 133d of the container gripping units 132a, 132b so that they approach each other in the Y direction. By these movements, the transfer device 10 can place the four long gripping angle members 133a to 133d at the four corners of a rectangular plane that is slightly larger than the plane size of the container 420, and can place the support means 135a, 135b at the center positions of both side faces parallel to the Y direction of the rectangular plane. These positions of the container gripping units 132a, 132b, the long gripping angle members 133a to 133d, and the support means 135a, 135b may be referred to as the lifting / lowering start position.

[0031] The transfer device 10 positions the container gripping and lifting device 13 directly above the container 420, and then synchronously lowers the long gripping angle members 133a-133d and the support means 135a, 135b. Specifically, the transfer device 10 positions the long gripping angle members 133a-133d adjacent to the outer sides of the four corners of the container 420. The transfer device 10 also positions the support means 135a, 135b facing the side of the container 420. After this, the transfer device 10 moves the container gripping units 132a, 132b closer to each other in the X direction from the lifting start position. The transfer device 10 also moves the long gripping angle members 133a, 133b and 133c, 133d of each container gripping unit 132a, 132b closer to each other in the Y direction from the lifting start position. As a result, the transfer device 10 fits the long gripping angle members 133a to 133d into the four corners of the container 420, and supports the container 420 with the support means 135a and 135b.

[0032] With the container 420 gripped by the container gripping units 132a and 132b, the transfer device 10 synchronously lifts the gripping long angle members 133a to 133d and the support means 135a and 135b of the container gripping units 132a and 132b. This allows the transfer device 10 to lift the container 420. If the container 420 is a stack of multiple containers 420, or if the container 420 is located at an intermediate height among the stacked multiple containers 420, one or more containers 420 are stacked on top of one container 420 supported and lifted by the support means 135a and 135b. With the container 420 lifted by the container gripping and lifting device 13, the transfer device 10 travels the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 12 to move the container gripping and lifting device 13 to a position directly above the location where the container 420 is to be unloaded.

[0033] The transfer device 10 moves the container gripping and lifting device 13 to a position directly above the unloading location of the container 420, and then lowers the container gripping units 132a and 132b to lower the container 420 to a predetermined height at the unloading location. In the above series of transport processes of the container 420, the gripping long angle irons 133a to 133d prevent the container 420 from moving in the X direction relative to the support means 135a and 135b or from swinging up and down around the positions indicated by the support means 135a and 135b as fulcrums.

[0034] After the container 420 has finished descending, the transfer device 10 horizontally moves the long gripping angle members 133a-133d and the support means 135a, 135b of the container gripping units 132a, 132b to the lifting start position, moving them away from the container 420. Thereafter, the transfer device 10 raises and returns the container gripping units 132a, 132b, for example, to their upper limit. Furthermore, if necessary, the transfer device 10 can return the container gripping lifting device 13 to a standby position set within the installation area 500 by the traveling operation of the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 12.

[0035] (Containment device) Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the baggage storage system 1 further includes a storage device 20. The storage device 20 stores baggage 410 in a container 420. The storage device 20 includes a chute 21, a container transport conveyor 22, and a holding belt 23.

[0036] The chute 21 guides the baggage 410 to the storage position 510. The chute 21 is located higher than the storage position 510 when viewed horizontally. The chute 21 is adjacent to the storage position 510 when viewed vertically. The chute 21 has a shape in which the side closer to the storage position 510 when viewed vertically is lower than the side farther from the storage position 510 when viewed vertically.

[0037] The container transport conveyor 22 transports the container 420 to the storage position 510. The container transport conveyor 22 may be, for example, a so-called roller conveyor in which a plurality of rollers provided on a loading surface on which the container 420 is placed rotate to transport the container 420, but is not limited to this.

[0038] The holding belt 23 temporarily holds the baggage 410. Specifically, the holding belt 23 is located at the end of the chute 21 on the storage position 510 side. The holding belt 23 is switchable between a state in which it does not hinder the movement of the baggage 410 from the chute 21 to the storage position 510 and a state in which it hinders the movement of the baggage 410 from the chute 21 to the storage position 510. When a container 420 is not placed at the storage position 510, the holding belt 23 is in a state in which it hinders the movement of the baggage 410 from the chute 21 to the storage position 510, thereby holding the baggage 410 so that it does not fall from the chute 21. Furthermore, when the baggage 410 falls from the chute 21 to the storage position 510, the holding belt 23 temporarily catches the baggage 410, thereby reducing the impact on the baggage 410. Note that if it is not necessary to consider the impact on the baggage 410, the storage device 20 does not need to include the holding belt 23.

[0039] 1 shows only one storage device 20. However, the baggage storage system 1 may be equipped with multiple storage devices 20. In this case, the number of containers 420 that can be placed at the storage position 510 in a plan view from the vertical direction will also be multiple, depending on the number of storage devices 20.

[0040] 5 as long as the storage device 20 can store the baggage 410 in the container 420. For example, the storage device 20 may be a robot arm that places the baggage 410 into the container 420.

[0041] (Stacking containers) Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the transfer device 10 picks up containers 420 from the storage position 520 and stacks the containers 420 in a stacking area 530 to form a container stack. There is an upper limit to the number of containers 420 that can be stacked in one container stack. The upper limit may be, for example, five or six, or any other number.

[0042] When the number of containers 420 forming any one of the container stacks reaches the upper limit, the transfer device 10 transports the container stack in a stacked state to the storage area 540. That is, the transfer device 10 stores the baggage 410 in the storage area 540 with the containers 420 stacked in the storage area 540. By forming a container stack in the stacking area 530 located near the storage position 520 and transporting the container stack whose number of containers 420 has reached the upper limit to the storage area 540, the total travel distance of the transfer device 10 is shorter than when the containers 420 are transported to the storage area 540 one by one. This improves the efficiency of transporting the containers 420 by the transfer device 10.

[0043] This also makes it possible to more efficiently use the storage space for baggage 410 compared to, for example, placing multiple pieces of baggage 410 flat in storage area 540. Furthermore, compared to, for example, storing multiple pieces of baggage 410 on a shelf or the like, the shelf and a mechanism for storing baggage 410 on the shelf are not required, thereby reducing the cost of the device.

[0044] The transfer device 10 stacks the containers 420 in at least some of the multiple container stacks so that the baggage 410 contained in the containers 420 constituting the container stacks are all in the same outgoing group. An outgoing group is a group of baggage 410 that are to be shipped at the same time. For example, baggage 410 loaded onto the same flight are in the same outgoing group. Baggage 410 loaded onto different flights with similar departure times may also be in the same outgoing group. In this way, for a container stack in which the containers 420 are stacked so that the baggage 410 are to be transported on the same flight, the transfer device 10 can transport the container stack directly to the unstack area 550 when the containers 420 are to be unstacked to carry the baggage 410 onto the flight. Therefore, the multiple container stacks can be efficiently unstacked from the storage area 540 compared to when the baggage 410 contained in the containers 420 constituting the container stack are not all to be transported on the same flight.

[0045] When stacking containers 420, a fractional number of containers 420 may be generated that is less than the upper limit of the container stack. For the fractional containers 420, containers 420 loaded on multiple flights may be stacked as the same container stack and stored in the storage area 540.

[0046] The flight on which baggage 410 will be loaded is identified when baggage 410 is checked in. Because baggage 410 is transported by a conveyor such as baggage transport conveyor 600, the position of baggage 410 for which the flight on which it will be loaded has been identified can be estimated based on the amount of movement of the conveyor. By estimating the position of baggage 410, the flight on which baggage 410 contained in container 420 located at storage location 520 will be loaded can be identified.

[0047] Identifying the flight on which baggage 410 will be loaded in baggage storage system 1 is not limited to the above example. For example, a tag indicating the flight on which baggage 410 will be loaded may be attached to baggage 410 when baggage 410 is checked in, and the tag may be read by storage device 20. In this case, the flight on which baggage 410 will be loaded can be more reliably identified.

[0048] Furthermore, multiple container stacks may be formed within the same period for the same flight. In this case, for example, a threshold value may be set for the weight of baggage 410, and different container stacks may be formed for containers 420 containing baggage 410 whose weight is equal to or greater than the threshold value and containers 420 containing baggage 410 whose weight is less than the threshold value.

[0049] In this case, the order of baggage 410 being released can be varied depending on whether the weight of the baggage 410 is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, baggage 410 whose weight is equal to or greater than the threshold can be released first, and baggage 410 whose weight is not equal to or greater than the threshold can be released later. This allows baggage 410 whose weight is equal to or greater than the threshold to be loaded first, and baggage 410 whose weight is not equal to or greater than the threshold to be loaded on top of it. This improves the stability of baggage 410 on the airplane.

[0050] Alternatively, the location of the container 420 in which the weight of the baggage 410 contained therein is equal to or greater than a threshold may be identified. In this case, when the container 420 is to be released, the container 420 in which the weight of the baggage 410 contained therein is equal to or greater than a threshold may be released first.

[0051] The weight of baggage 410 may be determined at the time of baggage check-in, as well as for the flight on which baggage 410 is carried. Alternatively, a weighing device may be provided near stowage location 510 to measure the weight of baggage 410.

[0052] 2 shows only one transfer device 10. However, the baggage storage system 1 may be equipped with multiple transfer devices 10. For example, in FIG. 6, the transfer device 10 that transports the container 420 from the storage position 520 to the stacking area 530 and the transfer device 10 that transports the container 420 from the stacking area 530 to the storage area 540 may be separate devices.

[0053] (Issuance) Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the unstack area 550 is provided with an outgoing conveyor 551 that transports the containers 420 from the unstack area 550 to an outgoing position 560. Outgoing conveyor 551 may be, for example, a roller conveyor, but is not limited to this.

[0054] The transfer device 10 places the containers 420 stored in the storage area 540 on the outgoing conveyor 551 in the state of a stack of containers. In other words, the transfer device 10 does not transport the containers 420 to the outgoing position 560. This shortens the travel distance of the transfer device 10, improving the efficiency of transporting the containers 420.

[0055] When the baggage 410 is unloaded, the transfer device 10 also functions as a de-stack device that de-stacks the containers 420 on the unloading conveyor 551. Specifically, the transfer device 10 picks up all of the containers 420 other than the bottom one from the stack of containers placed on the unloading conveyor 551 in the un-stack area 550. In this state, the unloading conveyor 551 transports the bottom container 420 that has not been picked up by the transfer device 10 to the unloading position 560. This allows the stack of containers to be de-stacked.

[0056] In the above example, the transfer device 10 also functions as a destacking device. However, in the baggage storage system 1, the storage and retrieval device may have a destacking device separate from the transfer device 10.

[0057] (Removal device) 1 and 7, the baggage storage system 1 further includes a take-out device 30. The take-out device 30 takes out baggage 410 from a container 420 that has been removed by the transfer device 10. The configuration and operation of the take-out device 30 will be described below.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the take-out device 30. In Fig. 8, reference numerals 801 and 802 indicate side views of the take-out device 30 viewed horizontally and from two directions perpendicular to each other. The take-out device 30 includes a lower conveyor 31, an upper conveyor 32, a container clamp 33, a stopper 34, a swivel frame 35, a lifting frame 36, and a chute 37 (see Fig. 7).

[0059] The lower conveyor 31 is a conveyor on which the containers 420 from which the baggage 410 are removed are placed. In the initial state, the lower conveyor 31 is located downstream of the outgoing conveyor 551. The lower conveyor 31 may be, for example, a roller conveyor, but is not limited to this. The lower conveyor 31 is equipped with a height change mechanism 31a that can change the height of the lower conveyor 31 relative to the upper conveyor 32.

[0060] The upper conveyor 32 is a conveyor that transfers the baggage 410 removed from the container 420 to the chute 37. The upper conveyor 32 may be, for example, a belt conveyor, but is not limited to this.

[0061] The container clamp 33 secures the container 420 to the lower conveyor 31. This prevents the container 420 from falling off the lower conveyor 31 even when the positions of the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 are reversed upside down, as will be described later. The stopper 34 prevents the baggage 410 from falling in the direction opposite to the direction in which it should be carried out when the upper conveyor 32 carries the baggage 410 out.

[0062] The swivel frame 35 reverses the positional relationship between the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 upside down. Specifically, the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 are fixed to the swivel frame 35. The swivel frame 35 is connected to a swivel shaft 35a that is rotatable around a substantially horizontal axis. When the swivel shaft 35a rotates, the swivel frame 35 rotates together with the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32.

[0063] The lifting frame 36 raises and lowers the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32. Specifically, the lifting frame 36 raises and lowers the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 together with the swivel frame 35.

[0064] The chute 37 guides the baggage 410 to the outside. The chute 37 is located above the unloading position 560 when viewed horizontally. The chute 37 is adjacent to the unloading position 560 when viewed vertically. The chute 37 has a shape such that the side closer to the unloading position 560 when viewed vertically is higher than the side farther from the unloading position 560 when viewed vertically.

[0065] 1 shows only one retrieval device 30. However, the baggage storage system 1 may be equipped with multiple retrieval devices 30. In this case, the number of containers 420 that can be placed at the retrieval position 560 in a plan view from the vertical direction will also be multiple, depending on the number of retrieval devices 30.

[0066] 8 as long as it is possible to remove the baggage 410 from the container 420. For example, the removal device 30 may be a robot arm that removes the baggage 410 from the container 420.

[0067] (Operation of the take-out device) 9 is a diagram showing the operation of the take-out device 30. In FIG. 9, the swivel frame 35 and the lift frame 36 are omitted.

[0068] First, as shown by reference numeral 901, the outgoing conveyor 551 transports the container 420 onto the lower conveyor 31. As shown by reference numeral 902, with the container 420 placed on the lower conveyor 31, the container clamp 33 fixes the container 420 on the lower conveyor 31. In this state, the height changing mechanism 31a raises the lower conveyor 31 relative to the upper conveyor 32. As a result, the container 420 is clamped between the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32, as shown by reference numeral 903.

[0069] As indicated by the reference numeral 904, the swivel frame 35 turns the positional relationship between the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 upside down around the swivel shaft 35a, together with the container 420. This turning over is performed at a height that allows the container 420, the lower conveyor 31, and the upper conveyor 32 to be raised and lowered by the lifting frame 36, but does not interfere with other components. Because the top lid of the container 420 is in an open state, after the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 have been turned over, the baggage 410 is placed on the upper conveyor 32.

[0070] As indicated by reference numeral 905, the lifting frame 36 raises the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32, with their positions reversed, so that the height of the upper conveyor 32 becomes approximately equal to the height of the chute 37. Furthermore, as indicated by reference numeral 906, the height changing mechanism 31a further raises the lower conveyor 31 together with the container 420. As a result, the baggage 410 is removed from the container 420 on the upper conveyor 32.

[0071] As indicated by reference numeral 907, the upper conveyor 32 transports the baggage 410 onto the chute 37. The baggage 410 is guided out from above the chute 37. Thereafter, as indicated by reference numeral 908, the unloading device 30 returns the positional relationship and positions of the lower conveyor 31 and the upper conveyor 32 to their original positions, and unloads the next baggage 410 from the container 420.

[0072] (Baggage conveyor) As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5 to 7, the baggage storage system 1 further includes a baggage transport conveyor 600 (carry-in conveyor). The baggage transport conveyor 600 carries baggage 410 into the storage device 20. The baggage transport conveyor 600 may be, for example, a tray transport conveyor that transports trays on which the baggage 410 can be placed, or a belt conveyor, but is not limited to these. The baggage transport conveyor 600 also includes a mechanism (not shown) that places the baggage 410 on the chute 21 of the storage device 20. This allows the baggage storage system 1 to automatically perform processes from accepting to storing the baggage 410.

[0073] The baggage transport conveyor 600 may transport the baggage 410 into the storage device 20 by tilting the surface on which the baggage 410 is placed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the baggage 410 is transported. In other words, the baggage transport conveyor 600 may transport the baggage 410 into the storage device 20 by a so-called tilt mechanism.

[0074] In this case, the height of the baggage transport conveyor 600 needs to be higher than the height of the storage device 20. The storage device 20 stores the baggage 410 by dropping it into the container 420. In the baggage storage system 1, the containers 420 can be stacked by the transfer device 10 from a state where they are laid flat on the floor. Therefore, in the baggage storage system 1, by combining the baggage transport conveyor 600 having a tilt mechanism with the transfer device 10, the height of the baggage transport conveyor 600 can be lowered compared to when the transfer device 10 is not provided.

[0075] Furthermore, in order to lower the baggage transport conveyor 600, it is also conceivable to add, for example, a mechanism to the storage device 20 that lifts the baggage 410 carried in from the baggage transport conveyor 600. However, by combining the baggage transport conveyor 600 with the transfer device 10, it is not necessary to add such a mechanism and complicate the structure of the storage device 20.

[0076] The baggage transport conveyor 600 also functions as an unloading conveyor that unloads the baggage 410 from the unloading device 30. This allows the baggage storage system 1 to automatically unload and release the baggage 410 from the container 420. Note that the baggage storage system 1 may also be provided with a conveyor separate from the baggage transport conveyor 600 as an unloading conveyor.

[0077] 〔summary〕 The present invention can also be expressed as follows.

[0078] The baggage storage system according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a baggage storage system installed at an airport, and is equipped with an entry / exit device that stores containers containing passenger baggage in a storage area and that is placed at an entry location, and that removes the containers stored in the storage area and places them at an exit location. The entry / exit device has a transfer device that can transfer all of the containers from the topmost level of a container stack in which the containers are stacked to the required level, and is configured to store the baggage in the storage area with the containers stacked in the storage area.

[0079] In a baggage storage system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1, the loading / unloading device stacks the containers in at least some of the container stacks stored in the storage area so that the unloading group is the same for each of the baggage stored in the containers constituting a single container stack.

[0080] A baggage storage system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the baggage storage system of the first or second aspect, further comprising a storage device that stores the baggage in the container.

[0081] A baggage storage system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the same as that of the third aspect, further comprising an input conveyor that inputs the baggage into the storage device.

[0082] A baggage storage system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the same as that of the fourth aspect, wherein the loading conveyor loads the baggage into the storage device by tilting the baggage in a direction intersecting the direction in which the baggage is transported.

[0083] A baggage storage system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the baggage storage system of any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a removal device that removes the baggage from the container that has been removed by the loading / unloading device.

[0084] A baggage storage system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the same as that of the sixth aspect, further comprising an output conveyor that outputs the baggage from the removal device.

[0085] A baggage storage system according to aspect 8 of the present invention is any of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the loading / unloading device further has an unloading conveyor that transports the containers from the de-stack area where the container stack is de-stacked to the un-stack position, and the transfer device places the containers in the state of the container stack on the un-stack conveyor.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Luggage storage system 10 Transfer equipment 20 Containment Device 30 Removal device 100 Storage and retrieval equipment 551 Outgoing conveyor 600 Baggage conveyor

Claims

1. A baggage storage system installed at an airport, comprising: a storage and retrieval device that stores a container containing passenger baggage in a storage area and that is placed at a storage position, and retrieves the container stored in the storage area and places it at a retrieval position; The storage and retrieval device is The container stacking device has a transfer device capable of transferring the containers from the topmost layer of the stack of containers to a required layer at once, A baggage storage system configured to store the baggage in the storage area with the containers stacked in the storage area.

2. The storage and retrieval device is The baggage storage system described in claim 1, wherein in at least some of the container stacks stored in the storage area, the containers are stacked so that each of the baggage stored in the containers constituting a container stack belongs to the same outbound group.

3. The baggage storage system of claim 1 , further comprising a storage device that stores the baggage in the container.

4. The baggage storage system of claim 3 , further comprising an input conveyor that inputs the baggage into the storage device.

5. The baggage storage system of claim 4, wherein the loading conveyor loads the baggage into the storage device by tilting the surface on which the baggage is placed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the baggage is transported.

6. The baggage storage system according to claim 1 , further comprising a removal device that removes the baggage from the container removed by the loading / unloading device.

7. The baggage storage system of claim 6, further comprising an output conveyor that removes the baggage from the retrieval device.

8. the loading / unloading device further includes an unloading conveyor that transports the containers from a de-staging area where the container stack is de-staged to the unloading position; 2. The baggage storage system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer device places the containers in the state of the stack of containers on the outgoing conveyor.

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