Transport load carriers for baggage handling systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transport load carrier (1) for a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising a platform (2) for receiving and accommodating loads, such as one or more baggage items, a plurality of wheels (6), at least one of which is self-driven by a drive means, the orientation of which is adjustable by an adjustment means for rotating the load carrier or for changing the transport direction of the load carrier with or without rotating the load carrier, and a control unit for controlling the drive means of the at least one wheel and for controlling the adjustment means of the wheels for the performance of load transport tasks. The present invention further relates to a transport system and method, in particular a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising a plurality of such transport load carriers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport load carrier for a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport. The present invention also relates to a corresponding transport system, in particular a baggage handling system (BHS), and to a corresponding method for controlling the transport load carrier. [Background technology]

[0002] DE 10 2009 019 135 A1 discloses a feeding system for transporting items such as baggage, in particular aircraft baggage. The system comprises a number of containers or carriers with wheels or balls movable on a path. At least one of the wheels or balls is driven, making the carrier self-propelled. At least one of the wheels or balls is steerable, so that the carrier can move forwards and backwards as well as sideways.

[0003] In EP 2821324 A1, WO 2015 / 002539 A1 and WO 2015 / 002540 A1, different aspects of a method for transporting objects such as baggage items using an automatically controllable vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle has four wheels provided at the distal ends of two axles or support arms. Both support arms are pivotally arranged on a chassis. Each wheel has an electric motor for driving the wheel. A control unit on the vehicle can control the drive motors to obtain a predetermined vehicle speed and control the angular position of the support arms to change the direction of the vehicle. The control unit of the vehicle can also ensure that objects delivered onto the vehicle lie straight on the vehicle's conveying surface. In these three disclosures, the conveying area is described as being substantially flat ground. A central control unit controls several vehicles so that the baggage is transported from the delivery position to a further position.

[0004] WO 2018 / 017053 A1 discloses another luggage transport system including a central controller and a plurality of vehicles. The vehicles are in communication with and separate from the central controller, and each vehicle includes a platform for transporting luggage and a controller including a memory and a processor. The central controller is programmed to receive input related to the object and, based on the input, to transmit a destination to the vehicle. The vehicles are programmed to receive the object, such as the luggage, on the platform and proceed to the destination.

[0005] In baggage handling systems, such as at airports, baggage is moved in containers or totes. The totes are moved by driven belt conveyor tracks or roller conveyor tracks and are sorted during transport in the baggage handling system from the baggage on the tote's respective pick-up point to the destination point. The capacity of a baggage handling system may be expressed as the amount of containers or totes the system can handle per hour. In order to provide a high service level to airlines and their passengers, high capacity is required for such baggage handling systems, for example in airports, to quickly handle all baggage from just arrived aircraft.

[0006] In airports, space can be a constraint when installing baggage handling systems, limiting the capacity of the system. Baggage handling systems often use a system of conveyor belts that define a route and sorters to guide the baggage through the conveyor belt tracks to its destination. In addition to taking up a lot of space, such systems are also relatively inflexible. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a baggage handling system that is more flexible in use and makes better use of the available space. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, this object may be achieved by providing a transport load carrier for a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising a platform for receiving and accommodating load such as one or more baggage items, a plurality of wheels, at least one of which is self-driven by a drive means and the orientation of the wheel is adjustable by an adjustment means for rotating the load carrier or for changing the transport direction of the load carrier with or without rotation of the load carrier, and a control unit for controlling the drive means of the at least one wheel and for controlling the adjustment means of the wheels for performing load transport tasks.

[0008] By using the load carrier according to the invention, a new concept of baggage handling can be offered. Advantageously, the load carrier according to the invention is self-propelled and can be transported on the ground in any direction in a horizontal plane (xy plane) and can rotate around a vertical axis (z axis). These two types of movements can be performed simultaneously or independently of each other. This allows unprecedented flexibility for the transportation of baggage on such load carriers in airport baggage handling systems.

[0009] In order to achieve full freedom in terms of maneuverability of the load carrier, the orientation of the wheels can preferably be adjusted by pivoting the wheels individually at least 180°, preferably at least 360°.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, all wheels are individually adjustable by adjustment means, and preferably all wheels are self-driven.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the wheels are electrically driven and the drive means comprises an electric power source such as a drive source in the form of a rechargeable power source, in particular a battery.

[0012] Advantageously, the adjustment of the orientation of the wheels is controlled by a control unit, preferably comprising: - All wheels are aligned in the same direction - A set of wheels aligned in a specific direction, - the wheels are aligned to rotate the load carrier about an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the platform, or - the wheels are oriented in a mutually blocking manner to produce a locked position; The wheel configuration may include any one of the following:

[0013] By changing between these different configurations of wheel orientation, the control unit can implement different required movements of the load carrier, including rotating the load carrier not only when the load carrier is stationary but also while the load carrier is moving in a particular direction along a path, which can be advantageous as it allows the load carrier to be prepared for receiving or loading / unloading baggage while it is moving, thereby reducing the time required for handling an individual piece of baggage, thus improving the capacity of the baggage handling system.

[0014] Furthermore, with regard to the control of the load carrier, it may be advantageous if the wheels can be configured such that the drive directions of all wheels cross in order to prevent the load carrier from moving.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the load carrier comprises at least one side stop, or stops, preferably at least two mutually perpendicular side stops of the platform, for preventing the load from falling off during transport, the stops being preferably substantially rectangular. This is particularly advantageous, but not exclusively, in combination with individually controllable wheels, since the load carrier can be rotated such that one or more side stops are oriented relative to the direction of travel such that the at least one side stop prevents baggage on the platform from falling off during accelerations, turns and stops of the load carrier. Furthermore, the load carrier can also be oriented such that there is no side stop on the side where baggage is to be unloaded or otherwise ejected from the platform.

[0016] Preferably, the load carrier is open on two adjacent sides of the platform, allowing the load to be loaded onto the carrier from either of the open sides, thereby providing an additional guarantee that the baggage is held on the platform during transportation. By providing side stops on two adjacent sides of the rectangular platform, the load is better prevented from falling off due to acceleration, where the load carrier travels a turn, thereby increasing or decreasing its speed in conjunction with the centrifugal force exerted on the load on the platform. More preferably, the openings on two adjacent sides of the platform may facilitate the unloading of the load from the transporting load carrier, with a movement pattern controlled by the transporting load carrier, which generates a sufficient unloading force on the load, e.g. baggage, to unload the load from the load transporting carrier. Advantageously, the drive means already present for moving the carrier can be applied for unloading, and no dedicated unloading actuation or displacement means are required, thus essentially providing a passive approach to unloading the load from the transporting load carrier.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the transport load carrier may include an upper removable platform for supporting a load during transport, the platform being removably attached on the transport load carrier. This may allow integration with a container or tote based baggage handling system, in which the platform according to the invention may be applied as a container or tote. Preferably, the transport load carrier may include a corresponding accommodation, preferably an upward opening, for a fast and uncomplicated manner of removably attaching and fastening the upper removable platform during transport. Thereby, the upper removable platform, when removed from the carrier, may be individually applied to support a load, such as one or more baggage items, during transport in a baggage handling system (BHS), preferably on a conveyor. Thereby, the invention allows integration of the transport load carrier into a tote or container based BHS supporting the load.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the underside of the platform is concave, which allows the load carrier to run over non-flat surfaces, including walkways with convex surfaces. As wheels are preferably located at each corner of the load carrier below the platform, the load carrier is also well adapted to run over concave surfaces.

[0019] In one embodiment, a weighing sensor is provided on each wheel of the load carrier. By measuring the weight of the load, i.e. baggage, on the carrier, a more precise control of the movement can be provided and any risk of overloading the carrier can be avoided.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the load carrier is an autonomously controllable vehicle or an automatically guided vehicle. The control unit therefore preferably comprises receiving means for receiving a load transport task related to receiving a load and including information regarding a destination of the load or the load carrier.

[0021] In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveying system, in particular a baggage handling system such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising: - a plurality of transport load carriers as described above; - one or more supply stations from which loads can be transferred onto one of the transport load carriers for transport to a destination; - one or more transfer stations at which the transport load carriers can unload their loads; - a path system providing at least one conveying surface for conveying payload carriers between said one or more supply stations and one or more transfer stations; - a common control system in communication with the transport payload carriers for handling individual payload transport tasks in the transport system; A transport system is provided that includes:

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting load by an autonomously driven transport load carrier for a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising the steps of: - providing a plurality of transport load carriers as described above; - providing said transport system; - feeding loads, such as baggage items, onto a transport load carrier; - initiating a payload transport task for a payload on the transport payload carrier in the common control system; A method is provided, comprising:

[0023] This conveying system and the associated method of load handling are advantageous because there are no special requirements for the path of the load carriers. The load carriers can travel on up / down slopes. No predefined conveyor tracks are needed, since the load carriers can travel on their own on paths defined in the system.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the path system comprises an upwardly inclined and / or downwardly inclined conveying surface or a straight, horizontal conveying surface, on which the transport load carriers can run.

[0025] Thus, there are no special requirements for the path. The path system may include paths with side rails, paths without side rails, paths with right angle turns, such as left and right turns. The side rails may comprise means for communicating with the load carrier to guide the load carrier along the path and / or so that a control unit of the load carrier can identify the limits of the path the load carrier should remain on during its transport run through the system.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one of the feeding stations includes a gradient section of the path, which may include a stop bar on the side opposite the discharge that feeds the load onto the load carrier. The gradient section may provide for easy reception of the load to be fed to the load carrier. Furthermore, the gradient section may or may not have a stop bar. Thus, if necessary, the stop bar may prevent the load carrier from being pushed out of the predetermined path when the load is delivered onto the platform of the load carrier.

[0027] In another embodiment, the supply station may include a conveyor above a section of the load carrier's path, where the load is transported on the conveyor at a predetermined speed and transferred onto a designated load carrier positioned below the conveyor.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one of the transfer stations includes a section of a path that is sloped and includes a stop bar at the end of said path that prevents the load carrier from veering off the path section, but does not extend high enough to prevent the load from sliding off, such that the load can be forced to fall if the load carrier strikes the stop bar, causing the load to slide off the platform not only by the sloped path but also by impact with the stop bar.

[0029] A particular load transport task may be stored in a control unit of the load carrier and initiated by a communication signal from a common control system, or the load transport task may be transmitted to a control unit of a transport load carrier for execution by said load transport carrier.

[0030] These two embodiments may be used to complement each other or individually. To mitigate issues such as congestion, localized items on the orbit, lack of central communication, etc. that are not yet known to the representative load carriers, it is advantageous to establish a distributed communication between the load carriers. This can be achieved by the control units of the load carriers, thus allowing a distributed control of the load carriers.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a transport payload carrier for a transport system, the method comprising the steps of: - receiving and accommodating one or more loads, such as baggage items, on a platform on a transport load carrier including a plurality of wheels; - driving at least one wheel by a driving means and individually adjusting the orientation of each wheel by an adjustment means; - controlling the drive means of at least one wheel and controlling the adjustment means of the wheel for the execution of a load transport task; A method is provided, comprising:

[0032] With appropriate control of the load carriers, each load carrier can contribute to a baggage handling system for transporting baggage within an airport. In the method of controlling a load carrier, in addition to controlling the travel of the load carrier in a straight line (x-axis and / or y-axis), the method also involves rotating the transport load carrier about an axis substantially perpendicular to the platform (z-axis) by adjusting the orientation of each wheel, as described above.

[0033] By changing between different configurations of wheel orientation, the control unit can implement different required movements of the load carrier, including rotating the load carrier when it is stationary as well as while it is moving in a particular direction along a path, which can reduce the time required for handling an individual load from pick-up to delivery, thereby increasing the capacity of the load handling system.

[0034] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveying system, in particular a baggage handling system such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising: - a plurality of transport payload carriers according to the first aspect of the invention; - a supply station from which a load can be transferred onto one of the transport load carriers for transport to a destination; - a path system providing at least one transport surface for transport payload carriers to and from said supply station; - a common control system in communication with the transport payload carriers to process and execute individual payload transport tasks in the transport system; A transport system is provided that includes: The supply station comprises a conveyor above a section of the path of the transport payload carrier, on which the load is transported at a predetermined speed and transferred onto a designated transport payload carrier arranged below said conveyor, preferably dropping by gravity in a controlled manner from an end point of the conveyor onto the designated transport payload carrier. Preferably, the designated transport payload carrier may have a position and / or orientation corresponding to the position and / or orientation that the dropping load is expected to have on the transport payload carrier as well, thereby providing an optimal fit of the load on the transport payload carrier and minimizing the risk of losing and / or mispositioning the load during transfer from the conveyor onto the transport payload carrier according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveying system, in particular a baggage handling system such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising: - a plurality of transport payload carriers according to the first aspect of the invention; - a transfer station at which the transport load carriers can unload their loads; - a path system providing at least one transport surface for transport payload carriers to and from said transfer station; - a common control system in communication with the transport payload carriers to process and execute individual payload transport tasks in the transport system; Including, A transport system is provided in which the delivery station comprises a section of a path that is sloped and has a stop bar at the end of said path, preferably arranged such that when the transport payload carrier arrives with a load, the transport payload carrier is oriented such that there is no side stop where the stop bar is present. The transport payload carrier may then hit the stop bar and the load, e.g. baggage, slides off the platform of the transport payload carrier and proceeds to unloading station equipment for further handling and processing, such as loading onto an aircraft or delivery to a customer on a receiving carousel system or the like.

[0036] In the present invention, aspects of the invention are described with reference to baggage handling suitable for an airport baggage handling system, however it is understood that the invention may be used in parcel handling systems that handle parcels or similar mail items as well.

[0037] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective top view of a transport payload carrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Figure 2a] 3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of different wheel orientation configurations of the load carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 2b] 3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of different wheel orientation configurations of the load carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 2c] 3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of different wheel orientation configurations of the load carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 2d] 3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of different wheel orientation configurations of the load carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 2e] 3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of different wheel orientation configurations of the load carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 2f]3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of different wheel orientation configurations of the load carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram of an example of a transport path in a transport system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is another diagram of an example of a conveying path in a conveying system according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a detailed view of loading and unloading loads onto and from a transport payload carrier according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a detailed view of loading and unloading loads onto and from a transport payload carrier according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a detailed view of loading and unloading loads onto and from a transport payload carrier according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a detailed view of loading and unloading loads onto and from a transport payload carrier according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a detailed view of loading and unloading loads onto and from a transport payload carrier according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a detailed view of loading and unloading loads onto and from a transport payload carrier according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective top view of a transport payload carrier according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a load carrier 1 according to a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The load carrier 1 includes a platform 2 for receiving and storing loads such as luggage in an airport baggage handling system. The platform 2 may be flat or shaped with a somewhat concave configuration as shown in Figure 1. The platform 2 may be substantially rectangular and may include side stops 4 on two of the four sides to prevent the luggage from falling during transportation while also ensuring an open side on the platform for loading and unloading the luggage. In the figures, an embodiment having two adjacent side stops 4 is shown, but it is understood that different configurations of side stops 4 may be provided by the present invention.

[0040] The load carrier 1 is provided with wheels 6 at each corner 8a of its underside 8. The wheels 6 are mounted on swilling mounts 7 so that the orientation of each wheel 6 can be adjusted. The wheels 6 are driven and the swivel mounts are rotary mounts. The load carrier 1 (also called a tote) is driven by four wheels 6, each of which is electrically driven and capable of swiveling 360°. The electric drive means may also include a drive source in the form of a rechargeable power battery.

[0041] As a result, the load carrier is self-propelled and can be transported on the ground in any direction in a horizontal plane (xy plane) and can be rotated around a vertical axis (z axis) by adjustment of the direction of the wheels 6 by the rotating mountings 7 of the wheels 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the underside 8 of the load carrier 1 is preferably provided with a concave shape such that the wheels 6 at the corners 8a are the lowest points of the load carrier 1, with a concave underside 8 of the load carrier between the wheels. This results in a high ride height between the wheels 6, whereby the load carrier 1 excels in driving on inclined surfaces. The load carrier 1 comprises a sensor 9 on its side and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the movement of the load carrier. The sensor 9 (see Figure 2a) may be an optical sensor, such as a vision system, a camera or other type of sensor. The control unit controls the drive means of each wheel 6 and the adjustment means of the rotary mounts 7 of the wheels 6 for the execution of the load transport task, which are provided to the control unit of the load carrier via wireless data communication.

[0042] The orientation of the wheels can be adjusted by individually pivoting the wheels at least 180°, preferably at least 360°, all wheels being individually adjustable. The adjustment of the orientation of the wheels 6 is controlled by a control unit so that they can be arranged in different configurations which can also be changed during transport. The wheel configurations are shown diagrammatically in Figures 2a-f and can include: i) A first configuration in which all wheels are aligned in the same direction, which allows the load carrier to travel in a straight line (see figures 2a and 2b). ii) In a second type of configuration, one set of wheels is aligned in one direction while the other set of wheels is aligned in another direction, thus steering the load carrier around a curve (see figures 2c and 2d). iii) In a third type of configuration, the wheels 6 are oriented tangentially to a circle such that the wheels 6 are aligned to rotate the load carrier 1 about an axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the platform / underside 8 (see FIG. 2e). This allows the load carrier 1 to be oriented in a particular direction, for example with respect to a side stop, in order to orient the load carrier in preparation for loading or unloading, or in preparation for entering an uphill or downhill section of its path. iv) In this fourth configuration, the wheels 6 at each corner 8a are oriented to block each other to create a locked position (see FIG. 2f), whereby the load carrier 1 can be parked and the wheels 6 act as a parking brake.

[0043] When driving the load carrier, any of the configurations i) to iii) can be used individually or in combination to steer the load carrier through its path. In each configuration of figures 2a to 2e the driving direction is indicated by an arrow D, in figure 2f the stops are marked by a cross S.

[0044] An advantage associated with using the load carrier 1 according to the present disclosure in an airport baggage handling system is that there are no special requirements for the load carrier's path or conveyor track. The load carrier 1 can run on any flat surface, including uphill or downhill surfaces. In Figures 3 and 4 some examples of paths in a baggage handling system are shown.

[0045] In Fig. 3 a schematic example of a path 20 of the load carrier 1 is shown. The path has a sloped section 20' that receives the load 10 in a loading section 30. The load carrier 1 is oriented with the open platform 2 facing towards the loading area and with the side stops 4 positioned to prevent the load 10 from falling off the platform 2 of the load carrier 1.

[0046] The load carrier 1 can follow a path, which involves a change in drive direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the load carrier 1 can also rotate so that the side stops 4 are appropriately positioned relative to the conveying direction and to prepare the load carrier 1 for entry into the upwardly inclined path 20″ (wheel configuration iii)).

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the luggage handling system may include a loading station 30 for loading luggage onto the load carriers 1, several paths 20 and a number of unloading stations 40.

[0048] In Fig. 4 one type of loading station 30 is shown in which the loads 10 are delivered by being tilted so that they slide off the discharge onto the platform 2 of a load carrier 1 which has been advanced to a loading position on a section of the path 20. This section of the path may be sloped so that the loads 10 received on the load carrier 1 slide onto the platform 2 onto a side stop 4. In the loading position the load carrier 1 may be positioned next to a stop bar 42 on the side opposite the discharge so that the load carrier 1 is kept in position when it receives the loads 10.

[0049] The load carriers 1 may have their respective destinations within the laid network of paths. The load carriers 1 receive the loads 10 at the loading station 30 and transport the loads 10 to a designated unloading station 40. The unloading station 40 may be a conveyor belt 40a or a tray 40b or any other suitable means for receiving the loads 10. In Figs. 5-9 some examples of the unloading station 40 of Fig. 4 are shown in more detail. The section of the path 20' leading the load carrier 1 to the unloading station may be sloped and may be provided with a stop bar 42 at the end of the path 20'. The load carrier 1 is oriented such that there is no side stop 4 at the front of the load carrier 1 when the load carrier 1 enters the unloading station path 20'. The load carrier 1 then hits a stop bar and the baggage 10 slides off the platform 2 of the load carrier 1 and proceeds to the unloading station equipment (40a or 40b) for further processing, such as loading onto an aircraft or delivery to a customer on a receiving carousel system or the like.

[0050] In Fig. 7 an example of a loading station 30 is shown in which the load 10 is provided on a conveyor 31 above the path 20 for the load carrier 1. The load 10 is transported at a predetermined speed on this conveyor 31, under which a designated load carrier 1 is moved into a position to receive the load 10 as it falls by gravity from the conveyor 31 when it reaches the end of the belt of the conveyor 31. The conveyor 31 may be positioned directly above the load carrier 1 to ensure gentle handling of the load 10 during its transfer from the conveyor 31 to the load carrier 1. Other measures may be provided in addition to or instead of the conveyor 31 to ensure proper handling.

[0051] According to the invention and with reference to FIG. 10, it has also been found that the discharge of the load (not shown in FIG. 10) from the load carrier 1 can be provided as dynamic discharge, i.e. the load 10 is discharged while the load carrier 1 is passing through the drop zone. In the drop zone 40c the path is laterally sloped, as indicated by reference numeral 20'". The load carrier 1 is oriented such that there are no side stops 4 below the load carrier 1, so that the load slides down as the load carrier 1 passes through the drop zone 40c.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of a transport load carrier according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the transport load carrier 1 includes an upper removable platform 2' that supports a load, such as one or more pieces of baggage (not shown) during transport. As shown diagrammatically in this exploded view, the platform 2' is removably mounted on the transport load carrier. With respect to the transport load carrier 1, a corresponding receiving part 110, preferably an upward opening for removably mounting and fixing the removable platform 2' during transport, is partially visible. Thus, the removable platform 2' can be fixed on the transport load carrier 1 by the receiving opening fitting and / or matching with a protruding corresponding part (not shown in this view) on the underside of the removable platform 2', which can be possible if the general movements and displacements of the transport load carrier in the baggage handling system (BHS) do not significantly exceed the mechanical fixation provided by such a mechanical fastening mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the removable platform 2' may be secured to the transport payload carrier 1 by a mechanical fastening mechanism that allows for a removable and controllable fastening between the detectable platform 2' and a carrier that supports and carries the platform with its payload through the BHS, e.g. a magnetic locking mechanism or a dedicated mechanical locking mechanism such as one or more rivets or a conical structure with corresponding holes, etc.

[0053] In particular, the upper detachable platform 2', when detached, can be individually adapted to support a load, such as one or more baggage items, in a baggage handling system (BHS) during transport. Thus, for example, the platform 2' can be transported on the conveyor of the BHS before and / or after it is placed on the carrier 1. In this way, the present invention can be integrated with platforms used in systems, also known as Individual Carrier Systems (ICS), currently used in regional and large airport hubs around the world, which have carriers or containers that generally support the load on the conveyor through the BHS. An advantage of ICS baggage handling systems is that they are capable of relatively higher speeds than conveyor systems alone, often making them the preferred solution for both medium-speed and high-speed bulk sorting. ICS baggage handling systems provide safe transport with no or few jams of luggage and no "loss of tracking", and luggage can be sorted while in the container, i.e., in the platform 2' according to the present invention. In some applications, such platforms or containers for carrying luggage or luggage are known as totes. Totes can typically be manufactured in large quantities, for example by injection molding, making them a cost-effective embodiment.

[0054] The figure illustrates a transport system in the form of a baggage handling system, comprising a plurality of transport load carriers 1 and one or more supply or loading stations 30 from which baggage 10 can be transferred onto the platform of one of the transport load carriers for transport to a destination where it is delivered to a designated handover station which then unloads its load.

[0055] Within the facility housing the baggage handling system, a path system is provided or otherwise defined. The path simply comprises the conveying surface for the transport load carriers 1 between the supply station 30 and the delivery station 40. The path system may include any kind of path, i.e. paths with side rails, paths without side rails, paths with right angle turns such as left turns and right turns, etc.

[0056] A common control system adapted to provide data communication with the transport payload carriers is provided for processing and executing the individual payload transport tasks in the transport system.

[0057] This data communication may involve, according to one embodiment, load transport tasks being stored in a control unit of the load carrier 1 and activated by a communication signal from the control system. In another embodiment, the load transport tasks may be transmitted to a control unit of the transport load carrier for execution by said load transport carrier. In yet another embodiment, these two data communication methods may be used together.

[0058] In general, when directional terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" or similar directional references are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be understood as relative terms, e.g., the term "vertical" refers to an orientation that is essentially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, and "horizontal" refers to an orientation that is essentially parallel to the substrate.

[0059] The present invention has been described above with reference to certain currently preferred embodiments. However, it is recognized that the present invention provides other embodiments and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in some load handling operations, it may be beneficial to provide a conveyor on the platform of the load carrier. In particular, a separate top module may be provided to facilitate easy storage capacity on the load carrier.

Claims

1. 1. A transport load carrier for a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising: - a platform for receiving and accommodating loads, such as one or more baggage items; a plurality of wheels, at least one of which is self-driven by a drive means, the orientation of which is adjustable by an adjustment means in order to rotate the load carrier or to change the conveying direction of the load carrier with or without rotation of the load carrier; a control unit for controlling the drive means of the at least one wheel and for controlling the adjustment means of the wheel for the execution of a load-transporting task; 2. A transport load carrier comprising:

2. 2. The transport load carrier of claim 1, wherein the orientation of the wheels can be adjusted by individually pivoting the wheels at least 180[deg.], preferably at least 360[deg.].

3. 3. A transport load carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all said wheels are individually adjustable by means of said adjustment means, preferably all said wheels are self-driven.

4. A transport load carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheels are electrically driven and the drive means comprises a drive source in the form of a rechargeable power supply.

5. The adjustment of the orientation of the wheels is controlled by the control unit, preferably - All wheels are aligned in the same direction, - A set of wheels aligned in a specific direction, - the wheels are aligned to rotate the load carrier about an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the platform; - the wheels are oriented in a mutually blocking manner to produce a locked position; A transport load carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which may include any one of the wheel configurations.

6. The transport load carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the load carrier is provided with at least one side stop, or stops, preferably at least two mutually perpendicular side stops of the platform, for preventing the load from falling off the platform during transport, the stops being preferably substantially rectangular.

7. The transport load carrier of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the load carrier is open on two adjacent sides of the platform, allowing loads to be loaded onto the carrier from either of the open sides.

8. The transport load carrier of claim 7, wherein the openings on two adjacent sides of the platform facilitate unloading of a load from the transport load carrier by a controlled movement pattern by the transport load carrier that exerts an unloading force on the load.

9. The transport load carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an upper removable platform (2') for supporting the load during transport, the platform (2') being removably mounted on the transport load carrier.

10. 10. The transport load carrier according to claim 9, comprising a corresponding receiving section (110), preferably with an upward opening, for releasably mounting and fastening said upper removable platform (2') during transport.

11. 10. The transport load carrier of claim 9, wherein the upper detachable platform (2'), when detached, can be individually applied to support the load, such as one or more baggage items, during transport, preferably in a baggage handling system on a conveyor.

12. A transport payload carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the underside of the platform is concave.

13. A transport load carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a weighing sensor is provided on each wheel.

14. The transport load carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the load carrier is an autonomously controlled vehicle or an automated guided vehicle.

15. The transport load carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control unit comprises receiving means for receiving the load transport task related to receiving a load and including information regarding a destination of the load or the load carrier.

16. A transport system, in particular a baggage handling system such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising: - a plurality of transport load carriers according to any one of claims 1 to 15, one or more supply stations from which loads can be transferred onto the platform of one of the transport load carriers for transport to a destination; one or more transfer stations at which said transport load carriers can unload their loads; a path system providing at least one conveying surface for said transport payload carriers between said one or more supply stations and said one or more transfer stations; a common control system in communication with said transport payload carriers for processing and executing the individual payload transport tasks in said transport system; A conveying system comprising:

17. 17. The transport system according to claim 16, wherein the path system comprises an inclined and / or a descending inclined transport surface or a straight, horizontal transport surface on which the transport load carriers can run.

18. 18. The transport system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the path system includes paths with side rails, paths without side rails, and paths that make right-angle turns such as left turns and right turns.

19. A transport system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein at least one supply station includes a gradient section of the path, the gradient section being provided with a stop bar on a side opposite a discharge section that supplies the load onto a load carrier.

20. A conveying system as described in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein at least one supply station includes a conveyor above a section of the path of the load carrier, and loads are transported on the conveyor at a predetermined speed and transferred onto a designated load carrier positioned below the conveyor.

21. A transport system according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein at least one of the transfer stations comprises a section of the path which is sloped and which comprises a stop bar at an end of the path.

22. the load transport tasks are stored in the control unit of the load carrier and are initiated by communication signals from the control system; or A transport system according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the load transport task is transmitted to the control unit of the transport payload carrier for execution by the load transport carrier.

23. 1. A method for transporting load by an autonomously driven transport load carrier for a baggage handling system, such as a baggage handling system in an airport, comprising: - providing a plurality of transport load carriers according to any one of claims 1 to 15, - providing a conveying system according to any one of claims 16 to 22, - feeding loads, such as baggage items, onto a transport load carrier; initiating, in a common control system, a payload transport task for said payload on said transport payload carrier; A method comprising:

24. A method for controlling a transport payload carrier for a transport system according to any one of claims 16 to 22, comprising the steps of: receiving and storing a load, such as one or more baggage items, on a platform on said transport load carrier, said platform including a plurality of wheels; - driving at least one wheel by means of a driving means and adjusting the orientation of each of said wheels individually by means of an adjustment means; - controlling the drive means of said at least one wheel and controlling the adjustment means of said wheel for the execution of a load-transporting task; A method comprising:

25. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising adjusting the orientation of each of the wheels to rotate the transport payload carrier about an axis substantially perpendicular to the platform (z-axis).

26. The individual adjustment of the orientation of the wheels is controlled by the control unit, preferably - All wheels are aligned in the same direction, - A set of wheels aligned in a specific direction, - the wheels are aligned to rotate the load carrier about an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the platform; - the wheels are oriented in a mutually blocking manner to produce a locked position; 25. The method of claim 23 or 24, which may include any one of the wheel configurations.

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