Conveyor system

Abstract

A conveyor system for transporting baggage or cargo. The conveyor system comprises an extension conveyor positioned above a first transport medium of a main conveyor, and a ramp for raising the transport medium upward to facilitate the transfer of baggage or cargo from the main conveyor to the extension conveyor.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyor system for transporting luggage or cargo, such as an aircraft loader, specifically an aircraft loader having an extendable conveyor, or a conveyor system for handling luggage within an airport terminal for transporting luggage between a conveyor belt and a luggage cart within the airport terminal, or a conveyor system for loading or unloading airport unit load devices (ULDs) such as containers.

Background Art

[0002] An example of an aircraft loader with an extendable conveyor is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The aircraft loader disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an extendable conveyor and a ramp for facilitating or assisting the transport or movement of luggage from the main conveyor belt to the extendable conveyor while the main conveyor belt is rotating, so that the luggage is sent out from the main conveyor belt towards the extendable conveyor and is less likely to become clogged or blocked in a closed state.

[0003] When attempting to rotate or swing the conveyor to the right or left with respect to the main conveyor belt of the aircraft loader, the distance between the ramp and the extendable conveyor changes, which may cause the luggage to become jammed or blocked, and thus there is a possibility of interruption of the luggage flow / transport.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure is, A conveyor system for transporting baggage or cargo, wherein the conveyor system is - An extension conveyor to be placed on the first conveying medium of the main conveyor that transports the baggage or cargo during the intended actual use, The conveying medium is an extended conveyor having a surface for supporting the luggage or cargo, - A ramp for raising the conveying medium upwards in order to facilitate the transfer of the baggage or cargo from the main conveyor to the extension conveyor, It is equipped with.

[0006] A second aspect of this disclosure is, A conveyor system for transporting baggage or cargo, wherein the conveyor system is - An extension conveyor to be placed on the first conveying medium of the main conveyor that transports the baggage or cargo during the intended actual use, The conveying medium is an extended conveyor having a surface for supporting the luggage or cargo, - A ramp for raising the conveying medium upward in order to facilitate the transfer of the baggage or cargo from the main conveyor to the extension conveyor, The lamp is pivotably positioned with a first center of rotation to rotate the lamp in a plane substantially parallel to the surface, It is equipped with.

[0007] The term "surface" is understood to mean the conveying surface, i.e., the surface on which the luggage or cargo is placed while being conveyed by the first conveyor. This surface is upward-facing. The terms "upward-facing" and "downward-facing" are understood to mean the orientation relative to the surface's normal position, i.e., the position where the surface is supported by the pulleys at both ends of the first conveyor. Because the ramp lifts the conveying medium locally upward, the surface is locally higher than it would be if the ramp were not there. "Downward-facing" is understood to mean the opposite direction to upward-facing.

[0008] A plane that is substantially parallel to the conveying surface means that the angle between that plane and the conveying surface is 20 degrees or less. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an aircraft conveyor parked in a tarmac. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a part of the conveyor system, specifically the section including the extension conveyor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the diagram before disassembly. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the extension conveyor rotated to the left. [Figure 5] This is a top view of the extension conveyor rotated to the right. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Specific examples of embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in forms other than those described below and should not be construed as being limited to any embodiments described herein. Rather, any embodiments are provided in such a thorough and complete manner that this disclosure fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the same elements will not be provided in relation to the descriptions of each figure.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an aircraft conveyor parked at Tarmac 12.

[0012] An aircraft loader is ground support equipment (GSE) for bulk loading, i.e., loading of baggage without containers. It is a vehicle operated by a pilot in a cab to move the aircraft loader between aircraft. It has a (main) conveyor with a first transport medium (main conveyor belt 14).

[0013] Specifically, in the case of an aircraft loader, the conveyor can be raised to an inclined position by lifting the front end 16 of the conveyor belt. The rear end 18 remains at ground level, i.e., closer to the tarmac than the raised front end.

[0014] The conveyor belt extends between the cargo hold of the aircraft and ground level during loading and unloading. Typically, the carry-on luggage will be transported between the cargo hold and the carry-on luggage cart.

[0015] The conveyor belt is stretched between a pair of drums, one of which is driven by a motor such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor for pulling the conveyor belt. The belt forms a closed loop around the drum, whereby it rotates continuously. The shape of the conveyor belt is oval. The pair of drums are rotatably attached to the first frame / main conveyor belt frame 20.

[0016] The so-called extension conveyor 22 is arranged specifically above / over the conveying medium of the main conveyor in relation to the conveying medium of the main conveyor.

[0017] The effect of the extension conveyor is to control the height (of loading or unloading), so that the baggage handler does not need to lift the luggage, but instead move the extension conveyor to the desired height - this height can vary during loading or unloading of the carry-on luggage cart.

[0018] If the carry-on luggage cart is not parked immediately behind the main conveyor, for example, it may be rotated / turned to the left or right of the main conveyor. In such a case, it may be necessary to swing the extension conveyor laterally, i.e., rotate the extension conveyor in a plane substantially parallel to the conveying surface of the main conveyor belt, so that the baggage handler does not need to carry the luggage.

[0019] The extension conveyor comprises a second conveying medium for supporting the luggage or package.

[0020] The terms "distal" and "proximal" are understood to mean the relative positions with respect to the direction of travel of the conveying medium of the main conveyor, i.e., the luggage conveyed on the conveying medium reaches the proximal end / front part of the extension conveyor before it reaches the distal end / rear part.

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a part of the conveyor system, specifically the part including the extension conveyor, and Figure 3 is a view before disassembly.

[0022] Figures 4 and 5 are top views of the extension conveyor rotated to the left and right, respectively.

[0023] The extension conveyor may have an extension conveyor frame (also called a base frame or table frame) 24 attached to the main conveyor, specifically the main conveyor belt frame. For example, the extension conveyor frame is arranged in any space between two drums within the loop defined by the conveyor belt.

[0024] The proximal end of the extension conveyor frame, i.e., the end where the conveying medium first contacts the extension conveyor, may be tapered (lamp-shaped). The height of the lamp increases as a function of the distance / position in the direction of travel of the conveying surface (having an inclination / slope). The direction of travel is indicated by an arrow beside the main conveyor belt.

[0025] The conveying medium is lifted by the lamp and moves over the extension conveyor frame. That is, the main conveyor belt is stretched between the first drum of the main conveyor, the extension conveyor frame, and the second drum of the main conveyor. That is, when the extension conveyor frame is attached to the main conveyor, the main conveyor belt is no longer oval.

[0026] The extension conveyor may be attached to an extension conveyor frame and may include a sliding part 26 for moving the extension conveyor back and forth along the main conveyor, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the main conveyor.

[0027] The sliding part can be moved back and forth by a cogged belt drive mechanism.

[0028] The sliding section is fitted with a rotatable frame 28 for rotating the extension conveyor to the left and right relative to the main conveyor belt.

[0029] The sliding portion may include a curved portion 30 having a radius (the curved portion may have a shape such as an annular section (having opposing sides that are parallel to each other)).

[0030] A cogged belt may be positioned between the curved section and the rotatable frame to move the rotatable frame.

[0031] The extension conveyor comprises a short conveyor belt 32 and a long conveyor belt 34, that is, two conveyor belts, one of which is longer than the other. Multiple rollers / drums may be used as the conveying medium instead of conveyor belts. A single conveyor belt may also be used.

[0032] A short conveyor belt may be supported by a pair of drums rotatably mounted on a first conveyor belt frame 36 (one of the drums being a drive pulley). The first conveyor belt frame may be mounted on a rotatable frame.

[0033] The long conveyor may be supported by a pair of drums rotatably mounted on a second conveyor belt frame 38 (one of the drums being a drive pulley). The second conveyor belt frame may be mounted on a rotatable frame.

[0034] A linear actuator 40, such as a piston mechanism, may be used to raise a long conveyor belt.

[0035] The aircraft loader is equipped with a ramp 42 (also called a bump) to give the main conveyor belt a "bump" shape just before the conveying medium of the extension conveyor (when viewed from the direction of travel of the main conveyor belt), that is, a ramp 42 to lift the main conveyor belt upward in front of the conveying medium of the extension conveyor, specifically in front of the short conveyor. As a result, the conveying medium of the main conveyor undergoes an upward movement when it comes into contact with the extension conveyor frame and when it comes into contact with the ramp.

[0036] The ramp may have a partially cylindrical shape, or it may be tapered, that is, generally, the height of the ramp increases as a function of the distance / position in the direction of travel of the conveying surface (which has an incline / slope).

[0037] The ramp may have a longitudinal axis / centerline perpendicular to the direction of travel of the conveying surface. The ramp may have a ramp edge facing the extension conveyor.

[0038] The conveying medium of the extension conveyor may have a (second) edge facing a ramp. This edge constitutes the proximal end of the conveying medium of the extension conveyor, where luggage or cargo is placed on the conveying medium of the extension conveyor.

[0039] The longitudinal axis of the ramp or the edge of the ramp is preferably substantially parallel to the edge of the conveying medium of the extension conveyor when both rotate. Substantially parallel means that the angle between them does not deviate by more than 20 degrees.

[0040] The rotation center 44 of the extension conveyor may substantially coincide with the rotation center of the ramp; that is, one rotation center may be within a radius / distance of 30 cm, for example, within 20 cm or within 10 cm, from the other rotation center.

[0041] If the centers of rotation are the same, when the extension conveyor is rotated at a predetermined angle, the second edge will be positioned parallel to and opposite the ramp edge. Opposite position means that, considering the tangents to the right and left ends of the ramp, the second edge is located between these two tangents.

[0042] If the centers of rotation are different, rotating the ramp and the extension conveyor by substantially the same angle (±10 degrees) will cause the second edge to be substantially parallel to the ramp edge.

[0043] A concrete solution for rotating the ramp could be to connect the ramp and the extension conveyor to each other, that is, to connect them so that they are fixed to each other. In this way, when one of them is turned, they rotate together, that is, they form an assembly that can be rotated by a motor. The motor can rotate either the ramp or the extension conveyor, so that when one rotates, the other rotates as well.

[0044] Specifically, the rotating frame / extension conveyor may comprise a first arm 46 connected to the ramp on the right side of the ramp and a second arm 48 connected to the ramp on the left side of the ramp. In this way, when the extension conveyor rotates, the ramp rotates, and the rotational speed / angular velocity is the same. In this way, it can be ensured that the ramp and the extension conveyor do not rotate at different angles.

[0045] Alternatively, a first motor may be used to rotate the ramp and a second motor to rotate the extension conveyor. The rotation angle of the ramp may be measured using a first sensor and the rotation angle of the extension conveyor using a second sensor. Preferably, these two angles are substantially equal (not deviating from each other by more than 20 degrees, e.g., 10 degrees or 5 degrees). Once one angle is known, this can be used to rotate either the ramp or the extension conveyor so that the angles become substantially equal.

[0046] Any electrical wiring on the extension conveyor is routed through the ramp at the center of rotation to one side of the arm, and then extends through the other side of the arm to the extension conveyor.

[0047] The extension conveyor, specifically the rotatable frame, may be equipped with a plurality of caster wheels, including a first caster wheel 50 positioned between the upper surface / conveying surface of the main conveyor belt and the extension conveyor, specifically between the upper surface of the main conveyor belt and the lower surface of the short conveyor belt.

[0048] The caster wheels are designed to guide / act on the main conveyor belt in a downward direction; that is, they are positioned so that they contact the main conveyor belt, rather than the extension conveyor.

[0049] The caster wheels are positioned adjacent to the edge of the extension conveyor, that is, to the edge of the conveying medium of the extension conveyor.

[0050] The caster wheels are positioned on a straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extension conveyor, that is, the axis extending through the proximal and distal ends of the extension conveyor. In other words, when the extension conveyor is not rotating, it is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main conveyor.

[0051] A caster wheel is, by definition, a wheel rotatably mounted on a support, meaning the wheel suspension can preferably rotate around the wheel axis, i.e., an axis perpendicular to the axis on which the wheel rotates. In this case, the first caster wheel is rotatably mounted on a rotatable frame, and preferably all caster wheels are rotatably mounted on a rotatable frame. Therefore, the multiple caster wheels rotate freely, meaning they do not act in a direction away from the travel axis of the main conveyor belt. If the belt is acted in a direction away from the travel axis, it is subjected to stress and wears out quickly.

[0052] Next, we present a set of elements that constitute aspects of this disclosure that are considered independently patentable, and these elements form the basis for future claims.

[0053] Item 1. A conveyor system for transporting baggage or cargo, wherein the conveyor system is: - An extension conveyor to be placed on the first conveying medium of the main conveyor that transports the baggage or cargo during the intended actual use, The conveying medium is an extended conveyor having a surface for supporting the luggage or cargo, - A ramp for raising the first conveying medium upwards in order to facilitate the transfer of the baggage or cargo from the main conveyor to the extension conveyor, A conveyor system equipped with [a specific feature].

[0054] Item 2. The conveyor system according to Item 1, wherein the ramp is pivotably positioned with a first center of rotation for rotating the ramp in a plane substantially parallel to the surface.

[0055] Item 3. The conveyor system according to item 1 or item 2, comprising the main conveyor and the conveying medium.

[0056] Item 4. A conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the ramp and the extension conveyor are connected to each other and rotate together.

[0057] Item 5. The conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the extension conveyor is pivotably positioned with respect to the main conveyor belt, having a second center of rotation for rotating the extension conveyor to the left or right.

[0058] Item 6. A conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first center of rotation is substantially equal to the second center of rotation.

[0059] Item 7. A conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 6, comprising: a first motor for rotating the lamp; a second motor for rotating the extension conveyor; a first sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the lamp; and a second sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the extension conveyor.

[0060] Item 8. The conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the extension conveyor comprises a second conveying medium, such as a conveyor belt.

[0061] Item 9. A conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the first conveying medium constitutes the main conveyor belt.

[0062] Item 10. A conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the extension conveyor is positioned on the surface.

[0063] Item 11. A conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 10, comprising a sliding part for supporting the extension conveyor and for moving the extension conveyor along the main conveyor.

[0064] Item 12. The conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the extension conveyor is equipped with multiple caster wheels.

[0065] Item 13. The conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of caster wheels are arranged between the surface and the extension conveyor.

[0066] Item 14. The conveyor system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of caster wheels are arranged so as to face downwards toward the main conveyor belt. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 14 Main conveyor belt 22 Extension conveyor 26 Sliding part 32 Conveyor Belts 34 Conveyor Belts 42 lamps 44 Center of rotation

Claims

1. A conveyor system for transporting baggage or cargo, wherein the conveyor system is - An extension conveyor to be placed on the first conveying medium of the main conveyor that transports the aforementioned baggage or cargo during the intended actual use, The conveying medium is an extended conveyor having a surface for supporting the luggage or cargo, - A ramp for raising the conveying medium upward in order to facilitate the transfer of the baggage or cargo from the main conveyor to the extension conveyor, The lamp is pivotably positioned with a first center of rotation to rotate the lamp in a plane substantially parallel to the surface, A conveyor system equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The conveyor system according to claim 1, comprising the main conveyor and the conveying medium.

3. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lamp and the extension conveyor are connected to each other and rotate together.

4. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension conveyor is pivotably positioned with a second center of rotation for rotating the extension conveyor to the left or right relative to the main conveyor.

5. The conveyor system according to claim 4, wherein the first center of rotation is substantially equal to the second center of rotation.

6. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a first motor for rotating the lamp; a second motor for rotating the extension conveyor; a first sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the lamp; and a second sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the extension conveyor.

7. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension conveyor comprises a second conveying medium, such as a conveyor belt.

8. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first conveying medium constitutes the main conveyor belt.

9. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension conveyor is arranged on the surface.

10. The conveyor system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sliding part for supporting the extension conveyor and moving the extension conveyor along the main conveyor.

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