Diverting conveyor device

Abstract

There is provided a conveyor device 1 configured to move an article between a first point and a second point. The conveyor device 1 comprises a conveying means 20 spanning a distance between the first point and the second point. The conveying means 20 is configured to move the article in a first direction. The device further comprises a diverting means 12 adjacent to the conveying means 20. The diverting means 12 is configured to move the article in a second direction. The second direction is at an angle relative to the first direction.

Description

[0001] DIVERTING CONVEYOR DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates in general to conveyor device for transporting articles between a first point and a second point, a computer implemented method of controlling the conveyor device and a system comprising the conveyor device. The present disclosure also relates to a computer implemented-method for driving a conveying means, and to a controller for a conveyor device. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a conveyor device for use in large public or private spaces, such as warehouses, airports, offices, shopping centres, event venues and rail or road stations. In particular, the present invention is particularly, but not exclusively concerned with such an conveyor device for use in production lines, the packing and delivery industry, in an airport hub, rail or bus interchange, port or other travel interchange or termini.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The volume of passengers travelling through airports or other travel termini has increased significantly in recent years. This places a greater burden on managing authorities, and transport providers, to more effectively manage their resources to accommodate the ever increasing needs and size of their passengers groups. For example, increased passenger volumes can often result in increased congestion at airports. This increased congestion also slows down the throughput of passengers from the airport entrance to the aircraft. This congestion and increasing queues at check-in counters and prior to boarding an aircraft may result in departure delays for airlines and may also impact the airport with additional costs and inefficiencies, as more staff are required to manage and coordinate passengers and their baggage. Furthermore, increased congestion can become particularly problematic in uncontrollable or unexpected circumstances. For example, in the event of unexpected bad weather, or unexpected maintenance in a portion of the airport.

[0006] In airports, passengers usually have to check in and deposit their baggage prior to the boarding procedure. In this process, a label is affixed to the baggage, and the baggage is subsequently deposited and taken away on a conveyor system to a baggage processing area. In the processing area the baggage is sorted on the basis of the label, and more specifically on the basis of flight number and / or baggage characteristics, and is ultimately placed on board of the correct aircraft. Until recently, the checking in and depositing of baggage was handled by an airline employee or a member of the ground staff. If required to, the airline employee or the member of the ground staff would manually transfer the baggage to the correct conveyor device for the baggage to arrive at its final destination.

[0007] In recent years, a number of automated facilities and processes have been introduced in such transport termini, for the purposes of improving efficiencies. One example of such a facility is an automated check-in desk, with which passengers can interact in order to checkin to a flight, deposit their baggage, perform identity checks or to obtain the likes of a boarding pass and / or a bag tag. Without the airline employee or the member of the ground staff to oversee the depositing of the baggage, it is essential that adequate and accurate systems are put in place to ensure that the baggage is correctly transported from the automated check-in desk to the conveyor system. Furthermore, the new automated check-in desks may not fit with all existing infrastructure in airports or other terminals. In particular, the conveyors of the automated check-in desks may not line up with the existing conveyor system in an airport or terminal. For example, the conveyors of the automated check-in desks may not be aligned and / or at the same height as the rest of the conveyor system.

[0008] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a conveyor device, which can overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks with existing systems known in the art.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] As used herein, the terms “side”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back” and other terms used to describe relative positions of the components of apparatuses according to the invention, refer to the device in an upright position with the first end at the front. When describing devices according to the present invention, these terms are used irrespective of the orientation of the apparatus being described. The “bottom” of the apparatus refers to the side of the device opposite the “top” of the device.

[0011] The term “height” is used herein to refer to dimensions extending between the top and the bottom. The term “width” is used herein to refer to dimensions extending between two sides. The term “depth” is used herein to refer to dimensions extending between the front and the back. Height, width and depth are orthogonal to each other. The term “coefficient of friction” is used herein to describe the coefficient of friction of the material with stainless steel in a dry unlubricated condition.

[0012] The invention is defined by the independent claims to which reference should now be made. Embodiments of the invention seek to address the above problems by providing an improved conveyor device for transporting articles between a first point and a second point. Optional features are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect, there is provided a conveyor device configured to move an article between a first point and a second point. The device comprises a conveying means spanning a distance between the first point and the second point. The conveying means is configured to move the article in a first direction. The conveyor device also comprises a diverting means adjacent to the conveying means. The diverting means is configured to move the article in a second direction. The second direction is at an angle relative to the first direction.

[0014] In contrast with conveyor devices known in the art, the conveyor device of the present invention comprises a diverting means adjacent to the conveying means, which is configured to move the object in a second direction, where the second direction is at an angle relative to the first direction. By providing such a diverting means, the conveyor device is able to transport an article, such as for example an item of baggage, from a first point to a second point where the first point is offset from the second point in the width direction of the conveying means. Advantageously, such a conveyor device can be used in an airport hub, rail or bus interchange, port or other travel interchange or termini and can be retrofit to existing baggage handling systems to allow articles to be transported from one point to a second point when these are offset in the width direction of the conveying means. This is particularly advantageous in the move towards automation of baggage handling systems, where there are fewer staff to manually oversee the transport of baggage through the system. In particular, such conveyor devices may be particularly advantageous in cases where some components of the baggage handling system have been upgraded and do not fit with other upgraded components or even legacy components. For example, the conveyor device according to the invention may provide an interface between two upgraded components, two legacy components or a legacy component and an upgraded component. Such components may be for example different belts in a conveyor system. Conveyor devices according to the invention therefore allow for the minimum replacement of infrastructure and improve flexibility with regards to the components that are used in a baggage handling system. The second direction may be at an angle of between 2 degrees and 30 degrees relative to the first direction. The second direction may be at an angle of between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to the first direction. The second direction may be at an angle of between 7 degrees and 15 degrees relative to the first direction. The second direction may be at an angle of between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. The second direction may be at an angle of between 10 degrees and 25 degrees.

[0015] The diverting means, as well as serving the purpose of moving the object in a second direction which is at an angle relative to the first direction, also serves the purpose of keeping the article on the conveying means and preventing the article from falling off the sides of the conveying means.

[0016] The article can be an item of baggage such as a bag or suitcase, or may be a tub or tray for carrying an item of baggage.

[0017] Optionally, the conveying means may be driven by a driving mechanism. This may be advantageous in that the conveyor system in that it further enhances the automation of the conveyor device, particularly when it is part of a conveyor system. A user, such as a passenger or member of staff, does not need to use force to move the article along the conveying means. The article is moved automatically by the conveying means by way of the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism may be electrically operated and may comprise one or more motors and / or actuators for driving the conveying means.

[0018] Optionally, the conveying means may be a belt. A belt may be advantageous in that belts are readily available components which can be installed, fitted to the conveyor device, and replaced if needed, without the need for proprietary parts. Belts are also a conveying means which is easily driven by a driving mechanism, and its speed can be accurately calculated and controlled. Belts also provide a good conveying means for a closed loop system and are particularly advantageous for relatively short conveyor devices. Alternatively, the conveying means may comprise a plurality of rollers or interconnected sections which can support an article.

[0019] Optionally, the driving mechanism may comprise at least one pulley. The pulley may help to guide the conveying means. Pulleys are particularly advantageous in embodiments of the conveyor device in which the conveying means are a belt. This is because the belt and at least one pulley can interact to guide the belt in the desired first direction under the driving force provided by the driving mechanism.

[0020] Optionally, the belt may have a first end proximate the first point and a second end proximate the second point. The driving mechanism may comprise a first pulley at a first end of the conveying means and a second pulley at a second end of the conveying means. Providing pulleys at either end of the driving mechanism may further help to guide the conveying means. Providing pulleys at either end of the driving mechanism may be particularly advantageous in embodiments of the conveyor device in which the conveying means are a belt. This is because the belt and at the pulleys at either end of the belt can interact to guide the belt in the desired first direction under the driving force provided by the driving mechanism.

[0021] Optionally, at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley may be a drive pulley. In some embodiments, both the first pulley and the second pulley may be drive pulleys.

[0022] Optionally, the conveyor device may be configured to be in an airport or a transport hub. The conveyor device may be advantageous in this setting as it may form part of a baggage handling system and help to integrate with other components of such a system to improve automation and / or integration with existing or upgraded components.

[0023] Optionally, the article may be an item of baggage. Items of baggage may be heavy and manual handling of these may be difficult for airline staff, and / or ground staff. Therefore, conveyor devices according to the invention may be advantageous in that their integration with existing infrastructure in a baggage handling system can reduce the need for airline staff, and / or ground staff to manually handle such items of baggage, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

[0024] Optionally, the second point may be elevated with respect to the first point. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in instances in which the conveyor device is configured to be an intermediate conveyor between a first piece of equipment and a second piece of equipment where the second piece of equipment is elevated with respect to the first piece of equipment. In alternative embodiments, the first point may be elevated with respect to the first point. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in instances in which the conveyor device is configured to be an intermediate conveyor between a first piece of equipment and a second piece of equipment where the first piece of equipment is elevated with respect to the second piece of equipment. In further alternative embodiments, the first point and the second point may be at the same height. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in instances in which the conveyor device is configured to be an intermediate conveyor between a first piece of equipment and a second piece of equipment where the first piece of equipment and the second piece of equipment are at the same height.

[0025] Optionally, the belt may be inclined from the first point to the second point. Such an arrangement may further help in providing a conveyor device which is configured to be an intermediate conveyor between a first piece of equipment and a second piece of equipment where the second piece of equipment is elevated with respect to the first piece of equipment. In alternative embodiments, the belt may be declined from the first point to the second point. Such an arrangement may further help in providing a conveyor device which is configured to be an intermediate conveyor between a first piece of equipment and a second piece of equipment where the first piece of equipment is elevated with respect to the second piece of equipment. In further alternative embodiments, the belt may be substantially horizontal.

[0026] Optionally, the belt is may be at an angle of between 5 degrees and 45 degrees from the horizontal. Preferably, the belt may be at an angle of between 5 degrees and 20 degrees from the horizontal. More preferably, the belt may be at an angle of between 7 degrees and 15 degrees from the horizontal. Most preferably, the belt may be at an angle of about 10 degrees from the horizontal. Such angles have been found to be suitable for transporting articles such as items of luggage or trays between a first point and a second point, where the second point is elevated with respect to the first point.

[0027] Optionally, the conveying means may comprise at least one elongate protrusion which protrudes outwards from the surface of the conveying means. The elongate protrusion may be in the shape of a parallelepiped. Alternatively, the elongate protrusion may be in the shape of a half cylinder or may have a triangular cross section. The elongate protrusion may be a cleat. The elongate protrusion may be welded or melted to the conveying means. The elongate protrusion may have a constant cross section along its length. The at least one elongate protrusion may provide a support and / or guide for an article which is being transported along the conveying means from the first point to the second point. In particular, the at least one elongate protrusion may act as a scoop which engages with a bottom or rear side of an article to support and / or guide for an article which is being transported along the conveying means. The at least one elongate protrusion may be particularly advantageous in embodiments of the conveyor device in which the belt is inclined from the first point to the second point. This is because the at least one elongate protrusion, when engaged with the article, may counteract the gravitational force acting against the article. In preferred embodiments, the conveying means may comprise at least two elongate protrusions. This may be advantageous in that it may provide multiple locations in which an article can be engaged by the conveying means to be moved from the first point to the second point. The distance between the at least two elongate protrusions may be a known distance so that the conveyor device can accurately time the passing of an elongate protrusion to engage with an article.

[0028] Optionally, the at least one elongate protrusion may extend substantially across the entire width of the conveying means. This may be advantageous in that the at least one elongate protrusion may engage with an article irrespective of where the article is placed along the width of the conveying means. This means that less accuracy is required when placing an article on the conveying means, which can be advantageous in fully automated baggage handling systems for example in which, there is no staff to oversee that items of luggage are correctly placed on the conveying means. Such elongate protrusion(s) extending across substantially the entire width of the conveying means may have the further advantage of reducing the likelihood of the an article falling off of the conveyor device.

[0029] Optionally, the at least one elongate protrusion may extend substantially perpendicularly to the first direction. Alternatively, the at least one elongate protrusion may extend substantially perpendicularly to the second direction

[0030] Optionally, the at least one elongate protrusion may comprise a high friction material. Providing at least one elongate protrusion comprising a high friction material may be advantageous in that the protrusion may better engage with the article to prevent article slippage on the conveying means. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments of the conveyor device in which the belt is inclined from the first point to the second point. Providing at least one elongate protrusion comprising a high friction material may also be advantageous in that it allows the article to be picked up by the belt even when it is not ideally placed. This means that less accuracy is required when placing an article on the conveying means, which can be advantageous in fully automated baggage handling systems for example in which, there is no staff to oversee that items of luggage are correctly placed on the conveying means.

[0031] Optionally, the coefficient of friction of the high friction material may be between 0.55 and 0.8. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the high friction material may be between 0.6 and 0.75. More preferably, the coefficient of friction of the high friction material may be about 0.7. Such a high coefficient of friction may further benefit from the advantages set out above in respect of the elongate protrusion comprising a high friction material.

[0032] Optionally, the high friction material may be rubber or any other material having a suitably high coefficient of friction. Th term “rubber” as used herein may refer to rubber-like materials such as synthetic rubbers. For example, the high friction material may be neoprene. It may be advantageous to use rubber as this material is relatively cheap and can be easily moulded into the desired shape for the elongate protrusion.

[0033] Optionally, the conveying means may comprise a low friction material. The provision of a conveying means comprising a low friction material may be advantageous in that it allows the article being moved from the first point to the second point to be more easily diverted by the diverting means. In particular, the low friction material may reduce the resistance to the article being moved in the second direction by the diverting means. The low friction of the material may be provided by the material itself or may be provided by a surface pattern in the material. Furthermore, the low friction material may help to reduce friction between the article and the conveying means and in avoid wear and tear of the article and the outer surface of the conveying means. In embodiments in which the belt is inclined from the first point to the second point, the at least one elongate protrusion may prevent the article from sliding on the low friction material under the force of gravity.

[0034] Optionally, the coefficient of friction of the low friction material may be between 0.03 and 0.5. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the low friction material may be between 0.4 and 0.25. More preferably, the coefficient of friction of the low friction material may be between 0.5 and 0.1. Such a low coefficient of friction may further benefit from the advantages set out above in respect of the conveying means comprising a low friction material.

[0035] Optionally, the low friction material may comprise one or both of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or nylon. It may be advantageous to use a low friction material comprising PTFE and / or nylon because both are readily available materials which are relatively cheap.

[0036] Optionally, the low friction material may be at an outer surface of the conveying means. This may be advantageous in that the low friction material is in contact with the article being conveyed in use. Optionally, the low friction material is comprised in a surface coating of the outer surface of the conveying means. This may be advantageous in that the low friction material may only be in the surface coating of the conveying means. This may simplify and reduce the costs associated with manufacturing conveying means comprising the low friction material at their outer surface. For example, the surface coating may be applied to off-the-shelf sheets of material out of which the conveying means may be manufactured.

[0037] Optionally, the diverting means may comprise at least one side guard. A side edge of the at least one side guard which overlies the conveying means may be at an angle with respect to the first direction. In preferred embodiments, the diverting means comprises two side guards, with one side guard on each side of the conveying device. The side edges of the two side guards which overlie the conveying means may be parallel. This may advantageously help with diverting and guiding the article in the second direction.

[0038] Optionally, the side guard may be in the form of a wedge. Alternatively, the side guard may be in the form of a rail.

[0039] Optionally, the at least one elongate protrusion may have a height of between about 5mm and 50mm. Preferably, the at least one elongate protrusion may have a height of between 7 mm and 20 mm. More preferably, the at least one elongate protrusion may have a height of between 5 mm and 15 mm. Most preferably, the at least one elongate protrusion may have a height of around 10 mm. Providing at least one elongate protrusion having a height falling in the above ranges may be advantageous in that the protrusion may better engage with the article to prevent article slippage on the conveying means. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments of the conveyor device in which the belt is inclined from the first point to the second point. In more detail, the inventors have surprisingly found that configuring the at least one protrusion to have a height falling within the above ranges allows the conveyor device to transport an article between the first point and the second point without the article falling backwards under the force of gravity. Furthermore the inventors have found that elongate protrusion(s) having a height falling within the above range allow the article to be adequately carried by the conveying means, without the elongate protrusion(s) interfering with the placement of the conveyor device proximate other infrastructure in a system of conveyors such as, for example, a baggage handling system. In particular, elongate protrusion(s) having a height falling within the above range allow the conveyor device of the present invention to be placed in series with another conveyor device with a small gap between the conveying means of the two devices. Optionally the conveying means may further comprise a probe configured to detect the passage of the at least one elongate protrusion. The probe may advantageously provide data relating to the current position of the at least one elongate protrusion to a computing unit of the conveyor device. This may allow the conveyor device to accurately time the passing of one of the at least one elongate protrusions directly after an article has been fed onto the conveying means, such that the article is engaged by the at elongate protrusion and moved from the first point to the second point.

[0040] Optionally, the probe may be located underneath the conveying means. This may be advantageous in ensuring that the probe does not interfere with articles being transported by the conveying means. This also helps to prevent the probe from becoming damaged as it is less exposed.

[0041] Optionally, the probe may be a mechanical counter which physically interacts with the at least one elongate protrusion. The probe may comprise an element which is deflected when the at least one elongate protrusion passes the probe. This may generate and send a corresponding signal to a computing unit of the conveyor device. The signal may provide the computing unit with data relating to the current position of the at least one elongate protrusion. The element may be a roller, which does not interfere with the passage of the at least one elongate protrusion.

[0042] Optionally, the probe may be a laser counter. The laser counter may comprise a laser and optionally a corresponding laser receiver configured to receive the light emitted by the laser. Passage of an elongate protrusion may generate a reading which is converted into a signal which can be sent to a computing unit of the conveyor device. The signal may provide the computing unit with data relating to the current position of the at least one elongate protrusion.

[0043] Optionally, the conveyor device may further comprise a first sensor proximate the first point for detecting the presence of an article. This may allow conveying means to be stopped until an article is present at the first point and ready to be received on the conveying means. This may advantageously render the conveying means more energy efficient as it is only active when articles are received on the conveying means. Optionally, the conveyor device may further comprise a second sensor proximate the second point for detecting the passage of an article. This may allow conveying means to be stopped after an article has passed the second point and it is no longer on the conveying means. This may advantageously render the conveying means more energy efficient as it is only active when articles are received on the conveying means.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented-method for driving a conveyor device as described above. The method comprises the step of receiving data relating to the current location of an article; receiving data relating to the current location of the at least one elongate protrusion; receiving data relating to the length of the article; calculating a positional relationship between the article and the at least one elongate protrusion; and driving the carrying means such that one of the at least one elongate protrusions passes the first point when the article is at the first point.

[0045] In more detail, data relating to the speed of movement of an article prior to be received by the conveyor device of the present invention may be received by the conveyor device according to the present invention, and can be controlled. Data relating to the dimensions, and in particular the length, of the article may be received by the computing unit of the conveyor device. Data relating to the position of the article prior to being received by the conveyor device of the present invention may be received by the computing unit of the conveyor device. The speed of the conveying means of the conveyor device may be known. Data relating to the position of the at least one elongate protrusion may be received from the probe. Position the at least one elongate protrusion directly behind an article to be transported on the conveyor device according to the present invention, based on the received data relating to the speed of movement of an article prior to be received by the conveyor device, the data relating to the dimensions of the article, the data relating to the position of the article prior to being received by the conveyor device, the speed of the conveying means and the data relating to position of the at least one elongate protrusion.

[0046] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor system comprising a conveyor device according to the first aspect. The conveyor system further comprises an input conveyor configured to feed articles to the first point and an output conveyor configured to receive an article at the second point. The input conveyor and the output conveyor may be spaced from the conveyor device according to the first aspect to ensure that the cleat(s) of the conveyor. In particular, the input conveyor and the output conveyor may be spaced from the conveyor device according to the first aspect by between 5 mm and 40mm. Preferably, the input conveyor and the output conveyor may be spaced from the conveyor device according to the first aspect by between 7 mm and 30mm. More preferably, the input conveyor and the output conveyor may be spaced from the conveyor device according to the first aspect by between 8 mm and 20mm.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer- implemented method for driving a conveying means. The computer-implemented method comprises the step of receiving data relating to the length of the conveying means. The computer-implemented method further comprises the step of receiving data defining a speed of the conveying means. The computer-implemented method further comprises the step of receiving data relating to the number of elongate protrusions on the conveying means. The computer-implemented method further comprises the step of receiving data relating to a first current position of one or more elongate protrusions. The computer-implemented method further comprises the step of calculating a driving profile for the conveying means based the received data and a second desired position of the one or more protrusions on the conveying means relative to the start of the conveying means. The computer-implemented method further comprises the step of driving the conveying means according to the calculated driving profile. Computer-implemented methods according to the fourth aspect may be advantageous in that the conveying means may be driven such that the elongate protrusion arrives at a first (start) end of the conveying means at such a time as to properly engage with the article to move the article along the conveying means.

[0048] Optionally, the second desired position of the one or more elongate protrusions is such that at least one elongate protrusions engages with the article to facilitate conveying of the article by the conveying means.

[0049] Optionally, the data relating to the current position of the one or more elongate protrusions is determined by a probe.

[0050] Optionally, the method further comprises the step of receiving data relating to an input speed of the article onto the conveying means.

[0051] Optionally, the conveying means is a first conveying means; and optionally the input speed of the article is the speed of a second conveying means adjacent the first conveying means. Optionally, the conveying means is stationary prior to step of being driven. Alternatively, the conveying means may be moving at a given speed prior to being driven. In this case, the driving of the conveying means may include speeding up or slowing down the conveying means.

[0052] Optionally, the conveying means is driven such that the elongate protrusion engages with a rear surface or edge of the article.

[0053] Optionally, the method further comprising the step of receiving data relating to a maximum allowable length of the article and driving the conveying means based on this data.

[0054] Optionally, the method further comprises the step of receiving data defining a dimension of an article.

[0055] Optionally, the dimension of the article is a length of the article. Articles are normally placed length-ways on conveying means. However, it will be appreciated that the dimension of the article may be any dimension of the article such as the width or height. The dimension of the article may be a diagonal dimension of the article where the article is not perfectly aligned along one of its major axes on the conveying means.

[0056] Optionally, there is at least one preset speed at which the conveying means can be driven.

[0057] Optionally, the at least one preset speed is between 10 meters per second and 30 meters per second.

[0058] Optionally the conveying means is a first conveying means, and optionally, the speed of input of the article is the speed of a second conveying means adjacent the first conveying means.

[0059] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided controller for a conveyor device. The controller comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor and the memory are configured to receive data relating to the length of the conveying means; receive data defining a speed of the conveying means; receive data relating to the number of elongate protrusions on the conveying means; receive data relating to a first current position of one or more elongate protrusions; calculate a driving profile for the conveying means based the received data and a second desired position of the one or more protrusions on the conveying means relative to the start of the conveying means; and drive the conveying means according to the calculated driving profile. A controller according to the fifth aspect may be advantageous in that it may enable the conveying means to be driven such that the elongate protrusion arrives at a first (start) end of the conveying means at such a time as to properly engage with the article to move the article along the conveying means.

[0060] Optionally, the controller may send a drive signal which causes a driving means coupled to the conveying means to drive the conveying means.

[0061] Optionally, the driving means may be a motor.

[0062] BRIEF DESCIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a conveyor device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a conveyor device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of a conveyor device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view along line A-A of a conveyor device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0068] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a conveyor device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1 , the conveyor device 1 has a side wall 10 on either side of the device. The side walls 10 act as legs for the conveyor device 1 and help to support the device 1 in an upright position on the ground. The conveyor device 1 has a belt 20 which acts as a conveying means for articles from the first end 14 of the device 1 to the second end 16 of the device, i.e. in a first direction. The belt 20 is made of a material which ensures that its outer surface is smooth. The belt 20 is inclined from the first end 14 to the second end 16 such that the belt 20 is elevated at the second end 16 relative to the position of the bely 20 at the first end 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the side walls 10 are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the direction of movement the belt 20. The side walls are connected to side guards 12, which, in this embodiment, are wedge shaped and act as a diverting means to divert an article travelling on the belt 20 in a second direction. The second direction is parallel to the side surfaces of the side walls 10 which face the belt 20. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the top surface of the side walls 10 and the side surface of the side guards 12 follow the same incline as the belt 20. This ensures that the height of the side guards 12 is constant along the length of the belt 20. This can help to ensure that an article is accurately diverted along the entire length of the belt 20 and prevents an article from falling off the belt 20. The device also has a pulley 26 at the second end 16 of the device 1 , around which the belt 20 is wrapped and helps to guide the belt 20 in a closed loop from the second end 16 back to the first end 14 of the device. The pulley 26 may simply be a guide pulley, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the pulley 26 may be a drive pulley which actively drives the belt 20. The belt 20 also has a cleat 22 in the form of an elongate protrusion, which extends across the belt 20 and is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt 20. The cleat 22 protrudes upwards from surface of the belt 20 such that it can engage with an article and prevent the article from falling backwards off the belt under the force of gravity. The device 1 also has a probe 40 located at the second end 16 of the device 1 and underneath the belt 20. The probe 40 is located close to the underside of the belt 20 so that it can detect the passage of a cleat 22. In this embodiment, the probe 40 is a mechanical probe, in other words the probe 40 mechanically detects the passage of a cleat 22. The conveyor device further comprises a first sensor 30 at the first end 14 for sensing that an article is proximate at the first end of the conveyor device. The conveyor device further comprises a second sensor 31 for sensing that an article has passed the second end of the conveyor device and is no longer on the belt 20. Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a conveyor device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. For brevity, features of the conveyor device 1 discussed above in respect of Figure 1 will not be repeated. As can be seen in Figure 2, the the device also has a pulley 24 at the first end 14 of the device 1 , around which the belt 20 is wrapped and helps to guide the belt 20 in a closed loop from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the device. The pulley 24 may simply be a guide pulley, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the pulley 24 may be a drive pulley which actively drives the belt 20. As can be seen in Figure 2, the belt 20 has two cleats 22 in this embodiment. Each cleat 22 is equally spaced around the belt, such that when one cleat 22 is at the first end 14 of the device 1 , the other cleat 22 is at the second end 16 of the device 1. This Figure also illustrates the placement of the cleat 22 in the width direction of the belt 20. In particular, the cleat 22 is placed and sized such that when the cleat 22 is at the first end 14 of the device 1 , a first side of the cleat is proximate a first side guard and when the cleat 22 is at the second end 16 of the device 1 , the cleat 22 is proximate a second side guard. This is due to the inner side walls of the side guards being at an angle with respect to the direction of travel of the belt 22.

[0071] Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of a conveyor device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. For brevity, features of the conveyor device 1 discussed above in respect of Figures 1 and 2 will not be repeated. In this view, the probe 40 can be seen. The probe comprises a counter 42 which is in the form of a pulley 42, which engages with a cleat 22, when the cleat 22 passes the probe. The pulley 42 may be attached to the probe by a resilient means so that the pulley 42 can be deflected and returned to its starting position. This is particularly useful as it allows the pulley 42 to be deflected when the cleat 22 passes the probe, to generate a signal which is sent to the computing unit of the conveyor device 1 to provide data relating to the position of the cleat 22. Figure 3 also shows that there is a gap between the side guards 12 and the top surface of the belt 20 to allow the cleats 22 to pass below the side guards 12, without becoming obstructed.

[0072] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view along line A-A of a conveyor device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. For brevity, features of the conveyor device 1 discussed above in respect of Figures 1 , 2 and 3 will not be repeated. Figure 4 more clearly shows the angle of incline of the belt 20 and of the side guards 12 with respect to the horizontal. As can be seen in this figure, the belt 20 also has a number of guides 28 which help to guide and support the belt 20 along its length. This ensures that the belt 20 retains its shape and is able to support the weight of an article being transported on the belt 20. An exemplary computer implemented method for driving the conveying means is set out below.

[0073] Known parameters of the conveyor device:

[0074] • [L] The length of the conveying means has a known length by applying a simple calculation upon the conveyor device specific variables: o Conveyor length (Distance between a set of supporting pulleys) o The diameter of the pulleys

[0075] • [S] The speed at which the conveying means moves o Onboard electronics allow for a number of preset speeds to configure and calibrate, which in turn can be activated (trigger the conveying means to run) upon input triggers (basic Input / Output).

[0076] ■ Although it could be set otherwise, three exemplary presets speeds are: 1) 10m / min; 2) 20m / min; 3) 30m / min.

[0077] • [C] Cleats (elongate protrusions): the amount of cleats is known as well as the [De] distance between the individual cleats. The latter [De] is a simple calculation of the known [L] divided by the known [C].

[0078] • [Pc] The position of any cleat relative to the beginning of the start of the conveying means as it can be derived from the [P] probe position

[0079] Driving the conveying means to position a cleat relative to the beginning of the conveyor device;

[0080] 1. With an unknown article length [La]; a. Allowance rules to the conveyor device are applicable when it comes to article dimensions. The maximum article length [La] is included in the allowance rules. b. The cleat will be positioned such that it will have a distance from (before) the beginning of the start of the conveying means which is equal or larger than [La], i. The cleat can be positioned [Pc] due to the presence of a probe [P] which detects passage of a cleat and the known viables [L], [C],[S]. ii. In the case an article is shorter than [La], the prepositioned cleat will pick up the bag with a delay.

[0081] 2. With a known article length [La]; a. [PLC] A device including a controller and a second conveying means is required upfront of the conveying means; i. The device is able to measure the [La] article length ii. The conveying means of the conveyor device is able to equalize its speed with the known [S] speed of the second (input) conveying means. iii. The conveyor device can determine the moment of “handover” of an article, i.e. when the article will be presented to the conveyor device, (a photo cell may allow for this) b. The [PLC] controls the speed (known input riggers] of the conveying means c. The [PLC] is aware of all the variables of the conveyor device, so that it can position the cleat of the device based on; i. [P] position, [L], [C], [S], ii. And the ability to trigger (Start / Stop) the presets [Input / Output] of the conveyor device.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A conveyor device configured to move an article between a first point and a second point, the device comprising: a conveying means spanning a distance between the first point and the second point; wherein the conveying means is configured to move the article in a first direction; and a diverting means adjacent to the conveying means; wherein the diverting means is configured to move the article in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at an angle relative to the first direction.

2. A conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the second point is elevated with respect to the first point.

3. A conveyor device according to claim 2, wherein the belt is inclined from the first point to the second point.

4. A conveyor device according to claim 1 , wherein the first point is elevated with respect to the second point.

5. A conveyor device according to claim 4, wherein the belt is declined from the first point to the second point.

6. A conveyor device according to claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the belt is at an angle of between 5 and 20 degrees from the horizontal.

7. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveying means comprises at least one elongate protrusion which protrudes outwards from the surface of the conveying means.

8. A conveyor device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one elongate protrusion extends substantially across the entire width of the conveying means.

9. A conveyor device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the at least one elongate protrusion extends substantially perpendicularly to the first direction.

10. A conveyor device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one elongate protrusion comprises a high friction material.

11. A conveyor device according to any to claim 15, wherein the high friction material has a coefficient of friction is between 0.55 and 0.8.

12. A conveyor device according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the high friction material is rubber.

13. A conveyor device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the conveying device further comprises a probe configured to detect the passage of the at least one elongate protrusion.

14. A conveyor device according to claim 13, wherein the probe is located underneath the conveying means.

15. A conveyor device according claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the probe is a mechanical counter which physically interacts with the at least one elongate protrusion.

16. A conveyor device according to claim 15, wherein the probe comprises an element which is deflected when the at least one elongate protrusion passes the probe17. A conveyor device according to claim 23 or claim 14, wherein the probe is a laser counter.

18. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim , wherein the conveying means is driven by a driving mechanism.

19. An conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveying means is a belt.

20. A conveyor device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the driving mechanism comprises at least one pulley.

21. A conveyor device according to claim 20, wherein the belt has a first end proximate the first point and a second end proximate the second point; andwherein the driving mechanism comprises a first pulley at a first end of the conveying means and a second pulley at a second end of the conveying means.

22. A conveyor device according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley is a drive pulley.

23. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor device is configured to be in an airport or a transport hub.

24. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the article is an item of baggage.

25. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveying means comprises a low friction material.

26. A conveyor device according to claim 25, wherein the coefficient of friction of the low friction material is between 0.03 and 0.

527. A conveyor device according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the low friction material comprises one or both of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or nylon.

28. A conveyor device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the low friction material is at an outer surface of the conveying means.

29. A conveyor device according to claim 28, wherein the low friction material is comprised in a surface coating of the outer surface of the conveying means.

30. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the diverting means comprises at least one side guard; and wherein a side edge of the at least one side guard which overlies the conveying means is at an angle with respect to the first direction.

31. A conveyor device according to any one of claims 7 to 30, wherein the at least one elongate protrusion has a height of between about 5mm and 50mm.

32. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor device further comprises a first sensor proximate the first point for detecting the presence of an article.

33. A conveyor device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor device further comprises a second sensor proximate the second point for detecting the presence of an article.

34. A computer implemented-method for driving a conveyor device according to any one of claims 27 to 33, the method comprising the steps of:- receiving data relating to the current location of an article;- receiving data relating to the current location of the at least one elongate protrusion;- receiving data relating to the length of the article;- calculating a positional relationship between the article and the at least one elongate protrusion;- driving the conveying means such that one of the at least one elongate protrusions passes the first point when the article is at the first point35. A conveyor system comprising a conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the conveyor system further comprises input conveyor configured to feed articles to the first point and an output conveyor configured to receive an article at the second point.

36. A computer-implemented method for driving a conveying means comprising the steps of: a. receiving data relating to the length of the conveying means; b. receiving data defining a speed of the conveying means; c. receiving data relating to the number of elongate protrusions on the conveying means; d. receiving data relating to a first current position of one or more elongate protrusions; e. calculating a driving profile for the conveying means based the received data and a second desired position of the one or more protrusions on the conveying means relative to the start of the conveying means f. driving the conveying means according to the calculated driving profile.

37. A computer-implemented method according to claim 36, wherein the second desired position of the one or more elongate protrusions is such that at least one elongate protrusions engages with the article to facilitate conveying of the article by the conveying means.

38. A computer-implemented method according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the data relating to the current position of the one or more elongate protrusions is determined by a probe.

39. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the method further comprises the step of receiving data relating to an input speed of the article onto the conveying means.

40. A computer-implemented method according to claim 39, wherein the conveying means is a first conveying means; and wherein the input speed of the article is the speed of a second conveying means adjacent the first conveying means.41 . A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the conveying means is stationary prior to step f.

42. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 36 to 41 , wherein the conveying means is driven such that the elongate protrusion engages with a rear surface or edge of the article.

43. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, further comprising the step of receiving data relating to a maximum allowable length of the article and driving the conveying means based on this data.

44. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the method further comprises the step of: receiving data defining a dimension of an article.

45. A computer-implemented method according to claim 44, wherein the dimension of the article is a length of the article.

46. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein there is at least one preset speed at which the conveying means can be driven.

47. A computer-implemented method according to claim 46, wherein the at least one preset speed is between 10 meters per second and 30 meters per second.

48. A controller for a conveyor device, the controller comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: a. receive data relating to the length of the conveying means; b. receive data defining a speed of the conveying means; c. receive data relating to the number of elongate protrusions on the conveying means; d. receive data relating to a first current position of one or more elongate protrusions; e. calculate a driving profile for the conveying means based the received data and a second desired position of the one or more protrusions on the conveying means relative to the start of the conveying means f. drive the conveying means according to the calculated driving profile.

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