Background of the invention

Various systems are known for transporting, sorting and storing various items and goods, including luggage and parcel items. Such systems are usually tailored to meet specific requirements set by the nature, size and weight of the items, as well as requirements regarding sorting, transport distances and speed of transportation.

One specific field of interest of the present application is the field of transportation and storage of luggage or parcel items in airports. In most airports, checked-in luggage is usually conveyed from a plurality of check-in counters to a central luggage conveying and/or sorting apparatus, referred to herein also as a principal conveyor, at which each luggage item is sorted according to its destination. Such conveying and/or sorting apparatus normally comprises a plurality of discharge units, in each of which luggage items destined for a particular aircraft are accumulated. The luggage items are then manually loaded onto carts or trolleys, by means of which the items are transported to the aircraft. The carts or trolleys may be self-propelled, or they may be attachable to a propelling unit (or tractor), which may be arranged to pull a plurality of trolleys or carts coupled together to form a train. Likewise parcels being sorted are typically discharged from a sorting conveyor into a plurality of collecting stations, each of which is designated for a particular destination. From the collecting stations, the parcels are transported in trollies, carts, containers, cages or bins to an aircraft.

Arriving luggage and arriving parcels at airports are typically conveyed from an aircraft site in similar trollies, carts, containers, cages or bins to a conveyor, which conveys the items onto a sorting conveyor, if the items are in transit, or to a luggage reclaim belt or a parcel distribution facility if the items have arrived at their final destination airport. Handling of arriving luggage and parcels also involves manual loading onto and offloading from carts of items. International patent publication No. WO 2008/020084 discloses a cart for transport and storage of items comprising a plurality of inclined shelves arranged in rows and columns. The cart can be coupled to an identical cart, and multiple coupled carts may thus form a train. Though the cart disclosed in WO 2008/020084 greatly improves luggage handling between airplane sites and airport conveyors, a need for further facilitating of luggage and parcel handling at airports, sorting facilities and similar locations has arisen.

Moreover, some airports, airport operators and airlines may for various reasons have decided not to implement the cart of WO 2008/020084, and under such circumstances an even greater need exists for expediting handling of luggage and parcels.

Summary of the invention

On the above background it is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system, which expedites handling of luggage and parcels at airports, sorting facilities and similar facilities, notably in the sense of providing a system which reduces the need for manual labour work. It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system which improves operator convenience in relation to, e.g., early luggage, reduces the time during which the items are underway between a sorter or conveyor and an aircraft site or vice versa. It is a still further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system, installation and operation of which is easy, and which can be integrated with a variety of different sorting systems. It is a still further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system, which enhances capacity utilization per square meter of the conveyor and sorting systems, as well as of the building premises housing such conveyor and sorting systems. It is a still further object of embodiments of the invention to provide a system, which enhances buffering capacity of items.

In a first aspect, the invention hence provides a system for handling of luggage or parcel items, comprising :

- at least one principal sorter conveyor for conveying the items to respective unloading positions along the principal sorter conveyor;

at least one first item buffer section at each of the unloading positions, wherein each item buffer sections comprises a plurality of first shelves for storing a plurality of the items on each shelf, each first shelf extending in a longitudinal direction from an inlet end of the first item buffer section to an outlet end thereof;

at least one directing apparatus at each unloading position for directing the items onto the shelves of the first item buffer section; a connecting conveyor extending along the respective outlet ends of the first item buffer sections and for receiving items unloaded from the first item buffer sections at their respective outlet ends;

at least one second item buffer section at an item transfer position of the connecting conveyor, the second item buffer section being arranged to receive items unloaded from the connecting conveyor.

The invention also provides a method for handling of luggage or parcel items in a luggage or parcel sorting facility, comprising:

- conveying the items along a principal sorter conveyor;

discharging the items from the sorter conveyor at respective unloading positions along the principal sorter conveyor, wherein the at least one first item buffer section is provided at each of the unloading positions, each first item buffer section comprising a plurality of first shelves for storing a plurality of the items on each shelf, each first shelf extending in a longitudinal direction from an inlet end of the first item buffer section to an outlet end thereof;

accumulating a plurality of items in each of the first item buffer sections;

emptying one single of the first item buffer sections at a time onto a connecting conveyor extending along the respective outlet ends of the first item buffer sections through the unloading ends of the first item buffer section;

conveying the items from the first item buffer sections to at least one second item buffer section at an item transfer position of the connecting conveyor, the second item buffer section being arranged to receive items unloaded from the connecting conveyor, the second item buffer section comprising a plurality of second shelves for storing a plurality of the items on each second shelf, each second shelf extending in a longitudinal direction from an inlet end of the second item accumulation unit to an outlet end thereof.

Thanks to the provision of the first and second item buffer sections, items may be buffered at the first item buffer section without occupying capacity at the second item buffer section. Thus, items may be accumulated at the first item buffer section while other items are being offloaded from the second item buffer section. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the number of first item buffer sections is higher than the number of second item buffer sections. Accordingly, the system may be operated such that each second item buffer section accepts items from a plurality of first item buffer sections. Thus, each first item buffer section may be used as a storage facility for items, such as airport luggage or parcels that are to be delivered to an aircraft site at a later point in time, whereby each first item buffer section may be sequentially loaded over an extended period of time, such as one or several hours prior to, e.g., flight departure. The second item buffer section is preferably operated to load items conveyed from the first item buffer sections by the connecting conveyor onto carts for delivery of items to an aircraft site or other site for further handling of the items. Preferably, the capacities and operation of the connecting conveyor and the second item buffer section are synchronized such that queuing of items at the connecting conveyor is avoided, and such that the first item buffer section(s) may be voided in a single continuous operation without interruption.

In present context, the term inlet end is to be understood as the end of the first item buffer section or second item buffer section at which items enter the first item buffer section or second item buffer section. Similarly, the outlet end is to be understood as the end of the first item buffer section or second item buffer section at which items leave the first item buffer section or second item buffer section. The inlet and outlet ends of each first and second item buffer section are preferentially arranged at opposite ends of respective first and second item buffer sections to ease the flow of items through each of the first and second item buffer sections. Preferably, the first and/or second item buffer sections are configured to allow items to be transferred, or to transfer items, from the inlet end to the outlet end of either one of the first and second items buffer sections without undergoing any directional change. Thus, the items are preferably transferable along a linear one-directional path from the inlet to the outlet end. Thereby, operational speed and structural simplicity of the system may be enhanced.

In present context, the term loading end of a shelf is to be understood as the end point of the shelf at which items are loaded onto the shelf. Similarly, the unloading end of a shelf is to be understood as the end point of the shelf at which items are unloaded from the shelf. The loading and unloading ends of a shelf are preferentially arranged at opposite ends of the shelf to ease the flow of items through each of the first and second item buffer sections.

Preferably, each shelf is configured to allow items to be transferred, or to transfer items, from the loading end to the unloading end of the shelf without undergoing any directional change. Thus, the items are preferably transferable along a linear one-directional path from the loading end to the unloading end of the shelf. Thereby, operational speed and structural simplicity of the system may be enhanced.

Each of the at least one second item accumulation unit may preferably comprise a plurality of shelves, preferably arranged in rows and columns, for accepting the items. At the item transfer position of the connecting conveyor, an item diverting apparatus may be arranged between the second item buffer section and the connecting conveyor in order to transfer items onto shelves of the second item accumulation unit. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one second item buffer section comprises at least two item

accumulation units, each of which comprises a plurality of accumulation shelves for storing a plurality of items on each accumulation shelf. Each accumulation shelf preferably extends in a longitudinal direction from an inlet end of the accumulation unit to an out end thereof, and the shelves of the at two item accumulation units are preferably essentially parallel. The capacity of the second item accumulation section may thereby be increased. In order to further increase capacity, the item diverting apparatus may comprise a first section for receiving items unloaded from the connecting conveyor and a second section for diverting the items into the shelves of each of the at least two item accumulation units. One of the sections of the item diverting apparatus may, e.g., be configured to divert items to a left or right hand one of the accumulation units, whereas the other section may, e.g., be configured to elevate the items to the intended height, i.e. the height of the shelf for each particular item.

Embodiments of the system according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of wheeled carts for transporting items offloaded from the second item accumulation units to aircraft sites. Each cart may comprise a chassis and a storage section comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending cart shelves for accepting items unloaded from the item accumulation units. Thus, unloading speed of items from the second accumulation section may be increased. The carts may be embodied in accordance with the claims and disclosure of international patent publication No. WO 2008/020084, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In order to further increase capacity and operating speed of embodiments of the system of the invention, the accumulation shelves of each of the item accumulation units may be arranged in first rows and columns, and the cart shelves may be arranged in second rows and columns, each cart shelf comprising a loading end and an unloading end. The shelves are preferably configured, arranged and sized such that the cart shelves mate with the accumulation shelves when the carts are parked with their loading ends facing the unloading ends of the accumulation unit. The accumulation units may thus be rapidly unloaded, in particular by virtue of simultaneous unloading of a plurality of accumulation shelves. The storage section of each cart may be rotatable relative to the cart's chassis around an upright axis. In that case, the cart shelves preferably mate with accumulation shelves when the carts are in a position, in which the longitudinal direction of the cart shelves is rotated to a position transverse to a longitudinal direction of the chassis. Thus, the space occupied by the second item buffer section and the associated accumulation section may be minimized, thus increasing usability of the space available within, e.g., an airport facility.

The carts may be configured to be coupled together to form a train of carts, and the item accumulation units of each of the at least one second item buffer section may be arranged at such a mutual distance that items can be simultaneously offloaded from a plurality of the at least two item accumulation units into respective carts. In other words, the distance between storage sections of two neighbouring carts in a train of carts may be equal to the distance between two neighbouring accumulation units of the at least one second item buffer section. Preferably, the distances between storage sections of neighbouring carts is equal to the distance between accumulation units of the second item buffer section when the storage sections of the carts are rotated relative to the cart chassis around the upright axes in such a way that the shelves of the cart extend transversely to a transport direction of the carts, i.e. transversely to a longitudinal direction of the cart chassis. In order to control transfer of items from the connecting conveyor towards the second item buffer section, a pusher mechanism may be provided at the item transfer position of the connecting conveyor for unloading items from the connecting conveyor. The pusher may conveniently comprise an arresting element for arresting the items on the connecting conveyor, while a movable surface of the connecting conveyor passes below the arresting element. A discharge element may be provided for pushing the item off the connecting conveyor in a direction transverse to a direction of movement of the connecting conveyor, and the arresting element may be movable in an upright direction between an arresting position, in which it arrests items conveyed by the connecting conveyor, and an elevated position, in which items conveyed by the connecting conveyor may pass freely under the arresting element. The provision of a pusher at the item transfer position enables accurate and controlled offloading of items from the connecting conveyor.

In order to ensure that the items arriving at the item transfer position are oriented as desired and/or as required by the pusher, the connecting conveyor may comprise an item orienting mechanism upstream of the item transfer position for changing the orientation of at least some of the items relative to the connecting conveyor. The items are preferably oriented in such a manner that they fit into the shelves of second item buffer section without further need for subsequent re-orientation thereof. The at least one first item buffer section may comprise a plurality of first item buffer sections. This allows items to be distributed and sorted onto the plurality of first item buffer sections, enabling sequential operation of the first item buffer sections and/or require less or no sorting of items as they leave the first item buffer section. This is in turn may result in less directional change for each item thereby possibly increasing the speed at which the system may be operated.

In embodiments of the invention, at least one first item buffer section of the system defines a uniform conveying direction, the uniform conveying direction extending linearly in a horizontal projection from the inlet end of the first item buffer section to the outlet end of the first item buffer section. This allows items to be conveyed through the first item buffer section without change of direction in a horizontal projection, allowing the items to move through the first item buffer section at increased speed. Each of the plurality of first item buffer sections may be configured to receive items from one and only one of the unloading positions along the principal sorting conveyor allowing items to be delivered to a specific one of the first item buffer sections without a directional change between respective unloading position and first item buffer section. Each of the first item buffer sections may comprise at least one column of first shelves, each column of first shelves comprising a number of first shelves arranged vertically displaced relative to one another, and the first shelves of neighbouring columns being horizontally aligned. In this case, the first item buffer sections may be arranged in a particularly compact layout with optimized utilization of the space occupied by the system. Further, each first item buffer section may define a general conveying direction defined by the inlet end of the first item buffer section and the outlet end of the first item buffer section with little or no directional change in a horizontal projection. Moreover, items may be conveyed through each of the first item buffer sections with little or no movement in a direction transverse to the general conveying direction of the first item buffer section defined by the inlet end and outlet ends of said first item buffer section.

In one embodiment, at least one first item buffer section comprises a single column of first shelves allowing items to be transferred from an unloading position of the principal sorter conveyor to the shelves of the at least one first item buffer section without having to change direction in a horizontal projection before being loaded onto a shelf. In the present context, the term horizontal projection is to be understood as a projection of the system onto a horizontal plane.

The connecting conveyor may comprise a belt conveyor which extends continuously along the outlet ends of the plurality of the first item buffer sections. In this case, items are allowed to be delivered from each of the plurality of first item buffer sections to the same belt conveyor of the connecting conveyor. Also, each item may be conveyed away from each outlet end in a continuous movement. This may further increase the speed at which the system is operable, increasing the throughput of the system.

The connecting conveyor may comprise a belt conveyor which extends along respective outlet ends of the plurality of first item buffer sections to the at least one item transfer position. In this case, the connecting conveyor may allow for expedient delivery of items from the first item buffer sections to the at least one item transfer positions and second item buffer section. Preferably, the system comprises one single connecting conveyor, which extends along the outlet ends of the at least one first item buffer section allowing a continuous movement between the first item buffer sections and the at least one item transfer position. In embodiments of the invention, in which the at least one first item buffer section comprises a plurality of item buffer sections, the one single connecting conveyor preferably extends along the outlet ends of all of first item buffer sections. This allows for a relatively simple construction of the system and further allows items to be transferred from any of the first item buffer sections to any of the at least one item transfer positions with little or no obstruction of the flow of items allowing the system to be operated with increased throughput.

The system may be configured to allow items to be conveyed from the principal sorting conveyor to the second item buffer section via the first item buffer section and the connecting conveyor without occupying the same point in a horizontal projection twice. In this case, redundant conveying of items may be reduced and the flow of items through the system may be enhanced. In present context, the term horizontal projection is to be understood as a projection of the system onto a horizontal plane. In other words, the system allows items to progress through the system without returning to the same point when viewed from directly above.

The system is preferably configured and operable to transfer any and all items, which are transferred from the principal sorter conveyor into the at least one first item buffer section, onto the connecting conveyor. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments of the invention all of the items in the at least one first item buffer section may be transferred onto the connecting conveyor. Preferably, only one single connecting conveyor is provided. The system may be configured and operable to allow all of the items at the connecting conveyor to be transferred into the second item buffer sections. By virtue of such embodiments, an optimized flow of items through the system may be enabled with the system thus being able to be operated with higher throughput. Further, items may be conveyed through the system with less obstructions and accelerations resulting in more delicate handling of items without compromising item throughput.

In order to allow the system of the present invention to be installed at premises where available space is limited, the at least one principal sorter conveyor, the at least one first item buffer section, and the at least one directing apparatus may be arranged inside a building, such as an airport terminal, whereas the connecting conveyor may extend through an opening in a wall or roof of the building; and the at least one second item buffer section may be arranged outside the building. Description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the

accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 - 4 illustrate an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

The embodiment of the system 100 of Figs. 1 and 3 comprises a principal sorter conveyor 102 for conveying the items to respective unloading positions 104 along the principal sorter conveyor 102. The transport direction of items conveyed by the principal sorter conveyor 102 is generally illustrated by arrow 103. Scanners 106 are optionally provided along the principal sorter conveyor 102. At each unloading position 104 the system comprises a first item buffer section 108, wherein each item buffer section comprises a plurality of first shelves for storing a plurality of the items on each shelf, each first shelf extending in a longitudinal direction from an inlet end of the first item buffer section to an outlet end thereof, i.e. transversely to the transport direction of the principal sorter conveyor 103. The shelves are preferably arranged in a matrix configuration of rows and columns, such as two columns and three rows. Each shelf is preferably sized to accommodate a plurality of items successively loaded onto the shelf at a loading end of the shelf. At each of the transitions between the principal sorter conveyor 102 and the first item buffer sections 108 at the inlet end of the first item buffer section 108, the system comprises a directing apparatus 110 for directing the items onto the shelves. The directing apparatus 110 may comprise lifting and directing equipment for causing items arriving at the loading ends of the shelves of the first item buffer unit 108 to enter a desired one of the shelves. The directing apparatus 110 may be controlled by a control system integrated with a control system of the system 100 or by a dedicated control system .

In one embodiment (not shown), the first item buffer section 108 comprises a single column of shelves. In this embodiment, the directing apparatus 110 for directing items onto the shelves comprises lifting equipment and a conveyor belt. Accordingly, the directing apparatus 110 direct items onto the shelves without movement in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the shelves.

In one embodiment (not shown), at least one first item buffer section 108 of the system 100 defines a uniform conveying direction, the uniform conveying direction extending linearly in a horizontal projection from the inlet end of the first item buffer section 108 to the outlet end 112 of the first item buffer section. This allows items to be conveyed through the first item buffer section 108 without change of direction in a horizontal projection, allowing the items to move through the first item buffer section 108 at increased speed. Selected items, such as e.g. arriving luggage which has reached its final destination may be taken out at arrival stations for separate further handling thereof, e.g. for delivery to a baggage reclaim area of an airport. A connecting conveyor 114 extends along respective outlet ends 112 of the first item buffer sections 110. A transfer belt, roller rail or chute may optionally be provided for facilitating the transfer of items from the first buffer section 108 onto the connecting conveyor 114. In one embodiment a structure identical to the diverting apparatus 130 or at least the first section 131 thereof disclosed below in relation to Figs. 2-4 may be provided at the outlet ends 112 for transferring items from the first buffer section 108 onto the connecting conveyor 114. The connecting conveyor 114 conveys items from the first buffer section 108 towards second item buffer sections 116 in a conveying direction illustrated by double-arrow 115. Each of the second item buffer sections 116 is arranged to receive items unloaded from the connecting conveyor 114 by means of a pusher 118 at item transfer positions 120 of the connecting conveyor 114. Each of the second item buffer sections 116 comprises a plurality of shelves arranged in rows and columns. At unloading ends 122 of the second item buffer sections 116, items are collected by carts 124 which may be coupled together to form a train of carts propelled by a tractor 126. Each of the carts 124 may comprise a plurality of shelves arranged in rows and columns. The carts 124 may preferably be embodied in accordance with the claims and disclosure of international patent publication No. WO 2008/020084. The train of carts 124 may be driven to aircraft sites 128 for offloading thereof and loading of the items onto aircrafts.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 4, the at least one second item buffer section 116 comprises at least two item accumulation units 132, each of which comprises a plurality of accumulation shelves for storing a plurality of items on each accumulation shelf. Each accumulation shelf extends in a longitudinal direction from an inlet 134 end of the accumulation unit 132 to an outlet end 136 thereof. The shelves of the at two item accumulation units 136 are preferably parallel. As further shown in Fig. 2, an item diverting apparatus 130 is arranged between the connecting conveyor 114 and the second item buffer section 116 at the item transfer position 120. The item diverting apparatus 130 comprises a first section 131 for receiving items unloaded from the connecting conveyor 114 and a second section 133 for diverting the items into the shelves of each of the at least two item accumulation units 132. As most clearly visible in Figs. 2 and 4, each of the wheeled carts 124 comprises a chassis 138 and a storage section 140 comprising the plurality of longitudinally extending cart shelves for accepting items unloaded from the item accumulation units 132. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the accumulation shelves of each of the item accumulation units 132 are arranged in rows and columns, and shelves of the carts 124 are likewise arranged in rows and columns. In order to facilitate offloading of items from the accumulation units 132, the cart shelves mate with the shelves of the accumulation units 132 when the carts 124 are parked with their loading ends facing the unloading ends of the accumulation units 132. The storage section 140 of each cart 124 is rotatable relative to the cart's chassis 138 around an upright axis. Preferably the cart shelves mate with accumulation shelves when the carts 124 are in a position, in which the longitudinal direction of the shelves of the cart 124 is rotated to a position transverse to a longitudinal direction of the chassis 138.

Most preferably, each of the second item buffer sections 116 and each of the accumulation units 132 are arranged at such a mutual distance that items can be simultaneously offloaded from a plurality of the item accumulation units 116 into respective carts 124.

An item orienting mechanism 142 is provided at the connecting conveyor 114 upstream of the item transfer position 120 for changing the orientation of at least some of the items relative to the connecting conveyor 114, so as to ensure that items are correctly aligned when they arrive at the item transfer position 120.

In some embodiments of the system according to the present invention, the at least one principal sorter conveyor 102, the at least one first item buffer section 108, and the at least one directing apparatus 110 are arranged inside a building, such as an airport terminal or a luggage or item sorting facility. The connecting conveyor 114 may extend through an opening in a wall or roof of the building, and the at least one second item buffer section 116 may be arranged outside the building. Thus, the system according to the invention may be implemented in a manner that minimizes the space taken up by the system within an airport terminal or sorting facility.

The system 100 illustrated in Figs. 1-4 may operate as follows. Items, such as luggage or parcels, are conveyed along the principal sorter conveyor 102 and discharged from the sorter conveyor 102 at the unloading positions 104. The unloading position of each item is controlled by a control system of the sorter conveyor 102 in a manner known per se.

The items are collected and buffered at the first item buffer sections 108 until a point in time when an automatic or user-operated control system releases them. Thus, each first item buffer 108 section may, e.g., be allocated for luggage or cargo for a particular flight. Once the aircraft of the flight is available and ready for being loaded, the items at the first item buffer section 108 allocated to that flight are released and loaded onto the connecting conveyor 114 which conveys the items to a second item buffer section, from which it is loaded onto carts 124 for transport to the aircraft. Preferably, the capacities and operation of the connecting conveyor 114, the second item buffer section 116, diverting apparatus 130 and carts 124 are synchronized such that queuing of items at the connecting conveyor 114 is avoided, and such that the first item buffer sections 108 may be voided in a single continuous operation without interruption.

The system 100 illustrated in Figs. 1-4, allows items to be conveyed from the principal sorter conveyor 102 to the second item buffer section 116 via the first item buffer sections 108 and the connecting conveyor 114 without occupying the same point in a horizontal projection twice. In other words, the system 100 allows items to progress through the system 100 without returning to the same point when viewed from directly above. In one embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 1, the system 100 is configured and operable to transfer any and all items, which are transferred from the principal sorter conveyor 102 into the at least one first item buffer section 108, onto the connecting conveyor 114. Accordingly, in this embodiment all of the items in the at least one first item buffer section 108 are eventually transferred onto the connecting conveyor 114. Preferably, only one single connecting conveyor 114 is provided. The system 100 may be configured and operable to allow all of the items at the connecting conveyor 114 to be transferred into the second item buffer sections 116. Such embodiments provide an optimized flow of items through the system 100 with the system 100 thus being able to be operated with higher throughput. Further, items may be conveyed through the system 100 with less obstructions and accelerations resulting in more delicate handling of items without compromising item throughput.