JP2001233438A - Sorting method using backup conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sorting method highly reliable on a system and capable of sorting baggage in an airport corresponding to the flow rate of objects to be sorted. SOLUTION: This sorting method for sorting many pieces of baggage loaded in an airport using a sorting system having a main sorter and a backup sorter comprises monitoring the sorting ability of the main sorter for the number of loaded pieces of baggage and sorting the baggage using the backup sorter depending on obtained monitoring results. In particular, the baggage is sorted using the main sorter or using the backup sorter when the operation of the main sorter is stopped or the number of the loaded baggages exceeds a preset value for the ability of the main sorter.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a system for sorting a large number of articles, and more particularly to a backup method for an airport baggage sorting system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in a terminal building at an airport, baggage deposited at a check-in counter is transported to a sorting conveyor, and sorted into a predetermined makeup conveyor by a main sorting conveyor.

Conventionally, in such an airport baggage sorting system, two or more sorting devices of the same type are installed as a main sorting conveyor, and if any abnormality occurs in one of the main sorting conveyors, Either sort using the normal sorting device alone, or install a backup conveyor in advance and use a backup conveyor to sort baggage in place of the main sorting conveyor if any abnormality occurs in the main sorting conveyor. Are known.

[0004]

However, among such conventional sorting systems, when a system in which two or more sorting devices of the same type are installed is adopted, there is a problem that the equipment scale becomes excessive. Was.

[0005] On the other hand, if a backup-only conveyor is installed, the operation related to loading of baggage at the check-in counter and the sorting place must be changed, and consequently the operation is confused. There was a problem that reliability as low as.

Further, in the prior art, while the sorting capacity of the main sorting conveyor is limited, it is difficult to temporarily increase the sorting capacity of the main sorting conveyor when the flow rate of baggage increases during sorting. There was also a problem that it is.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such problems of the prior art, and has a high system reliability and can sort an airport baggage according to a flow rate of an object to be sorted. The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for sorting a large number of objects to be sorted (10) into a plurality of sorting devices (30, 5, 5).
An airport baggage sorting method for sorting using the sorting system (1) having the sorting object (1).
Monitoring the sorting capability of the sorting device (30, 50) with respect to the input amount of (0), and using a predetermined sorting device (50) among the plurality of sorting devices (30, 50) based on the obtained monitoring result. The sorting target (10) is sorted.

In the case of the first aspect of the present invention, the sorting capability of the sorting apparatus with respect to the amount of the sorting object (10) is monitored, and based on the obtained monitoring result, the sorting apparatus (30, 50) is used. Since the sorting object (10) is sorted using the predetermined sorting device (50), the sorting operation may be interrupted even if the operating sorting device (30) is stopped due to a failure, for example. The work can be continued promptly and smoothly without changing the operation of the system, and the reliability of the sorting system (1) can be improved.

According to the present invention, the sorting capability of the sorting system (1) can be improved by operating a plurality of sorting devices (30, 50) in combination.
Further, since the sorting capacity can be changed according to the increase or decrease of the input amount of the sorting target (10), the sorting is always performed with the optimum capacity without the shortage or excess of the sorting capacity of the entire system. be able to.

In this case, as in the second aspect of the present invention,
The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first sorting device (30) among the plurality of sorting devices is used to sort the object (1).
0), and at the time of the sorting, the operation status of the first sorting device (30) is monitored and the monitoring result is displayed, and based on the displayed monitoring result, a first sorting device among the plurality of sorting devices is displayed. It is also effective to perform the sorting using the second sorting device (50).

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the most efficient sorting can be performed with a simple system.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 3, in the invention according to claim 2, when the operation of the first sorting device (30) is stopped, the sorting is performed using the second sorting device (50). Is performed, for example, when the first sorting device (30) in operation is stopped due to a failure, the sorting can be quickly and smoothly continued.

Further, as in the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the input amount of the sorting object (10) exceeds a predetermined capacity set value of the first sorting device (30). In this case, if the sorting is performed using the second sorting device (50), the sorting capability of the sorting device as a whole does not become insufficient or excessive, and the sorting is always performed with the optimal capacity. Can be.

Furthermore, as in the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the first sorting device (30) includes a loop type automatic sorting conveyor (30a). A line-type automatic sorting conveyor (50a) having a second sorting device (50)
Is also effective.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the maximum transfer capacity per line of the merging line, which is a weak point of the loop type (circle type), and to save space and cost. It becomes possible to plan.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a plan configuration of an airport baggage sorting system for carrying out the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a three-dimensional configuration of the airport baggage sorting system.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an airport baggage sorting system (hereinafter referred to as a "sorting system") 1 according to the present embodiment includes a check-in area 2 for performing a boarding procedure, and a check-in area. A sorting area 3 for sorting the baggage conveyed from 2 and a cargo handling area 4 for sorting the sorted baggage.

As shown in FIG. 2, the check-in area 2, the sorting area 3, and the cargo handling area 4 are provided on different floors, respectively, and are arranged in this order toward a runway (not shown).

In the check-in area 2, a check-in counter 20 (20A to 20F) having a plurality of windows is provided.
Are provided at predetermined intervals.

The sorting area 3 includes a main sorter (first sorter).
The main sorter 30 is connected to each of the check-in counters 20A to 20F via check-in conveyors 21A to 21F arranged along each check in line.

Here, the main sorter 30 has an automatic belt conveyor 30a of a loop type (circle type), and moves a large number of baggage (sorting objects) 10 at a predetermined speed, and separates each baggage 10 from the baggage. It is configured to sort into predetermined branch chute portions 31 (31A to 31F).

A bar code reader 32 for reading a bar code (not shown) attached to each baggage 10 is provided at a predetermined position of the main sorter 30. Further, no-read line conveyors 33 and 34 for re-reading the baggage 10 that could not be read by the bar code reader 32 are provided in a portion surrounded by the main sorter 30.

In the cargo handling area 4, a plurality of make-up conveyors 40A to 40F corresponding to the check-in counters 20A to 20F are arranged at predetermined intervals.

On the other hand, in the sorting system 1, a backup sorter (second sorting device) 50 is provided from the vicinity of the main sorter 30 to the makeup conveyor 40. The backup sorter 50 has a line-type automatic backup conveyor 50a disposed along the backup line, and each of the check-in conveyors 21A to 21A through a line switching device 51 described later.
1F.

At a predetermined position of the backup sorter 50, a bar code reader 52 for reading a bar code attached to each baggage 10 is provided.

Further, on one side of the cargo handling area 4, a BHS (Bagage Handl) for managing the operation of the main sorter 30 and the backup sorter 50 is provided.
ingSystem) management room 60 is provided. In the BHS management room 60, the operation status of the main sorter 30 and the flow rate of the baggage 10 of the check-in conveyor 21 can be monitored using a BHS computer 600 described later.

Note that a maximum baggage transport conveyor 70 is provided on one side of the main sorter 30. The maximum baggage transport conveyor 70 is connected to a nearby check-in counter 20F via a backup conveyor 50a of the backup sorter 50, for example.

The check-in conveyors 21A, 21
Between B and 21E, 21F, a curve side line 80 for inserting checked-in baggage 10 from a curve side (not shown) (near a limousine bus stop position).
Are arranged.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a line switching device for switching the connection between the check-in conveyor and the main sorter or backup sorter in the present invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a baggage sorting route in the present sorting system.
FIG. 4B shows a state where the backup sorter is not operating, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the backup sorter is operating.

As shown in FIG. 3, the line switching device 51 of the sorting system 1 comprises a line conveyor 53 connected to the check-in conveyor 21 and a tilt conveyor 54 connected to the line conveyor 53. Have been.

Here, the tilt conveyor 54 has a conveyor frame 541 supported vertically movable about a support shaft 540 near the end of the line type conveyor 53.
have. A hoist 55 is disposed above the conveyor frame 541, and the conveyor frame 54
1 is supported by a support member 56 connected to a wire 55a of the hoist 55. And with such a configuration, the conveyor frame 541 is
Is driven to move up and down.

In this tilt conveyor 54, when the conveyor frame 541 is arranged at the upper position, it is connected to the main sorter conveyor 57, and when the conveyor frame 541 is arranged at the lower position, it is connected to the backup sorter. The inclination angle of the conveyor frame 541 is adjusted so as to be connected to the conveyor 58. Here, the main sorter conveyor 57 is configured to join the main sorter 30, and the backup sorter conveyor 58 is configured to join the backup sorter 50.

With such a configuration, in the present sorting system 1, when the conveyor frame 541 is arranged at the upper position and connected to the main sorter conveyor 57, as shown in FIG. The check-in conveyor 21 is connected to the makeup conveyor 40 via the main sorter 30.

On the other hand, when the conveyor frame 541 is disposed at the lower position and connected to the backup conveyor 58, the check-in conveyor 21 is connected to the backup sorter 50 via the backup sorter 50 as shown in FIG. It is adapted to be connected to an up-conveyor 40.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a makeup conveyor of the present sorting system. As shown in FIG. 5, the makeup conveyor 40 of the sorting system 1
Has a loop-shaped race track 41 conveyed in a predetermined direction, and is configured such that the baggage 10 sorted by the main sorter 30 is put into the race track 41 from above through the branch chute 31. I have.

As shown in FIG. 1, the backup sorter 50 described above is disposed above the makeup conveyor 40 so as to cross each makeup conveyor 40.

As shown in FIG. 5, a hinge type diverter 50b is provided at a portion of the backup sorter 50 facing each makeup conveyor 40, and the baggage 1 that has slipped down by opening the hinge type diverter 50b.
0 is input to the race track 41 via the branch chute 42.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG.
In the vicinity of the backup sorter 50, the transfer sorting conveyor 4 is arranged in parallel with the backup sorter 50.
3 are provided.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of a control system of the sorting system. As shown in FIG. 6, in the case of the present sorting system 1, the above-mentioned main sorter 30 is connected to a BHS computer 6 via a main sorter control device 300 including a programmable controller (PLC) not shown.
00 is connected.

The check-in conveyor 21 is connected to a BHS computer 600 via a check-in conveyor control device 210 including a similar PLC and a main sorter control device 300. Further, the backup sorter 50 is connected to the BHS computer 600 via a backup sorter control device 500 including a similar PLC.

Here, the BHS computer 600 has an input / output device 60 having a monitoring screen 601a as described later.
1 so that various processes can be performed by operating the monitoring screen 601a.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a monitoring screen in the input / output device of the BHS computer.
FIG. 8 shows a format of a screen for operating the backup line, and FIG. 8 shows a format of a screen for monitoring the flow rate of baggage of the check-in conveyor.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the present sorting system 1, on the monitor screen 601a of the input / output device 601, the status of the baggage transportation and sorting in the check-in conveyor 21 and the main sorter 30 is displayed. Display 6
02 is displayed.

On the monitoring screen 601a, buttons 603 for selecting a check-in line corresponding to each check-in conveyor 21 are displayed. And BH
Mouse (not shown) connected to S computer 600
Move the pointer 604 with a predetermined button 60
By selecting 3, the selected check-in conveyor 21 is connected to the backup sorter 50.

In this sorting system 1, the buttons 603 corresponding to the plurality of check-in conveyors 21 are used.
Is configured to be selectable.

Further, the monitoring screen 60 of the input / output device 601
On 1a, switching buttons 605 and 606 for switching the operation of the backup conveyor 50a and the backup sorter 50 are displayed, and are selected by selecting the predetermined switching buttons 605 and 606 with the above-mentioned pointer. Backup conveyor 5
0a or the backup sorter 50 is started.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case of the present embodiment, the check-in conveyors 21A to 21F, the no-lead line conveyors 33 and 34, and the curves Set values 610a and 1 for the carry amount of baggage 10 in side line 80
A bar graph 610 indicating the flow rate 610b per minute is displayed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an airport baggage sorting method according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a baggage sorting route in the present sorting system. This shows a state in which a sorter is used together. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the method of the present invention will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

When normal sorting is performed in the present embodiment, the tilt conveyor 54 is arranged at an upper position shown by a solid line in FIG. 3, and the check-in conveyor 21 and the main sorter 30 are connected.

Thus, each check-in counter 20
4A, the baggage 10 placed on the check-in conveyor 21 is moved by the check-in conveyors 21A to 21F into the main sorter 30. As shown in FIG.
To the main sorter 30 via the tilt conveyor 54.

In the main sorter 30, each baggage 1
The sorting destination of 0 is read by the barcode reader 32, and each baggage 10 is sorted into predetermined branch chute sections 31A to 31F based on the read result. In this case, for the baggage 10 for which the sorting destination could not be read, the operator manually inputs the sorting destination data, and the portion on the upstream side in the transport direction of the bar code reader 32 of the main sorter 30 via the resending conveyors 33 and 34. Return to

In the present embodiment, as shown in step S1, first, when the above-mentioned baggage 10 is sorted, the monitoring screen 601a of the input / output device 601 is used.
At 601b, the movable state of the main sorter 30 and the flow rate 610b of the baggage 10 on the check-in conveyor 21 are monitored.

Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the flow rate 610b of the baggage 10 of the check-in conveyor 21 has reached the capacity setting value. If it is determined that the flow rate 610b has not reached the capacity setting value, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the capacity setting value has been reached, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S3, the BHS computer 600 determines whether or not the main sorter 30 has failed and stopped based on a signal from the main sorter control device 300. If it is determined that the main sorter 30 has stopped, the process proceeds to step S3. Proceeding to S4, the monitoring screen 60 of the input / output device 601
An emergency occurrence of the main sorter 30 is displayed on the emergency stop display section 602a on 1a. On the other hand, when it is determined that the main sorter 30 has not stopped, the process returns to step S1.

In step S5, the observer determines whether or not the abnormality recovery time of the main sorter 30 takes 10 minutes or more by using the monitoring screen 601a of the input / output device and a monitoring camera (not shown). Moves to step S6, and if it is determined that it takes less than 10 minutes, returns to step S1.

In step S6, the observer sets the input / output device 6
01, a predetermined check-in conveyor 21 is set to be connected to the backup sorter 50 on the monitoring screen 601a, and the backup sorter 50 is started.

As a result, as shown in, for example, a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4B, each check-in conveyor is connected to the backup sorter 50 via the line switching device 51, whereby each baggage 10 is After being transported by the backup conveyor 50a, the backup sorter 5
By 0, the makeup conveyors 40A to 40F are sorted.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not the abnormality of the main sorter 30 has been recovered or the flow rate 610
The surveillance person judges whether or not b has fallen below the set value 610a using the monitoring screen 601b of the input / output device and a surveillance camera (not shown). If so, the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, the abnormality of the main sorter 30 is not recovered, and the flow rate 610 of the baggage 10
If b is not smaller than the set value 610a, the state is maintained.

In step S8, the monitor monitors the input / output device 6
01, a predetermined check-in conveyor 21 is set to be connected to the main sorter 30 on the monitoring screen 601a, and thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, in step S 9, the flow rate of baggage 10 610 a
It is determined whether it is necessary to increase the processing capacity of the check-in conveyor 21 that has reached the capacity setting value. If it is determined that the processing capacity needs to be increased, the process proceeds to step S6.

In this case, in step S 6, the observer places the first check-in conveyor 21 A on the monitoring screen 601 a of the input / output device 601, for example, in the backup sorter 50.
And the backup sorter 50 is started.

Thus, as shown in the solid line of FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, the first check-in conveyor 21A is connected to the backup sorter 50 via the line switching device 51, whereby each baggage 10 is connected to the main conveyor. After being conveyed by the backup conveyor 50a, it is sorted into each make-up conveyor by the main sorter 30 and the backup sorter 50.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that it is not necessary to increase the processing capacity of the corresponding check-in conveyor 21, the process returns to step S1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
In the case where the main sorter 30 is stopped due to a failure because the operation status of the main sorter 30 is monitored and the monitoring result is displayed, and the sorting is performed using the backup sorter 50 based on the displayed monitoring result. Even in this case, the sorting operation can be quickly and smoothly continued without interrupting the sorting operation or changing the operation of the system, and the reliability of the sorting system 1 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, a loop-type automatic sorting conveyor is used as the main sorter 30 and a line-type automatic sorting conveyor is used as the backup sorter 50, so that the installation area is small and low. The system can be constructed at a low cost, and the maximum transfer capacity per line of the merging line, which is a weak point of the loop type (circle type), can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the sorting capacity of the sorting system 1 can be improved by operating the main sorter 30 and the backup sorter 50 in combination, and furthermore, according to the increase or decrease of the amount of baggage 10 to be loaded. As a result, the sorting capacity can be changed with the optimum capacity without the shortage or excess of the sorting capacity of the entire system.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made. For example,
In the above-described embodiment, the check-in conveyor in which the flow rate of baggage has reached the capacity setting value is connected to the backup sorter, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined check-in conveyor is previously connected to the backup sorter. It can be connected, or all check-in conveyors can be connected to a backup sorter in advance.

Further, the shape, installation position, number, and the like of the check inline, the main sorter, and the backup sorter can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the sorting device in operation stops due to a failure, the sorting operation is quickly and smoothly performed without interrupting the sorting operation or changing the operation of the system. The work can be continued at the same time, and the reliability of the sorting system can be improved. Further, according to the present invention, the sorting capability of the system can be improved by operating a plurality of sorting devices in combination, and the sorting capability can be changed according to an increase or decrease in the amount of input of the sorting target. Therefore, the sorting can be always performed with the optimum capacity without the shortage or excess of the sorting capacity of the entire system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a plane configuration of an airport baggage sorting system for carrying out the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a three-dimensional configuration of the airport baggage sorting system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a line switching device for switching a connection between a check-in conveyor and a main sorter or a backup sorter in the airport baggage sorting system.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a baggage sorting route in the airport baggage sorting system. FIG.
Indicates that the backup sorter is not running,
FIG. 4B shows a state where the backup sorter is operating.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a makeup conveyor of the airport baggage sorting system.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of a control system of the sorting system.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen in the input / output device of the BHS computer, showing a format of a screen for operating and operating a backup line.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen in the input / output device of the BHS computer, showing a format of a screen for monitoring the flow rate of baggage of a check-in conveyor.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an airport baggage sorting method according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a baggage sorting route in the present sorting system, showing a state in which a main sorter and a backup sorter are used together.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sorting system 10 Baggage (object to be sorted) 30 Main sorter (first sorter) 30a Belt conveyor (loop type automatic sorter) 50 Backup sorter (second sorter) 50a Backup conveyor (line type automatic sorter) Conveyor)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Fukuda 24, Kinone Jindai, Kinone, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture Inside the New Tokyo International Airport Corporation (72) Inventor Masahiko Kaneko 8-19-20 Higashisuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo Toyo Kanetsu Incorporated (72) Inventor Yasujiro Toya 8-19-20 Higashisuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo Toyo Kanetsu Inc. F-term (reference) 3F022 LL30 LL32 MM43 NN38 NN55 PP04 3F027 AA02 AA09 CA01 DA15 DA16 EA01 EA09 FA18

Claims (5)

[Claims] A large number of input sorting objects (10)
Using a sorting system (1) having a plurality of sorting devices (30, 50), the sorting method for airport baggage, wherein the sorting device (30, 50) with respect to the input amount of the sorting target (10). The sorting capability of the target object (10) is determined using a predetermined sorting device (50) of the plurality of sorting devices (30, 50) based on the obtained monitoring result. Airport baggage sorting method. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first sorting device is used to sort the objects to be sorted, and the first sorting device is used for sorting the objects to be sorted.
Monitoring the operation status of the sorting device (30) and displaying the monitoring result, and based on the displayed monitoring result, the second sorting device (50) of the plurality of sorting devices (30, 50). 2. The airport baggage sorting method according to claim 1, wherein the sorting is performed using the sorting. 3. The sorting of airport baggage according to claim 2, wherein when the operation of the first sorting device (30) is stopped, sorting is performed using the second sorting device (50). Method. 4. When the input amount of the sorting object (10) exceeds a predetermined capacity setting value of the first sorting device (30), sorting is performed by using the second sorting device (50). 3. The airport baggage sorting method according to claim 2, wherein the sorting is performed. 5. The first sorting device (30) has a loop type automatic sorting conveyor (30a), and the second sorting device (50) has a line type automatic sorting conveyor (50a). The airport baggage sorting method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: