NL1023904C2 - Automatic airport baggage handling process, has automatic loading controlled using measured characteristics of baggage pieces and baggage container loading condition - Google Patents

Abstract

A flow of baggage is directed to a destination-specific loading station (4), where a number of pieces of baggage are placed within reach of a robot and the characteristics for these pieces of baggage are recorded and sent to a control system. The loading condition of one or more baggage containers is detected and the control system combines this information with that relating to the characteristics of the pieces of baggage in order to select a suitable piece of baggage to be loaded into the container by the robot. The process is then repeated for each piece of baggage in the selection group. An independent claim is also included for the baggage handling system, comprising a loading station with one or more robots, one or more baggage conveyors and one or more baggage container loading condition detectors, a conveyor system (3) for transporting baggage to the loading station, a measuring device for determining a set of characteristics for each piece of luggage which is representative for the luggage weight and dimensions, and a control system connected to the loading station, conveyor system and measuring device, which is used to determine container loading, select individual pieces of baggage for loading and control the robot. The loading condition detection device is an optical one, preferably a camera. Baggage is loaded into ULD (Unit Load Device)-type containers.

Description

Short indication: Baggage handling.

5

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for the automatic handling of baggage, wherein: - each piece of baggage is assigned a destination and a set of features that is at least representative of the weight and size of the piece of baggage, - the baggage is sorted by destination so that a baggage flow intended for the destination is obtained, - the baggage is transported to a loading station, - at the loading station the baggage is loaded into one or more baggage holders by means of one or more robots.

Such a method is known from EP 1 070 664. In the known method, the flight destination, the flight class as well as the weight, shape, volume and dimensional stability of the baggage are first determined and registered at an airport. This data is then analyzed in a computer system. The computer system divides the baggage into specific classes and determines an optimal supply to the baggage holder based on the classification and flight destination. A loading classification is also determined for the individual baggage holders. The luggage is then sorted and transported to the 25 loading stations. The sorted baggage is loaded into the baggage holders at the loading stations.

The known method is not very flexible in the sense that in the known method when a piece of luggage slides, skews or falls completely out of the luggage holder 30 during loading of the luggage holder, the following pieces of luggage are nevertheless loaded according to the predetermined loading schedule. This means that action must be taken to correct the loading error before loading can continue. For safety reasons, it is undesirable for people to be within the range of the robot when correcting the loading error. The robot would then have to be stopped completely, which takes a lot of time. In the known method it is therefore proposed to have the robot controlled by an operator using an image recognition system to correct the error.

I - 2 - I

I restore, in order to be able to continue with the loading according to I

I the loading schedule. This is quite complex and still costs a lot of I

I time. I

The invention has for its object to provide a more flexible method for the I

Provide automatic handling of baggage. I

This object is achieved with a method according to the preamble of I

Claim 1, characterized in that the luggage flow for a specific I

Destination at the loading station intended for that destination

I is added, whereafter: I

In the loading station a selection group comprising an I

I number of pieces of baggage from the baggage flow for that destination, within I

I range of the robot is set, to which pieces of luggage in the I

I selection group the set of attributes is assigned and to an I

I operating system is supplied, I

- the loading condition of the one or more baggage holders I

I is constantly being observed, I

I - based on the loading condition of the one or more I

I luggage holders and the set of characteristics of the pieces of luggage in the I

I selection group a load is calculated and a piece of luggage becomes I

20 selected by the operating system, I

I - the selected piece of luggage by the robot in the luggage holder I

I is set, and I

- the selection group is supplemented with a following piece of luggage. I

The method according to the invention is always based on I

Of the actual loading condition of the baggage holder such as an I

I container and the known features of a limited number, I

I, for example, five pieces of luggage a suitable stack, at I

I prefer an optimum stack, calculated. Based on the I

The calculated stacking then becomes one piece of luggage from, for example, I

I selected five pieces of luggage and put them in the container by the robot

I placed. Next, the selection group with a piece of baggage becomes I

I supplemented to, for example, five, after which the, preferably I

I optimum load condition is calculated based on the new I

I resulting loading situation. This has the advantage that there are many I

I 35 can be handled more flexibly with, for example, a case that is skewed

I drops, because it does not have to be corrected immediately, because the I

I skewed position of that suitcase can be included in the determining I

I 1023904 - 3 - of the next loading step. Another advantage is that by not immediately correcting, the loading in time takes place more efficiently.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for performing the method.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a robot for loading luggage holders with luggage.

Such a robot is known, for example, from EP 1 174 374.

The known robot is a stationary spherical robot with a carrying arm and a pivoting arm with a loading head attached thereto. When loading a baggage container such as a container, the cases or other types of baggage must be introduced into the baggage as much as possible via a horizontal movement in order to enable the highest possible stacking up to near the roof of the baggage container. The known spherical robot has the drawback that when loading a luggage holder that is close by, the roof of a luggage holder is in the way of the swiveling arm and that the loading head cannot get far enough into the luggage holder. In order to be able to place luggage horizontally in the luggage holder, it is necessary to place the robot at a sufficient distance from the luggage holders. This is unfavorable with regard to the use of space.

The third aspect of the invention aims to provide an improved robot for loading luggage holders with luggage.

This object is achieved with a robot according to claim 23.

The robot according to this aspect of the invention has straight guides in three directions extending substantially perpendicularly to each other, so that a horizontal movement when bringing suitcases or other luggage into a container is always possible without the top of the container in the way of the support arm.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a head 30 for a robot for loading luggage holders with luggage. Such a head is known from DE 100 12 090 A1 in which a head is shown which comprises a flat scoop plate on which a suitcase or other luggage can be received. Suction openings are provided in the scoop plate with which an underpressure can be applied under the case to fix the case. In general, suitcases are heavy and many suitcases nowadays have a somewhat convex and hard shell. A convex case therefore has a relatively small contact surface with the flat scoop plate at the known head and can pass through the convex 1 023 904

I - 4 - I

I shape and rock and fall off the plate. Because of the relative I

I small interface it is also difficult to have a sufficient suction I

I to attach it to hold the case stably. I

The fourth aspect of the invention aims to provide a heading

Providing the cases or other luggage becoming more stable

detained. I

This object is achieved with a head according to claim 31, I

the head two being spaced apart I

I has support. The spacing ensures that the case is at least I

At least two spaced apart interfaces, whereby I

I the case is held more stable. I

The invention will be further described in the following description

I explained with reference to the drawing, in which: I

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the handling of I

15 luggage shown at an airport with a method according to I

I invention is applied, I

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an I

loading station according to the invention, containing a robot according to I

The third aspect of the invention, I

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the I

I loading station of fig. 2, and I

Fig. 4 shows a head of a robot according to a fourth aspect I

I of the invention. I

I in Fig. 1 is the handling of I in a schematic representation

Luggage shown at an airport with a method according to I

The invention is applied. 1 indicates a check-in area. I

I The check-in area includes several check-in counters where passengers I

I check themselves and their luggage, whereby the destination of the I

I 30 passengers and their luggage is determined. This destination becomes I

I generally by means of a label, usually provided with an I

I bar code, applied to the luggage. Furthermore, I

checked whether the weight of the luggage is a permitted maximum I

I does not exceed weight. I

35 From the check-in area the luggage is taken via one or more I

I conveyers 2, for example belt conveyors, to an I

I transport system 3 transported. The transport system 3 I

I transports the luggage to loading stations 4, such that the I

I baggage for a certain destination ends up in a certain loading station 4. Connected to the transport system 3 are also one or more conveyors 5 that originate from the baggage transfer 6. Furthermore, a temporary baggage storage unit 7 is connected to the transport system 3, to which baggage, for example, can be transported, for which no loading station 4 is yet available. The baggage is automatically loaded into baggage holders at the loading station 4. These luggage holders can for instance be aluminum containers which are suitable for loading into the hold of passenger aircraft 10. These types of containers are also referred to in the field as ULD (Unit Load Device) and are described in "ULD Technical Manual" of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The containers are automatically transported from a container storage 8 to the loading stations 4 via a suitable transport path 9 which is represented by a dotted line. After the containers are filled, they are transported via a transport route 10 to the aircraft 11.

With reference to figs. 2 and 3, it will now be further explained how the invention works. In the loading station 4 shown in Fig. 2, a robot 20 is arranged between a conveyor 30 and a number, in the case shown, two luggage containers 50. The conveyor 30 and the robot 20 are coupled to a preferably automatic control system 90. In the example shown, the luggage containers 50 are transported on carts 51 from and to the loading station 4. It is also possible that the containers are transported from and to the loading station 4 with another, preferably automated, transport system, for example with chain / roller conveyors.

In the example shown, the loading containers 50 are placed with the bottom substantially horizontally on the carts, but could possibly also be tilted over a small angle, so that the edge of the bottom on the side where the luggage container 50 is loaded by the robot is slightly higher than the edge on the opposite side.

The conveyor 30 is formed as a conveyor track comprising a plurality of segments 31a to 31j (see also Fig. 3). The segments 31a to 31j are designed with a conveyor belt and are separate from 1023904

I - 6 - I

I control each other through the control system 90. In the shown I

In this case, baggage from a higher level is supplied to segment 31f I

As indicated by an arrow 32 in FIG. The conveyor track 30 I

I has a sloping downward part comprising the segments 31a I

I 5 to 31st. The oblique segments 31a to 31e can be arranged in a horizontal I

I can be tilted as shown in Fig. 2 for segment 31c

I is displayed. This tilting movement takes place around a pivot point I

33 that is at the upper end of each segment 31a to 31e I

I applied. In Fig. 3 this horizontal position is for the segments I

I 10 31a to 31e are shown in dotted lines. The segment 31a has I

I a second pivot point 34 at the lower end of the segment I.

so that this segment 31a is also tilted into a second horizontal position

I, wherein the segment 31a is in line with the segments I

I is 31h and 31i. The tilting of the different segments 31a to I

Ie 31e is separately I by the said control system 90

controlled. I

The robot 20 comprises a portal 21 with a first straight guide I

22 extending in a first direction Z. The robot 20 is I

I can be moved parallel to the conveyor 30 over an I

Straight guide 120 on the bottom. The straight guide 120 can be approximately 6-1

I be 8 meters long. I

A carriage 23 is provided on the first straight guide 22. The I

I slide 23 is over the first straight guide 22 in the first direction Z I

I movable. A second straight guide 24 is on the carriage 23

Arranged in a second direction X substantially perpendicularly

I on the first direction Z. I

There is a second carriage 25 on the second straight guide 24

applied. The second carriage 25 is XI in the second direction

I movable. The second carriage 25 has a third straight guide 26 I

Which extends in a third direction Y substantially perpendicular to the first I

I in the direction of Z and the second direction of X. As an alternative to the I

The robot 20 can also move across the I movement of the second carriage 25

I guide 120 on the bottom in the direction of X1 or X2 (see I

In Figure 2). I

A supporting arm 27 is arranged on the third straight guide 26

which is movable in the third direction Y. The carrying arm 27 is I

I shaped as a telescopic arm with an inner arm portion 27a and an I

I outer arm part 27b. A fourth I is on the inner arm part 27b

Arranged in a straight direction 28 which extends in the third direction Y. A head 60 for carrying luggage is provided on the fourth straight guide 28. The head 60 is displaceable in the third direction Y relative to the inner arm part 27b.

The head 60 is further rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the first direction Z. In Fig. 4 the rotation is indicated by a double arrow 710.

The head 60 has two support elements 61a and 61b which are arranged at a distance from each other so that a gap 62 is formed between the support elements 61a and 61b (see Figs. 2, 3 and 4). In the embodiment shown, each support element 61a, 61b has two spaced apart elongated support fingers 63. The upper sides of the two support fingers 63 of the support element 61a, 61b lie in one plane. This surface in each case forms the bearing surface 67a, 67b of the respective bearing element 61a, 61b.

The bearing fingers 63 each have an infinite conveyor belt 64 which is arranged over bypass rollers 65 in the longitudinal direction of the bearing fingers 61a and 61b. One of the bypass rollers 65 is drivable in two directions by means of a motor (not shown) which, for example, is located in the cavity in the respective bypass roll 65, whereby the conveyor belts 64 are movable in two directions as with the double arrow 70 in Fig. 4. is indicated. The bypass rollers 65 of the two fingers 63 associated with a bearing element 61a or 61b are in each case coupled so that the conveyor belts 64 of those two bearing fingers 63 run the same.

The support elements 61a and 61b are movably mounted on a guide 68 on a base plate 66 so that the support elements 61a and 61b can be moved away from each other and towards each other, whereby the space 62 is variable. The gap 62 ensures that a suitcase, which often has a convex outer surface, lies on at least two spaced-apart interfaces, whereby the suitcase is held more stable. If a large suitcase has to be included, the gap can be increased so that a stable support is created.

Furthermore, the bearing elements 61a and 61b are each rotatable relative to the base plate 66 about an axis parallel to each of the bearing surfaces 67a and 67b so that the bearing surfaces can be rotated, as indicated by the double arrows 69. The 1023904

I - 8 - I

I support surfaces 67a and 67b can therefore be positioned at a certain angle

I are positioned relative to each other, so that the orientation of I

the bearing surfaces can be adjusted to the shape of the case or an I

another piece of luggage. Figure 4 shows how the bearing surfaces 67a and 67b I

5 are turned slightly inwards. I

The head is preferably provided with a fixation plate 71 which I

I is arranged above the bearing surfaces 67a and 67b. The fixation plate 71 I

is height-adjustable with respect to the bearing surfaces 67a and 67b I

so that after a suitcase has been received on the bearing surfaces 67a and 67b I

10 it can be applied to the top of the case. Because of this I

H becomes the case in particular in the longitudinal direction of the carrying fingers 63 I

held more stable. The fixation plate 71 shown has at I

the free end an end region 72 that is slightly downwards I

bent so that an even better engagement can take place on the case I

15 find. I

The fixation plate 71 is preferably connected to a receptacle I

for determining the height of the fixation plate 71 relative to I

I of the bearing surfaces, so that the thickness of a suitcase can be measured

turn into. I

In the loading station 4 the pieces of luggage are replaced by an I

certain destination one by one unsorted from for example an I

I buffer on the sloping part of the conveyor track brought to I

I have a piece of luggage on all five oblique segments 31a to 31e. I

In Fig. 3 these pieces are indicated by A to E. Then I

H 25 of the five pieces of luggage the weight, shape, dimensions and I

I determined dimensional stability, by means of known per se

I suitable measuring means (not shown). This data is transferred to the I

H control system 90 for controlling the robot 20 and the I

Conveyor 30 is supplied. Furthermore, a camera is 80 or another I

I optical optical means provided with which with the aid of I

I image recognition and 3D techniques the loading status of the I

Container 50 can be determined. This loading condition also becomes I

H is supplied to the control system 90. I

The operating system 90 comprises, for example, a computer, I

With which with the aid of optimization software known per se an I

I possible, preferably optimum, loading of the luggage in the I

Container 50 can be calculated. This is done on the basis of the I

I information about the five pieces of luggage A to E and the I

I 1023904 - 9 -

loading condition where one of the pieces of luggage A to E is selected by the control system 90 as the optimum choice in the given condition. Subsequently, the conveyor segment on which the selected piece of luggage lies is brought into the horizontal position by the control system 90. In Fig. 3, for example, case B

is selected and segment 31b is set to the horizontal position. The head 60 of the robot 20 is sent to the free end of the segment 31b by the control system 90 (see Fig. 3). Subsequently, the case B is transferred by means of the conveyor belt of the segment 31b to the bearing surfaces 67a and 67b of the head 60.

Subsequently, the case B with the head 60 is moved through the portal 21 of the robot 20 and brought into the container 50, which situation is in fact shown in Fig. 2 without a case. By moving the case B with the conveyor belts 64 of the carrying fingers 63 forwards and at the same time moving the head backwards at the same speed, the case B is placed in the container. The case B is placed at that location in the container 50 determined by the control system.

In the meantime, segment 31b can be brought back to the inclined position and the pieces of luggage C, D and E can each be moved down one position to resp. the segments 31b, 31c and 31d. A new piece of baggage is then supplied to segment 31e from the buffer. The weight, shape, dimensions and dimensional stability of this newly supplied piece of luggage are again determined. The loading condition of the container 50 is again determined, after which a next optimum loading is calculated.

These steps are repeated until all baggage has been loaded. If there are several containers 50 one behind the other, the optimum loading can of course also be calculated over those containers 50, whereafter these containers 50 are loaded by a robot 20.

It is also possible that more than one conveyor track 30 and a robot 20 are present in a loading station. This increases the throughput capacity.

It may happen that a suitcase with a specific destination 35 ends up at the wrong loading station 4. In the loading station 4, therefore, a detection device is preferably present for reading the destination of the suitcase, which is arranged, for example, on an identification label with a bar code.

If an incorrect case is found, it can be removed by the robot 20 from the oblique conveyor track part and placed on one of the segments 31g, 31h. By bringing the segment 31a into the second horizontal position, these cases can be transported back under the sloping conveyor part through segments 31i and 31j to the transport system 3, where it can be processed again.

Preferably, during loading of the containers 50, an operator 150 is at the head of the segment 31g, where he has a good overview of the loading process in order to keep an eye on whether there is anything wrong. In the event of an emergency, for example when a suitcase falls out of the container 50 when loaded, the person 150 can stop the robot 20. Preferably, the robot 20 is then automatically brought to an extreme position in the direction X2 (see Fig. 2), as a result of which the person can reach the container well and safely to straighten a suitcase or to place an I suitcase there. to insert that has fallen or has been taken from one of the segments 31g or 31h.

In the foregoing, a suitcase was mentioned as an example for a piece of luggage. It should be understood, however, that luggage can also include backpacks, bags such as weekend bags, but also packages, boxes, mail items or something like that.

I 1 f) 9 9 Q n A

Claims (40)

Method for the automatic handling of baggage, wherein: - each piece of baggage is assigned a destination and a set of features that is at least representative of the weight and size of the piece of baggage, - the baggage is sorted by destination so that a baggage intended for the destination is obtained, - the baggage is transported to a loading station, 10. the baggage is loaded into one or more baggage holders by means of one or more robots, characterized in that the baggage flow for a specific destination is supplied to the loading station intended for that destination, whereafter in each case: 15. a selection group, comprising a number of pieces of luggage from the luggage flow for that destination, is arranged within the robot's reach in the loading station, to which pieces of luggage in the selection group the set of characteristics is attributed assigned and applied to a control system, 20. the loading status of the one or more baggage holders is constantly observed, - based on the loading status of the one or more baggage holders and the set of characteristics of the pieces of baggage in the selection group, a load is calculated and a piece of baggage is selected by the control system, - the selected piece of baggage is selected by the robot is placed in the luggage holder, and - the selection group is supplemented with a following piece of luggage. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of features assigned to each piece of luggage is further representative of the shape and dimensional stability of the piece of luggage. 3. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of features of each individual piece of baggage is assigned in the loading station with the aid of suitable means after which the features are supplied to the control means. 1 023904 I - 12 - 4. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of features of each individual piece of baggage is assigned at a check-in location and is coupled to the piece of baggage by means of an identification means, and that the features in the loading station are read out by reading means supplying the characteristics to the control means. The method according to claim 1, wherein the loading condition of the luggage holder with observation means is detected. I 10 Method according to claim 5, wherein the observation means I comprise optical observation means, preferably a camera. 7. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the luggage is loaded from the side into luggage holders with a closed bottom and top and at least three closed side walls. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the luggage is loaded into luggage holders of the ULD type. I 20 9. Device for carrying out the method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: - a loading station comprising at least one robot for loading one or more baggage holders with baggage, at least one conveyor on which a selection group comprising a number of baggage items is arranged within range of the robot, and comprises detecting means for detecting the loading status of the one or more baggage holders, - a transport system for transporting baggage to a loading station 30, - measuring means for measuring each piece of baggage of the selection group, and assigning a set of features that are at least representative of weight and dimensions, - a control system connected to the conveyor, the loading station and the measuring means for calculating a suitable loading and selection of a piece of luggage from the selection group, and for controlling of the robot. I in? 39 (U - 13 - Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the conveyor comprises several separately controllable segments in the loading station on which a piece of luggage can in each case lie during use. Device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the separately controllable segments comprise a belt conveyor. 12. Device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the separately controllable segments are arranged in line with each other in line with each other. 13. Device as claimed in any of the claims 10-12, wherein the segments are movable in an oblique position and in a horizontal position, which oblique position serves for moving luggage to the connecting segment and which horizontal position serves for its location on it hand over luggage to the robot. 14. Device as claimed in any of the claims 9-13, wherein the robot has a head for carrying luggage, which head has two bearing surfaces placed at a distance from each other. Device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bearing surfaces are each rotatable relative to each other about an axis that is parallel to each of the bearing surfaces. 25 Device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the bearing surfaces each comprise two bearing fingers fixed relative to each other. 17. Device as claimed in any of the claims 14-16, wherein the bearing surfaces are provided with conveyor belts for sliding the luggage into the luggage holder from the head. 18. Device as claimed in any of the claims 14-17, wherein a fixation plate is arranged above the bearing surfaces which is height-adjustable relative to the bearing surfaces to rest on top of the piece of luggage during use. 1023904 I - 14 - I Device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the fixation plate is connected to a sensor for determining the height of the fixation plate relative to the bearing surfaces. I 5 20. Device as claimed in any of the claims 9-19, wherein the robot II comprises: II - a gantry with a first straight guide extending in a II first direction, II - a carriage arranged on the first straight guide and II over the first straight guide is movable in the first direction, which slide has a second straight guide which extends in a second II direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, II - a second slide arranged on the second straight guide II and arranged in the second direction, which second II carriage has a third straight guide extending in a third direction I substantially perpendicular to the first and second direction, II - a support arm arranged on the third straight guide and II being movable in the third direction , which support arm has a fourth straight guide extending in the third direction, a head mounted on the fourth straight guide and is movable in the third direction and is rotatable relative to the arm I. I 21. Device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the carrying arm of the robot I comprises a telescopic arm. I 22. Device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the robot is arranged along the I-conveyor in the loading station, and wherein the second direction substantially corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the I-conveyor. I Device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the robot is displaceable in the loading station substantially parallel to the conveyor. 35 Device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the robot is arranged between the conveyor and luggage holders. I 1023904 - 15 - 25. Robot for loading luggage holders with luggage, comprising: - a portal with a first straight guide that extends in a first direction, - a carriage which is arranged on the first straight guide and is movable over the first straight guide in the first direction which slide has a second straight guide which extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a second slide which is arranged on the second straight guide and is movable in the second direction, which second slide has a third straight guide which extends in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second direction, - a support arm which is arranged on the third straight guide and is movable in the third direction, which support arm has a fourth straight guide which extends in the third direction, a head disposed on the fourth straight guide and movable in the third direction and with respect to d he arm can be turned. 26. Robot as claimed in claim 25, wherein the carrying arm of the robot comprises a telescopic arm. A robot according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the robot has a head for carrying luggage, which head has two bearing surfaces placed at a distance from each other. 25 The robot of claim 27, wherein the bearing surfaces are each rotatable relative to each other about an axis that is parallel to each of the bearing surfaces. A robot according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the bearing surfaces each comprise two bearing fingers fixed relative to each other. A robot according to any of claims 27-29, wherein the bearing surfaces are provided with conveyor belts for sliding the luggage away from the head 35 into the luggage holder. A robot according to any one of claims 27-30, wherein a fixation plate is arranged above the bearing surfaces which is height-adjustable relative to the bearing surfaces for resting on top of the piece of luggage during use. I The robot of claim 31, wherein the fixation plate is connected. with a sensor for determining the height of the fixation plate I1 relative to the bearing surfaces. I A robot according to any of claims 25-32, wherein the bearing surfaces are movable towards and away from each other to vary the spacing 34. Head for a robot for loading baggage holders with baggage, the head having two bearing surfaces spaced apart. I I 15 I The head of claim 34, wherein the bearing surfaces are each rotatable relative to each other about an axis parallel to each of the bearing surfaces. I 20 36. Head according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the bearing surfaces each comprise two bearing fingers fixed relative to each other. I 37. Head as claimed in any of the claims 34-36, wherein the bearing surfaces I are designed with conveyor belts for sliding the luggage from the head into the luggage holder. I 38. Head as claimed in any of the claims 34-37, wherein a fixation plate is arranged above the bearing surfaces which is height-adjustable relative to the bearing surfaces in order to rest on top of the luggage during use. I 39. Head as claimed in claim 38, wherein the fixation plate is connected to a sensor for determining the height of the fixation plate I relative to the bearing surfaces. 35 The head of any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the bearing surfaces I are movable toward and away from each other to vary the spacing. I 1023904