Cargo carrier received into a cargo hold of an aircraft, system and receiving platform composed of cargo carriers

Abstract

A cargo carrier (7) for receiving into a cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1), a system consisting of one or more cargo carriers (7) and a receiving platform (103) and a receiving platform (103) are shown and described, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a bottom element (9) with a support face (n) which is designed to be placed on a floor face of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1), wherein the cargo carrier (7) is designed to be moved on the floor face with the support face (n) extending on the floor face, wherein the bottom element (9) has a base element (12) with a base face (13), wherein the base face (13) is arranged on the base element (12) such that the base face (13) faces away from the support face (n), wherein the support face (n) is provided with means which are designed to enable the movability of the cargo carrier (7) on the floor face, and wherein the bottom element (9) has a recess (85) which extends between a front section (81) and a rear section (83) towards the base face (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cargo carrier for receiving cargo into the cargo hold of an aircraft, a system comprising one or more cargo carriers and a receiving platform, and a receiving platform. Background Technology

[0002] As is known from the prior art, the cargo hold of an aircraft is loaded in such a way that various cargo components are loaded into so-called cargo containers made of shape-stable materials (e.g., aluminum), and these cargo containers are then transported into the cargo hold. For this purpose, a first conveying device is needed to transport the cargo containers to the entrance of the cargo hold. On the other hand, a second conveying device (e.g., a conveyor belt assembly or roller system) is needed within the cargo hold to transport the cargo containers from the entrance to their final location on the floor of the cargo hold.

[0003] The cargo containers themselves and the conveying equipment in the cargo hold can be quite heavy, but it is desirable to keep the weight of the aircraft as small as possible in order to minimize its fuel consumption.

[0004] As known from DE 10 2008 038 637 A1, cargo containers are equipped with wheels in the bottom area, which can move back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position by means of a maneuvering device. The disadvantage of this structure is the complexity of the mechanical structure in the bottom area of ​​the cargo container. Furthermore, the wheels can cause point overloads and wear on the bottom of the cargo.

[0005] EP 3 006329 B1 and EP 3 006341 B1 describe cargo carriers movably mounted on the floor of an aircraft's cargo hold, these carriers having blower units that allow them to be lifted relative to the floor. Cargo containers, arranged on rails on the floor, can first be lifted by the carrier (after the carrier is pushed under the container). The container can then be moved using the carrier. The blower units of the carrier are then deactivated again to lower the container, and the carrier can be pulled out from under the moved container, at which point the container is placed back on the rails.

[0006] Furthermore, in this regard, it is known from EP 2 492 217 A1 that containers made of textile materials are used as cargo containers, which have planar reinforcing elements. The disadvantage of such containers is that the containers themselves can only move with difficulty on the flat floor of the cargo hold, and therefore conveying devices are still required there, which are themselves associated with considerable weight.

[0007] Furthermore, cargo carriers must be transported from vehicles or trailers capable of moving on the runway to the aircraft's cargo hold, typically using conveyor belts that extend at an angle between the loading position near the runway and the loading / unloading hatches. The current problem is that the cargo carriers must be moved at an angle relative to the cargo hold floor plane across the loading / unloading hatches, where, when the loaded cargo carriers are brought at an angle to the hatches, their cross-section is too large to pass through them.

[0008] Another problem arising from the inclination of the conveyor belt between the taxiway and the loading / unloading hatch of the cargo hold is that the base surface of the cargo carrier on which the cargo is placed is tilted during transport by the conveyor belt, which may cause the cargo to slide on the base surface. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned problems and, in particular, to design the components used in the cargo hold for loading aircraft, which remain in the aircraft during flight, to be as light as possible while still enabling comfortable loading.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a cargo carrier for receiving cargo into the cargo hold of an aircraft, the cargo carrier having:

[0011] - A bottom element having a support surface designed for placement on the floor of the aircraft's cargo hold.

[0012] -The cargo carrier is designed to move on a floor surface that extends from the floor plane using a supporting surface.

[0013] -The bottom element has a base element with a base surface, wherein the base surface is arranged on the base element such that the base surface faces away from the support surface.

[0014] -The support surface is equipped with the following devices, which are designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier on the floor surface, and

[0015] -The bottom element is designed as a rigid base plate.

[0016] The cargo carrier according to the first aspect of the invention can be used in a simple way to transport cargo into the cargo hold of an aircraft. For this purpose, the individual cargo components can first be placed on the base surface of a base element disposed on a bottom element. Subsequently, the cargo carrier can be transported first to the vicinity of the aircraft and then transported into the cargo hold by means of a conveying device (e.g., a conveyor belt). Then, within the cargo hold, a device for enabling mobility, disposed on a support surface pointing towards the loading space floor, allows the cargo carrier to move easily across the floor.

[0017] These devices can be preferably cylindrical rollers mounted on a support surface with their axis of rotation parallel to the plane of the floor surface (i.e., the floor plane) and preferably also parallel to the support surface of the bottom element. Furthermore, such rollers can be held in such a way that the axis of rotation can rotate about a vertical axis perpendicular to the floor plane and preferably also perpendicular to the support surface, thereby ensuring that these rollers are always oriented with respect to the direction in which the cargo carrier should move on the floor surface.

[0018] As an alternative to rollers, freely rotating balls fixed to a support surface are also feasible. These balls enable the cargo carrier to move easily on the floor, and the axis of rotation of these balls can be easily oriented to correspond to the direction in which the cargo carrier moves on the floor.

[0019] Furthermore, it is also possible to have the device for achieving mobility have outlet openings in the support surface through which air can escape from the support surface, thereby forming an air cushion below the support surface. Here, an interface and connecting assembly for the cargo carrier can be provided, which connects the interface to the outlet opening. Thus, the interface can be designed to be detachably connected to the output of a blower unit or air source, enabling the generation of an airflow from the blower unit through the interface and connecting assembly toward and out of the outlet opening. In this way, an air cushion can be generated when the cargo carrier is intentionally moved.

[0020] Furthermore, it is also possible to achieve mobility by including sliding elements disposed on the support surface, which have low frictional resistance relative to the floor surface of the loading space, and these sliding elements are mounted on the support surface such that they contact the floor surface when the cargo carrier is placed on the cargo hold floor. This allows the cargo carrier to move equally easily on the floor surface.

[0021] The above-mentioned possible solutions for designing devices to achieve mobility present several examples, but are not an exhaustive list, so other design solutions may also be used.

[0022] Finally, in this aspect of the invention, the bottom element is designed as a rigid base plate. This ensures that the bottom element does not deform when the cargo carrier is guided, for example, from the conveyor belt onto the cargo hold floor, which would otherwise cause the cargo to slip off the base surface of the bottom element. This design allows for particularly reliable transport of cargo into the cargo hold.

[0023] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the invention, the above objective is achieved by a cargo carrier for receiving cargo into the cargo hold of an aircraft, the cargo carrier having:

[0024] - A bottom element having a support surface designed for placement on the floor of the aircraft's cargo hold.

[0025] -The cargo carrier is designed to move on a floor surface that extends from the floor plane using a supporting surface.

[0026] -The bottom element has a base element with a base surface, wherein the base surface is arranged on the base element such that the base surface faces away from the support surface.

[0027] -The support surface is equipped with the following devices, which are designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier on the floor surface, and

[0028] -The bottom element is designed as a flexible, especially bendable, base plate.

[0029] This structure of the cargo carrier can also be used in conjunction with the manner described in the first aspect, whereby the cargo is placed on the base and then brought to the vicinity of the aircraft, from where it is transported, for example, by means of a conveyor belt, into the cargo hold.

[0030] Furthermore, in this aspect of the invention, the device for achieving mobility can be designed in the same manner as described in conjunction with the first aspect.

[0031] Finally, in the cargo carrier according to the second aspect of the invention, although it is necessary to stabilize the bottom element during transport, for example, by means of a lifting device, so that the bottom element does not deform due to lack of support, a flexible and bendable design of the bottom element can be achieved in other aspects, allowing the cargo carrier to deform or bend, for example, when transferred between the conveyor belt and the floor of the loading space, and thus to be easily brought into the loading space. In particular, this enables the reduction of the minimum dimensions that the loading hatch must have for a cargo carrier of a certain maximum height, since the cargo carrier does not collide with the loading hatch in a rearward and upwardly inclined front section.

[0032] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the invention, the above objective is also achieved by a cargo carrier for receiving cargo into the cargo hold of an aircraft, the cargo carrier having:

[0033] - A bottom element having a support surface designed for placement on the floor of the aircraft's cargo hold.

[0034] -The cargo carrier is designed to move on a floor surface that extends from the floor plane using a supporting surface.

[0035] -The bottom element has a base element with a base surface, wherein the base surface is arranged on the base element such that the base surface faces away from the support surface.

[0036] -The support surface is equipped with the following devices, which are designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier on the floor surface, and

[0037] -The bottom element has multiple segments that are pivotally interconnected.

[0038] The cargo carrier structure according to the third aspect can also be used in a manner combined with the first and second aspects, whereby the cargo is placed on the base surface of the base element of the cargo carrier and then the cargo carrier can be brought to the vicinity of the aircraft and then transported from there, for example by means of a conveyor belt, into the cargo hold.

[0039] In a third aspect of the invention, the device for achieving mobility can also be designed in the same manner as those mentioned in conjunction with the first and second aspects.

[0040] Furthermore, this is achieved through a bottom element constructed of pivotally interconnected segments: allowing the cargo carrier to move more easily over uneven areas of the cargo hold floor while still maintaining relatively high stability of the bottom element. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect, these segments are capable of extending parallel to each other about their pivot axes relative to each other. This enables transfer between the conveyor belt and the cargo hold floor when the cargo carrier is transported into the cargo hold by means of a conveyor belt and the pivot axes are oriented perpendicular to the transport direction, without causing the entire cargo carrier to accidentally tip over.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the first and second aspects of the invention, the bottom element has a front edge and a rear edge, wherein the support surface has a front segment and a rear segment, wherein the front segment is disposed in the region of the front edge and the rear segment is disposed in the region of the rear edge, and wherein the bottom element has a recess extending toward the base surface between the front and rear segments. The recess may in particular be designed to extend through the support surface and the support surface is interrupted in the region of the recess.

[0042] This structure ensures that when a cargo carrier is first transported into the cargo hold on a conveyor belt that is inclined relative to the cargo hold floor, the cargo carrier will not accidentally tip over from the plane of the conveyor belt onto the plane of the cargo hold floor. Instead, when transferring the cargo carrier from the conveyor belt on the cargo hold floor, the front section can be pre-placed on the cargo hold floor, while the rear section remains on the conveyor belt, thus allowing the upper end of the conveyor belt to be received into the recess.

[0043] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of all aspects of the invention, the cargo carrier is designed such that the base element is fixedly connected to the bottom element and, in particular, formed as a single piece with the bottom element. This achieves a particularly simple structure for the cargo carrier.

[0044] In another embodiment of these aspects of the invention, the support surface has a front edge and a rear edge, wherein the base element is fixed to the bottom element such that the angle occupied by the base surface relative to the support surface in a plane is variable, i.e., the plane extends perpendicularly to the support surface and the connecting line extending between the front edge and the rear edge along the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier extends in that plane. The pivotability of the base element and the base surface connected thereto relative to the bottom element ensures that the base surface and the floor on which the support surface is placed always extend in a horizontal plane, regardless of the inclination. In particular, if the cargo carrier is transported on an inclined conveyor belt and the transport direction coincides with the connecting line between the front edge and the rear edge, the inclination can be easily compensated for and the cargo on the cargo carrier can be prevented from slipping due to the inclination.

[0045] In one embodiment of all aspects of the invention, this adjustability of tilting the base surface relative to the bottom element can be achieved in a simple way by allowing the base element to pivot relative to the bottom element about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis extends perpendicular to the connecting line and parallel to the support surface.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment of these aspects of the invention, the bottom element has a front edge and a rear edge, wherein the bottom element has a front section and a rear section. The front section is arranged in the region of the front edge and the rear section is arranged in the region of the rear edge, wherein the rear section of the bottom element is connected to the base element by a lever arm, wherein the lever arm is pivotally hinged to the base element and pivotally hinged to the bottom element, and wherein the front section is held on the bottom element and pivotally held on the base element in a manner movably along the longitudinal direction of the bottom element. Preferably, the lever arm extends parallel to each other and also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction about its pivot axis relative to the rear section of the bottom element and relative to the base element, and the front section extends about its pivot axis relative to the base element.

[0047] In this embodiment, the base element on which goods can be placed on its base surface can be pivoted relative to the bottom element in a simple manner by moving the front section of the base element toward the lever arm.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment of these aspects of the invention, the cargo carrier may have a receiving space extending away from the base surface, wherein planar dividing elements are provided inside the receiving space, dividing the receiving space into sub-segments and extending away from the base surface. This prevents cargo within the receiving space from potentially slipping out.

[0049] According to another embodiment of these aspects of the invention, the cargo carrier may have a front wall, a rear wall, and a side wall extending between the front and rear walls, wherein connecting elements for detachably connecting to another cargo carrier are provided in the region of the side wall and / or in the region of the front and rear walls. This enables the coupling of multiple cargo carriers together to prevent the cargo carriers from moving independently of each other within the cargo hold of an aircraft, for example, during flight.

[0050] Finally, it has proven advantageous in conjunction with the present invention that the cargo carrier according to these aspects of the invention has receiving elements, such as channels, for receiving the forks of a forklift, so that the cargo carrier can be easily transported.

[0051] Furthermore, in preferred embodiments of these aspects of the invention, it can also be achieved that the cargo carrier according to the invention is designed to accommodate one or more wheelchairs. In particular, the dimensions of the plane of the base surface can be determined to accommodate or park one or more wheelchairs. For this purpose, the base surface can also have correspondingly adapted fastening devices (such as belts for wheelchairs).

[0052] In particular, the cargo carrier has front walls, rear walls, and side walls extending between the front and rear walls, which are designed to be rigid and shape-stable so as not to damage the wheelchairs housed in the cargo carrier's reception space. Furthermore, the front walls, rear walls, and / or side walls may be formed of heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant materials so that, in the event of transporting a battery-powered wheelchair and the battery overheating or catching fire, fire will not spread into the cargo compartment.

[0053] Furthermore, in the design of cargo carriers for receiving wheelchairs, it may be proposed that inflatable elements (such as inflatable padding elements) be provided on the front, rear and / or side walls, by means of which the wheelchair is secured in the receiving space or protected from collisions.

[0054] Furthermore, in such an implementation, it is advantageous that the cargo carrier has data transmission devices, and information about the contents of the cargo carrier, such as quantity, type, or unique identification of the wheelchairs accepted, can be transmitted, preferably wirelessly, to the aircraft's data network by means of these data transmission devices.

[0055] The above objective is also achieved by a system having one or more cargo carriers according to the above embodiments.

[0056] - A receiving platform, wherein the receiving platform has a receiving surface and a bottom, the bottom being designed for placement on the floor of the aircraft's cargo hold.

[0057] -The receiving surface is sized and designed to receive one or more of the cargo carriers using the supporting surface of the cargo carriers.

[0058] Such a system allows for the placement of the aforementioned cargo carrier on a receiving platform, followed by the transport of the receiving platform and the cargo carrier together into the aircraft's loading space. Here, the receiving platform can be adapted to work in conjunction with the aircraft's cargo loading system, enabling the platform to move within the cargo hold using the cargo loading system. By using the receiving platform, cargo carriers designed for use in cargo holds without a cargo loading system can also be adapted to other cargo holds.

[0059] In a particularly preferred manner, the receiving surface is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers are received side by side, especially with their sides facing each other.

[0060] Furthermore, preferably, the receiving platform is designed such that the receiving surface can pivot relative to the bottom. This ensures, particularly when the cargo carrier itself does not have a device for pivoting the base surface relative to the bottom element, that the base surfaces of the cargo carrier extend in a horizontal plane as the cargo carrier moves together with the receiving platform on inclined guide rails.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, a receiving platform for the aforementioned system is provided, wherein the receiving platform has a receiving surface and a bottom, the bottom being designed for placement on the floor of an aircraft's cargo hold, and wherein the receiving surface is sized and designed for receiving one or more cargo carriers using the support surface of the cargo carriers according to one or more of the aforementioned aspects.

[0062] In particular, the receiving surface of the receiving platform can be designed and sized so that two cargo carriers are received side by side, especially with their sides facing each other.

[0063] Finally, the receiving platform can be designed so that the receiving surface can pivot relative to the bottom.

[0064] Furthermore, the following embodiments 1 to 22 are the subject of the present invention, wherein the reference numerals contained herein refer to the figures described below:

[0065] 1. A cargo carrier for receiving into a cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1), the cargo carrier having a bottom element (9) having a support surface (11) designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1),

[0066] The cargo carrier (7) is designed to move on a floor surface extending from the floor plane using the support surface (11).

[0067] The bottom element (9) has a base element (12) with a base surface (13), wherein the base surface (13) is arranged on the base element (12) such that the base surface (13) faces away from the support surface (11).

[0068] The support surface (11) is provided with a device designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier (7) on the floor surface, and

[0069] The bottom element (9) is designed as a rigid base plate.

[0070] 2. A cargo carrier for receiving into a cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1), the cargo carrier having a bottom element (9) having a support surface (11) designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1),

[0071] The cargo carrier (7) is designed to move on a floor surface extending from the floor plane using the support surface (11).

[0072] The bottom element (9) has a base element (12) with a base surface (13), wherein the base surface (13) is arranged on the base element (12) such that the base surface (13) faces away from the support surface (11).

[0073] The support surface (11) is provided with a device designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier (7) on the floor surface, and

[0074] The bottom element (9) is designed as a flexible, particularly bendable, base plate.

[0075] 3. A cargo carrier for receiving into a cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1), the cargo carrier having a bottom element (9) having a support surface (11) designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1),

[0076] The cargo carrier (7) is designed to move on a floor surface extending from the floor plane using the support surface (11).

[0077] The bottom element (9) has a base element (12) with a base surface (13), wherein the base surface (13) is arranged on the base element (12) such that the base surface (13) faces away from the support surface (11).

[0078] The support surface (11) is provided with a device designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier (7) on the floor surface, and

[0079] The bottom element (9) has multiple segments (9', 9", 9"') that are pivotally connected to each other.

[0080] 4. The cargo carrier according to embodiment 3, wherein the segments (9', 9", 9"') are capable of extending parallel to each other about their pivot axes (9"") that pivot relative to each other.

[0081] 5. A cargo carrier according to one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the bottom element (9) has a front edge (77) and a rear edge (79).

[0082] The support surface (11) has a front section (81) and a rear section (83).

[0083] The front section (81) is arranged in the region of the front edge (77) and the rear section (83) is arranged in the region of the rear edge (79).

[0084] The bottom element (9) has a recess (85) that extends toward the base surface (13) between the front section (81) and the rear section (83).

[0085] 6. The cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the base element (12) is fixedly connected to the bottom element (9), and in particular, is formed as a single piece with the bottom element (9).

[0086] 7. A cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the support surface (11) has a front edge (77) and a rear edge (79).

[0087] The base element (12) is held on the bottom element (9) such that the angle occupied by the base surface (13) relative to the support surface (11) in a plane is variable, namely, the plane extends perpendicularly to the support surface (11) and the connecting line extending between the front edge (77) and the rear edge (79) along the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier (7) extends in the plane.

[0088] 8. The cargo carrier according to embodiment 7, wherein the base element (12) is pivotable about a pivot axis (89) relative to the bottom element (9), and

[0089] The pivot axis (89) extends perpendicular to the connecting line and parallel to the support surface (11).

[0090] 9. The cargo carrier according to embodiment 7, wherein the bottom element (9) has a front edge (77) and a rear edge (79),

[0091] The bottom element (9) has a front section (91) and a rear section (93).

[0092] The front section (91) is arranged in the region of the front edge (77) and the rear section (93) is arranged in the region of the rear edge (79).

[0093] The rear section (93) of the bottom element (9) is connected to the base element (12) by a lever arm (85).

[0094] The lever arm (85) is pivotally hinged to the base element (12) and pivotally hinged to the bottom element (9), and

[0095] The front section (91) is fixed to the bottom element (9) in a manner movable along the longitudinal direction of the bottom element (9) and pivotally fixed to the base element (12).

[0096] 10. A cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a receiving space (17) extending away from the base surface (13), and

[0097] A surface-shaped dividing element (15') is provided in the receiving space (17), which divides the receiving space (17) into sub-segments and extends away from the base surface (13).

[0098] 11. A cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a front wall, a rear wall, and a side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and

[0099] A connecting element (37) for detachably connecting to another cargo carrier (7) is provided in the region of the side wall and / or in the region of the front wall and the rear wall.

[0100] 12. A cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein a receiving element for receiving the forks of a forklift is provided, preferably a channel (99).

[0101] 13. A cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a front wall, a rear wall, and a side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and

[0102] The front wall, the rear wall, and the side wall are designed to be rigid and shape-stable.

[0103] 14. The cargo carrier according to embodiment 13, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and / or the side wall are formed of a heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant material.

[0104] 15. The cargo carrier according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein expandable elements, such as inflatable pad elements (105), are provided on the front wall, the rear wall and / or the side wall.

[0105] 16. A cargo carrier according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the cargo carrier (7) is designed to accommodate one or more wheelchairs (97).

[0106] The cargo carrier has a data transmission device (107) by means of which data about the received wheelchair (97), especially information that independently identifies the wheelchair (97), can preferably be wirelessly transmitted to the data network of the aircraft (1).

[0107] 17. A system having one or more cargo carriers (7) according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 16, and

[0108] The system has a receiving platform (109) having a receiving surface (111) and a bottom (113), the bottom being designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1).

[0109] The receiving surface (111) is sized and designed to receive one or more of the cargo carriers (7) using the support surface (11) of the cargo carrier.

[0110] 18. The system according to embodiment 17, wherein the receiving surface (111) is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers (7) are received side by side, in particular with their sides facing each other.

[0111] 19. The system according to embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the receiving platform (109) is designed such that the receiving surface (111) is pivotable relative to the bottom (113).

[0112] 20. A receiving platform for a system according to any one of embodiments 17 to 19, wherein the receiving platform (109) has a receiving surface (111) and a bottom (113), the bottom being designed for placement on the floor of a cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1),

[0113] The receiving surface (111) is sized and designed to receive one or more of the cargo carriers (7) using the support surface (11) of the cargo carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 9.

[0114] 21. The receiving platform according to embodiment 21, wherein the receiving surface (111) is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers (7) are received side by side, in particular with their sides facing each other.

[0115] 22. The receiving platform according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the receiving platform (109) is designed such that the receiving surface (111) is pivotable relative to the bottom (113). Attached Figure Description

[0116] The invention is described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which show only preferred embodiments, wherein...

[0117] Figure 1 A perspective view of a passenger aircraft is shown, in which the cargo hold of the passenger aircraft can be loaded using an embodiment of the cargo carrier according to the invention.

[0118] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a cargo carrier, particularly for a first embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0119] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A view of the supporting surface of the cargo carrier.

[0120] Figure 4This is a perspective view of a cargo carrier, particularly for a second embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0121] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the bottom components of the cargo carrier.

[0122] Figure 6 It is a passageway through the aircraft that has a receiving compartment within it. Figure 4 A schematic longitudinal section view of the cargo hold of the cargo carrier.

[0123] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of loading an aircraft's cargo hold using an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0124] Figure 8 This is a perspective view based on a variation of a cargo carrier, particularly for use with the first and second embodiments of the system according to the invention.

[0125] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom element of the cargo carrier according to another embodiment.

[0126] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A top view of a portion of the support surface of the bottom element in an embodiment.

[0127] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A top view of a portion of the support surface of an alternative bottom element in an embodiment.

[0128] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom element of the cargo carrier according to another embodiment.

[0129] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom element of the cargo carrier according to another embodiment.

[0130] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cargo carrier.

[0131] Figure 15 It is based on multiple factors Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the cargo carrier in an embodiment.

[0132] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cargo carrier.

[0133] Figure 17 It shows the tilted position Figure 16 cargo carrier,

[0134] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cargo carrier.

[0135] Figure 19 It shows the tilted position Figure 18 cargo carrier,

[0136] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cargo carrier.

[0137] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A partial perspective view of an embodiment.

[0138] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment,

[0139] Figure 23 yes Figure 20 Another cross-sectional view of an embodiment,

[0140] Figure 24 These are two side views of a cargo carrier and receiving platform combined according to embodiments of the present invention, and

[0141] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A top view of the combination. Detailed Implementation

[0142] exist Figure 1 The image shows an aircraft 1, whose cargo hold 3 can be loaded via loading / unloading hatch 5 to form a cargo carrier 7 according to the embodiments described below.

[0143] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the cargo carrier 7 of the first embodiment has a rectangular bottom element 9, which is designed as a rigid base plate. The rigid base plate ensures that the bottom element 9 will not deform when the cargo carrier 7 is guided, for example, from the conveyor belt onto the floor of the cargo hold 3, which would otherwise cause the cargo on the base surface of the bottom element to slip off. This design allows for particularly reliable transport of cargo into the cargo hold 3. In particular, no special measures are required to secure the cargo to the cargo carrier to prevent movement.

[0144] The bottom element 9, designed as a rigid base plate, further has a flat support surface 11 in this embodiment. This support surface is designed to lie on the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1, such that the support surface 11 can move along the floor surface when it is easily spaced from the floor surface due to an air cushion formed between it and the floor surface. In this embodiment, the bottom element 9 is formed in one piece with a base element 12 on its side opposite to the support surface 11, the base element further having a base surface 13, also designed to be flat, on which cargo elements can be received. Although the base surface 13 is shown here as flat, the invention is not limited to such a flat base surface 13, but the base surface 13 can be formed in a curved manner. However, according to the invention, the base surface 13 is designed to receive cargo elements thereon. In particular, it is conceivable that the base surface 13 is adapted to a specific type of cargo element.

[0145] As in Figure 2 As can be further seen, the cargo carrier 7 of the first embodiment has a surrounding wall element 15 that extends upward away from the base surface 13. In the embodiment described herein, the wall element 15 is made of a flexible planar material and can therefore be folded and pressed against the base surface 13, so that the cargo carrier 7 occupies a relatively small volume when not in use and can be stored in a space-saving manner.

[0146] Because the wall element 15 surrounds the edge of the rectangular bottom element 9, it defines a receiving space 17 extending upward away from the base surface 13, into which one or more cargo elements (not shown) can be received at least partially placed on the base surface 13. Cargo elements may in particular be the baggage of passengers of the aircraft 1. However, the invention is by no means limited thereto, and therefore the term "cargo element" in the sense of the invention refers to various types of cargo that can be transported in an aircraft.

[0147] Furthermore, it should be noted that within the scope of this invention, it is also possible to omit the wall element 15, or to make the wall element from a rigid or hard material. The first case may be particularly advantageous if only one or a few cargo elements need to be accommodated on the cargo carrier. A wall made of a rigid or hard material is associated with the advantage that the cargo elements are reliably held within the receiving space 17 and that their dimensions are fixedly preset.

[0148] Since the bottom element 9 is designed as a rigid base plate in this embodiment of the cargo carrier 7, the wall element 15 is sufficient to secure the cargo on the base surface 13.

[0149] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support surface 11 of the cargo carrier 7 is provided with the following devices, which are designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier 7 on the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1.

[0150] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the first and second embodiments of the cargo carrier 7 shown herein, the device for achieving mobility is designed such that recesses 19 are provided in the support surface 11, these recesses having bottoms 21 extending on planes spaced apart from the plane of the support surface 11 (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 This is not shown in detail for the first embodiment of the cargo carrier 7. However, this structure corresponds to the structure of the second embodiment, and is based on... Figure 5 The recess 19 can be seen in the cross-sectional view. That is, the bottom 21 of the recess 19 is retracted relative to the support surface 11 toward the base surface 13.

[0151] In addition, according to Figures 1 to 7 In the first and second embodiments of the cargo carrier 7, an outlet opening 23 is further provided in the bottom 21 of each recess 19, through which airflow can escape and thus first flow into the recess 19. The outlet opening 23 in the first and second embodiments is provided by... Figure 3 Invisible in the middle, but in Figure 5 The connecting assembly shown is in the form of a pipeline assembly 25 composed of various pipeline sections, connected to the interface 27. The pipeline assembly 25, and therefore the outlet opening 23, can be supplied with airflow through this interface. Even though the connecting assembly connecting the outlet opening 23 and the interface 27 in terms of flow is designed here as a pipeline assembly 25 with pipeline sections, it is also possible to provide a hollow cavity in which the bottom element 9 is connected to the outlet opening 23 and the interface 27 in terms of flow.

[0152] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first embodiment of the cargo carrier 7 is designed such that the interface 27 is spaced apart from the bottom element 9 and is provided with a conduit element 29 extending from the bottom element 9 to the interface 27. The conduit element 29 may be designed as a flexible hose and connect the interface 27 to a conduit assembly 25 disposed in the bottom element 9.

[0153] Interface 27 is designed to be detachably connected to the output of the blower unit, which will also be described below. For this purpose, interface 27 may have a connecting element designed for detachable connection to a connecting element on the output of the blower unit. Interface 27 and the connecting element on the output of the blower unit can form a simple plug-in connection or a bayonet connection. Various possible configurations are conceivable. However, it is important that the user can easily connect interface 27 to the output of the blower unit in terms of flow and then detach it again.

[0154] According to the present invention, the cargo carrier 7 is inFigure 4 and Figure 5 The second embodiment shown has a rigid base plate, also serving as a bottom element 9, which is integrally formed with a base element 12 on a side opposite to the support surface. This base element further has a base surface 13. However, compared with... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The difference in the cargo carrier 7 shown is that, in the second embodiment, the interface 27 is located in the bottom element 9 and is not, for example, spaced apart from the bottom element by a conduit element. Figure 5 As shown, in the second embodiment, interface 27 is designed as a plug-in socket into which the output of the blower unit can be pushed.

[0155] from Figure 3 and Figure 5 It can also be seen that the support surface 11 is provided with various surrounding sealing elements 30 around each outlet opening 23 or the recess 19 where the outlet opening is arranged, so that each recess 19 is surrounded by a sealing element 30. This achieves the goal that the air cushion formed by the air escaping from the outlet opening 23 is held below the support surface 11. Alternatively, it can also be achieved that the outer edge of the support surface 11 is provided with various surrounding sealing elements surrounding the area where the outlet opening 23 is arranged.

[0156] As from Figure 4 It can also be seen that, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, bottom retaining elements 31 in the form of buttonholes are provided in the edge region of the bottom element 9 and these bottom retaining elements are fastened to the bottom element 9.

[0157] Although a buttonhole is shown here, other elements can be used instead of a buttonhole as the bottom retaining element. Furthermore, in the area of ​​the wall element 15, a wall retaining element 35 is fastened to the surrounding edge 33 facing away from the base surface 13 and the bottom element 9. Another wall retaining element 35 is fastened to the wall element 15 between the top surrounding edge 33 and the bottom element 9 or the base surface 13. (As shown in...) Figure 4 It can also be seen that the wall retaining element 35 and the bottom retaining element 31 are also connected to each other by the connecting element 37, thus further stabilizing the connection between the bottom retaining element and the wall retaining elements 31 and 35.

[0158] By means of bottom holding elements and wall holding elements 31, 35 directly fastened to bottom element 9 and wall element 15, the cargo carrier 7 of the second embodiment can be easily fastened to the holding element 39 disposed therein in the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1. Figure 6This is illustrated in the diagram, which shows the arrangement of the two cargo carriers 7 of the second embodiment together with a conventional cargo carrier 7'. It can be seen that in the cargo carrier 7 of the second embodiment, the bottom holding element and the wall holding elements 31, 35 are engaged with the holding element 39 provided in the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1. In contrast, in the conventional cargo carrier 7', the cargo carrier needs to be secured by a separate holding element 39'. Therefore, by providing the bottom holding element and the wall holding elements 31, 35 on the cargo carrier 7, the securing of the cargo in the cargo hold 3 is further simplified, as a separate holding element is no longer required.

[0159] According to the first and second embodiments of the cargo carrier 7 according to the present invention, a blower unit 41 is further provided in the system for loading the cargo compartment of the aircraft with at least one cargo element (the system also constitutes an aspect of the present invention). The blower unit 41 is schematically located in... Figure 7 The diagram shows a blower 43 and an output end 45. The output end 45 has a flexible hose 47 extending from the blower 43 and detachably connectable to the interface 27 of the bottom element 9 of the cargo carrier 7 in the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described herein, a shoulder strap assembly 49 is provided on the blower unit 41, allowing the user to carry the blower unit 41 on their back.

[0160] During the operation of blower unit 41, when blower 43 is working, the blower generates an airflow at output end 45. Since output end 45 is designed to be detachably connected to interface 27 of cargo carrier 7, when cargo carrier 7 is interconnected with blower unit 41, an airflow can be generated from output end 45 into interface 27 and through pipeline assembly 25 to outlet opening 23. When such an airflow is generated by means of blower unit 41, an air cushion is generated below the support surface 11 of cargo carrier 7 according to the first and second embodiments. This air cushion facilitates lifting of the cargo carrier, allowing it to be subsequently moved manually on the floor or other surfaces of cargo compartment 3. Thus, one or more cargo components can be loaded into the cargo compartment 5 of the aircraft in the following manner:

[0161] First, at least one cargo element is placed on the base surface 13 of the base element 12 of the cargo carrier 7, which is initially located outside the cargo hold according to the first and second embodiments. In particular, multiple cargo elements can be placed, and if necessary, they can be stacked on top of each other in the receiving space 17 defined by the wall element 15 on the base surface 13.

[0162] Before or at the latest after placing one or more cargo components on the base surface 13, connect the output end 45 of the blower unit 41 to the interface 27 on the bottom component 9 of the cargo carrier 7. Because the blower unit 41 has a flexible hose at the output end 45, the blower unit 41 can be positioned in a location that is as easy as possible for the user to carry relative to the bottom component 9.

[0163] After one or more cargo components are placed into the receiving space 17, the blower unit 41 is put into operation. This in turn generates an airflow from the blower 43 of the blower unit 41 through its output end 45 to the interface 27 of the bottom component 9, and from there further through the pipeline assembly 25 to the outlet opening 23.

[0164] The airflow forms an air cushion below the support surface 11 of the cargo carrier 7, which allows the cargo carrier 7, which has one or more cargo components, to be moved by hand with minimal resistance. Thus, the cargo carrier 7 according to the first and second embodiments can be pushed into the cargo compartment 3 on the transport plane by a user (in the preferred embodiment described herein, the user carries the blower unit 41 on their back) and from there further pushed on its floor to the desired final position.

[0165] Upon reaching its final position in cargo hold 3, the interface 27 on the bottom element 9 and the output end 45 of the blower unit 41 are separated from each other and / or the blower unit 41 is turned off, thus eliminating the air cushion and securing the cargo carrier 7 to the floor of cargo hold 3. In the cargo carrier 7 of the second embodiment, the bottom holding element and the wall holding elements 31, 35 can now engage with the holding element 39 in cargo hold 3 to further secure the cargo carrier 7.

[0166] The user can now move another cargo carrier 7 according to the first and second embodiments into the cargo compartment 3 in the manner already described, wherein the user connects the output terminal 45 of the blower unit 41 to the interface 27 of the cargo carrier 7 to be moved.

[0167] To unload cargo hold 3, the process is carried out in reverse: the blower unit 41 is connected to the interface 27 of the cargo carrier 7 to be transported from cargo hold 3, and an air cushion is created between the support surface 11 of the cargo carrier and the floor of cargo hold 3 after the blower unit 41 is put into operation. Subsequently, the cargo carrier 7 can be easily pushed by hand on the floor towards the loading and unloading hatch 5 of cargo hold 3, and from there further pulled out of the aircraft 1 on the transport plane.

[0168] The cargo carrier according to the present invention Figures 1 to 7The first and second embodiments shown can be designed in an alternative implementation such that the bottom element 9 is designed as a flexible, particularly bendable, base plate.

[0169] In this alternative embodiment of the invention, while it is necessary to stabilize the bottom element 9 during the transport of the cargo carrier 7, for example, by means of a lifting device, so that the bottom element 9 does not deform due to its flexibility and lack of support, a bendable, flexible design of the bottom element 9 can be achieved in other ways, allowing the cargo carrier to deform or bend, for example, as it is transferred between the conveyor belt and the floor of the loading space, and thus to be easily brought into the loading space.

[0170] In particular, this enables the reduction of the minimum dimensions required for the loading and unloading hatch of the cargo carrier 7 for a specific maximum height, because the cargo carrier 7 does not collide with the loading and unloading hatch with its rearward and upward-sloping front section. Instead, the cargo carrier bends downward at its front end due to the flexibility of the bottom element 9, thereby reducing the height required for the loading and unloading hatch relative to the cargo carrier compared to the case where the bottom element 9 is rigid.

[0171] exist Figure 8 The image schematically illustrates a further variation of the cargo carrier 7 according to the first and second embodiments as a third embodiment.

[0172] exist Figure 8 As can be seen, in this variant, the bottom element 9 (which is also formed in one piece with the base element 12) has segments 9', 9”, 9”', which are pivotally connected to each other along the dividing seam 9”” between the segments. Here, in the third embodiment shown here, the dividing seam 9”” and therefore the segments 9', 9”, 9”' can extend parallel to each other about the pivot axis around which they pivot relative to each other. However, it is also conceivable that the segments 9', 9”, 9”' can extend about the pivot axis around which they pivot relative to each other without being parallel to each other.

[0173] This is achieved through a bottom element 9 constructed from pivotally interconnected segments 9', 9”, 9”' and a similarly constructed base element 12: allowing the cargo carrier 7 to move more easily over uneven areas of the cargo hold 3 floor while still maintaining relatively high stability of the bottom element 9. Preferably, the segments 9', 9”, 9”' are able to extend parallel to each other about their pivot axes relative to each other. This enables the cargo carrier 7 to be transferred between the conveyor belt and the floor of the cargo hold 3 when it is transported into the cargo hold 3 by means of a conveyor belt and the pivot axis is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction, without causing the entire cargo carrier 7 to accidentally tip over.

[0174] exist Figure 8The embodiment shown also proposes that dividing elements 15' be provided in the receiving space 17 extending away from the base surface 13, dividing the receiving space 17 into sub-segments and extending away from the base surface 13. The dividing elements 15' prevent cargo components from slipping off during loading of the aircraft and transport of the cargo carrier 7. This is particularly advantageous when the bottom components are segmented.

[0175] exist Figures 9 to 11 As an alternative to the component having a recess 19 through which air can flow, multiple rolling elements, designed as cylindrical rollers 51 in this preferred embodiment, can also be used as devices for achieving mobility on the floor of the cargo compartment 3. This alternative can be used in all the foregoing embodiments of the cargo carrier 7.

[0176] Each roller in roller 51 is initially rotatable relative to the bottom element 9 about a rotation axis 53, which is oriented to extend parallel to the floor surface at the point of contact between the roller 51 and the floor surface on which the cargo carrier 7 is placed. The rotation axis 53 extends parallel to the plane of the floor surface and thus to the floor plane of the floor surface, provided that the floor surface is flat and unbent in the area on which the cargo carrier 7 is placed.

[0177] Furthermore, the rollers 51 are held on the bottom element 9 such that the axis of rotation 53 of each roller in the rollers 51 can rotate about the vertical axis 55, wherein the axis extending parallel to the vertical axis 55 through the contact point between the roller 51 and the floor surface also extends perpendicularly to the floor plane. In the case of the rollers 51, the vertical axis 55 always extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 53 of the rollers 51 and also perpendicularly to the plane of the floor surface, which extends in the area on which the cargo element 7 is placed.

[0178] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the alternative shown, the rotatability of roller 51 about the vertical axis 55 is achieved in such a way that roller 51 (as shown) Figure 10 (As shown) is held in the retainer 57 in a manner that allows it to rotatably about the rotation axis 53. This retainer 57 is then rotatably received in the receiving portion 59, which is fixedly connected to the bottom element 9. However, other designs for retaining the roller are also conceivable.

[0179] The rotatability of the roller 51 about the vertical axis 55 enables the cargo carrier 7 to move in any direction on the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1 and thus to be positioned at a desired location, without significant resistance to such movement. The rotatability of the roller 51 about the vertical axis 55 also enables the roller 51 to be rapidly oriented in a desired manner.

[0180] In this regard, it has proven advantageous that roller 51 (as in...) Figure 11 As shown in a preferred embodiment of roller 51, it has at least one spirally circumferential groove 61 on its outer surface. In such a design, roller 51 is oriented very quickly by pivoting about a vertical axis 55 such that the axis of rotation 53 extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cargo carrier and roller 51 experiences as little resistance as possible to such movement.

[0181] As in Figures 9 to 11 As illustrated in the embodiments, the cargo carrier 7 equipped with rollers 51 can easily move along the floor of the cargo hold without requiring a complex design for the cargo loading system or the cargo carrier 7. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bottom element 9 is designed as a flexible, particularly bendable, bottom plate.

[0182] Alternative solutions for the devices used to enable the mobility of cargo carrier 7 on the floor of cargo hold 3 Figure 12 As shown in the figure, the bottom element 9 of the cargo carrier 7 is reproduced in cross-section, and it can be seen that in the alternative shown therein, the rolling element is designed as balls 63. These balls are received in a rotatable manner in a retainer 65, which is disposed on the support surface 11 on the bottom element 9, such that the cargo carrier 7 (whose bottom element 7 is in...) Figure 12 As the ball moves on the floor (as shown in the diagram), its axis of rotation 53 can be arbitrarily oriented. The freely rotatable ball 63 is received in the retainer 65 such that a portion of the ball 63 extends from the retainer 65 toward the floor.

[0183] Since the balls 63 are rotatably received in the retainer 65, it is ensured that each ball 63 can rotate about an axis of rotation oriented such that a line parallel to the axis of rotation extends parallel to the floor plane, passing through the point of contact between the ball 63 and the floor surface. On the other hand, the balls 63 are also held on the bottom element 9, allowing the axes of rotation of these balls to rotate about a vertical axis oriented parallel to an axis extending perpendicular to the floor plane at the point of contact between the ball and the floor surface. Here, by... Figure 12The structure of the embodiment shown with a freely rotatable sphere 63 can also enable the cargo carrier 7 to be easily moved in any direction on a flat floor surface.

[0184] exist Figures 9 to 12 Another advantage of the alternative for achieving mobility, shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, is that the rolling elements, namely rollers 51 and balls 63, extend only a small portion of the plane of the support surface 11 facing the floor. The rolling elements can be embedded in the elastic material of the conveyor belt within this small portion, such that when the cargo carrier 7 according to this embodiment is placed on the conveyor belt, the support surface 11 rests directly on the conveyor belt. This, in turn, has the advantage that the cargo carrier 7 subsequently cannot roll on the conveyor belt and prevents movement relative to the conveyor belt.

[0185] exist Figure 13 The diagram shows a cross-section of the bottom element 9 of a cargo carrier 7 according to the invention, which has an alternative for the means of achieving mobility on the floor of the cargo hold 3. Here, the bottom element 9 can be designed as illustrated in conjunction with the embodiments described above. In this alternative, the support surface 11 is provided with sliding elements 67, which are held to the support surface 11 by retainers 69 and enable the cargo carrier 7 to move on the floor of the cargo hold 3. The material of the sliding elements 67 can be selected to have a lower coefficient of friction relative to the material of the cargo hold floor of the aircraft.

[0186] In particular, the sliding element 67 can be designed in such a way that a material pair is used, namely, the material of the sliding element 67 is combined with the surface of the floor of the cargo compartment 3 (on which the sliding element slides), where there is a small coefficient of friction.

[0187] In the preferred alternative shown here, the sliding element 67 is thus detachable and therefore easily replaceable and fixed to the support surface 11 in such a way that the retainer 69 can be detached from the bottom element 9 and thus the sliding element 67 can be released.

[0188] In particular, felt (Filz) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; "Teflon") can be selected as the material for the sliding element 67. Furthermore, it is possible to have strips on the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1 in the area where the cargo carrier 7 should move with the sliding element 67; these strips are made of a material that achieves a low coefficient of friction with the sliding element 67. This also allows for the replacement of only the strips when they wear due to friction with the sliding element 67, without causing wear to the floor itself.

[0189] Therefore, this alternative solution for achieving mobility can also be used to make the cargo carrier 7 easily move on the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft without requiring complex components on the floor of the cargo hold 3 or the support surface of the cargo carrier 3.

[0190] In addition to the previously described alternatives for the devices used to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier on the floor of cargo compartment 3, other possible solutions are still conceivable, and the present invention is not limited to the previously described alternatives.

[0191] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 Another embodiment of the cargo carrier 7 according to the present invention is shown in the figure. For example, in Figures 2 to 13 As shown in the embodiments, in Figure 14 The cargo carrier 7 shown also has a bottom element 9, which has a support surface 11. This support surface can be placed on the floor of the cargo compartment 3 of the aircraft 1 by means of devices mounted thereon, and can move across the floor surface. In this embodiment, the bottom element 9 is designed as a rigid base plate, but it is also possible for the bottom element 9 to be flexible or have pivotally interconnected segments.

[0192] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, the device used to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier 7 on the floor surface is designed as a rolling element, as it has been combined with Figures 9 to 12 As described. The device used to achieve mobility can therefore be designed in particular as a roller 51 or a ball 63. However, it is also possible to achieve, in Figure 14 and Figure 15 The embodiment shown includes additional, previously described alternatives for the device used to achieve mobility, namely a recess 19 in the support surface 11 (through which air can flow) or a sliding element 67. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to provide additional devices on the support surface 11, different from the alternatives described herein, to achieve mobility on the cargo compartment floor.

[0193] In addition Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, a base element 12 is provided on the bottom element 9, on the side facing away from the support surface 11. This base element is fixedly connected to the bottom element 9 and is formed integrally with the bottom element. The base element 12 further has a base surface 13, which is arranged on the base element 12 facing away from the support surface 11. Cargo elements can be supported on the base surface 13, which is particularly adapted to certain types of cargo elements. However, in this embodiment, the base surface is designed as a flat surface.

[0194] In addition, Figure 14 As can be seen, the bottom element 9 has a front edge 77 and a rear edge 79. In addition, the support surface 11 has a front section 81 and a rear section 83. The front section 81 is arranged in the region of the front edge 77, while the rear section 83 is arranged in the region of the rear edge 79, wherein sections 81 and 83 extend away from edges 77 and 79, respectively, in the embodiment described herein.

[0195] If it is still possible Figure 14 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the device for achieving mobility on the floor of the cargo compartment 3 (i.e., a rolling element in the form of a roller 51 or a ball 63) is installed in the front section 81 and the rear section 83.

[0196] exist Figure 14 As can be further seen, the bottom element 9 has a recess 85 that extends into the bottom element 9 toward the base surface 13 between the front section 81 and the rear section 83. In particular, the recess 85 is designed to extend into the bottom element 9 on the plane 86, extending between the front section 81 and the rear section 83 and connecting the front section and the rear section to each other.

[0197] Finally, according to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The cargo carrier 7 in this embodiment also includes a wall element 15 that encloses a receiving space 17 and extends away from the edges of the bottom element 11 and the base element 12. Cargo elements can be received in the receiving space 17, which extends away from the base surface 13. In this embodiment, the wall element 15 can also be formed of a rigid, hard, or flexible material.

[0198] As from Figure 15 As shown in the figure, Figure 14 The embodiment of the cargo carrier 7 relates to the following advantages: the cargo carrier 7 can be transported along an inclined transport plane 87 to the plane extending from the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1, wherein the cargo carrier 7 can be pre-pivoted toward the plane of the cargo hold 3 when transferred from the transport plane 87, for example, formed by a conveyor belt, without causing the cargo carrier to tip over from the conveyor belt plane 87 onto the plane of the cargo hold 3 floor. Instead, when transferring the cargo carrier 7 from the conveyor belt on the floor of the cargo hold 3, the front section 81 can be pre-placed on the floor of the cargo hold 3, while the rear section 83 remains on the conveyor belt, which allows the upper end of the conveyor belt to be received into the recess 85 during this period.

[0199] Another embodiment of the cargo carrier 7 according to the present invention is as follows: Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in the figure, the base element 12, which has a bottom element 9, can pivot relative to the bottom element.

[0200] As in accordance with Figures 2 to 15 As in the previous embodiment, in Figure 16 and Figure 17 The cargo carrier 7 shown also has a bottom element 9 with a support surface 11, which extends between a front edge 77 and a rear edge 79 and can be placed on the floor of the cargo compartment 3 of the aircraft 1 by means of devices disposed thereon and can move across the floor. In this embodiment, the bottom element 9 is also designed as a rigid base plate, but it is also possible for the bottom element 9 to be flexible or have pivotally interconnected segments.

[0201] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the embodiments shown, these devices for enabling the mobility of the cargo carrier 7 on the floor surface are also designed as rolling elements, as they have been combined with Figures 9 to 12 As described. The device used to achieve mobility can therefore be designed in particular as a roller 51 or a ball 63.

[0202] However, it is also possible to achieve this: Figure 16 and Figure 17 The embodiment shown includes additional, previously described alternatives for the device used to achieve mobility, namely a recess 19 in the support surface 11 (through which air can flow) or a sliding element 67. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to provide additional devices on the support surface 11, different from the alternatives described herein, to achieve mobility on the cargo compartment floor.

[0203] In addition Figure 16 and Figure 17 In this embodiment, a base element 12 is provided on the bottom element 9, on the side opposite to the support surface 11. The base element 12 further has a base surface 13, which is arranged on the base element 12 so as to face away from the support surface 11. Cargo elements can be supported on the base surface 13, which is particularly adapted to certain types of cargo elements. However, in this embodiment, the base surface is designed as a flat surface.

[0204] The difference from the previously described embodiments is that, according to Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the embodiment, the base element 12 is fixed to the bottom element 9 such that the angle occupied by the base surface 13 relative to the support surface 11 in a plane that extends perpendicularly to the support surface 11 and on the plane is a connecting line extending in the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier 7 between the front edge 77 and the rear edge 79. Figure 16 and Figure 17In this plane, the base element 12 extends on the drawing plane and can pivot relative to the bottom element 9 together with the base surface 13 disposed thereon about a pivot axis 89 that extends perpendicular to the drawing plane and also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier 7.

[0205] Finally, according to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The cargo carrier 7 of one embodiment has a wall element 15 that encloses a receiving space 17 for cargo elements extending away from the base surface 13. The wall element 15 extends away from the edge of the base element 12 and can be formed of rigid and hard or flexible materials.

[0206] This is achieved through the pivotability of the base element 12 and the base surface 13 connected thereto relative to the bottom element 9: the base surface 13 always extends in a horizontal plane regardless of the inclination of the floor on which the support surface 11 is placed. In particular, if the cargo carrier 7 is transported on an inclined conveyor belt (as in this case...), Figure 17 (As shown in the figure) and the transport direction coincides with the connecting line between the front edge and the rear edge, then the tilt can be easily compensated and the goods on the cargo carrier 7 can be prevented from slipping off due to the tilt.

[0207] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 The image shows cargo carrier 7 and... Figure 16 and Figure 17 Similar to the embodiments described above.

[0208] In this embodiment, the cargo carrier 7 also includes a bottom element 9 having a support surface 11, on which a device for enabling the bottom element 9 to move on the floor surface, such as a rolling element (not shown), is further provided. However, other, described alternatives with such devices can also be implemented.

[0209] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom element 9 also has a front edge 77 and a rear edge 79, wherein a front section 91 and a rear section 93 are provided on the bottom element 9. The front section 91 is located in the region of the front edge 77 and is movable relative to the rest of the bottom element 9 in its longitudinal direction. The rear section 93 is located in the region of the rear edge 79. In this embodiment, the rear section 93 of the bottom element 9 is also connected to the base element 12 by a lever arm 95. The lever arm 95 is pivotally but not movablely hinged to the rear section 93 of the bottom element 9 and to the base element 12. The front section 91, which is movable relative to the bottom element 9 in its longitudinal direction extending from the front edge 77 to the rear edge 79, is also hinged to the base element 12 in a non-movable but pivotally movable manner. The lever arm 95 extends parallel to each other about its rear section 93 relative to the bottom element 9 and about its pivot axis relative to the base element 12, and also extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bottom element 9.

[0210] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown in the comparison, the base element 12 can be simply pivoted together with the base surface 13 disposed thereon and the cargo element located thereon, such that the front section 91 moves relative to the bottom element 9 toward the rear section 93 or the rear edge 79. This embodiment also enables the connection to be achieved. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The advantages illustrated in the embodiments are as follows, in which a simple yet stable structure is achieved.

[0211] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the embodiment shown, the cargo carrier 7 also has a wall element 15 that encloses a receiving space 17 for the cargo element extending away from the base surface 13. The wall element 15 extends away from the edge of the base element 12 and can be formed of a rigid and hard or flexible material.

[0212] According to the present invention Figures 20 to 23 In another preferred embodiment shown, the cargo carrier 7 may be designed such that one or more wheelchairs 97 can be received in a receiving space 17 extending away from the base surface 13 of the base element 12.

[0213] In all the above embodiments, the base element 12 and the base surface 13 can be designed and sized accordingly, which is particularly independent of whether the bottom element 9 is designed as a rigid plate, flexible, or segmented. It is also independent of whether the bottom element 9 and the base element 12 are fixedly connected to each other or pivotable relative to each other. Finally, the design of the device used to achieve the mobility of the cargo carrier 7 relative to the floor surface is not important. In all cases, the receiving space 17 of the cargo carrier 7 can be designed for wheelchair use.

[0214] In cargo carrier 7 Figures 20 to 23 In the embodiment shown, the bottom element 9 has a base element 12, and a receiving space 17 therein, capable of receiving the wheelchair 97, extends away from the base surface 13 of the base element. Here, in the embodiment shown here, the base element 12 is fixedly connected to the bottom element 9 or even formed as a single piece with the bottom element.

[0215] In this embodiment, the bottom element 9 is centered and adjacent to... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The embodiment shown similarly has a recess 85. Here, the support surface 11 also has a front section 81 and a rear section 83. Here, the front section 81 is arranged in the region of the front edge 77 and the rear section 83 is arranged in the region of the rear edge 79. Furthermore, sections 81 and 83 are described herein... Figures 20 to 23 In the embodiments, they extend away from the edges 77 and 79, respectively. Thus, the recess 85 is designed to extend on the plane 86 into the bottom element 9, which extends between the front section 81 and the rear section 83 and connects the front section and the rear section to each other.

[0216] exist Figures 20 to 23 In the embodiment shown, the bottom element 9 also has a first channel and a second channel 99, which extend parallel to each other in the bottom element 9 and also parallel to the support surface 11. The channel 99 is designed to receive the forklift forks, thereby allowing the bottom element 9 and thus the cargo carrier 7 to be easily received and transported by the forklift. Such channels 99 may also be provided in other embodiments described in this application. Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the bottom element 9 and the base surface 13 disposed thereon are sized and designed such that two rows of wheelchairs arranged side by side, each consisting of two folded wheelchairs 97, can be arranged thereon (see [reference]). Figure 21 ).

[0217] In particular, guide elements 101 (e.g., guide rails) can be provided in the area of ​​the base surface 13 to hold the folded wheelchair 97 in place. Fastening elements 103 in the form of belts are also provided on the base surface 13, adapted to secure the wheels of the wheelchair 97 to the base surface 13. Furthermore, as only... Figure 20 As shown, expandable elements, such as inflatable pad elements 105, are provided on the front wall, rear wall, and / or side walls (which form the wall elements 15 of the cargo carrier 7). The latter are also used to secure the wheelchair 97 within the receiving space 17.

[0218] In the cargo carrier 7 used to receive wheelchair 97 Figures 20 to 23 In the embodiment shown, the cargo carrier 7 may have a data transmission device 107, for example, in the form of a transceiver, by means of which data about the received wheelchair 97, particularly information that independently identifies the wheelchair 97, can be preferably wirelessly transmitted to the data network of the aircraft 1 where the cargo carrier 7 and the wheelchair 97 reside. This is also illustrative only in Figure 20 As shown in the image.

[0219] exist Figure 22 The document also demonstrates that the bottom element 9 and the base surface 13 designed on it are designed and sized such that two wheelchairs equipped with drive units can be successively mounted on the base surface 13. Finally... Figure 23 As shown, the base surface 13 can also accommodate a single wheelchair 97 equipped with a drive unit.

[0220] like Figures 20 to 23 As shown, the wall element 15 of the cargo carrier 7 designed to receive the wheelchair 97 is preferably designed to include a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall extending between the front and rear walls, wherein the front wall, rear wall and side wall are designed to be rigid and shape-stable.

[0221] Of particular advantage is that the bottom element 9 and / or base element 12, the front wall, the rear wall and / or the side walls are formed of heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant materials. This is especially important because wheelchairs 97 typically have batteries for propulsion, which are potentially flammable, thus increasing the risk of transporting wheelchairs 97 in the cargo hold 3 of aircraft 1.

[0222] The cargo carrier 7 used to transport the wheelchair 97 is therefore preferably designed to withstand the combustion of the energy storage device of the wheelchair 97 during the necessary operating time of the aircraft in which it houses the cargo carrier 7. This ensures the burn-through resistance of the cargo carrier 7. This burn-through resistance of the cargo carrier 7 is ensured by the appropriate design of the materials of the wall elements 15 and / or the bottom elements 9 and / or the base elements 12, for example by applying an expansion layer to the inside of the wall 15 (which forms a burn-through resistant layer in the event of a fire). A material that promotes vitrification in the event of a fire and thus forms a thermal barrier to the surrounding environment of the cargo carrier 7 (similar to the transport case of a damaged lithium battery in an electric vehicle) can also be used in place of the expansion layer in the receiving space. Similarly, the cargo carrier 7 can be provided with a burn-through resistant shell, which is fixed to the outer surface of the cargo carrier 7. The materials of the bottom elements 9 and / or the base elements 12 and / or the wall elements 15 can also be designed to be burn-through resistant, i.e., the material can withstand the continuous combustion of the energy carrier during the operating time of the aircraft.

[0223] The cargo carrier 7 may also include devices to prevent uncontrolled pressure increases within the receiving space 17 of the cargo carrier due to thermal processes within the wheelchair battery, by means of pressure compensation before the first cargo carrier 7 ruptures. Thus, the pressure inside the cargo carrier 7 can be reduced by introducing the collected gas into the cargo hold of the aircraft. The cargo carrier 7 may also have the possibility of venting the collected gas from the aircraft via suitable couplings. The cargo carrier 7 may also be designed to have an active fire suppression system within the receiving space 17, particularly with suitable detection methods for the combustion of the wheelchair 97's battery and suitable devices for fire suppression.

[0224] Finally in Figure 24 and Figure 25 The figure shows a system comprising multiple cargo carriers 7 and receiving platforms 109 according to the above embodiments, according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the receiving platform 109 has a receiving surface 111 and a bottom 113.

[0225] The bottom 113 is designed to be placed on the floor of the cargo hold 3 of the aircraft 1, while the receiving surface 111 is sized and designed to allow one or more of the described cargo carriers 7 to be received using their supporting surface 11 in such a way that the supporting surface 11 is placed on the receiving surface 111. Figure 22 As can be seen from the top view, the receiving surface 109 in the embodiment shown here is sized such that two cargo carriers 7 can be received side by side with their sides facing each other.

[0226] It is also possible that the bottom 113 of the receiving platform 109 has the same dimensions as the base surface of the container type typically used for air cargo. For example, the bottom can have the dimensions of the bottom of an LD-3 container. In such a design, the system consisting of the cargo carrier 7 and the receiving platform 103 can be loaded together with a conventional air cargo container into a cargo hold designed for conventional containers.

[0227] Similar to Figures 16 to 19 In an embodiment described herein, the receiving platform 109 is designed such that the portion having the receiving surface 111 pivots relative to the portion having the bottom 113 about the pivot axis 115 in the direction of arrow 117. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the cargo carrier 7 remains horizontally arranged when transporting the receiving platform 109 along an inclined plane (e.g., a conveyor belt).

[0228] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0229] 1. Aircraft

[0230] 3 Cargo hold

[0231] 5. Loading and unloading hatches

[0232] 7. Cargo carrier

[0233] 9 Bottom Components

[0234] 11 Support Surface

[0235] 12 Base components

[0236] 13 Base plane

[0237] 15 wall components

[0238] 17. Acceptance Space

[0239] 19. Depression

[0240] 21 Bottom

[0241] 23. Exit opening

[0242] 25 Pipeline Components

[0243] 27 Interface

[0244] 29 Piping Components

[0245] 30 Sealing elements

[0246] 31 Bottom retaining element

[0247] 33. Surrounding edge

[0248] 35 Wall retaining element

[0249] 37 Connecting elements

[0250] 39 Holding elements

[0251] 41 Blower Unit

[0252] 43 Blower

[0253] 45 Output terminal

[0254] 47 Flexible hose

[0255] 49. Shoulder strap assembly

[0256] 51 Roller

[0257] 53. Axis of rotation

[0258] 55 Vertical axis

[0259] 57. Holding components

[0260] 59 Reception Department

[0261] 61 Groove

[0262] 63 balls

[0263] 65 retaining components

[0264] 67 Sliding element

[0265] 69. Holding components

[0266] 71. Ring-shaped element; belt

[0267] 71' Section of the ring element

[0268] 73 Guide components

[0269] 75 Support element

[0270] 77 Front edge

[0271] 79 Back edge

[0272] 81 Front Section

[0273] 83 Rear Section

[0274] 85 Depression

[0275] 86 Plane

[0276] 87 Transport Plane

[0277] 89 Pivot axis

[0278] 91. The front section

[0279] 93 Rear Section

[0280] 95 lever arm

[0281] 97 wheelchairs

[0282] 99 channels

[0283] 101 Guiding Element

[0284] 103 Fastening components

[0285] 105 pad element

[0286] 107 Data transmission devices

[0287] 109 Acceptance Platform

[0288] 111 Acceptance Surface

[0289] 113 Bottom

[0290] 115 Pivot axis

[0291] 117 Arrow

Claims

1. A cargo carrier for receiving into a cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1), the cargo carrier having a bottom element (9) having a support surface (11) designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1), The cargo carrier (7) is designed to move on a floor surface extending from the floor plane using the support surface (11). The bottom element (9) has a base element (12) with a base surface (13), wherein the base surface (13) is arranged on the base element (12) such that the base surface (13) faces away from the support surface (11). The support surface (11) is provided with a device designed to enable the mobility of the cargo carrier (7) on the floor surface. The bottom element (9) is designed as a rigid base plate. The bottom element (9) has a front edge (77) and a rear edge (79). The support surface (11) has a front section (81) and a rear section (83). The front section (81) is arranged in the region of the front edge (77) and the rear section (83) is arranged in the region of the rear edge (79). The bottom element (9) has a recess (85) that extends toward the base surface (13) between the front section (81) and the rear section (83). The base element (12) is held on the bottom element (9) such that the angle occupied by the base surface (13) relative to the support surface (11) on a plane is variable, namely, the plane extends perpendicularly to the support surface (11) and the connecting line extending between the front edge (77) and the rear edge (79) along the longitudinal direction of the cargo carrier (7) extends on the plane.

2. The cargo carrier according to claim 1, wherein the recess (85) is designed to extend through the support surface (11) and the support surface is interrupted in the region of the recess (85).

3. The cargo carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base element (12) is fixedly connected to the bottom element (9).

4. The cargo carrier according to claim 1, wherein the base element (12) is pivotable about a pivot axis (89) relative to the bottom element (9), and The pivot axis (89) extends perpendicular to the connecting line and parallel to the support surface (11).

5. The cargo carrier according to claim 1, wherein the rear section (93) of the bottom element (9) is connected to the base element (12) by a lever arm (95). The lever arm (95) is pivotally hinged to the base element (12) and pivotally hinged to the bottom element (9), and The front section (91) is fixed to the bottom element (9) in a manner movable along the longitudinal direction of the bottom element (9) and is pivotally fixed to the base element (12).

6. The cargo carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a receiving space (17) extending away from the base surface (13), and A surface-shaped dividing element (15') is provided in the receiving space (17), which divides the receiving space (17) into sub-segments and extends away from the base surface (13).

7. The cargo carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and A connecting element (37) for detachably connecting to another cargo carrier (7) is provided in the region of the side wall and / or in the region of the front wall and the rear wall.

8. The cargo carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a receiving element for receiving the forks of a forklift is provided.

9. The cargo carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cargo carrier (7) has a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and The front wall, the rear wall, and the side wall are designed to be rigid and shape-stable.

10. The cargo carrier according to claim 9, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and / or the side wall are formed of a heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant material.

11. The cargo carrier according to claim 9, wherein expandable elements are provided on the front wall, the rear wall and / or the side wall.

12. The cargo carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cargo carrier (7) is designed to accommodate one or more wheelchairs (97). The cargo carrier has a data transmission device (107) by means of which data about the received wheelchair (97) can be transmitted to the data network of the aircraft (1).

13. The cargo carrier according to claim 3, wherein the base element (12) and the bottom element (9) are formed in one piece.

14. The cargo carrier according to claim 8, wherein the receiving element is a channel (99).

15. The cargo carrier according to claim 11, wherein the expandable element is an inflatable pad element (105).

16. The cargo carrier according to claim 12, wherein the data is information that independently identifies the wheelchair (97).

17. The cargo carrier according to claim 12, wherein data relating to the received wheelchair (97) can be wirelessly transmitted to the data network of the aircraft (1) by means of the data transmission device.

18. A system having one or more cargo carriers (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and The system has a receiving platform (109) having a receiving surface (111) and a bottom (113), the bottom being designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of the aircraft (1). The receiving surface (111) is sized and designed to receive one or more of the cargo carriers (7) using the support surface (11) of the cargo carrier.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the receiving surface (111) is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers (7) are received side by side.

20. The system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the receiving platform (109) is designed such that the receiving surface (111) is pivotable relative to the bottom (113).

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the receiving surface (111) is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers (7) are received with their sides facing each other.

22. A receiving platform for a system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the bottom is designed for placement on the floor of the cargo hold (3) of an aircraft (1). The receiving surface (111) is sized and designed to receive one or more of the cargo carriers (7) using the support surface (11) of the cargo carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

23. The receiving platform according to claim 22, wherein the receiving surface (111) is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers (7) are received side by side.

24. The receiving platform according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the receiving platform (109) is designed such that the receiving surface (111) is pivotable relative to the bottom (113).

25. The receiving platform according to claim 23, wherein the receiving surface (111) is designed and sized such that two cargo carriers (7) are received with their sides facing each other.

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