Trolley device, trolley system and aircraft

Abstract

Trolley device, trolley system and aircraft. A trolley device (10, 10') for use, inter alia, in an aircraft cabin, comprises: a trolley body (12) defining an internal space; a plurality of carriers (26) removably housed in the internal space of the trolley body (12); a plurality of heating devices (32, 32') each associated with at least one of the plurality of carriers (26) and configured to heat an item (28) disposed in at least one localised area (34a-34c) of the carrier (26); an electrical distribution network (38) connectable to each heating device (32, 32'); and a control unit (54) configured to receive individual heating instructions for each heating device (32, 32') and to control the electrical distribution network (38) to individually power a selected one of the plurality of heating devices (32, 32') in response to a respective individual heating instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to trolley devices and trolley systems, particularly for use in aircraft cabins. Furthermore, the invention also relates to aircraft equipped with such trolley devices and / or trolley systems. Background Technology

[0002] In transportation vehicles such as modern aircraft or trains, trolleys are used to store and distribute meals to passengers. Aircraft trolleys are typically cooled, for example, by air coolers installed in the trolley compartment of the aircraft's galley or by internal cooling systems. This allows food stored in the trolleys to remain fresh before being distributed to passengers.

[0003] When hot meals are required, the crew must remove the food from the trolley, heat it in the oven in the aircraft galley, and then return it to the trolley, for example, on the appropriate tray. This is time-consuming and cumbersome, especially considering the limited workspace available in the aircraft galley area. Furthermore, the possibility of the hot food cooling down again before final serving cannot be ruled out.

[0004] Document DE 10 2009 053 584 A1 describes a handcart comprising a container equipped with electrical equipment, a primary winding in a first iron core, and a secondary winding in a second iron core. The secondary winding is disposed within the container. The primary winding is attached to a transport vehicle side, such that moving the container to a receiving position within the handcart causes the primary and secondary windings to align, thereby inducing an alternating voltage applied to the electrical equipment disposed within the container. This electrical equipment may be a cooling device or a heating device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to provide a trolley device and trolley system that allows for efficient and flexible heating of food on transportation vehicles. Furthermore, this invention also aims to provide an aircraft equipped with such a trolley device and / or trolley system.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the handcart device, handcart system and aircraft as defined below.

[0007] A trolley device, particularly suitable for use in aircraft cabins for storing and distributing food to passengers, includes a trolley body defining an internal space. The base of the trolley body may be provided with wheels attachable to the lower surface of the base. The trolley device also includes multiple carriers detachably housed within the internal space of the trolley body. The carriers may be designed, for example, in the form of trays on which food can be placed. The trolley body may have multiple guide and support rails configured to guide the carriers as they are pushed into the internal space of the trolley body and to support them in place once they are housed within the internal space. The guide and support rails may be arranged in pairs and may extend from the inner surfaces of opposite sidewalls of the trolley body.

[0008] The trolley device also includes multiple heating devices. Each heating device is associated with at least one of the multiple carriers and configured to heat an item, such as food, disposed in at least one localized area of ​​the carrier. The carrier may include multiple localized areas, each of which may be configured to receive a specific food item. For example, the carrier may include one or more localized areas configured to receive cold dishes such as salads or desserts, and one or more localized areas configured to receive dishes requiring heating. However, it is also conceivable that the carrier is not subdivided into localized areas, but rather that the entire carrier is designed to receive one or more food items requiring heating.

[0009] The trolley device also includes a power distribution network that can be connected to each heating unit. Specifically, the power distribution network can be connected individually to each heating unit. The power distribution network may include electrical lines that can be installed in the trolley body and multiple interfaces. The interfaces of the power distribution network can be configured to interact with corresponding interfaces provided on the heating units. However, it is also conceivable that the power distribution network can be connected to each heating unit wirelessly.

[0010] The control unit is configured to receive individual heating commands for each heating device and control the power distribution network to supply power to at least one of the plurality of heating devices individually in response to the corresponding individual heating command. The control unit may receive only one individual heating command and accordingly control the power distribution network to supply power to only one of the plurality of heating devices individually. However, it is also conceivable that the control unit receives multiple individual heating commands associated with multiple different heating devices at the same time or partially overlapping times. The control unit can then control the power distribution network to supply power to the multiple different heating devices individually.

[0011] The control unit can be installed in or on the trolley body, or mounted away from the trolley body. Communication between the control unit and the power distribution network can be achieved via a wired or wireless communication link. The control unit can be a dedicated control unit for controlling the power distribution network of the trolley device. However, it is also conceivable that the control unit be integrated into a higher-level control system that performs other control functions in addition to controlling the power distribution network of the trolley device.

[0012] The trolley device described herein allows for the selective and individual heating of food contained within the trolley body by selectively activating specific heating devices associated with specific carriers holding the food to be heated. Therefore, it eliminates the need to manually remove the food from the trolley body, heat it in an oven, and then finally place it back into the trolley body. This significantly simplifies the process of serving hot meals on aircraft. Furthermore, it ensures that food intended for hot service remains hot until it is finally distributed to passengers.

[0013] In one embodiment of the trolley device, at least one of the plurality of heating devices is integrally formed with a carrier. For example, the heating device may be integrated into the carrier to form a heating zone in at least one local area of ​​the carrier. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the plurality of heating devices may be disposed within the interior space of the trolley body. The heating device disposed within the interior space of the trolley body may, for example, be plate-shaped and mounted above or below the receiving position of the carrier carrying the items to be heated within the interior space of the trolley body. The trolley device may be equipped with only a heating device integrally formed with the carrier of the trolley device, or it may be equipped with only a heating device disposed within the interior space of the trolley body. However, it is also conceivable that the trolley device includes both a heating device integrally formed with the carrier and a heating device disposed within the interior space of the trolley body.

[0014] At least one of the plurality of heating devices, integrally formed with the carrier, can be disposed in an area on the upper surface of the carrier that carries the items to be heated. By disposing of the heating device in an area on the upper surface of the carrier, the lower surface of the carrier can remain relatively cool even during operation of the heating device, allowing the carrier to still be used to serve meals to passengers.

[0015] At least one of the plurality of heating devices, integrally formed with the carrier, may have a heating device interface that connects to a corresponding electrical network interface when the carrier is positioned in the trolley body. For example, one of the interacting interfaces may have a preferably spherical protrusion that slides into a corresponding groove or recess on the other interface as the carrier is slid into the trolley body. When the carrier is positioned in the trolley body, the protrusion is received in the groove or recess, establishing an electrical connection between the carrier and the electrical network. Furthermore, one of the interacting interfaces may have a spring-loaded safety pin that slides into a corresponding groove or recess on the other interface as the carrier is slid into the trolley body. Once the interface connection is broken, the spring-loaded safety pin can cut off power to the other protrusions of the interface before they are physically disconnected when the carrier is removed from the trolley body. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a connection mechanism with a floating component for the corresponding interfaces of the heating device and the electrical network, which is pulled toward the mating interface by magnetic force, snap-fit ​​connection, or similar means.

[0016] At least one of the plurality of heating devices may be an induction heating device, a resistance heating device, an infrared heating device, and / or a microwave heating device. The trolley device may be equipped with only one type of heating device or with different types of heating devices.

[0017] The trolley assembly may also include at least one heat insulation device that isolates at least one of the plurality of heating devices and / or the item to be heated. The heat insulation device prevents unwanted heat dissipation within the interior space of the trolley body. For example, the heat insulation device may be designed as an integrated insulation layer within the carrier to isolate the integrated heating device and / or the food to be heated from the surrounding environment. For example, the insulation layer may be provided on the bottom surface of the carrier. Alternatively, the heat insulation device may be positioned around at least a portion of the food to be heated to limit heat dissipation beyond the food. Furthermore, provided the carrier is made of a suitable material, the carrier itself may act as, or form, a heat insulation device, wholly or partially. Additionally, one or more heat insulation devices may be disposed between the carriers housed within the interior space of the trolley body.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the trolley device includes a user interface for inputting individual heating commands for each heating device. Crew members on board the aircraft can use the user interface to activate individual heating devices, thereby heating individual food items contained within the trolley body on demand in a convenient manner. For example, the user interface may include a screen on which the individual heating devices and / or associated carriers can be displayed. The screen may be designed as a touchscreen, allowing easy selection of the heating device to be activated. The user interface can be connected to a control unit via a wired or wireless communication link.

[0019] The user interface can also be used to inform the crew about the operational status of the trolley equipment and heating devices. Furthermore, information about the trolley inventory, such as the types and quantities of food stored in the trolleys, can be conveyed to the crew through the user interface.

[0020] The user interface can be a fixed device, such as one attached to the trolley body or located in the aircraft galley area. Alternatively, the user interface can be a mobile device that can be carried by the crew when receiving hot meal orders. The crew can use the mobile user interface to activate the heating device to heat the selected food immediately after receiving a hot meal order. It is also conceivable that the trolley device includes multiple fixed and / or mobile user interfaces.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the trolley assembly further includes a cooling device configured to cool the interior space of the trolley body. The cooling device may, for example, include an air cooler installed in the kitchen surrounding the trolley, configured to blow cool air into or surround the interior space of the trolley body. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling device may be integrated into the trolley body, or the interior space of the trolley body may be cooled with dry ice. Providing a cooling device to cool the interior space of the trolley body allows food to be stored in the trolley and kept fresh until its final use.

[0022] The cooling device can be connected to the electrical distribution network of the trolley unit. However, it is also conceivable that the cooling device can be powered independently of the electrical distribution network. The control unit of the trolley unit can be configured to also control the cooling device. For example, the control unit can be configured to deactivate the cooling device upon receiving one or more heating commands. In the case where the cooling device is connected to the electrical distribution network of the trolley unit, the control unit can deactivate the cooling device by interrupting the power supply to the cooling device via the electrical distribution network.

[0023] The trolley system includes the aforementioned trolley device. Furthermore, the trolley system includes a docking station configured to establish a power connection between the trolley device's power distribution network and the vehicle's power network. The vehicle's power network can be, for example, an aircraft electrical network. The docking station can be configured to establish electromechanical or contactless coupling / decoupling between the trolley device's power distribution network and the vehicle's power network.

[0024] The aircraft includes the aforementioned trolley device and / or the aforementioned trolley system. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a handcart system including a handcart device is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the main body of the handcart device shown;

[0028] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Top view of the support structure and heating device of the handcart assembly shown;

[0029] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Show integration into Figure 3 Rear and top views of an exemplary heating device interface of the heating device in the carrier shown;

[0030] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Showing the use of with Figure 4a , Figure 4b Rear and top views of an exemplary power distribution network interface in which the heating device interfaces interact;

[0031] Figure 6 A second embodiment of a handcart system including a handcart device is shown;

[0032] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the main body of the handcart device shown;

[0033] Figure 8 Show Figure 6 A top view of the carrier and heating device of the handcart assembly shown; and

[0034] Figure 9 Showing equipped with Figure 1 or Figure 7 The aircraft is shown with a handcart system. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 6 Two different embodiments of trolley systems 100 and 100' are shown, which are particularly suitable for use in aircraft cabins to store and distribute food to passengers on board. Trolley systems 100 and 100' include trolley units 10 and 10' with a trolley body 12 having a defined internal space. A three-dimensional view of the trolley body 12 used in trolley systems 100 and 100' is shown in... Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the trolley body 12 includes a base plate 14, on which wheels 16 are attached to the lower surface. Furthermore, the trolley body includes opposing side walls 18, 20, a top wall 22, and a rear wall 24. Additionally, a door (not shown in the figure) is provided for sealing the interior space of the trolley body 12, for example, when the trolley units 10, 10' are stored in the aircraft's galley.

[0036] The trolley devices 10, 10' also include multiple support members 26 detachably housed within the interior space of the trolley body 12. Figure 1 and Figure 6 Only one carrier 26 is shown in the diagram. However, when using the trolley devices 10, 10', the trolley body 12 is typically filled with several carriers 26 stacked on top of each other and housed within the interior space of the trolley body 12. The carriers 26 are typically designed in the form of trays on which at least one food item 28 can be placed. The trolley body 12 is provided with a plurality of guide and support rails 30 configured to guide the carriers 26 as they are pushed into the interior space of the trolley body 12. Furthermore, these guide and support rails 30 interact with the opposite side edges of the carriers 26 and support the carriers 26 in place when they are housed within the interior space of the trolley body 12. These guide and support rails 30 are arranged in pairs and extend from the inner surfaces of the opposite side walls 18, 20 of the trolley body 12.

[0037] The trolley devices 10, 10' also include multiple heating devices 32, 32'. The heating devices 32, 32' can be induction heating devices, resistance heating devices, infrared heating devices and / or microwave heating devices, wherein the trolley devices 10, 10' can be equipped with only one type of heating device 32, 32' or with different types of heating devices 32, 32'.

[0038] Each heating device 32, 32' is associated with at least one of the plurality of carriers 26 and is configured to heat an article, such as food 28, disposed in at least a local area of ​​the carrier 26. Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown in the embodiments of the trolley devices 10 and 10' illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the carrier 26 includes a plurality of partial regions 34a-34c, each partial region 34a-34c being configured to receive a specific food item. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, the carrier 26 includes two partial regions 34a and 34b configured to receive cold dishes such as salads or desserts, and a partial region 34c configured to receive dishes that require heating.

[0039] exist Figures 1 to 5a In the embodiment of the handcart device 10 shown in -5b, the heating device 32 is integrally formed with the carrier. For example... Figure 3 As shown, each heating device 32 (which may be designed, for example, as a resistance heating device) is integrated into the carrier 26 to form a heating zone in at least one local area of ​​the carrier 26, particularly in the local area 34c where the food 28 to be heated is received when the carrier 26 is in use. Specifically, the heating device 32 is disposed in the area of ​​the upper surface of the carrier 26 that carries the food 28 to be heated. Thus, even during the operation of the heating device 32, the lower surface of the carrier 26 can remain relatively cool, allowing the carrier 26 to still be used to serve meals to passengers.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the heating device 32' can be installed in the interior space of the trolley body 12, such as... Figures 6 to 8 This is the case in the embodiment of the trolley device 10' shown. The heating device 32' is plate-shaped and is installed below the receiving position of each carrier 26 in the internal space of the trolley body 12, such that each heating device 32' coincides with a partial area 34c of a carrier 26 that receives the food to be heated, see [reference]. Figure 8 The heating device 32' can be designed, for example, as an infrared heating device.

[0041] Figures 1 to 5a The embodiment of the handcart device 10 shown in -5b is only equipped with a heating device 32 integrally formed with the carrier 26 of the handcart device 10, while Figures 6 to 8 The illustrated embodiment of the trolley device 10' is equipped only with a heating device 32' installed inside the trolley body 12. However, it is also conceivable that the trolley devices 10, 10' include both the heating device 32 integrally formed with the support member 26 and the heating device 32' installed inside the trolley body 12.

[0042] If necessary, the trolley devices 10, 10' may also include at least one heat insulation device 36 that isolates at least one of the plurality of heating devices 32 and / or the food 28 to be heated from the surrounding environment. For example, the heat insulation device 36 may be disposed on the support member 26, between a local area 34c carrying the food 28 to be heated and local areas 34a-34b intended to carry cold food, see [reference needed] Figure 3 and Figure 8 However, the heat insulation device 36 can also be designed as an integrated heat insulation layer within the carrier 26 to isolate the integrated heating device 32 and / or the food to be heated 28 from the surrounding environment. For example, the heat insulation layer can be provided on the bottom surface of the carrier 26. Alternatively, the heat insulation device 36 can be positioned around the food to be heated 28. Furthermore, if the carrier 26 is made of a suitable heat insulation material, the carrier 26 itself can serve as, in whole or in part, the heat insulation device 36 and form the heat insulation device 36. In addition, one or more heat insulation devices 36 can be disposed between the carriers 26 housed within the interior space of the trolley body 12.

[0043] The trolley units 10, 10' also include an electrical distribution network 38 that can be connected to each heating unit 32, 32'. Specifically, the electrical distribution network 38 can be individually connected to each heating unit 32, 32'. Figures 1 to 5a In the handcart device 10 shown in -5b, the power distribution network 38 includes power lines 40 and multiple interfaces 42 installed in the handcart body 12. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The interface 42 of the power distribution network 38 is configured to interact with the corresponding interface 44 provided on the heating devices 32, 32'.

[0044] exist Figures 1 to 5a In the handcart assembly 10 shown in -5b, each heating device 32 is integrally formed with the carrier 26, and each heating device 32 is provided with a heating device interface 44. When the carrier 26 is placed in the handcart body 12, the heating device interface is connected to the corresponding power distribution network interface 42. For example, as shown in... Figures 5a-5b As shown, one of the interacting interfaces 42 and 44 (here, the power distribution network interface 42) is provided with a preferably spherical protrusion 46. When the carrier 26 is slid into the trolley body 12, these protrusions slide into a corresponding groove or recess 48 provided on the other of the interfaces 42 and 44 (here, the heating device interface 44). When the carrier 26 is positioned in the trolley body 12, the protrusion 46 is received in the groove or recess 48, and an electrical connection is established between the carrier 26 and the power distribution network 38.

[0045] Furthermore, one of the interacting interfaces 42, 44 (here, the power distribution network interface 42) is provided with a spring-loaded safety pin 50, which slides into a corresponding groove or notch 52 on the other of the interfaces 42, 44 (here, the heating device interface 44) when the carrier 26 is slid into the trolley body 12. Once the connection of interfaces 42, 44 is disconnected, the spring-loaded safety pin 50 cuts off the power at the other protrusions 46 of interface 42 before they are physically disconnected when the carrier 26 is removed from the trolley body 12. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a connection mechanism with a floating component for the corresponding interfaces 42, 44 of the heating device 32 and the power distribution network 38, which is pulled toward the mating interfaces 42, 44 by magnetic force, snap-fit ​​connection, or similar means.

[0046] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the handcart device 10' shown, the power distribution network 38 is connected to each heating device 32' via a wireless connection.

[0047] Furthermore, the trolley units 10, 10' include a control unit 54 configured to receive individual heating commands for each heating device 32, 32' and control the power distribution network 38 to individually supply power to at least one of the plurality of heating devices 32, 32' in response to the corresponding individual heating command. The control unit 54 may be mounted in or on the trolley body 12, or mounted remotely from the trolley body 12. Communication between the control unit 54 and the power distribution network 38 can be achieved via a wired or wireless communication link.

[0048] In addition, the trolley units 10, 10' include a user interface 56 for inputting individual heating commands for each heating device 32, 32'. The user interface 56 includes a touchscreen 58 on which the individual heating devices 32, 32' and / or associated carriers 26 are displayed. Furthermore, the user interface displays information about the operating status of the trolley units 10, 10' and the heating devices 32, 32', as well as information about the inventory of the trolley units 10, 10', such as the types and quantities of food contained in the trolley body 12. The heating device 32, 32' to be activated can be easily selected on demand via the touchscreen 58.

[0049] The user interface 56 can be a fixed device, such as attached to the trolley body 12 or located in an area of ​​the aircraft galley. Alternatively, the user interface 56 can be a mobile device that can be carried by the crew when receiving a hot meal order. The crew can use the mobile user interface 56 to activate the heating devices 32, 32' to heat the selected food immediately after receiving a hot meal order. It is also conceivable that the trolley devices 10, 10' include multiple fixed and / or mobile user interfaces 56. The user interface 56 can be connected to the control unit 54 via a wired or wireless communication link.

[0050] The trolley units 10, 10' also include a cooling device 60 configured to cool the interior space of the trolley body. The cooling device 60 may, for example, include an air cooler installed in the kitchen surrounding the trolley, configured to blow cool air into the interior space of the trolley body 12. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling device may be integrated into the trolley body 12, or the interior space of the trolley body 12 may be cooled with dry ice. The cooling device 60 is connected to or powered independently of the power distribution network 38 of the trolley units. The control unit 54 of the trolley units 10, 10' is also configured to control the cooling device 60. For example, the control unit 54 is configured to deactivate the cooling device 60 upon receiving one or more heating commands. When the cooling device 60 is connected to the power distribution network 38 of the trolley units 10, 10', the control unit 54 can deactivate the cooling device 60 by interrupting the power supply to the cooling device 60 via the power distribution network 38.

[0051] Finally, in addition to the aforementioned cart devices 10 and 10', the cart systems 100 and 100' also include a docking station 102 configured to establish a power connection between the power distribution network 38 of the cart devices 10 and 10' and the vehicle power network 104. The vehicle power network 104 can be, for example, an aircraft electrical network. The docking station 102 can be configured to establish electromechanical or contactless coupling / decoupling between the power distribution network 38 of the cart devices 10 and 10' and the vehicle power network 104.

[0052] Figure 9 The aircraft 500 is shown equipped with the aforementioned trolley systems 100 and 100'.

Claims

1. A handcart device (10, 10'), wherein, The handcart device includes: - The main body of the handcart (12) defines the internal space; - Multiple support components (26) are detachably housed in the interior space of the handcart body (12); - A plurality of heating devices (32, 32'), each heating device (32, 32') being associated with at least one of the plurality of carriers (26) and configured to heat an article disposed in at least one local area (34a-34c) of the carrier (26); - A power distribution network (38) that can be connected to each heating device (32, 32'); and - Control unit (54) configured to receive individual heating commands for each heating device (32, 32') and control the power distribution network (38) to supply power to at least one of the plurality of heating devices (32, 32') individually in response to the respective individual heating commands.

2. The handcart device (10, 10') according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating devices is integrally formed with the carrier (26), and / or wherein at least one of the plurality of heating devices is disposed in the handcart body (12).

3. The trolley device (10, 10') according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating devices (32, 32') integrally formed with the carrier (26) is disposed in a region of the upper surface of the carrier (26) carrying the article to be heated.

4. The handcart device (10, 10') according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating devices (32, 32') integrally formed with the carrier (26) is provided with a heating device interface (44), and when the carrier (26) is placed in the handcart body (12), the heating device interface is connected to the corresponding power distribution network interface (42).

5. The handcart device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating devices (32, 32') is an induction heating device, a resistance heating device, an infrared heating device and / or a microwave heating device.

6. The trolley device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trolley device further comprises at least one heat insulation device (36) that isolates at least one of the plurality of heating devices (32, 32') and / or the article to be heated.

7. The trolley device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trolley device further comprises a user interface (56) for inputting individual heating commands for each heating device (32, 32'), the user interface (56) being connected to the control unit (54).

8. The trolley device (10, 10') according to claim 7, wherein the user interface (56) is capable of being a fixed device and / or a mobile device.

9. The handcart device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handcart device further comprises a cooling device (60) configured to cool the interior space of the handcart body (12).

10. The trolley device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trolley device is used in the passenger cabin of an aircraft.

11. A trolley system (100, 100'), wherein the trolley system comprises: - Handcart device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 10; as well as - Dock station (102) is configured to establish a power connection between the power distribution network (38) of the handcart device (10, 10') and the power network (104) of the transport vehicle.

12. An aircraft (500) comprising a trolley device (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a trolley system (100, 100') according to claim 11.

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