Galley cart storage system for aircraft galleys

Abstract

To provide a system and method for stowing galley carts in a galley of an aircraft.SOLUTION: A galley cart system includes a lower cart compartment and an upper cart compartment both configured to receive at least one galley cart. At least one vertical conveyance device extends between the cart compartments to move the galley carts between the cart compartments. A galley workspace having a workspace volume is located between the cart compartments. The galley workspace has a countertop movable between a deployed position and a clearance position to form an opening between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment to allow movement of the galley carts between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for storing a galley cart within an aircraft galley.

Background Art

[0002] Commercial aircraft are typically equipped with a galley for storing and preparing food provided in the in-flight meal service to passengers. The galley includes storage space for galley carts. The galley carts include food trays, beverages, and the like. For long-haul flights where two or three meals are served, a large galley is required to accommodate the numerous galley carts needed to store food and trash. These large galleys take up a lot of space, and as a result, reduce the number of passenger seats that can be equipped in the cabin. This reduces the airline's revenue. Some well-known galley cart storage systems store the galley carts within the lower lobe or upper portion of the aircraft. However, such galley cart storage systems typically use automated components and cannot be accessed manually in the lower storage area or upper storage area in case of failure.

[0003] There is a need for a commercial aircraft galley arrangement in which a large number of galley carts can be stored and accessed during flight without interfering with galley service.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a galley cart storage system is provided for storing a galley cart in the galley of an aircraft. The galley cart storage system includes a lower cart compartment defining a lower galley cart cavity configured to receive a first galley cart from among the galley carts. The galley cart storage system includes an upper cart compartment located above the lower cart compartment. The upper cart compartment defines an upper galley cart cavity configured to receive a second galley cart from among the galley carts. The galley cart storage system includes a vertical transport device extending between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment for moving the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment. The galley cart storage system includes a galley workspace having a workspace space located above the lower cart compartment and below the upper cart compartment. The galley workspace has a galley countertop. The galley countertop is movable between an extended position and a clearance position. The worktop, in its deployed position, is positioned between the lower and upper cart compartments to block the movement of the second galley cart between the lower and upper cart compartments. The worktop is moved to a clearance position to form an opening between the lower and upper cart compartments in order to allow the movement of the second galley cart between the lower and upper cart compartments.

[0005] In another embodiment, an aircraft is provided, which includes a cabin having a cabin floor. The cabin has a cabin ceiling at the top of the aircraft. The aircraft includes a galley within the cabin. The galley includes a number of walls, including a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall extending between the first and second side walls. The rear wall is opposite the front of the galley. The galley has a galley installation area between the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, and the front. The galley includes a galley cart storage system for storing galley carts. The galley cart storage system includes a lower cart compartment within the galley installation area that defines a lower galley cart cavity configured to receive a first galley cart of the galley carts. The lower galley cart cavity is defined by the first side wall, the second side wall, and the rear wall. The lower cart compartment has a lower door at the front of the galley to close off the lower galley cart cavity. The lower door opens toward the cabin to provide access to the lower galley cart cavity from inside the cabin. The galley cart storage system includes an upper cart compartment within the galley installation area that defines an upper galley cart cavity configured to receive a second galley cart from among the galley carts. The upper galley cart cavity is defined by a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall. The upper cart compartment has an upper door at the front of the galley to close off the upper galley cart cavity. The upper door opens toward the cabin to provide access to the upper galley cart cavity from inside the cabin. The galley cart storage system includes a vertical transport device extending between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment for moving a second galley cart between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment. The galley cart storage system includes a galley workspace located above the lower cart compartment and below the upper cart compartment, with a workspace within the galley installation area. The galley workspace includes a cooking counter.The worktop is movable between an extended position and a clearance position. In the extended position, the worktop is positioned between the lower and upper cart compartments to block the movement of a second galley cart between the lower and upper cart compartments. The worktop is moved to the clearance position to form an opening between the lower and upper cart compartments in order to allow the movement of a second galley cart between the lower and upper cart compartments.

[0006] In a further embodiment, a method is provided for housing galley carts within an aircraft galley. The method includes arranging a plurality of galley carts in a lower galley cavity of a lower cart compartment below the galley work surface in the galley workspace. The method also includes arranging a plurality of galley carts in an upper galley cart cavity of an upper cart compartment above the galley workspace. The method includes moving the galley work surface from an extended position to a clearance position to form an opening between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment. The method includes moving the galley carts between the upper cart compartment and the lower cart compartment, generally vertically through the opening, using a vertical transport device extending between the lower cart compartment and the upper cart compartment.

[0007] The features and functions described above can be implemented individually in various embodiments or combined in yet another embodiment. Further details of these embodiments can be understood by referring to the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aircraft according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a front view of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment showing a galley cart storage system for storing a galley cart. [Figure 3] This is a front perspective view of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment showing a galley cart storage system for storing a galley cart. [Figure 4] This is a front perspective view of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the countertop and back wall in clearance positions. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the countertop and rear wall in clearance. [Figure 6] This is a rear perspective view of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment, with the rear wall removed to show the galley cart and vertical transport device. [Figure 7] This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment showing one of the bays. [Figure 8] This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment illustrating a vertical transport device. [Figure 9] This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley showing a vertical transport device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of a galley showing a vertical transport device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley showing a vertical transport device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of a galley showing a vertical transport device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley showing a vertical transport device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] This is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of a galley showing a vertical transport device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a side view of a portion of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a side view of a portion of a galley according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following detailed description of specific embodiments will be better understood by reading with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings.

[0010] When used herein, elements or steps described in the singular, following the words "one" or "one," should be understood that no plural form of such element or step is excluded unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that similarly encompass the described features. Moreover, embodiments that "compris" or "have" one or more elements having a particular property may include additional such elements that do not possess that property (unless explicitly stated otherwise).

[0011] Various embodiments of a galley cart storage system for storing galley carts within an aircraft galley are described herein. The galley cart storage system includes a galley workspace having a countertop and a workspace space located above a lower cart compartment and below an upper cart compartment. In various embodiments, the lower and upper cart compartments define lower and upper galley cart cavities. They accommodate galley carts so that the galley carts are positioned below and above the galley workspace. The lower galley cart compartment is defined by a wall. The lower galley cart compartment has a front lower door that opens to the galley to provide access to the cavity. The upper galley cart compartment is defined by a wall. The upper galley cart compartment has a front upper door that opens to the galley to provide access to the cavity. In various embodiments, both the lower and upper cart compartments are accessible to personnel from the galley space within the aircraft cabin. In various embodiments, one or more vertical transport devices extend between the lower and upper cart compartments to move galley carts between them. In various embodiments, the galley workspace is reconfigurable to allow the galley transport devices to move galley carts between the upper and lower cart compartments. In various embodiments, the galley counter is movable to allow galley carts to move between the upper and lower cart compartments. Stacking cart compartments above and below the galley workspace increases the number of galley carts that can be accommodated within the galley space footprint. In this way, more cabin space becomes available for passenger seating.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aircraft 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The aircraft 10 includes a cargo area 12 within the lower portion of the aircraft 10. The cargo area 12 includes one or more cargo compartments. Above the cargo area 12, the aircraft 10 includes a cabin 14 that defines a passenger area 16. The cabin 14 includes a cabin floor 18 and a cabin ceiling 20. The cargo area 12 is separated from the passenger area 16 by the cabin floor 18. The uppermost part 22 of the aircraft 10 that defines an overhead area 24 is separated from the passenger area 16 by the cabin ceiling 20.

[0013] The aircraft 10 includes one or more galleys 100 (shown in cross-section) within the cabin 14. Each galley 100 is accessible by crew members from within the passenger area 16, such as from a space 26 within the passenger area 16. The galleys 100 are catering areas accessible by the crew of the aircraft 10 for storing items used to serve passengers, such as food and beverages. The galleys 100 include a number of walls 102 extending between the cabin floor 18 and the cabin ceiling 20. The galleys 100 include a galley cart storage system 104 for storing galley carts 110 within the galleys 100. The galley carts 110 may be standard galley carts, such as ATLAS carts, KSSU carts, or ACE carts. The walls 102 define cart compartments, such as a lower cart compartment 106 and an upper cart compartment 108, for storing the galley carts 110. In various embodiments, both the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108 extend across the entire width of the galley 100. In alternative embodiments, the upper cart compartment 108 may extend over only a portion of the lower cart compartment 106. The lower cart compartment 106 may have a first width, and the upper cart compartment 108 may have a second width narrower than the first width. In such embodiments, the lower cart compartment 106 is configured to hold a greater number of galley carts 110 than the upper cart compartment 108. In some embodiments, the lower cart compartment 106 has a width to accommodate six galley carts 110, while the upper cart compartment 108 extends only half the width of the lower cart compartment 106 to accommodate three galley carts 110. In alternative embodiments, other embodiments are possible. In various embodiments, the galley 100 may extend laterally across a portion of the aircraft 10, facing either forward or aft within the aircraft 10. In other various embodiments, the galley 100 may be positioned longitudinally within the aircraft 10, thereby facing either the right or left side of the aircraft 10.In various other embodiments, the galley 100 may be horseshoe-shaped.

[0014] A wall 102 defines a galley workspace 112 available to the crew for preparing meals and serving food and beverages. The galley workspace 112 includes a galley counter 114 and a workspace 116 above the counter 114 that defines a workspace for the crew. A rear wall 118 is located behind the workspace 116. The galley counter 114 and workspace 116 are located in front of the rear wall 118. In one exemplary embodiment, cart compartments 106 are stacked both below and above the galley workspace 112 to accommodate galley carts 110. The galley carts 110 are accessible from the galley space 26. For example, a galley cart 110 above the galley workspace 112 is accessible to the crew from the galley space 26. Crew members may stand on step stools, liftable floor panels, or standing platforms that can be rolled up or otherwise lifted to access the upper galley cart 110. The space allocated to the galley 100 is unavailable for other purposes such as passenger seating or restrooms, and therefore, it may be desirable for the aircraft manufacturer to reduce the galley 100's footprint in order to increase the seating area of ​​the passenger area 16, thereby increasing the revenue of each flight for the aircraft operator. The number of galley carts 110 within a given galley footprint can be increased by stacking cart compartments 106, 108 to accommodate the galley carts 110 above the galley workspace (for example, compared to galleys that are not stacked).

[0015] In various embodiments, the galley work space 112 is reconfigurable to allow the galley cart 110 to move vertically between the upper and lower cart compartments 106, 108. For example, the work surface 114 is movable to a clearance position to allow the galley cart 110 to move between the upper cart compartment 108 and the lower cart compartment 106. The work surface 114 may slide forward to form a space or opening behind the work surface 114 to allow the galley cart 110 to move between the upper cart compartment 108 and the lower cart compartment 106. In various embodiments, the rear wall 118 is movable with the work surface 114 to allow the galley cart 110 to move behind the rear wall 118 between the upper cart compartment 108 and the lower cart compartment 106.

[0016] The galley 100 includes a galley cooling system 40 that provides a cooled airflow for the galley 100. In various embodiments, the components of the galley cooling system 40 are disposed above the galley 100 above the cabin ceiling 20 (e.g., within the uppermost portion 22 of the aircraft 10). In alternative embodiments, the components of the galley cooling system 40 are disposed within the galley 100. In other alternative embodiments, the components of the galley cooling system 40 are disposed below the galley 100 (e.g., within the cargo area 12 of the aircraft 10 below the cabin floor 18). In an exemplary embodiment, the galley cooling system 40 includes a heat exchanger 42 that generates a cooled airflow. In various embodiments, the heat exchanger 42 is a refrigerator that includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an air handler for generating a cooled airflow. The galley cooling system 40 includes a supply duct 44 and a return duct 46 that circulate the airflow through the cart compartments 106, 108. In various embodiments, the galley cooling system may include a plurality of heat exchangers 42. In various other embodiments, the galley cooling system 40 may use dry ice to cool the galley cart 110. The galley cart 110 may be an insulated cart. The galley walls may be insulated galley walls.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of the galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment showing a galley cart storage system 104 for storing the galley cart 110. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment showing a galley cart storage system 104 for storing the galley cart 110.

[0018] The wall 102 of the galley 100 extends between the cabin floor 18 and the cabin ceiling 20. The wall 102 includes a first side wall 120 on the left side of the galley 100 and a second side wall 122 on the right side of the galley 100 opposite the first side wall 120. The wall 102 includes a rear wall 124 (FIG. 3) at the rear of the galley 100 opposite the front portion 126 of the galley 100. The first and second side walls 120, 122 extend from the rear wall 124 to the front portion 126 of the galley 100. The galley 100 has an installation area on the cabin floor 18. The installation area occupies the surface area of the cabin floor 18 defined by the side walls 120, 122, the rear wall 124, and the front portion 126. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cart compartment 106 is included within the range of the installation area, and the upper cart compartment 108 is included within the range of the installation area. In an exemplary embodiment, the galley work space 112 is included within the range of the installation area. In various embodiments, the galley 100 may be disposed within the aircraft 10 such that the front portion 126 of the galley 100 faces the rear end of the aircraft 10. In various other embodiments, the galley 100 may be disposed within the aircraft 10 such that the front portion 126 of the galley 100 faces the front end of the aircraft 10. In various other embodiments, the galley 100 may be disposed longitudinally within the aircraft 10 such that the front portion 126 of the galley 100 faces the right side or the left side of the aircraft 10.

[0019] The galley cart storage system 104 includes a lower cart compartment 106 and an upper cart compartment 108. In this case, the galley work space 112 is located between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. The galley cart storage system 104 includes one or more vertical transport devices 130 for moving the galley cart 110 between the lower and upper cart compartments 106, 108. For example, the vertical transport device 130 may lift and load the galley cart 110 from the lower cart compartment 106 into the upper cart compartment 108 for storage in the upper cart compartment 108 until needed. In one exemplary embodiment, the vertical transport device 130 may move the galley cart 110 through the galley work space 112. The vertical transport device 130 may include an elevator, lift, jacking system, screw jack, winch, belt, chain, etc. In various embodiments, the vertical transport device 130 may include a support tray 132 that supports the galley cart 110 (for example, wheels mounted on a support tray).

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the galley 100 is divided into a plurality of bays 134. Each bay 134 defines a portion of the lower cart compartment 106, a portion of the upper cart compartment 108, and a portion of the galley work space 112. The bay 134 has the width of one galley cart 110 and is configured to hold one galley cart 110 in the lower portion of the bay 134 (in the lower cart compartment 106) and one galley cart 110 in the upper portion of the bay 134 (in the upper compartment 108). In an exemplary embodiment, each bay 134 has a corresponding vertical transport device 130 for moving the galley cart 110 between the upper and lower portions of the bay 134. In various embodiments, each bay 134 has a corresponding heat exchanger 42 (e.g., a refrigerator).

[0021] The lower cart compartment 106 defines a lower galley cart cavity 150 configured to accommodate multiple galley carts 110. In one illustrated embodiment, the lower galley cart cavity 150 holds six galley carts 110, but the lower galley cart cavity 150 may be sized to hold more or fewer galley carts 110. The lower galley cart cavity 150 is defined by a lower left wall 152, a lower right wall 154, and a lower rear wall 156 (Figure 3) between the lower left and right walls 152 and 154. The lower rear wall 156 may be defined by a rear wall 124. The lower left wall 152 may be defined by a first side wall 120. The lower right wall 154 may be defined by a second side wall 122. In an exemplary embodiment, to close the lower galley cart cavity 150, the lower cart compartment 106 includes an optional lower door 158 at the front 160 of the lower cart compartment 106. The lower door 158 opens toward the galley space 26 in front of the galley 100 to provide access to the lower galley cart cavity 150, for example, to remove the galley cart 110. The lower cart compartment 106 extends between an upper 162 and a lower 164. A worktop 114 is provided in the upper 162. The lower 164 is provided on the cabin floor 18 and is included within the installation area of ​​the galley 100.

[0022] The upper cart compartment 108 defines an upper galley cart cavity 170 configured to accommodate a plurality of galley carts 110. In one exemplary embodiment, the upper galley cart cavity 170 holds six galley carts 110, but the upper galley cart cavity 170 may be sized to hold more or fewer galley carts 110. The upper galley cart cavity 170 is defined by an upper left wall 172, an upper right wall 174, and an upper rear wall 176 between the upper left and right walls 172, 174. The upper rear wall 176 may be defined by a rear wall 124. The upper left wall 172 may be defined by a first side wall 120. The upper right wall 174 may be defined by a second side wall 122. In an exemplary embodiment, to close the upper galley cart cavity 170, the upper cart compartment 108 includes an optional upper door 178 at the front 180 of the upper cart compartment 108. The upper door 178 is positioned just above the galley work space 112. To provide access to the upper galley cart cavity 170, the upper door 178 opens toward the galley space 26 in front of the galley 100.

[0023] The upper galley cart 110 is accessible to the crew from the galley space 26. To access the upper galley cart 110, the crew may stand on a step stool, a liftable floor panel, or a standing platform, which may be rolled up or otherwise lifted. In one exemplary embodiment, the galley workspace 112 is sufficiently low. This allows a crew member of average build to stand on a step ladder, such as a two-step ladder, to reach and access the highest food trays of the upper galley cart 110 within the upper galley cart cavity 170. For example, the galley workspace 112 may be between 0.3 meters and 0.5 meters (12 to 20 inches). As a result, the upper cart compartment 108 may be sufficiently low and easily accessible to the crew. In various embodiments, the top of the upper galley cart cavity 170 is no more than 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) above the floor of the galley 100. Optionally, the top of the upper galley cart cavity 170 is approximately 2.4 meters (8.0 feet). The upper galley cart cavity 170, and the upper galley cart 110 within it, are positioned within the galley 100 at a height that allows the crew to access the top of the upper galley cart cavity 170, for example, by standing on a step ladder. Thus, the crew has backup access to the food trays and beverages in the upper galley cart 110 in the event of a transport system failure during flight. The top of the galley cart 110 is accessible by a slight rise. For example, a step stool, an elevating platform, or a floor panel in the aisle standing area in front of the galley 100 rises by a short distance, such as one or two feet.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the upper cart compartment 108 shares a footprint with the lower cart compartment 106. The upper cart compartment 108 extends between the upper section 182 and the lower section 184. The galley work space 112 is located below the lower section 184. The upper section 182 is provided in the cabin ceiling 20. Therefore, the upper door 178 is included within the cabin 14 and accessible from within the cabin 14, for example, to access the galley cart 110. For example, in the event of a malfunction of the vertical transport device 130, the upper door 178 is opened to retrieve the contents of the galley cart 110.

[0025] The galley workspace 112 is positioned between the upper cart compartment 108 and the lower cart compartment 106 (for example, aligned along the vertical axis). The work surface 114 and workspace are positioned above the galley cart 110 in the lower cart compartment 106. The work surface 114 and workspace are positioned below the galley cart 110 in the upper cart compartment. In various embodiments, the rear wall 118 is positioned between the galley carts 110 in the lower and upper cart compartments 106 and 108. During normal use, the work surface 114 and rear wall 118 are deployed, i.e., in their normal use position, but the work surface 114 and rear wall 118 are movable to a clearance position relative to the wall 102 of the galley 100 (see Figures 4 and 5). In the deployed position, the worktop 114 and rear wall 118 block the movement of the galley cart 110 between the lower and upper cart compartments 106 and 108. In the clearance position, the worktop 114 and rear wall 118 are away from and do not obstruct the galley cart 110, allowing the galley cart 110 to move freely between the lower and upper cart compartments 106 and 108.

[0026] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the countertop 114 and rear wall 118 in clearance positions. Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the countertop 114 and rear wall 118 in clearance positions.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the work surface 114 and the rear wall 118 are connected and movable together. Alternatively, the work surface 114 and the rear wall 118 may be separate and movable independently of each other. In various embodiments, the work surface 114 and the rear wall 118 are movable in a horizontal sliding direction between an extended position (Figures 2 and 3) and a clearance position (Figures 4 and 5). For example, a slide 140 may be provided in the galley work space 112. The work surface 114 and the rear wall 118 are coupled to the slide and are movable between the extended position and the clearance position by the slide 140. In alternative embodiments, other devices such as tracks or rails may be provided to allow the work surface 114 and the rear wall 118 to move relative to the wall 102. In various other embodiments, rather than sliding the worktop 114 and rear wall 118 forward, the worktop 114 may be folded upward relative to the rear wall 118 to a clearance position, and the galley cart 110 may be moved between the lower and upper cart compartments 106, 108 in front of the folded worktop 114. In an alternative embodiment, the worktop 114 and / or rear wall 118 may be removed by release fasteners (e.g., clips or latches), thereby removing the worktop 114 and / or rear wall 118 from the galley 100.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the work surface 114 extends between a front edge 142 and a rear edge 144. A rear wall 118 is provided on the rear edge 144. The work surface 114 is perpendicular to the rear wall 118. The rear wall 118 is parallel to and spaced apart from the rear wall 124 of the galley 100 (for example, positioned in front of the rear wall 124). The distance between the rear wall 118 and the rear wall 124 changes when the rear wall 118 is moved between deployed and clearance positions. For example, the distance is increased in the clearance position to provide space for the galley cart 110 to move between the lower and upper cart compartments 106, 108. The work surface 114 is movable to the clearance position so that its rear edge 144 is positioned in front of the galley cart 110, allowing the galley cart 110 to move behind the work surface 114 and the rear wall 118. For example, in the deployed position, the trailing edge 144 is positioned at the rear of the front side of the galley cart 110 (it may also be positioned at the rear of the rear side of the galley cart 110). However, in the clearance position, the trailing edge 144 is positioned at the front of the front side of the galley cart 110. As a result, the work surface 114 does not obstruct the movement of the galley cart between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108.

[0029] In various embodiments, the work surface 114 is connected to the rear wall 118 by a hinge 146 to allow the work surface 114 to pivot relative to the rear wall 118. For example, when pulled out to a clearance position, the work surface 114 may fold upward (Figure 5) or generally downward in a vertical orientation to reduce the impact of the work surface 114 on the crew as it extends into the workspace.

[0030] In the clearance position, the worktop 114 and rear wall 118 are in a clearance position relative to the galley cart 110 and the vertical transport device 130, allowing the galley cart 110 to move between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. When the worktop 114 and rear wall 118 are moved forward to the clearance position, an opening 148 is defined behind the worktop 114 and rear wall 118. The opening 148 is defined by the space between the rear wall 118 and the rear wall 124. The opening 148 is sized to allow the galley cart 110 to move vertically between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. For example, the opening 148 has a depth greater than the depth of the galley cart 110. In various embodiments, in the clearance position, the rear wall 118 is aligned with the lower door 158. As a result, the opening 148 is at least the same depth as the lower cart compartment 106.

[0031] In various embodiments, the worktop 114 and back wall 118 may be divided into multiple worktop sections 114' and multiple back wall sections 118'. The multiple worktop sections 114' are movable relative to each other, and the multiple back wall sections 118' are movable relative to each other. In one illustrated embodiment, the worktop 114 and back wall 118 are divided into two worktop sections 114' and two back wall sections 118', but the worktop 114 and back wall 118 may be further divided into a larger number of sections, such as each bay 134 having a corresponding section. Multiple sections may make it easier to work between and move between deployed and clearance positions compared to a single large worktop 114 and back wall 118 unit.

[0032] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of a galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, with the rear wall 124 removed to show the galley cart 110 and vertical transport device 130. Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing one of the bays 134.

[0033] The galley 100 includes a frame member 136 that forms a bay 134. The frame member 136 includes vertical and horizontal frame members interconnected to form a framework for the galley 100. The frame member 136 may be a metal frame member, such as an L-shaped member, a C-shaped member, a T-shaped member, or other types of metal frame members. Lower and upper doors 158, 178 may be attached to the corresponding frame member 136. In various embodiments, a vertical transport device 130 is coupled to the corresponding frame member 136. Walls 102 may be coupled to the frame member 136.

[0034] The rear wall 118 is shown in Figure 6 near the rear of the galley 100. The vertical connection chamber 149 is located behind the rear wall 118. The vertical connection chamber 149 is located behind the galley work space 112. The vertical connection chamber 149 connects the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. Components of the cooling system 40 may pass through the vertical connection chamber 149 between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. Components of the vertical transport device 130 pass through the vertical connection chamber 149. When the rear wall 118 is moved forward to the clearance position, the size of the vertical connection chamber 149 increases to include the opening 148 (Figure 7) between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. The work table 114, in its deployed position, blocks access to the vertical connection chamber 149 by the galley cart 110. The rear wall 118, in the deployed position, blocks the galley cart 110 from accessing the vertical connection chamber 149. However, the worktop 114 and the rear wall 118 do not block the vertical connection chamber 149 when in the clearance position. Rather, the vertical connection chamber 149 is open to allow the galley cart 110 to move in and out of the vertical connection chamber 149 through the opening between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108.

[0035] The cooling system 40 includes a heat exchanger 42 at the top of the galley 100. A supply duct 44 extends from the heat exchanger 42 to the lower cart compartment 106. The supply duct may extend to the bottom of the lower cart compartment 106 to supply cool air to the galley cart 110. The cool air cools the galley cart by air-over cooling. The air moves through the galley 100 by convection. For example, the air used moves upward by convection from the lower cart compartment 106 to the upper cart compartment 108. A return duct 46 is provided in the upper cart compartment 108 to circulate the used air back to the heat exchanger 42. In an alternative embodiment, the supply duct 44 may be located in both the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108, and the return duct 46 may be located in both the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. In an alternative embodiment, other cooling systems may be provided, such as having a single heat exchanger to cool the multiple bays 134.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, each bay 134 has a corresponding vertical transport device 130. The vertical transport device 130 includes a tray 132 and a vertical actuator 200 operably coupled to the tray 132. The vertical actuator 200 moves the tray 132, and therefore the galley carts 110 within the tray 132, vertically between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. In various embodiments, the vertical actuator 200 is positioned behind the galley carts 110. In various other embodiments, the vertical actuator 200 is positioned to the side of the galley carts 110, such as between adjacent galley carts 110. The vertical actuator 200 may lift a single galley cart 110. Alternatively, the vertical actuator 200 may lift multiple galley carts 110. In various embodiments, the vertical actuator 200 includes a motor 210 and a threaded drive shaft 212 rotated by the motor 210. The motor 210 is mounted to the galley 100, for example, on a frame member 136. The carriage 214 is coupled to a threaded drive shaft 212 and is movable along the threaded drive shaft 212. The carriage 214 is coupled to a tray 132 and moves the tray 132, raising and lowering the galley cart 110. Rotation of the threaded drive shaft 212 results in vertical movement of the carriage 214 along the threaded drive shaft 212. The direction of rotation of the threaded drive shaft 212 moves the carriage 214, and therefore the tray 132 and galley cart 110, either upward or downward. In alternative embodiments, other types of vertical actuators, such as winches, chains, or belts, may be used.

[0037] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment showing a vertical transport device 130. The tray 132 includes a bracket 220 at the rear of the tray 132. Upper rollers 222 and lower rollers 224 are attached to the bracket 220 to guide the movement of the tray 132 along the frame member 136. The carriage 214 includes a nut 216 coupled to the threaded drive shaft 212 to control the position of the carriage 214 along the threaded drive shaft 212.

[0038] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the galley 100 showing a vertical transport device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of the galley 100 showing a vertical transport device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor 210 of a vertical actuator 200 is coupled to a tray 132. A threaded drive shaft 212 is static and does not rotate. The motor 210 is a geared motor that interacts with the threaded drive shaft 212 and moves up and down along the threaded drive shaft 212. For example, a nut gear is rotated by the motor 210, and as the nut gear rotates, the motor 210 moves along the threaded drive shaft 212. A power cable 218, such as a caterpillar electrical cable, is coupled to the motor 210. The power cable 218 is flexible and moves with the tray 132.

[0039] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley 100 showing a vertical transport device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of a galley 100 showing a vertical transport device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical transport device 130 includes a winch 230 and a winch cable 232. The winch 230 is mounted to the galley 100 on a frame member 136, for example, on the top of the galley 100. The winch cable 232 is coupled to a tray 132. The winch 230 is operated to wind up or release the winch cable 232 in order to pull the tray 132 up or down.

[0040] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a galley 100 showing a vertical transport device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of a galley 100 showing a vertical transport device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a winch 230 is attached to a tray 132. The distal end of the winch cable 232 is attached to a frame member 136, such as on the top of the galley 100. The winch 230 is operated to pull the tray 132 up and down. An electrical cable 234 is coupled to the winch 230 to supply power to the winch 230.

[0041] Figure 15 is a partial side view of galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 is a partial side view of galley 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In one illustrated embodiment, galley 100 is a double-depth galley having two rows of galley carts 110 in both a lower cart compartment 106 and an upper cart compartment 108. The lower cart compartment 106 is a double-depth compartment configured to receive galley carts 110 in two rows stacked front to back between a lower rear wall 156 and a lower door 158. The upper cart compartment 108 is a double-depth compartment configured to receive galley carts 110 in two rows stacked front to back between an upper rear wall 176 and an upper door 178. Vertical actuators may be provided for each of the galley carts. Alternatively, each vertical actuator may be used to lift multiple galley carts. The work surface may be a double-depth work surface that covers both rows of galley carts 110. The work surface may have a hinge section in the middle to allow the work surface to be folded in half. Figure 15 shows the work surface 114 and rear wall 118 in the unfolded position. Figure 16 shows the work surface 114 and rear wall 118 in the clearance position and shows an opening 144 that allows vertical movement of the galley carts 110 between the lower cart compartment 106 and the upper cart compartment 108. In various other embodiments, rather than a double-depth galley, the galley 100 may be a 1.5-depth galley configured to accept full-depth galley carts and half-depth galley carts.

[0042] Further exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments of this disclosure are described in the following paragraphs.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a galley cart storage system (104) for storing a galley cart (110) in a galley (100) of an aircraft (10) comprises: a lower cart compartment (106) defining a lower galley cart cavity (150) configured to receive a first galley cart of the galley cart (110); an upper cart compartment (108) located above the lower cart compartment (106) and defining an upper galley cart cavity (170) configured to receive a second galley cart of the galley cart (110); a vertical transport device (130) extending between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) for moving the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108); and the lower cart compartment The galley workspace (112) has a work space (116) located above the lower cart compartment (106) and below the upper cart compartment (108), the galley workspace (112) has a work table (114) which is movable between an extended position and a clearance position, and in the extended position the work table (114) is located between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) - Positioned between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) to block the movement of the cart, the worktop (114) is moved to a clearance position to form an opening (148) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) in order to allow the movement of a second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

[0044] Optionally, in the galley cart storage system (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the work surface (114) is aligned vertically with the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) in the deployed position, and the work surface (114) is offset from the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) in the clearance position.

[0045] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the work surface (114) includes a front edge (142) and a rear edge (144), the rear edge (144) being positioned behind the galley cart (110) in the deployed position and the rear edge (144) being positioned in front of the galley cart (110) in the clearance position.

[0046] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the work surface (114) is movable in a horizontal sliding direction from an extended position to a clearance position in order to form an opening.

[0047] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the galley workspace (112) includes a rear wall (118) behind the galley workspace (112), the rear wall (118) being movable with the work surface (114) between an extended position and a clearance position, and a vertical transport device (130) being configured to move a second galley cart behind the rear wall (118) between a lower cart compartment (106) and an upper cart compartment (108).

[0048] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described above, the work surfaces (114) are divided into work surface (114) sections that are independently movable from one another.

[0049] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the work surface (114) includes a hinge (146) at the edge of the work surface (114), and the work surface (114) is pivotable at the hinge (146).

[0050] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the lower cart compartment (106) has a first width, the upper cart compartment (108) has a second width narrower than the first width, and the lower cart compartment (106) is configured to hold a greater number of galley carts (110) than the upper cart compartment (108).

[0051] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the lower galley cart cavity (150) is configured to accept multiple galley carts (110), and the upper galley cart cavity (170) is configured to accept multiple galley carts (110).

[0052] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described above, the lower galley cart cavity (150) is defined by the lower left wall (152), the lower right wall (154), and the lower rear wall (156), and the upper galley cart cavity (170) is defined by the upper left wall (172), the upper right wall (174), and the upper rear wall (176).

[0053] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the vertical transport device (130) is one of several vertical transport devices (130) that extend between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) in order to move the corresponding galley cart (110) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

[0054] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, a vertical transport device (130) includes a track and a carriage (214) that is movable along the track, the carriage (214) being movable along the track to move a second galley cart between a lower cart compartment (106) and an upper cart compartment (108).

[0055] Optionally, one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph further comprises a vertical connecting chamber (149) between a lower cart compartment (106) and an upper cart compartment (108), wherein the work surface (114), in the deployed position, blocks access to the vertical connecting chamber (149), and in the clearance position, the work surface (114) does not block the vertical connecting chamber (149) to allow movement of a second galley cart within the vertical connecting chamber (149) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

[0056] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the lower cart compartment (106) is a double-depth compartment configured to accommodate two rows of galley carts (110) between the lower rear wall (156) and the lower door (158), and the upper cart compartment (108) is a double-depth compartment configured to accommodate two rows of galley carts (110) between the upper rear wall (176) and the upper door (178).

[0057] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the lower cart compartment (106) includes a lower door (158) at the front (160) of the lower cart compartment (106) to close the lower galley cart cavity (150), the lower door (158) opening toward the galley (100) to provide access to the lower galley cart cavity (150), and the upper cart compartment (108) includes an upper door (178) at the front (180) of the upper cart compartment (108) to close the upper galley cart cavity (170), the upper door (178) opening toward the galley (100) to provide access to the upper galley cart cavity (170).

[0058] Optionally, in one of the galley cart storage systems (104) described in the preceding paragraph, the upper galley cart cavity is located within the galley such that the top of the upper galley cart cavity is at a maximum height of 2.6 meters from the floor of the galley (100).

[0059] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aircraft comprises a cabin having a cabin floor and a cabin ceiling at the top of the aircraft, and a galley (100) within the cabin, comprising a plurality of walls (102) including a first side wall, a second side wall, and a rear wall extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, the second side wall being opposite to the first side wall, the galley (100) having a front portion opposite to the rear wall, and the galley (100) being defined by the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, and the front portion. The galley (100) includes a galley cart storage system (104) having a set area for storing a galley cart, the galley cart storage system (104) comprising a lower cart compartment (106) within the galley set area defining a lower galley cart cavity configured to receive a first galley cart of the galley cart, the lower galley cart cavity being defined by a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, and the lower cart compartment (106) being in front of the galley (100) to close the lower galley cart cavity The galley has a lower door, the lower door which opens to the cabin to provide access to the lower galley cart cavity from inside the cabin, and an upper cart compartment (108) within the galley installation area defining an upper galley cart cavity configured to receive a second galley cart of the galley carts, the upper galley cart cavity being defined by a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall, and the upper cart compartment (108) is the upper galley cart cavity To close the upper cart compartment (108), which has an upper door at the front of the galley (100), the upper cart compartment (108) which opens toward the cabin to provide access to the upper galley cart cavity from inside the cabin, a vertical transport device extending between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) to move a second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment, and positioned above the lower cart compartment (106),The galley workspace (112) is located below the upper cart compartment and has a workspace space (116) within the galley installation area. The galley workspace (112) has a work surface (114), which is movable between an extended position and a clearance position. In the extended position, the work surface (114) is positioned between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) to block the movement of a second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108). The work surface (114) is moved to the clearance position to form an opening between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) to allow the movement of a second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

[0060] Optionally, in the aircraft described in the preceding paragraph, the lower cart compartment (106) has a first width, the upper cart compartment (108) has a second width narrower than the first width, and the lower cart compartment (106) is configured to hold a greater number of galley carts than the upper cart compartment.

[0061] Optionally, one of the aircraft described in the preceding paragraph further comprises a galley cooling system having a heat exchanger that generates a cooled airflow, the galley cooling system including a lower supply duct extending between the heat exchanger and a lower cart compartment (106), and an upper return duct extending between the heat exchanger and an upper cart compartment.

[0062] Optionally, in one of the aircraft described in the preceding paragraph, the galley (114) is aligned vertically with the lower cart compartment (106) and upper cart compartment (108) in the deployed position, and is offset from the lower cart compartment (106) and upper cart compartment (108) in the clearance position.

[0063] Optionally, in one of the aircraft described in the preceding paragraph, the cooking area (114) includes a leading edge (142) and a trailing edge, the trailing edge being positioned at a first distance from the rear wall in the deployed position, and the trailing edge being positioned at a second distance from the rear wall in the clearance position, the second distance being longer than the first distance.

[0064] Optionally, in one of the aircraft described in the preceding paragraph, the galley workspace (112) includes a rear wall (118) behind the galley workspace (112), the rear wall (118) being parallel to and separated from the rear wall of the galley (100), the rear wall (118) being movable with the galley counter (114) between an deployed position and a clearance position to change the distance between the rear wall (118) and the rear wall, and the vertical transport device being configured to move a second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) between the rear wall and the rear wall (118) in the clearance position.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for storing a galley cart in an aircraft galley (100) includes locating the galley cart in the lower galley cart cavity of the lower cart compartment (106) below the countertop (114) of the galley work space (112); locating the galley cart in the upper galley cart cavity of the upper cart compartment (108) above the galley work space (112); moving the countertop (114) from an extended position to a clearance position to form an opening between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment; and moving the galley cart between the upper cart compartment (108) and the lower cart compartment (106) generally vertically through the opening using a vertical transport device extending between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment.

[0066] Optionally, in the method described in the preceding paragraph, moving the cooking surface (114) includes sliding the cooking surface (114) in a horizontal sliding direction.

[0067] Optionally, in one of the methods described in the preceding paragraphs, moving the workbench (114) further includes moving the rear wall (118) of the galley work space (112) together with the workbench (114) between an unfolded position and a clearance position, and moving the galley cart includes moving the galley cart behind the rear wall (118) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

[0068] Optionally, one of the methods described in the preceding paragraph further includes accessing at least one of the food and beverages in the galley cart in the upper galley cart cavity from within the galley (100).

[0069] Optionally, one of the methods described in the preceding paragraph further includes opening the upper door (178) of the upper cart compartment (108) to access the galley cart in the upper galley cart cavity.

[0070] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the embodiments (and / or their aspects) described above can be used in combination with one another. In addition, numerous modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. The dimensions, types of materials, orientations of various components, and the number and positions of various components described herein are intended to define the parameters of a particular embodiment, not to limit it, but merely illustrative embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications included in the essence and scope of the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the above description. Accordingly, the scope of various embodiments should be determined by referring to the appended claims and the entire scope of equivalents to which such claims are recognized. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as obvious synonyms for the terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, expressions such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used merely as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those objects. Moreover, the following limitations on the claims are not written in means-plus-function form, and these limitations on the claims are not intended to be interpreted under Section 112, paragraph (f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless they are followed by a description of a function that does not explicitly use the phrase “means for.”

Claims

1. A galley cart storage system (104) for storing a galley cart (110) inside the galley (100) of an aircraft (10), A lower cart compartment (106) defines a lower galley cart cavity (150) configured to receive the first galley cart among the galley carts (110), An upper cart compartment (108) located above the lower cart compartment (106), the upper cart compartment (108) defining an upper galley cart cavity (170) configured to receive a second galley cart from the galley cart (110), A vertical transport device (130) extending between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) is provided to move the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108), and The galley workspace (112) has a workspace space (116) located above the lower cart compartment (106) and below the upper cart compartment (108), the galley workspace (112) has a work table (114), the work table (114) is movable between an extended position and a clearance position, and the work table (114) in the extended position is positioned between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) of the second galley cart Galley cart storage system (104), positioned between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) to block movement, the work surface (114) being moved to the clearance position to form an opening (148) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) to allow the movement of the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

2. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1, wherein the cooking surface (114) is aligned with the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) along a vertical axis in the deployed position, and the cooking surface (114) is offset from the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) in the clearance position.

3. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooking surface (114) includes a front edge (142) and a rear edge (144), the rear edge (144) being positioned behind the galley cart (110) in the deployed position, and the rear edge (144) being positioned in front of the galley cart (110) in the clearance position.

4. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooking table (114) is movable in a horizontal sliding direction from the deployed position to the clearance position in order to form the opening.

5. Galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the galley work space (112) includes a rear wall (118) behind the galley work space (112), the rear wall (118) is movable together with the work surface (114) between the deployed position and the clearance position, and the vertical transport device (130) is configured to move the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) behind the rear wall (118).

6. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooking counter (114) is divided into cooking counter (114) sections that are movable independently of each other.

7. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooking table (114) includes a hinge (146) at the edge of the cooking table (114), and the cooking table (114) is rotatable at the hinge (146).

8. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower cart compartment (106) has a first width, the upper cart compartment (108) has a second width narrower than the first width, and the lower cart compartment (106) is configured to hold a greater number of galley carts (110) than the upper cart compartment (108).

9. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower galley cart cavity (150) is configured to receive a plurality of the galley carts (110), and the upper galley cart cavity (170) is configured to receive a plurality of the galley carts (110).

10. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower galley cart cavity (150) is defined by a lower left wall (152), a lower right wall (154), and a lower rear wall (156), and the upper galley cart cavity (170) is defined by an upper left wall (172), an upper right wall (174), and an upper rear wall (176).

11. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical transport device (130) is one of a plurality of vertical transport devices (130) extending between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) for moving a corresponding galley cart (110) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

12. The galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical transport device (130) includes a track and a carriage (214) movable along the track, the carriage (214) being movable along the track to move the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108).

13. Galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a vertical connecting chamber (149) between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108), wherein the work surface (114) blocks access to the vertical connecting chamber (149) in the deployed position, and the work surface (114) does not block the vertical connecting chamber (149) in the clearance position to allow the movement of the second galley cart between the lower cart compartment (106) and the upper cart compartment (108) within the vertical connecting chamber (149).

14. Galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower cart compartment (106) is a double-depth compartment configured to receive two rows of the galley carts (110) between the lower rear wall (156) and the lower door (158), and the upper cart compartment (108) is a double-depth compartment configured to receive two rows of the galley carts (110) between the upper rear wall (176) and the upper door (178).

15. Galley cart storage system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower cart compartment (106) includes a lower door (158) at the front (160) of the lower cart compartment (106) to close the lower galley cart cavity (150), the lower door (158) opening toward the galley (100) to provide access to the lower galley cart cavity (150), and the upper cart compartment (108) includes an upper door (178) at the front (180) of the upper cart compartment (108) to close the upper galley cart cavity (170), the upper door (178) opening toward the galley (100) to provide access to the upper galley cart cavity (170).

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