FR3115768A1 - Device and method for using the passenger cabin of an aircraft for the transport of goods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the use of the cabin of an aircraft, comprising a seat rail (360), for transporting parcels, which system comprises a container (100) comprising a rigid base (110) carrying ground connection means, walls connected to said base and delimiting an internal loading volume; stowage means for securing the container to the seat rail, in which the ground connection means comprise air-cushion support means and which comprises portable self-contained means for supplying air to said support means. Figure 3

Description

Device and method for using the passenger cabin of an aircraft for the transport of goods

The invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to the field of aeronautics and the use for the transport of goods of the passenger cabin of an aircraft.

More specifically, the invention relates to the transport of freight or "cargo" in the cabin of an aircraft and more specifically in the cabin of an aircraft initially intended for the transport of passengers and of which all or part of said cabin is used for cargo transportation.

However, the invention is adaptable to other fields, in particular to the transport of goods in the hold of an aircraft, a ship, a railway vehicle or a road vehicle.

Aeronautical transport, in particular that of passengers, undergoes crises during which a temporary but significant drop in traffic occurs.

These crises follow geopolitical events such as war or terrorism, economic crises or health crises such as epidemics. They entail restrictions or a reduction in the movement of people and consequently reduced filling rates of the means of transport.

Under these conditions, the crisis being temporary, it is sometimes useful to temporarily convert an aircraft intended for the transport of passengers, into a cargo aircraft, intended for the transport of parcels.

For such a change of assignment to be profitable, it is desirable that it be on the one hand fast and on the other hand that the aircraft can be easily returned to its initial configuration.

According to one embodiment of such a transformation, the passenger seats and possibly part of the interior fittings are dismantled, thus freeing the space of the cabin into a space capable of accommodating parcels.

However, there remain difficulties so that a device thus modified can be used for the transport of parcels in an economical manner.

First of all, the cabin access doors are not modified and therefore retain a reduced access width and height compared to aircraft specifically dedicated to freight.

In addition, the luggage compartments are generally not dismantled so that, combined with the reduced door opening, the containers used must be maneuvered in the cabin in order to avoid these obstacles, and the use of handling means such as a hand truck or a pallet truck is not possible, because the floor of the aircraft is not designed to support the loads concentrated at the level of the wheels of these means of handling.

However, if a specifically designed cargo plane often includes a floor with ball bearings facilitating the movement of containers on said floor, the addition, and the subsequent dismantling, of such a floor in the cabin of an aircraft intended for the transport of passengers is complex and adds mass.

In addition, preferably, the floor coverings initially present must be preserved, and the handling of containers must not damage these coverings.

Finally, even if the seat rails are flush with the floor, they nevertheless constitute obstacles for rolling systems, the wheels are in fact likely to get stuck in the groove of the attachment interface, or even the crossing the rail is likely to cause a jump leading to a shock on the floor which is not designed and dimensioned for this purpose.

Document US 5,090,639 describes an example of a system, comprising containers, for transporting freight in the cabin of an aircraft initially intended for the transport of passengers.

The implementation of such a system requires the dismantling of seats, interior fittings such as kitchens or toilets, called " galleys " in the jargon of the trade, floor coverings, and the installation of a specific floor , installed on the seat mounting rails.

According to this prior art, the containers are provided with wheels or rollers to allow them to be moved and maneuvered in the cabin. For this reason, it is necessary to install an additional floor allowing the mass of the containers to be distributed over the entire floor structure of the aircraft.

Indeed, the weight of each container, transmitted to the floor via the reduced contact area of its wheels, exceeds the allowable characteristics of the initial floor, particularly in terms of punching.

Also, the transformations of the interior of the aircraft to switch from the "passenger" configuration to the "cargo" configuration are significant and economically unprofitable in the context of a temporary transformation.

According to another solution of the prior art, the interior of the cabin is preserved without modification and the parcels are transported on the seats, under the seats and in the luggage compartments.

However, for reasons of safety standards, this solution limits the type of transportable goods, in addition, the carrying capacity is reduced.

The invention aims to solve the difficulties set out above and the shortcomings of the prior art, and relates to this end to a system for using the cabin of an aircraft, comprising seat rails, for transporting package, which system comprises a container comprising a rigid base carrying means of connection to the ground, walls connected to said base and delimiting an internal loading volume; securing means for securing the container to a seat rail, wherein the ground connection means comprises an air cushion lifting means, which comprises a portable self-contained means for supplying air to the lifting means.

Thus, the load of the container is distributed over a larger surface of the floor compared to the solutions of the prior art using wheels or rollers, said surface corresponding at least to the surface of the air cushion, which avoids the installation of an additional floor. The lifting being achieved without contact, the maneuvering of the container remains easy in all directions, without degrading the existing floor covering.

The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically effective combination.

Advantageously, the base comprises a plurality of air cushion devices organized according to a defined configuration, to provide lift. This embodiment allows the use of smaller air cushion devices while distributing the mass over a larger floor area.

This embodiment is improved when the autonomous supply means comprises a distributor for controlling the air supply conditions of the air cushion devices. Thus, the control of the supply of the air cushion devices makes it possible to orient the container in 3 dimensions during its maneuver, and to control its attitude whatever the distribution of the load in it.

According to one embodiment, the base comprises 3 air cushion devices to provide lift in a triangular configuration. This embodiment is the most economical and allows with a minimum number of air cushion devices to benefit from all the advantages of the previous embodiments.

According to another embodiment, the base comprises 4 air cushion devices to provide lift in a parallelepiped configuration.

Advantageously, the container of the device that is the subject of the invention comprises a location for the support of the autonomous means of supplying the air cushion devices. This embodiment facilitates the maneuvering of the container by a single person.

According to a variant embodiment, the securing means comprise a fitting fixed to two seat rails, said fitting comprising a shoulder forming an abutment extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat rails and securing means for the stowage of two containers to said fitting.

In addition to allowing a better distribution of the forces on the seat rails, this system makes it possible to spread the containers so as to facilitate loading-unloading while ensuring a solid anchoring of these.

The invention also relates to a method for the temporary and reversible adaptation of an aircraft intended for the transport of passengers, comprising a cabin provided with seats fixed on seat rails, baggage compartments in the cabin and an access door for passengers to said cabin, in an aircraft suitable for transporting cargo in the cabin, which method consists of:
- remove the seats in a part of the cabin served by the door;
- Use the system object of the invention for the transport loading and unloading of freight through the passenger door.

Thus, the method that is the subject of the invention only requires the dismantling of the seats in the area intended for freight and optionally the dismantling of some interior fittings: the installation of floors, partitions or additional retaining nets, as well as the removal of floor coverings is not necessary, which considerably reduces the cost of conversion and the downtime of the device for this purpose.

The invention also relates to a method for loading and unloading goods in the cabin of an aircraft adapted according to the preceding method, comprising the steps consisting in:
i. load the goods into the container outside the aircraft;
ii. moving the container to the entrance to the aircraft cabin;
iii. connect the portable power means and support the container
iv. moving the container in the cabin of the aircraft to a designated location;
v. shut off power to air cushion devices;
vi. secure the container to the seat rails by the securing means.

In comparison with the systems of the prior art using wheeled containers, the implementation of the system which is the subject of the invention makes it possible to place the container in a stable position as soon as the air cushions are no longer supplied and thus to facilitate its precise positioning in the cabin, in particular to respect a load plan. The container can be handled by a single person during loading and unloading operations.

The use of containers also saves loading time with the prior preparation of containers to be loaded.

The invention is implemented according to the embodiments set out below, which are in no way limiting, and with reference to Figures 1 to 6, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective and exploded view of an embodiment of a container of the system object of the invention;

there shows the container in perspective in right view with reference to a ;

there shows, in cross section, the interior of a double-aisle airplane converted according to the method that is the subject of the invention;

there represents in a view from the right with reference to detail Z of the , an exemplary embodiment, of a strap end key for securing a container of the system which is the subject of the invention;

there shows in a perspective view an example of a variant of the securing means of the system which is the subject of the invention;

and the shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a securing fitting of the system represented .

Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, the container (100) of the system object of the invention comprises a rigid base (110) consisting of metal or composite sections assembled in a quadrangular shape according to this exemplary embodiment, by bolting, riveting or welding, on which rests a floor panel (111) made of a metallic, plastic, composite or wooden material

A superstructure (120) also made up of sections according to this embodiment, is connected to the base by interlocking, bolting, riveting or welding, and supports walls (121) delimiting, with the floor panel (111), a cargo volume of the container, for the transport of goods in said container.

According to variant embodiments, the walls (121) are rigid or flexible, solid or perforated, made up of metal panels, plastic material, composite panels, textile tarpaulins, a net, particle board or wood, advantageously adapted to the type of goods transported.

The realization of the container object of the invention, at the very least of the base (110) and the superstructure in (120) in a composite material with a thermoplastic matrix makes it possible to reduce the empty weight, and thus to increase the capacity. loading capacity, while meeting structural and fire requirements.

Advantageously one of the walls (122) constitutes access to the interior of the container, in the form of a door or a removable net as in the example shown.

The interior of the container is represented here as a monovolume. However, according to variant embodiments (not shown), the internal volume delimited by the walls (121, 122) is subdivided into cells by partitions extending between said walls.

The system which is the subject of the invention comprises means for fixing the container in the cabin, for example fixing straps (130) comprising at one of their ends a key (131) able to cooperate with a securing device, the other end of the strap comprises a means identical to that of the first end, according to a variant, a means capable of being hooked to the superstructure (120) of the container.

A ratchet tensioner (133) is installed between the two ends, so once the straps are tightened, the container is firmly anchored to the structure of the aircraft.

This anchoring is all the more effective since the container, when it is in position at the desired location, rests on its base and not on wheels or rollers as in the solutions of the prior art. Thus, it is possible to apply high tension to the straps without risking a punching effect at floor level.

The movement of the container in the cabin of the aircraft is carried out by means of a lifting means using one or more air cushion devices (140) which, supplied with air, make it possible to lift the loaded container, and to rest it on the ground when it is no longer powered.

Said lifting means comprises one or more air cushion devices (140), fixed to the base (110) below it.

By way of example and according to alternative embodiments, the entire base can rest on a single air cushion, or smaller air cushion devices (140) can be distributed punctually under the base according to a defined configuration.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, such air cushions are marketed under the AeroGo® brand, by the company Aerogo Inc., 1170 Andover Park West, Tukwila, WA 98188-3909, USA.

According to the embodiment shown , the base is quadrangular and the lift device comprises 3 air cushion devices (140), arranged in a triangular configuration.

Alternatively, a plurality of air cushion devices are organized under the quadrangular base in a rectangular configuration with 4 devices, hexagonal with 6 devices, or any other number of devices and any other organization.

Compared to the solutions of the prior art using wheels or rollers, the thrust force exerted by each air cushion device, and acting by reaction on the floor of the aircraft, is distributed over a much larger surface, removing any risk of punching said floor.

Thus, the container that is the subject of the invention makes it possible to carry a 400 kg load without risk of damage to the floors of the aircraft, and without it being necessary to reinforce the structure of the aircraft or to interpose a martyr floor between the original floor and the container.

, each air cushion device (140) is connected to an air supply duct (not shown) the ducts leading to a distributor (not shown).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the conduits and the distributor are permanently installed in the base of the container.

The splitter is set to feed each air cushion device so that it maintains its trim as the container moves.

A connection duct (241) emerging from the base according to this embodiment, allows the connection of an autonomous portable compressor (not shown), preferably operating on batteries.

Advantageously, the container includes means (242) for temporarily attaching the compressor to the container and supporting it during the handling phases.

The compressor is advantageously an autonomous compressor powered by batteries, with a power equal to or greater than 1100 W with a reserve of compressed air of 2 liters or more.

, the external shape and the dimensions of the container are adapted to the fuselage of the aircraft, or of a type of aircraft, and to the position of the container in said fuselage.

By way of non-limiting example, a container intended to be installed in the central part of an aircraft for the transport of passengers with a double aisle can be of simple cubic shape, whereas a container intended to be installed on the sides of the same aircraft or in a single-aisle aircraft will include a cutaway (320) in its upper part, see also in its lower part, allowing it to be installed, as close as possible to the skin of the fuselage, under a baggage compartment (350) which in fact does not need to be disassembled, without being bothered by the shape of the fuselage.

Also, the dimensions of the container are adapted both in height and in width, to the passage of a passenger door of the aircraft.

By way of non-limiting example, according to a first embodiment, the container of the system which is the subject of the invention comprises a base with a substantially square surface of 1 mx 1 m for a maximum height of the superstructure of 1.5 m, thus offering a maximum cargo volume of approximately 1.4 m ³ per container.

The container of the system that is the subject of the invention is designed in particular to be installed in the cabin of an airplane initially intended for the transport of passengers, in an area where the seats have been removed.

Under these conditions, the attachment interface (361) of the seats, carried by sections called seat rails (360), is flush with the floor of the aircraft.

The seat rails and their attachment interface are designed and dimensioned to hold the seats and their occupants under the acceleration conditions corresponding to the certification requirements of the aircraft.

These assembly interfaces therefore constitute secure anchorages for securing the container in the aircraft cabin.

Said attachment interface (361) comprises, according to a current example of embodiment, two wings in reversal defining a lock which is machined by a succession of bores, generally 25.4 mm (1 inch ) apart, thus creating a so-called opening in buttonhole. These interfaces are standardized and defined in the ISO 7166:1985 standard.

, according to an exemplary embodiment, the securing device comprises a key (131) at the end of the container securing strap, and comprises a tenon (431), advantageously in accordance with ISO 7166:1985 and more generally capable of being inserted through a bore of the buttonhole opening and of a shape suitable for hooking into the lock.

A latch (432), resting on the top of the seat rail interface, cooperates with a quick release device (not shown) removably attached to the seat rail. Thus, the securing device comprises, according to this example embodiment, the straps provided with their keys at their ends, and the quick locks, all cooperating with the seat rails.

, according to a variant of the securing system, the device which is the subject of the invention comprises fastening fittings (530) which are secured to the seat rails.

Each fitting is attached to two seat rails (360) by suitable means, in particular a standard pin inserted into each of the two seat rails

Said fittings each comprise a shoulder (531). Said shoulder rises perpendicular to the floor and thus forms a stop extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat rails, stop on which the base of a container bears in the longitudinal direction once it is installed in the aircraft cabin, which allows precise positioning and orientation of each container in the cabin.

Each fitting comprises means (532) for attaching the straps of 2 containers positioned on either side of the shoulder (531).

This variant makes it possible to distance the containers from each other, the distance (535) between two fittings being greater than the width of a container, while ensuring precise positioning of these in the cabin and a better distribution of the forces. on the seat rails.

This distance (535) between the fittings facilitates maneuvering of the container during loading-unloading operations.

The container and its securing device are sized to meet international specifications with respect to a weight on board per container, i.e. in terms of accelerations:
- 9G in the longitudinal direction forwards,
- 2.1G backwards,
- +/- 1.8G laterally,
- 7.8G down,
- 5.5G up.

By meeting these requirements, the system which is the subject of the invention can be installed in only part of the cabin of an aircraft, for example over a third of the length of the fuselage in the rear part, the rest of the cabin remaining occupied by passengers.

Since the goods are contained in the containers and these are firmly secured to the seat rails, it is not necessary to make a structural separation between the cargo space and the passenger space of the cabin.

As aircraft have at least one door at each end of the cabin, passengers board through one of the doors while containers board through the other door.

The system that is the subject of the invention makes it possible to prepare the loading in the containers in advance, so that their loading/unloading is rapid and does not affect the downtime of the device.

Thus, by way of example, the containers are installed loaded and secured in the cabin before the passengers board in the case of mixed use, passengers and cargo, of the aircraft, then unstowed and unloaded after the disembarkation of the passengers. passengers.

To this end, the containers are advantageously loaded with freight outside the aircraft and advantageously in advance.

The containers thus loaded are brought by any means known from the prior art to one of the access doors to the cabin of the aircraft, each container is moved individually inside the cabin to its location in the cabin. , by connecting the lifting means of said container to a compressor delivering compressed air, advantageously an autonomous battery-powered compressor.

Advantageously, the securing fittings have been installed in advance at the planned locations of the containers in the cabin, and these are not dismantled during the previous unloading.

Thus, once the container has arrived at its location in the cabin, the power supply to the means of support is cut off, the base of the container then rests on the floor and the compressor can be recovered for the movement of another container. The container in position is then firmly secured to the fittings by means of its straps.

Thus a reduced number of operators, equipped with 2 or 3 autonomous compressors, easily and quickly load a plurality of containers in the cabin of the aircraft.

The description above and the exemplary embodiments show that the invention achieves the intended purpose and makes it possible to quickly transform all or part of the passenger cabin of an aircraft, in an easily reversible manner, into a cargo area.

Claims (9)

System for using the cabin of an aircraft, comprising seat rails (360), for transporting parcels, which system comprises a container (100) comprising a rigid base (110) carrying ground connection means (140), walls (121, 122) linked to said base and delimiting an internal loading volume; securing means (130, 131, 431, 432, 530, 531, 532) for securing the container to a seat rail, characterized in that the ground connection means comprise an air cushion support means (140) and that it comprises portable autonomous means for supplying air to said lifting means. A system according to claim 1, wherein the base (110) includes a plurality of air bearing devices (140) arranged in a defined configuration, to provide lift. A system according to claim 2, wherein the self-contained supply means comprises a splitter for controlling air supply conditions to the airbag devices (140). A system according to claim 2, wherein the base (110) includes 3 air bearing devices (140) to provide lift in a triangular configuration. A system according to claim 2, wherein the base (110) includes 4 air bearing devices (140) to provide levitation in a parallelepiped configuration. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container includes a location and means (242) for supporting the self-contained air cushion device supply means. System according to claim 1, in which the securing means comprise a bracket (530) fixed to two seat rails, the said bracket comprising a shoulder (531) forming an abutment extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seat rails and hooking means (532) for securing two containers to said fitting. Method for the temporary and reversible adaptation of an aircraft intended for the transport of passengers, comprising a cabin provided with seats fixed on seat rails (360), baggage compartments (350) in the cabin and an access door for passengers to said cabin, in an aircraft suitable for transporting cargo in the cabin, which method consists of:
- remove the seats in a part of the cabin served by the door;
- using the system according to claim 1 for the transport, loading and unloading of freight through the passenger door. Method for loading and unloading goods in the cabin of an aircraft implementing an aircraft adapted according to the method of claim 8 and implementing a system according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:
i. load the goods into the container outside the aircraft;
ii. moving the container to the entrance to the aircraft cabin;
iii. connect the portable power means and support the container
iv. moving the container in the cabin of the aircraft to a designated location;
v. stop the supply of the air cushions;
vi. Secure the container to the seat rails using the tie-down straps.