INTEGRAL FLOOR MODULE, CARGO LOADING SYSTEM, LATCH ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING A PASSENGER DECK INTO A CARGO DECK

Abstract

An integral floor module for a cargo deck comprising: a first and second support section for (planar) support on support sections of perforated rail device, wherein the support sections extend in a longitudinal direction and define a support plane; a flat functional device receiving section, which is formed (centrally) between the support sections, wherein the functional device receiving section extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a (lower) receiving plane; wherein the floor module is designed in such a way that the receiving plane is clearly spaced apart (downwards) from the support plane. The floor module can be used in a cargo loading system, including with a latch element, and a method for converting a passenger deck into a cargo deck.

Claims

1. An integral floor module for a cargo deck comprising: first and second support sections for support on a perforated rail device, wherein the first and second support sections extend in a longitudinal direction and define a support plane; and a flat functional device receiving section, which is formed between the support sections, wherein the functional device receiving section extends in the longitudinal direction and defines a receiving plane; wherein the receiving plane is spaced apart from the support plane.

2. The floor module according to claim 1, wherein a first end of the floor module has a raised connection area and/or a second end of the floor module has a downwardly lowered connection area to allow connection of the floor module with a further floor module in an overlapping manner.

3. The floor module according to claim 1, wherein the support sections each have at least one opening configured to provide, in an arranged state of the floor module, direct access to the respective perforated rail device in order to anchor the floor module itself and/or a functional unit.

4. The floor module according to claim 1, wherein the floor module has on an underside a plurality of cable fastening devices for guiding at least one cable.

5. The floor module according to claim 1, wherein the functional device receiving section or at least a partial area of the functional device receiving section is configured for drainage of liquid.

6. The floor module according to claim 5, wherein the functional device receiving section comprises at least one drainage device and/or at least one inspection opening arranged adjacent one end in the longitudinal direction of the floor module and closable in a fluid-tight manner with a cover.

7. The floor module according to claim 1, wherein at least one reinforcement area for reinforcing or stiffening the floor module is arranged along the functional device receiving section.

8. A cargo loading system for an aircraft, comprising: a plurality of perforated rail devices extending in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft; and at least one floor module according to claim 1, arranged on at least one pair of perforated rail devices of the plurality of perforated rail devices.

9. The cargo loading system according to claim 8, wherein the support sections each have at least one opening configured to provide, in an arranged state of the floor module, direct access to a respective one of the pair of perforated rail devices in order to anchor the floor module itself and/or a functional unit, and wherein at least one of the pair of perforated rail devices has sections of engagement slots in which the openings correspond in the arranged state of the floor module engage.

10. The cargo loading system according to claim 8, wherein at least two floor modules are connected to one another in the longitudinal direction in a partially overlapping manner in such a way that the respective functional device receiving sections or partial areas thereof form a drainage channel for draining off liquid.

11. The cargo loading system according to claim 8, wherein the cargo loading system further comprises at least one of a plurality of roller drive units, a plurality of longitudinal guide latch elements, and a plurality of central guide latch elements fixed to the perforated rails devices.

12. The cargo loading system according to claim 11, wherein center guide latch elements and side guide latch elements are arranged and formed for setting first and second loading configurations, wherein in the first loading configuration containers and/or pallets are centered and in the second loading configuration containers are held and guided in pairs side by side on the cargo loading system.

13. The cargo loading system according to claim 12, wherein different loading configurations can be set in sections in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

14. The cargo loading system according to claim 12, wherein the center guide latch elements each comprise at least one latch, wherein abutment surfaces of the at least one latch are spaced apart from one another.

15. The cargo loading system according to claim 11, wherein roller drive units are arranged between successive center guide latch elements.

16. The cargo loading system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one latch of the center guide latch element is pivotable from a rest position to a raised position to delimit a left cargo lane and a right cargo lane for a side-by-side loading configuration.

17. The cargo loading system according to claim 16, wherein the roller drive units each comprise an optical sensor for detecting a ULD, wherein each roller drive unit can be activated individually based on the signals of the sensor and the roller drive units are arranged between the center guide latch elements in such a way that the roller drive units cannot be activated in the raised position of the latches of the center guide latch elements.

18. A latch element for securing cargo items on the cargo loading system according to claim 8, the latch element comprising: a frame, at least one latch attached to the frame for holding and/or guiding the cargo items in a spaced manner, each latch having a claw and a stop surface, wherein the frame comprises: first and second frame support sections for supporting and/or mounting on a pair of perforated rail devices, wherein the frame support sections define a frame support plane; and a central section within which the latches are mounted, wherein a lower end of the central section extends below the frame support plane.

19. A method for converting a passenger deck into a cargo deck: dismantling at least a subset of original floor modules of the passenger deck; arranging one or more modified floor modules according to claim 1 between at least two perforated rail devices; fastening the modified floor modules to the perforated rail devices; and fastening at least one functional device to at least one of the perforated rail devices; wherein the functional device and/or the modified floor modules are formed and arranged in such a way that they project at least in sections into an area below the dismantled original floor modules.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] In the following, the invention is also described with respect to further details, features and advantages, which are explained in more detail with reference to the figures. The described features and combinations of features, as shown below in the figures of the drawing and described with reference to the drawing, are applicable not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention, wherein:

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a floor module according to the invention;

[0091] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a floor module according to the invention in assembled state or arranged on perforated rail devices;

[0092] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detailed view from FIG. 2;

[0093] FIG. 4 shows a view of a bottom surface of an exemplary embodiment of a floor module;

[0094] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a floor module according to the invention with reinforcing or stiffening areas;

[0095] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a floor module according to the invention with reinforcing or stiffening areas;

[0096] FIG. 7 shows a schematic detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system according to the invention;

[0097] FIG. 8 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system according to the invention;

[0098] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system according to the invention;

[0099] FIG. 10 shows an enlargement from FIG. 7;

[0100] FIG. 11 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system according to the invention;

[0101] FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment according to a latch element according to the invention;

[0102] FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of an alternative exemplary embodiment according to a latch element according to the invention;

[0103] FIG. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system according to the invention;

[0104] FIG. 15 shows an enlargement of the schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system according to the invention as shown in FIG. 16;

[0105] FIG. 16 shows a top view of a loading deck comprising a cargo loading system according to the invention with different segments;

[0106] FIG. 17 shows schematic overview of possible loading configurations having a cargo loading system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a floor module 3 according to the invention. The floor module 3 extends substantially in the x-direction (longitudinal direction of the aircraft). In one exemplary embodiment, the floor module 3 has a length of about 126 inches (about 320 cm).

[0108] The floor module 3 has first and second support sections 31, wherein the support sections extend substantially planar in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) and in particular defining a support plane by their undersides.

[0109] Furthermore, the floor module 3 has a planar functional device receiving section 32 formed centrally between the support sections 31, wherein the functional device receiving section 32 extends in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) and forms a receiving plane EAUF. Thus, the functional device receiving section 32 is significantly lowered relative to the support sections 31. The sections 31, 32 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0110] A functional device receiving section 32 can be understood as an area on which a functional device is mounted in a self-supporting manner, but also an arbitrarily designed area that creates free space downwards in the z-direction so that a functional device 4,5 can project into it.

[0111] The floor module 3 is designed in such a way that the receiving plane EAUF (cf. FIGS. 2 and 3) extending parallel to the support sections 31 is clearly spaced downward from the support plane EKON. In the example shown, the receiving plane EAUF and support plane EKON have a distance ΔE of approx. 1.5 cm. There is thus a distance of about 1.9 cm (corresponding to about 0.75 inches) between cargo hold floor level EBOD and receiving plane EAUF, so that 2-inch functional devices or components can be used in the channel or on the functional device receiving section 32 if so-called 1.25-inch functional devices or components are predominantly used on the cargo deck.

[0112] Assuming that an assembly height HL of the perforated rail device 1 according to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 amounts to approx. 5 cm, a relative percentage of 25% results in the already explained distance ΔE of approx. 1.5 cm. If the distance ΔE between the receiving plane EAUF and the support plane EKON is selected to be greater than 10%, the result is a distance ΔE greater than 0.5 cm.

[0113] In other exemplary embodiments, the distance ΔE between the receiving plane EAUF and the support plane EKON can be greater than 10%, in particular greater than 20% in particular greater than 30% of the mounting height HL (see FIG. 3) of the perforated rail device 1.

[0114] This distance ΔE can vary depending on the assembly height of the system components. The decisive factor is that system components with different system heights can be combined according to the invention.

[0115] The functional device receiving section 32 can serve as a drainage (channel) or drainage channel of liquid when mounted.

[0116] Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the floor module 3 has at least one drainage device 7.

[0117] The drainage device 7 can, for example, be designed as a hose and/or pipe connection.

[0118] The functional device receiving section 32 of the floor module may further comprise at least one inspection opening 8. In this case, the inspection opening 8 is preferably arranged in the vicinity of one end in the longitudinal direction of the floor module 3 and can be closed (fluid-tight) with a cover 8a.

[0119] The functional device receiving section 32 of the floor module 3 has a plateau 32a arranged centrally, so that channels 32b are formed on both sides of the plateau 32a. In this way, functional devices can be arranged (slightly) elevated on the plateau 32a and (at least predominantly) the channels 32b can be used as drainage channels.

[0120] Optionally, the plateau can also be designed to reinforce or stiffen the floor module 3.

[0121] The support sections 31 (each) have a plurality of (assembly) openings 31a extending in the longitudinal direction. The openings 31a have a width of about 35 mm. A length of an opening 31a is about 15 cm.

[0122] Alternatively, the openings 31a may have widths between 20 mm and 40 mm and/or have widths between 10 and 25 cm (between 4 and 10 inches).

[0123] A first end (in longitudinal direction) of the floor module 3 may have a raised connection area and/or a second end of the floor module 3 may have a lowered connection area. Alternatively or additionally, the connection areas may comprise clip-nuts to enable and/or support a connection of two floor modules.

[0124] Advantageously, the ends of the floor module are in any case designed in such a way that two floor modules 3 can be connected in an overlapping manner, and preferably screwed together, and can also be easily taken apart again. Fastening means (bolts, screws, or the like) can be provided for fixing the connection, depending on the requirements. Gluing the floor modules 3 together is also conceivable.

[0125] The connection areas can comprise one or more sealing lips so that (in each case) two floor modules 3 can be connected tightly, optionally even gas-tight.

[0126] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a floor module 3 according to the invention in mounted state or arranged on perforated rail devices 1. FIG. 3 shows a detailed enlargement of FIG. 2.

[0127] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a roller drive unit 5 is arranged in the functional device receiving section 32 of the floor module 3.

[0128] The first and second support sections 31 of the floor module 3 rest flat on support sections 1b of the perforated rail device 1.

[0129] The support sections define the support plane EKON.

[0130] The functional device receiving section 32 forms a lower or recessed receiving plane EAUF in the z-direction (perpendicular to longitudinal direction x and to transverse direction y) (cf. in particular FIG. 3).

[0131] In this way, it is possible that a (maximum) roller height (in operating state) EROLL of a roller drive unit 5 can be adjusted (in relation to the cargo hold floor level EBOD) by a height ratio of the support plane EKON and the receiving plane EAUF of the floor module 3. The roller height (in operating state) EROLL corresponds to a (cargo) conveying level.

[0132] In this way, a (physical) height HROLL of the roller drive unit 5 can be compensated with respect to a cargo hold floor level EBOD.

[0133] The (effective) roller height HROLL is thus lowered by the floor module 3 by the difference between the height of the support plane EKON and the receiving plane EAUF.

[0134] FIG. shows 4a bottom view of the floor module 3.

[0135] The inspection opening 8 is closed by a cover 8a. A variety of fastening means (for example screws) can be provided for this purpose.

[0136] Advantageously, the cover 8a or the inspection opening 8 has a sealing lip at a corresponding edge so that the inspection opening 8 can be closed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0137] The inspection opening 8 is arranged and formed in such a way that one end of the cable 9, in particular a plug 6b and/or a socket 6a on the cable 9, and/or the drainage device 7 is accessible through the inspection opening 8.

[0138] Plug 6b and socket 6a on the cable are thus arranged per (respective) floor module. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cable 9 extends beyond one end in the longitudinal direction of the floor module 3 and is terminated with a plug 6b. At the other end of the cable 9, a corresponding socket 6a is fixedly arranged near the inspection opening 8.

[0139] In this way, two floor modules 3 can be plugged together and plug/socket 6a, 6b can be conveniently connected (or disconnected). This connection or disconnection of plug/socket 6a, 6b can also be carried out, for example, after mounting/attaching a floor module 3 through the corresponding access possibility through the inspection opening 8.

[0140] The reinforcing element 5a can be provided below a roller drive unit 5 to distribute a force acting thereon (by containers). The reinforcing element 5a can be connected (for example screwed) to the floor module 3 and/or (directly) to the roller drive unit 5.

[0141] The reinforcing element 5a can be made, for example, of a (synthetic fiber) composite or even aluminum and can have multiple stabilizing ribs (for example, a honeycomb structure).

[0142] Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows a cable passage 9b as well as several cable fastening devices 9a. The cable fastening devices 9a guide the cable 9 along the floor module 3.

[0143] By means of a cable passage 9b, the cable 9 (or a branch thereof) can be led from the underside of the floor module 3 to its top side (for example to the roller drive unit 5 and its electrical supply).

[0144] The cable passage 9b preferably comprises a seal and/or is designed to be fluid-tight.

[0145] Two connected floor modules 3 are shown in FIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the left floor module 3 engages under the right floor module 3 in a connection area 3a.

[0146] A sealing lip or the like can be arranged in the connection area 3a, so that the connection area 3a is designed to be fluid-tight as a whole.

[0147] FIGS. 5 and 6 (each) show schematic views of exemplary embodiments of a floor module 3 with alternative reinforcing or stiffening areas 11.

[0148] FIG. 5 shows different reinforcing or stiffening areas 11 on the floor module 3, which are arranged in the functional device receiving section 32.

[0149] The reinforcing or stiffening areas 11 have different geometries (for example different widths, lengths or heights). In this way, a reinforcing or stiffening area 11 can be adapted (in the geometric sense) and/or optimized (in terms of force distribution) to a functional device (not shown) to be arranged thereon or in the vicinity.

[0150] The reinforcing or stiffening areas 11 may be formed as an integral part of the floor module 3 or may be mounted to or within the floor module 3.

[0151] For example, in FIG. 6 a reinforcing plate is locally disposed in the functional device receiving section 32.

[0152] Alternatively, the reinforcing or stiffening areas 11 may be formed as cores within the floor module. Such a core can be made of the identical (or alternative) material as the rest of the floor module 3 and can be formed as a local thickening of the floor module 3. For example, by (locally) introducing foam cores or a local layer increase.

[0153] Alternatively or additionally, the cores within the floor module 3 may be locally structured (for example, honeycomb) to provide stiffening of the floor module.

[0154] In principle, it is possible for the reinforcing or stiffening areas 11 to have holes and/or cavities in order to save weight. Overall, however, they are such that they do not affect the fluid density of the functional device receiving section 32.

[0155] FIG. 7 shows a schematic detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system.

[0156] A floor module 3 is supported on a pair of perforated rail devices 1.

[0157] The perforated rail devices 1 are, for example, seat rail devices of a passenger aircraft originally designed to support multiple passenger seats or rows of seats.

[0158] The perforated rail devices 1 are supported by aircraft cross members 2.

[0159] The support sections 31 of the floor modules 3 have a number of openings 31a, which are designed in such a way that they allow direct access to the respective (underlying) perforated rail device (1).

[0160] In particular, at least a partial section of an engagement slot 1a of the respective perforated rail device 1 is accessible through the openings 31a in order to anchor the floor module 3 itself and/or a functional device 4, 5 preferably spanning the floor module 3 at least partially in the perforated rail devices 1.

[0161] The functional devices 4, 5 may protrude (downward) into or be disposed in the functional device receiving section 32.

[0162] The openings 31a are formed or dimensioned to substantially correspond to the engagement slot 1a, thus allowing a positive fit between the floor module 3 and the perforated rail device 1.

[0163] FIG. 8 schematically shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system as shown in FIG. 7.

[0164] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment for a cargo loading system comprising several floor modules 3 arranged one behind the other.

[0165] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged area from FIG. 7 to describe the anchoring of the latch elements 4 and the floor module 3 with the perforated rail devices 1.

[0166] The floor module 3 can be attached to the perforated rail devices 1 by means of fastening means (screws) and sealing tape.

[0167] The latch elements 4 have a frame 40. Fastening devices 44a are arranged on the frame support sections 44 of the frame 40, which can be engaged with the perforated rail devices 1 (see also FIGS. 12 and 13) for mounting/fastening the frame 40.

[0168] For this purpose, fastening devices 44a of the latch elements 4 are inserted through the openings 31a in the engagement slot 1a of the perforated rail device 1 (see FIG. 3).

[0169] In this case, the engagement slot 1a is designed to correspond with the fastening devices 44a in such a way that the fastening devices 44a are hooked in or inserted in a first position and can then be displaced by a distance of about 1 cm into a locking position. A bolt attached to the frame 40 can be inserted into the engagement slot 1a in the locking position in such a way that the latch elements 4 are locked in the locking position, i.e. can no longer be removed or displaced. After the bolt is released, the latch elements 4 can be moved from the locking position to the first position and removed.

[0170] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system with functional devices 4, 5 and floor modules 3.

[0171] Two connected floor modules 3 are connected to each other via a connection area 3a. In the exemplary embodiment, the left floor module 3 engages under the right floor module 3 in a connecting area 3a.

[0172] A sealing lip or the like can be arranged in the connection area 3a, so that the connection area 3a is designed to be fluid-tight as a whole.

[0173] For the further features, reference is made to the previous explanations concerning the floor module 3.

[0174] The functional devices 4—the latch elements 4—are described below.

[0175] The latch elements 4, in particular center guide latch elements, are used in a cargo loading system as described above to secure or guide containers.

[0176] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a center guide latch element 4.

[0177] Preferably, the center guide latch element 4 has an integral frame 40.

[0178] Latches 41, which are preferably downwardly foldable, are arranged on the frame 40 for holding and/or guiding containers or the like at spaced intervals, each with a claw 42 and a stop surface 43.

[0179] The frame includes first and second frame support sections 44 for (flat) support and/or mounting on a pair of perforated rail devices 1.

[0180] The frame support sections 44 thereby define a frame support plane ER.

[0181] Fastening means 44a are disposed on the frame support sections 44, which are engageable with the perforated rail devices 1 (see, for example, FIG. 2) for mounting/fastening the frame 40.

[0182] In addition, the frame 40 includes a central section 45 within which the latches 41 are mounted, a lower end 46 of the central section 45 extending below that of the frame support plane ER.

[0183] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a distance between the stop surfaces 43 is between 7 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 9 and 11, further preferably about 10 cm (approximately 4 inches).

[0184] Load-bearing devices 47, in particular rollers, ball rollers or caster rollers, can be provided in the latch element. The load-bearing devices facilitate the movement of the containers across the latch element by carrying a (partial) load of the containers and defining the vertical position of the containers relative to the latch. The displaceability of the load-bearing devices allows the load-bearing devices to be arranged, for example, depending on the position of the latch in the latch element. The load-bearing devices can also be arranged in a removable manner, so that weight is saved when no load-bearing devices are required.

[0185] FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a latch element 4, which differs essentially in the shape (or number) of the latches 41 and the arrangement and type of load-bearing devices 47. In FIG. 13, the latch element 4 has a T-shaped latch 41.

[0186] The latch or latches 41 of the latch elements 4 of FIGS. 12 and 13 are preferably designed to be downwardly foldable. This means that they can be pivoted out of their shown position and countersunk in the central section 45.

[0187] In one exemplary embodiment, a frame height HR of the frame 40 in the central section 45 is approximately between 3 and 6 cm, preferably approximately 4.5 cm, more preferably approximately 1.75 inches. In other words, the latch element is designed to have a system height of about 5 cm.

[0188] The frame support sections 44 are formed significantly lower than the central section 45 of the frame 40. In particular, a height of the frame support section 44 corresponds to only between 40% and 70%, preferably 50%, further preferably 60% of the height of the central section 45.

[0189] FIG. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cargo loading system having a floor module 3 as well as a roller drive device 5 and a latch element, in particular a center guide latch element 4.

[0190] The fastening devices of the latch element or center guide latch element 4 are guided into engagement with the perforated rail device 1 through openings 31a in the support sections 31 (not shown) of the floor module.

[0191] The central section 45 (see FIG. 12 or 13) projects downward (negative z-direction) into the functional device receiving section 32 of the floor module 3.

[0192] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged section of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0193] The first and second support sections 31 of the floor module 3 rest on support sections 1b of the perforated rail device 1. In this case, the support sections 31 define a support plane EKON. The functional device receiving section 32 forms a lower receiving plane EAUF or a recessed receiving plane EAUF in the z-direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and to the transverse direction y) (see also FIG. 2).

[0194] The central section 45 (see FIG. 12 or 13) of the latch element 4 projects (downward, negative z-direction) into the functional device receiving section 32 of the floor module 3.

[0195] In particular, the central section 45 projects into the functional device receiving section 32 of the floor module 3 by a depth OR. The depth OR is the distance between the plane defined by the lower end 46 of the central section 45 and the frame support plane ER defined by the frame support section 44.

[0196] In this way, an effective frame height HR (see FIG. 12 or 13) can be reduced by the amount of the depth OR when viewed from the cargo floor. This results in comparatively slim geometries on the floor side despite comparatively solid frame thicknesses.

[0197] The comparatively flat support sections 44 also reduce the weight of the frame without any particular loss in terms of the stability of the frame 40.

[0198] Overall, this results in a solid, stable, compact but lightweight cargo loading system.

[0199] It can also be seen from the cross-sectional views in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 14 and 15 that a usable empty space O remains between lowered areas of the floor module 3 and the perforated rail devices 1, which can optionally be used for (additional) electrical and/or fluid-conducting lines and/or piping.

[0200] FIG. 16 shows a partial section of a cargo deck according to the invention, with all necessary components shown across the entire width of the cargo deck.

[0201] In this case, the cargo loading system is arranged on a passenger deck of an aircraft that has been converted into a cargo deck.

[0202] For this purpose, the original floor modules of the passenger deck are dismantled and then several modified floor modules 3 are arranged between perforated rail devices 1.

[0203] The modified floor modules 3 are finally bolted to support structures, e.g. the perforated rail devices 1, and the center guide latch elements 4 are attached to the partial sections of the engagement slots 1a of the perforated rail devices 1.

[0204] In this case, the center guide latch elements 4 and the modified floor modules 3 are designed and arranged in such a way that, at least in sections, they project significantly into an area below the dismantled original floor modules.

[0205] The cargo loading system is designed to assume different configurations—see also the following explanations for FIG. 17.

[0206] For this purpose, center guide latch elements 4, outer side guide elements 4′ (preferably displaceable) and inner side guide elements 4″ (downwardly foldable) are set up and designed for setting a first or a second loading configuration (or a combination thereof).

[0207] Possible loading configurations for the cargo loading system according to the invention are shown in FIG. 17 (non-exhaustive illustration).

[0208] In first loading configuration a), a side-by-side loading configuration is shown. In this configuration, the ULDs 100 are loaded in two rows across the entire width of the cargo deck.

[0209] A distance between the container rows (i.e. between two containers adjacent in the transverse direction) corresponds to the distance between the stop surfaces 43 of the latches 41. Here, for example, this is approx. 4 inches or approx. 10 cm.

[0210] In the second loading configuration b), a centerline loading configuration is implemented. In this configuration, the ULDs 100 are loaded in a row along the entire length of the cargo deck. This configuration is particularly suitable for transporting heavy ULDs 100 with high area loads.

[0211] A third loading configuration c) is a mixed configuration with partial centerloading. This means that lighter ULDs 100 can be loaded in the bow and stern and heavier ULDs 100 in the center.

[0212] In the second loading configuration a), the ULDs 100 are held and guided centrally on the cargo lane C (cf. FIG. 16). Inner side guides 4″ are in an upright position and delimit the cargo lane C.

[0213] In the first loading configuration, the ULDs 100 are held and guided in pairs side by side on the cargo lanes A and B (FIG. 16) on the cargo loading system, as already explained. For this purpose, the center guide latch elements 4 and the side guide elements 4′ are in a set-up position. The inner lateral guides 4″ are lowered.

[0214] Furthermore, the cargo loading system has roller drive units 5 for conveying containers in loading configuration b). The roller drive units are very advantageous for conveying heavy ULDs in this configuration.

[0215] All functional devices 4, 4′, 4″, 5 are attached to the perforated rail devices 1 in a preferred exemplary embodiment.

[0216] The cargo deck can be divided into different segments, as shown in FIG. 16. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 16, there is a segment E in the front area of the aircraft and a segment F in the rear area of the aircraft.

[0217] In segment E, roller drive units 5 for powered conveying of heavy ULDs 100 are arranged on the floor module 3 in the center of the cargo deck.

[0218] No roller drive units 5 are arranged in segment F, so that lighter ULDs can be loaded here by hand. The inner lateral guide elements 4″ are also missing in segment F.

[0219] According to the invention, therefore, differently equipped segments can be offered and set up on the cargo deck. This allows the cargo loading system to be optimally adapted to the operator's requirements profile. Unnecessary components are not installed to reduce acquisition costs and weight.

[0220] For example, a cargo system can be equipped so that only the first loading configuration a) and third loading configuration c) are possible. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner side guide elements 4″ may be missing in segment F, as already shown in FIG. 16.

[0221] Depending on requirements, further loading configurations can be offered. For example, with the equipment shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to load ULDs 100 which extend over the entire width (y-direction) of the cargo space, since the center guide latch elements 4 can be folded down. Furthermore, insofar as displaceable outer side guide elements 4′ are provided, centric loading similar to the second loading configuration b) can be offered for different dimensions of the ULDs 100.

[0222] It should be noted at this point that, particularly with reference to the details shown in the drawings, features described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. [0223] 1 Perforated rail device [0224] 1a Engagement slot [0225] 1b Support sections [0226] 2 Cross member [0227] 3 Floor module [0228] 3a Connection area [0229] 4 Center guide latch elements [0230] 4′, 4″ Side guide element [0231] 5 Roller drive unit [0232] 5a Reinforcing element [0233] 6a,b Plug, socket [0234] 7 Drainage device [0235] 8 Inspection opening [0236] 8a Cover [0237] 9 Cable [0238] 9a Cable fastening device [0239] 9b Cable passage [0240] 11 Stiffening area [0241] 31 Support section [0242] 31a Openings [0243] 32 Functional device receiving section [0244] 32a Plateau [0245] 32b Channel [0246] 40 Frame [0247] 41 Latch [0248] 42 Claw [0249] 43 Stop surfaces [0250] 44 Frame support sections [0251] 44a Fastening devices [0252] 45 Central section [0253] 46 Lower end of the central section [0254] 47 Load-bearing devices [0255] 100 ULD (pallet or container) [0256] EAUF Receiving plane [0257] EKON Support plane [0258] EBOD Cargo hold floor level [0259] E Distance between receiving plane EAUF and support plane EKON [0260] ER Frame support plane [0261] E, F Segments [0262] HR Frame height [0263] HL Mounting height of the perforated rail device [0264] EROLL Roller height [0265] HROLL Height [0266] O Empty space [0267] x Longitudinal direction of the aircraft [0268] y Transverse direction of the aircraft (perpendicular to longitudinal direction x) [0269] z Height direction of the aircraft (perpendicular to x,y)