System and method for loading and unloading a cargo compartment

摘要

Described and illustrated is a system (1) for loading and unloading a cargo compartment (3) of a vehicle, such as an aircraft (5), with a cargo receiving device (7). The object of the present invention, to provide a system for loading and unloading a cargo compartment (3) of an aircraft (5) with a cargo receiving device (7), wherein the weight of the aircraft (5) is reduced, the risk of maintenance forcing the aircraft (5) to stay on the ground is reduced, as well as service and maintenance of the transport device (9) and the locking mechanism (35) are less complicated, is achieved by a system comprising:
- a cargo receiving device (7) comprising a base structure arrangement (27) having a horizontal lower contact surface (29), and a locking mechanism (35) adapted to engage one or more corresponding holding members (37) provided in a cargo compartment (3) of a vehicle, and
- a transport device (9) comprising a horizontal upper contact surface (43) adapted to be disposed in abutting contact to said lower contact surface (29), a drive unit (45) adapted to initiate horizontal movement of the transport device (9), a lift unit (47) adapted to initiate vertical movement of the upper contact surface (43), and an actuating unit (39) adapted to actuate the locking mechanism (35) of the cargo receiving device (7).