Abstract:
A device for stowage of carts including: a first compartment configured to receive carts lined up side by side; a second compartment configured to receive carts lined up side by side, including an aperture allowing cart entry and exit and arranged above the first compartment; a substantially horizontal platform capable of moving in a vertical direction between a lower position in which it is substantially at floor level and a higher position in which it is substantially level with a lower, substantially horizontal wall of the second compartment and facing the opening thereof; and a mechanism arranged in the second compartment for motorized transfer of at least one cart from the second compartment to the platform and vice versa.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an optimized device for stowage of carts. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In an aircraft, carts are used in particular for serving and storing meals. Meals generally are prepared in technical areas called kitchens or galleys and then are arranged in carts to be served to the passengers. Carts, however, also may be used for other purposes: they may, for example, contain all types of objects, such as garments, garments on hangers, newspapers, dishes; technical, medical, equipment, . . . . 
     Although most especially intended for a use in an aircraft, this invention is not limited to aircraft but relates more generally to all means of transport intended to accommodate a large number of passengers. 
     In an aircraft, the carts, also called trolleys, generally are stowed in compartments when they are not being used for service. The floor of these compartments is flush with the floor of the cabin in which they are located. The space above the compartment generally is fitted out as a work surface or receives equipment items such as ovens, coffee machines, stowage units, etc. 
     In this way, the cabin attendants on board the aircraft have carts in direct proximity to the place where the meals to be distributed are prepared and warmed up. Since all the carts are stowed on the same level, however, on the floor of the corresponding cabin, a considerable area of this cabin must be devoted to stowage of the said carts. This area is occupied to the detriment of available space for putting in seats and accommodating passengers. 
     In order to limit the area of a cabin accommodating passengers, it already has been proposed to lay out a part of the hold of the aircraft for accommodating carts therein. 
     Thus, for example, the document FR-2 658 488 discloses a system for providing an aircraft cabin with carts. The disclosed system comprises a storage container in which carts are arranged and which is located in the hold of the aircraft. A controllable robot is provided in the hold and is able to move therein in order to grasp in the said container each of the carts that are arranged therein in order then to convey them into the cabin of the aircraft through a passage implemented between the hold and the cabin. A programmable control unit is connected to the controllable robot and contains information items concerning the position of the carts in the container and the type of products contained in each of the said carts. In that way, according to the information items transmitted by the programmable control unit, the robot moves in order to grasp the corresponding cart and convey it from the hold to the cabin of the aircraft. 
     Such a solution makes it possible to save space in the cabin of the aircraft and in this way therefore makes it possible to provide for a greater number of passengers for a given area. In order to implement passage of the carts between the hold and the cabin, however, it is necessary to provide at least one passage in the floor of the cabin. This requires an adjustment of the structure of the aircraft and makes it necessary in particular to provide reinforcements at the passage implemented. The hold space that accommodates the carts also must be pressurized and air-conditioned. It likewise is noted that this solution limits the space of the hold, then negatively affecting the capacities of the aircraft for carrying freight. It also is advisable to position the kitchens judiciously in the cabin of the aircraft so that the carts in the hold are close to the kitchens without, however, hindering the arrangement of the remaining freight zone for accommodating the rest of the freight intended to be placed in the aircraft. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention then has as a purpose to provide means making it possible to reduce the flooring area needed in a cabin for stowage of carts without, however, impacting the structure of the aircraft or limiting the space available in the hold and intended in particular for receiving freight. 
     To this end, it proposes a device for the stowage of carts in a space including a floor, the said device comprising a first compartment adapted for receiving at least one cart as well as a second compartment adapted for receiving at least one cart and having an opening allowing entry and exit of carts. 
     According to this invention, the second compartment is arranged above the first compartment, and the device further comprises:
         a platform more or less parallel to the floor and able to move along a direction perpendicular to the said floor from a high position in which it is more or less at a more or less horizontal lower wall of the second compartment facing the opening thereof and a low position in which it is more or less at the floor ( 26 ), and   means for transfer of at least one cart arranged in the second compartment from the second compartment to the platform and vice versa.       

     In this way carts may be stowed upright in relation to the floor of the space, in that way making it possible to save space in terms of area. The second compartment preferably is perfectly aligned upright in relation to the first compartment, but the scope of the invention would not be overstepped with a second compartment having an offset in relation to the first compartment. Furthermore, it should be specified that the second compartment is not necessarily directly above the first compartment. As emerges from the attached drawings and from the description that follows, equipment items may be located between the first compartment and the second compartment. If the carts are intended for the transport and distribution of meals, there may be provided for example between the first compartment and the second compartment equipment items for the preparation of meals: ovens, coffee machines, stowage for ingredients, . . . and/or just a work surface. The distance separating the first compartment and the second compartment preferably is adapted to the available under-ceiling height so as to make best use of all the available space. Finally, when the platform is in its low position, since it is at the floor, or more or less at the floor, it does not prevent the passage of persons and may serve as work space for example for the cabin attendants who are manipulating the carts. 
     In a device according to the invention, the platform moves along a direction more or less perpendicular to the floor. In this way, if the floor is horizontal, the platform itself also will be in a horizontal position and will move along a vertical direction. 
     In a first embodiment, it is proposed that the transfer means comprise a drawer having a horizontal lower face and at least one vertical side wall. Such a drawer preferably may contain several carts. In that way, manipulation of a single drawer makes it possible to act on several carts. Since one cart at a time generally is not used, it is preferable to limit the manipulations and it therefore is advantageous to move several carts in the same operation. The horizontal lower face is designed for receiving one or more carts. As for the vertical side walls, they are designed in particular for securing the carts and preventing them from falling during a manipulation. In this way, of course, the scope of the invention would not be overstepped if other means were considered for supporting the carts during manipulation thereof. 
     The transfer means also, for example, may comprise on the one hand a motor fixed in relation to the second compartment and on the other hand a motor fixed in relation to the platform, each motor driving a cogwheel meshing with a rack fastened onto the drawer parallel to the direction of transfer. There it is a matter of a preferred embodiment for accomplishing the transfer of a drawer to a corresponding platform. 
     The drawer in this embodiment advantageously has a retractable side wall so as to facilitate entry and exit of carts in the drawer when the drawer is more or less at the floor. 
     The first compartment and the second compartment are arranged for example in a unit which may be likened to a rack in which the carts come to be stowed. As suggested above, this unit also may contain equipment items for the preparation of meals. 
     As regards the platform, this is for example a platform of a cargo hoist comprising a vertical column along which the platform moves with the aid of motorized drive means. Any type of drive may be considered here: electric motor and drive-belts, hydraulic jacks, electro-hydraulic mechanism, scissor lift with a guidance system, magnetic mechanism, . . . . All these drive means preferably may be disengaged so as to be able to be operated manually in case of failure. A preferred embodiment provides that the column and the motorized drive means are accommodated in a cabinet, if only for safety reasons. This solution, however, is also advantageous because it likewise makes it possible to plan to arrange stowage drawers in the said cabinet thus allowing an optimization of the space. 
     This invention also relates to an aircraft cabin, characterized in that it comprises a device such as described above. Advantageously, for a better optimization of the use of the area in the cabin, the device will be arranged so that its platform is at an aisle of the cabin. The space used for manipulation of the carts then is a space that furthermore is used for transit of passengers or members of the crew (flight or cabin). 
     It also relates to an aircraft fuselage comprising a door at which there is a transverse aisle, characterized in that it further comprises a device for optimized stowage of carts such as described above. By “a door” there should be understood here a set of two facing doors. In such an aircraft fuselage, the platform of the device for optimized stowage of carts advantageously is at the transverse aisle. In this way the space in which the platform moves during manipulation of carts also may be used as a passage for access to the corresponding door. In that way, the space in the fuselage is further optimized. 
    
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       Details and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the description that follows, presented with reference to the attached schematic drawings on which: 
         FIG. 1  is a view in cross section of an aircraft fuselage equipped with a device according to this invention, 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are views similar to  FIG. 1  for two embodiment variants, 
         FIG. 4  is a view in perspective of the entire device according to this invention, 
         FIG. 5  is a view in perspective on an enlarged scale partially showing the device of  FIG. 4  from above, 
         FIG. 6  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 4  of the same device in another position, 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  showing the same device in another position, 
         FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIGS. 4 and 6  showing the device according to the invention in a third position, 
         FIG. 9  is a view similar to the views of  FIGS. 5 and 7  showing the same device in this third position. 
         FIG. 10  is a view in perspective of a device according to the invention making it possible to see, by transparency, mechanical details of a device according to the invention, 
         FIG. 11  is a detail view on an enlarged scale of  FIG. 10  in a second position, 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  correspond, on a reduced scale, to the view of  FIG. 10  showing the device of this Figure in two other positions, 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  correspond more or less to the view of  FIG. 13  with moreover an additional cart, 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are detail views of a cargo hoist mechanism used in the device shown on the preceding Figures, 
         FIG. 18  is a detail view on an enlarged scale showing a detail D of  FIG. 5  made larger, 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  show in perspective an optimized stowage device for carts according to the invention in two other embodiment variants, and 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of an aircraft cabin implementing a device according to this invention. 
     
    
    
     An aircraft fuselage  2  is seen in cross section on  FIGS. 1 to 3 . The interior of this fuselage is divided in two by a bridge  4  above which is a cabin  6  intended to accommodate passengers and below which is a hold  8  making it possible to accommodate for example baggage of the passengers traveling in cabin  6  and/or freight. 
     Carts  10  also are seen in a front view on  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Here it is a matter of standard carts that are commonly used on board an aircraft for serving meals and beverages to the passengers traveling on board this aircraft. The invention, however, is not limited to this type of carts and also relates for example to carts used for the transport and/or stowage of all types of objects: garments, garments on hangers, bedding, technical equipment, medical equipment, dishes, etc. 
     Here, in novel manner, carts  10  are stowed on three different levels. A compartment for twelve carts  10  is seen on  FIG. 1 . These carts  10  are arranged in three superposed rows of four carts  10 . 
     A first row of four carts  10  is seen on  FIG. 2 . Above these carts  10  is a work surface  12 , above and at a distance from which are equipment items making it possible to prepare meals. By way of example, there have been shown here three ovens  14 , three coffee machines  16 , and above these equipment items stowage drawers  18 . Above these drawers, there again is a row of four carts  10 . 
     The embodiment shown on  FIG. 3  is an embodiment intermediate between the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and that of  FIG. 1 . Whereas on  FIG. 1  there is a unit  20  formed by walls  21  and accommodating twelve carts  10 , on  FIG. 2  a similar unit  20  (in particular of identical size) accommodates eight carts  10  and an equipment item making it possible to prepare meals, on  FIG. 3  there is a unit  20  similar to units  20  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  accommodating ten carts  10  and equipment items for the preparation of meals. In this third embodiment there is a lower row of four carts  10  and an upper row of four carts  10 . At the level intermediate between these two rows are two carts  10  aligned side by side next to which is an equipment item for the preparation of meals, comprising an oven  14 , two coffee machines  16  and two stowage drawers  18 . There also is a work surface  12  here, small in comparison with the work surface of  FIG. 2 . 
     The following  FIGS. 4 to 18  illustrate how to stow the carts placed upright and how to lower them. In the continuation of the description, a first compartment  22  receiving carts  10  and a second compartment  24  arranged above the first compartment and itself also receiving carts  10  will be considered. 
     It subsequently will be assumed that first cart compartment  22  is arranged at a lower level. This first compartment  22  corresponds more or less to a stowage compartment for carts  10  such as usually found in an aircraft. A floor  26 , which subsequently will be assumed to be horizontal, for example, has been shown schematically on  FIG. 4 . This floor corresponds to the floor of cabin  6 . First compartment  22  thus is of more or less parallelepipedal shape. It has a horizontal lower face which is in the plane of floor  26  (of course, for technical reasons, this lower face may be slightly slanted to facilitate the entry of carts  10  into the compartment or have a slight offset on the order of a few millimeters or on the order of a centimeter with the level of floor  26 ). First compartment  22 , of parallelepipedal shape, is closed on five faces. Its open face subsequently will be called front face and it extends vertically. The front face of such a compartment generally does not have a door, but locking means are provided for each cart  10  so as to be able to keep them inside this first compartment  22 . 
     Second compartment  24  has an overall shape similar to that of first compartment  22 . Thus there again is found a parallelepipedal shape with a horizontal lower face and an open vertical front face. Second compartment  24  is arranged above first compartment  22 . It is assumed here that second compartment  24  is the compartment of  FIGS. 1 to 3  that receives the upper row of four carts  10 . Second compartment  24  thus is arranged above first compartment  22  but at a distance from the latter. In this case, and in a preferred embodiment, second compartment  24  is perfectly aligned upright in relation to first compartment  22 . The scope of the invention would not be overstepped here by choosing a second compartment with dimensions different from those of first compartment  22 , or by offsetting second compartment  24  in relation to first compartment  22 , or by placing second compartment  24  directly above first compartment  22 . 
     A cargo hoist  28  having a horizontal platform  30  is arranged facing unit  20  receiving carts  10  in superposed manner. 
     Platform  30  is essentially flat and preferably has a more or less level upper surface, with no rim toward the top at its periphery. It is movable between two positions. The first position is illustrated for example on  FIGS. 4 to 7 , while the second position is illustrated for example on  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In the first position, referred to as upper position, platform  30  is more or less at the same height (and preferably at the same height) as the lower horizontal face of second compartment  24  and opposite same. In its second position, referred to as lower position, platform  30  comes to rest on floor  26  or, preferably, comes to fit into a groove of appropriate size, then allowing the upper face of platform  30  to be flush with floor  26  when platform  30  is in its extreme lower position. Preferably, when platform  30  is in its lower position, it does not hinder entry and exit of carts  10  located in first compartment  22 . Platform  30 , in its lower position, thus preferably is at the same height as the lower wall of first stowage compartment  22  for carts and opposite same. 
     A motorized mechanism not described in detail here allows movement of platform  30 . A cargo hoist mechanism, for example a cargo hoist used in an aircraft, may be used again here. The mechanism shown on the drawings is illustrated in greater detail on  FIGS. 16 and 17 . On these Figures it is seen for example that platform  30  is installed at a right angle in relation to a vertical plate  32 . The latter is fastened to a cart  34  installed sliding on a column  36  and driven by a motor  38  with the aid of belts  40 . Preferably, this mechanism may be disengaged, in case for example of failure of motor  38 , and then allows a manual activation of platform  30 . 
     Transfer means are provided in order to allow transfer of carts  10  located in second compartment  24  to platform  30 . These transfer means comprise two drawers  42 . Each of these drawers  42  receives two carts  10 . A drawer  42  is clearly seen for example on  FIGS. 10 to 13 . Each drawer  42  has a horizontal bottom  44  and three vertical side walls. One side wall, called central side wall  46 , extends vertically in a plane perpendicular to the front face of second compartment  24  and is more or less at the center of second compartment  24 . When each drawer  42  receives a set of two carts  10 , the two central side walls  46  corresponding to the two drawers  42  each time are between the two sets of two carts  10 . In the embodiment shown on the drawings, it has been chosen to use two electric motors  48  to drive each drawer  42 . On the Figures, two power plants are seen, each of the plants shown containing two electric motors  48 . 
     For each drawer  42 , a first electric motor  48  is integral with unit  20 , or more generally with second compartment  24 , while second electric motor  48  is integral with platform  30 . Each electric motor  48  drives, by means of a shaft  50 , two cogwheels  52  each installed on shaft  50  at a distance from one another. Each of these cogwheels  52  cooperates with a rack  54  fastened horizontally onto a central side wall  46 . As for shaft  50  bearing the two cogwheels  52 , it extends vertically. In this way, when two cogwheels  52  of a shaft  50 , each meshed with a rack  54 , are driven in rotation by a corresponding electric motor  48 , corresponding central side wall  46  is driven in translation along a horizontal direction. 
     The two electric motors  48  corresponding to a central side wall  46  make it possible to move this wall from a position in which it is completely inside second compartment  24  to a position in which it is on platform  30  completely outside of this second compartment  24 . During almost all of the travel of central side wall  46 , the latter is driven by the two corresponding electric motors  48 . At the end of travel, depending on whether central side wall  46  is on platform  30  or inside second compartment  24 , driving in translation is accomplished only by one of the two motors  48 . 
     In the following paragraphs, it is described how carts  10  located in second compartment  24  may be lowered in order to be conveyed to floor  26 . Platform  30  first of all is conveyed to the lower face of second compartment  24 . The position of platform  30  in relation to second compartment  24  may be indexed or identified with the aid of sensors (not shown). A drawer  42  then is driven in translation by corresponding motors  48  in order to move the said drawer from its stowed position inside second compartment  24  to a position moved out on platform  30 . It has been explained above how electric motors  48  act to drive drawer  42  in movement. The detail view of  FIG. 18  shows that in order to achieve a good guidance of drawer  42  during this translatory movement, drawer  42  has beneath its bottom  44  a guidance rail  56  coming to cooperate with a corresponding groove  58 . Groove  58  implemented in platform  30  has been shown on  FIG. 18 . This groove  58  also extends into the horizontal lower face of second compartment  24 . Over by central side wall  46 , there is a guidance that is achieved naturally at racks  54 . Guidance rail  56  preferably will be at a distance from central side wall  46 . A second guidance rail, near central side wall  46 , also may be provided if need be. 
     When drawer  42  is completely on platform  30 , that is to say when the vertical side face parallel to the front face of the second compartment is brought outside of compartment  24 , the platform may begin its downward movement. This position is shown in particular on  FIGS. 6 and 7  (on  FIG. 6 , a side wall of drawer  42  has been omitted in order to better show one of the two transported carts  10 ). 
     Platform  30  then is lowered to the position shown on  FIGS. 8 and 9  ( FIG. 8  here corresponds to  FIG. 6 , the same side wall of drawer  42  having been omitted). In this lower position, carts  10  located on platform  30  again are more or less at the same level as carts  10  shown on the drawings in first compartment  22 . Platform  30  then is more or less at floor  26  and therefore at the lower wall of first compartment  22 . As follows from the Figures, it also is opposite this first compartment  22 . 
     In order to facilitate removal of a cart  10  from its drawer  42  in the lowered position thereof, it is provided to be able to retract vertical side wall  47  of drawer  42  opposite central side wall  46 .  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate a side wall  47  that retracts by sliding in a horizontal position parallel to central side wall  46 . Any other means for retracting this side wall  47 , when it exists, may be considered. In an embodiment variant, this vertical side wall  47  could be made to pivot around its lower horizontal stop. In this way, if the upper face of bottom  44  of drawer  42  is not flush with floor  46 , then this side wall  47  in its folded back position may serve as a slanted plane facilitating loading and unloading of carts  10  into/from drawer  42 . 
     It seems pointless here to describe how a cart  10  located at floor  26  can come to be placed in second compartment  24  arranged upright. The individual skilled in the art, in view of the preceding description, quickly will understand that by working conversely to the lowering of a cart, one succeeds in bringing this cart  10  back up to second compartment  24 . 
     The individual skilled in the art also will understand without any difficulty how the described device may make it possible to raise and lower carts located in an intermediate position in cases of a unit  20  shown for example on  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The operation then is identical except that the position of platform  30  for transfer of carts  42  is adapted to the position of the intermediate compartment receiving carts  10 . 
     The mechanics implemented here is very simple. In fact, platform  30  has only one degree of freedom. It translates only vertically, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of the platform. It comes to be positioned at the height of and each time opposite the lower wall of a stowage compartment for carts. When platform  30  is in low position, it itself may serve as a floor. It allows passage in front of the compartments for carts and may form part of a passage aisle. In its lower position it also forms a work space, in particular when a work surface  12  is provided in unit  20  ( FIGS. 2 and 3  for example). In this way the area of platform  30  is a useful area and therefore is not a wasted area. 
     The solution proposed here thus provides for a platform that rises and descends between a high position facing a compartment and a low position at the flooring, as well as means for transfer of carts in the high position of the platform. 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show embodiment variants allowing an even better optimization of the space at the device for optimized stowage according to the invention. As may be seen on the preceding Figures, the mechanism comprising in particular motor  38  and column  36  is accommodated inside a cabinet  60 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 19 and 20 , cabinet  60  is fitted out to be able to accommodate stowage drawers  18 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , stowage drawers  18  slide crosswise while in the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , they slide longitudinally. In both cases, a set of seven stowage drawers  18  has been provided on each side of the control mechanism for platform  30 . Other drawers could have been provided but then it would have been necessary to provide a ladder or a step unit for accessing same. 
       FIG. 21  shows the positioning of a stowage device according to the invention in an aircraft cabin.  FIG. 21  shows a cabin section at a door. In an aircraft, a set of two doors  62 A arranged facing one another at the same level of the fuselage generally is called a door. A transverse aisle  62  thus is located at a door. A device for optimized stowage of carts according to this invention advantageously is arranged so that the space in which platform  30  of this device moves forms part of a transverse aisle  62  situated at a door of the aircraft. This allows an optimization of this space. In fact, the space in which platform  30  moves during an operation of loading/unloading of carts first of all is used for manipulation of the carts. This space is also useful for access to first compartment  22 . In fact a free space is needed in front of this first compartment  22  so as to be able to have carts  10  return to and exit from this first compartment  22 . This same space also may be used during the preparation of meals when the device for optimized storage of carts according to this invention has, for example, a configuration such as that shown on  FIG. 2  or on  FIG. 3 . The cabin attendants need a space in which they move about in order to prepare meals. This space also may be used for this purpose. Finally, this same space may be used as a passage for access to the corresponding door. 
     In the embodiment shown on  FIG. 21 , all the carts  10  are stowed in the device for optimized stowage of carts according to the invention shown on this Figure. However, other locations for stowage of carts could be provided if necessary. For example, the presence of lavatories  64  is observed. A kitchen space  66  is next to the latter each time. This also, for example, could receive carts  10 . 
     It is observed on  FIG. 21  that carts  10  stowed in unit  20  are aligned parallel to the axis of aisle  62 , which runs between unit  20  and cabinet  60 . 
     Other positionings of a device for stowage of carts according to this invention may be considered. The platform of the device according to the invention preferably is located at an aisle of the cabin of the aircraft (or more generally of the vehicle considered) and may be used as a passage. The space located between the unit receiving the carts and the cabinet receiving the cargo hoist mechanism may be integrated just as easily into a longitudinal aisle as into a transverse aisle. The carts in the first compartment and in the second compartment also may be aligned crosswise (as shown on  FIG. 21 ) just as easily as longitudinally (therefore pivoted by 90° in relation to the position shown on  FIG. 21 ). A device for stowage of carts according to the invention also may be arranged independently of a door of the aircraft. 
     It is clearly apparent to the individual skilled in the art that the invention described above makes it possible to limit the necessary area in a cabin of an aircraft, or a train (or another vehicle for the transport of passengers) devoted to stowage of carts used for serving passengers. This saving of space in the cabin is implemented without having to encroach on the available space in the hold and without having to modify the structure of the aircraft. The invention thus is confined to a “simple” interior adjustment of the cabin not impacting the structure of the vehicle. The space gained, or saved, in this way may be turned to good account for accommodating a greater number of passengers (or for enhancing the comfort of the passengers). 
     It is observed that a device according to this invention is very adjustable. Depending on the available height, there may be two or three superposed rows of carts. Each row of carts may receive two, three, four (or more) carts. 
     The cargo hoist used for handling the carts also may be adapted. In the example described above, there could be, for example, two cargo hoists each with a platform able to receive a drawer and two carts. Having a cargo hoist intended to transport only one cart (or two carts), which is able to move facing the compartment containing the carts so as to become positioned just opposite a cart or a group of carts contained in a drawer, also may be considered. 
     This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limitative examples and shown on the drawings. It also relates to all embodiment variants within the capacity of the individual skilled in the art in the context of the claims below. 
     Thus for example, the technical solution adopted for example for the transfer of the carts to the cargo hoist could be replaced by other technical means. For example a system of jacks replacing the electric motors and the transmission by cogwheels described for moving the carts between the cargo hoist and the compartment serving for stowage thereof could be provided. Other technical solutions, not necessarily using a drawer, could be provided. For example, an arm equipped with a remote-controllable hook which would come to pull or push the cart during transfer thereof could be provided at the cargo hoist. 
     Likewise, for the cargo hoist mechanism, the embodiment adopted on the drawings goes back to that of a cargo hoist already used in an aircraft between two bridges. Other solutions, however, may be considered: electric, hydraulic, electro-hydraulic lift, scissor lift with a guidance system, magnetic mechanism, . . . . A solution making it possible to change over to manual activation mode in case of failure of the motor preferably will be chosen here. An entirely manual activation mode also could be considered if need be.