Patent ID: 12215732

In the figures, like or corresponding elements are each denoted by like reference signs and therefore, if not expedient, are not described anew. What is disclosed throughout the description can be transferred analogously to like components with like reference signs or like component descriptions. It is also the case that the positional information selected in the description, e.g., above/top, below/bottom, lateral, etc., relates to the figure directly described and illustrated and, in the case of a position being changed, can be transferred analogously to the new position. Furthermore, it is also possible for individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described to constitute independent or inventive solutions or solutions according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1shows a three-dimensional schematic view, as seen obliquely from the front, of a fastening system10according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The fastening system10serves for the suspended installation of stowage compartments11in an aircraft. The stowage compartments11can be, for example, overhead bins, ceiling-mounted containers, baggage compartments, baggage containers, stowage containers or the like which are, or can be, installed in a suspended manner, for example in an aircraft cabin, and form, in particular, so-called overhead stowage compartments or hat racks.

The fastening system10comprises a first fastening element12, which is configured to fasten on a supporting structure13. For this purpose, the first fastening element12has a fastening surface25, by means of which it is fastened on the supporting structure13. The supporting structure13is, for example, a frame member of a fuselage.

The fastening system10also comprises a second fastening element14, which is configured to fasten on the stowage compartment11, which is to be mounted in a suspended manner and part of which is illustrated inFIG.1. A connecting arrangement15is provided between the first fastening element12and the second fastening element14, the connecting arrangement being designed for surface-area fastening on the first fastening element12.

The connecting arrangement15comprises a supporting eyelet16and the second fastening element14comprises a supporting eyelet17. The supporting eyelets16,17are configured to accommodate a fastening bolt18, and therefore, by being accommodated in the supporting eyelets16and17, the fastening bolt fastens the connecting arrangement15on the second fastening element14when the supporting eyelets16,17are arranged in alignment with one another.

In the example shown here, a respective supporting eyelet17of a second fastening element14is arranged on either side of the supporting eyelet16. However, it is likewise possible for a supporting eyelet17of a second fastening element14to be arranged just on one side.

The first fastening element12and the connecting arrangement15comprise a respective fastening surface12a,22a, via which the connecting arrangement15can be, or is, fastened on the first fastening element12. Fastening takes place by means of screws20.

This means that, during installation, a continuous insulation layer21, which is shown inFIG.6, can be positioned and installed between the fastening surfaces12a,22afor the purpose of insulating the supporting structure13. As a result, the supporting structure13together with the first fastening element12, which is fastened on the supporting structure13, can be insulated throughout in relation to the connecting arrangement15, without slits, apertures or the like having to be made in the insulation layer21.

During installation, it is only the screws20which are fitted through the insulation layer21, and they are therefore enclosed in a flush manner, and with sealing against moisture, by the insulation layer21in the region between the first fastening element12and the connecting arrangement15. In this way, it is not possible for any condensation, large quantities of which form on the supporting structure13for example at different altitudes, to penetrate, in the fastening region of the stowage compartments, through interruptions in the insulation layer21, or through openings made in the insulation layer, and to pass into the cabin area.

The connecting arrangement15comprises a first connecting element22and a second connecting element23, which can be adjusted and fixed in position relative to one another. The fastening system10therefore comprises the first fastening element12, the second fastening element14and the connecting arrangement15with its first connecting element22and its second connecting element23.

The first fastening element12is configured in the form of a so-called A bracket, that is to say, in the form of a class A holder, which can be fastened on a supporting structure of an aircraft and is configured to fasten a so-called B bracket, that is to say, a class B holder.

The connecting arrangement15or the first connecting element22thereof is configured in the form of a B bracket, which can be fastened on the A bracket or the first fastening element12by means of the screws20.

The second connecting element23of the connecting arrangement15is likewise configured in the form of a B bracket. During installation, it is connected to the first connecting element22by means of screws24. The second connecting element23here is fastened on the first connecting element22so as to be moveable in two directions, wherein the movement directions are oriented perpendicularly in relation to one another and are denoted in the figure by double arrows.

In this way, the position of the supporting eyelet16relative to the first connecting element22, and therefore also relative to the supporting structure13, can be adjusted in two degrees of freedom before fixing in the appropriate position is provided with the aid of the fastening means24. This allows the stowage compartments11to be adjusted appropriately, which, in addition to the resulting mechanical improvement, also results in consistent, uniformly running visual lines of the stowage compartments installed in this way.

In the region of the connection between the first connecting element22and the second connecting element23, these connecting elements each have a respective connecting surface22b,23a, which, during installation, are directed towards one another and are each provided with a toothing formation. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the second connecting element23in relation to the first connecting element22, wherein, by virtue of the screws24being tightened, the toothing formations of the connecting surfaces22b,23athen interengage and thus establish a force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the connecting elements22,23. This renders the connection particularly stable, and therefore the adjusted position is maintained even under particularly high loads.

The first fastening element12is produced from aluminum and is fastened on the supporting structure13or the frame member of the fuselage, for example, by riveting. The connecting arrangement15with its connecting elements22,23is produced from plastic, preferably from fiber-reinforced or carbon-fiber-reinforced and/or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. In particular, the connecting elements22,23and the connecting arrangement15can be produced by injection molding.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the connecting surfaces22b,23aof the respective connecting elements22,23are oriented perpendicularly in relation to the fastening surfaces12a,22a, by means of which the connecting arrangement15is, or can be, fastened on the first fastening element12by way of its first connecting element22.

A fastening system10according to a different preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference toFIGS.3to5.FIG.3here shows a schematic view of the front of the fastening system10, whereasFIGS.4and5respectively show a schematic exploded illustration and a schematic view of the rear side of the fastening system10. To simplify matters, these figures do not illustrate the second fastening element14. With the exception of a few differences, the fastening system is configured to be identical or similar to that ofFIG.1.

As described above with reference toFIG.1, the first, plate-like fastening element12serves for surface-area fastening on the supporting structure13. It has its rear side25, which can be seen inFIG.5and forms a fastening surface, fastened on the supporting structure13, that is to say, for example, on a side surface of the frame member.

The first connecting element22of the connecting arrangement15has been screwed, with the aid of the screws20, on the front side26of the first fastening element12, which can be seen inFIG.3. For this purpose, the front side26of the first fastening element12forms the fastening surface12afor fastening the first connecting element22. Accordingly, the fastening surface22ais provided on the rear side27of the first connecting element22(seeFIG.5), the fastening surface22abeing arranged opposite the fastening surface12aof the first fastening element12.

The second connecting element23of the connecting arrangement15has been fastened, by means of the screws24, on the first connecting element22. For this purpose, a connecting surface22bfor connection to the second connecting element23is formed on the rear side27of the first connecting element22(seeFIG.5).

The connection between the first connecting element22and the second connecting element23is designed such that the two connecting elements22,23can be moved relative to one another in two directions which are oriented orthogonally in relation to one another, as is denoted inFIG.4by double arrows. This allows adjustment of the position of the second connecting element23in relation to the first connecting element22, and the appropriate position can be fixed and secured by subsequent tightening of the screws24.

For the purposes of adjusting and fixing the desired position of the second connecting element23, which can be moved in relation to the first connecting element22, use is made, in addition, of a toothing formation which is formed on the rear side27of the first connecting element22. Corresponding to this, a toothing formation is likewise formed on the oppositely arranged connecting surface23aof the second connecting element23, it being possible for the connecting surface23ato be seen inFIG.4.

Tightening of the fastening screws20and/or of the associated nuts thereof fixes the second connecting element23in the appropriate and/or desired position on the first connecting element22, in that the toothing formations of their corresponding or complementary connecting surfaces22b,23ainterengage and thus ensure a high level of stability.

In addition, a toothing plate29is arranged on the other side of the first connecting element22, i.e., on the front side28of the same, this front side forming a further connecting surface and being visible inFIGS.3and4. On its side which is directed towards the first connecting element22, and therefore cannot be seen here, the toothing plate29likewise has a toothing formation, in order to interengage with a corresponding or complementary toothing formation on the front side28of the first connecting element22.

Therefore, the first connecting element22is fastened over its surface area and on either side, in each case via toothing formations, between the second connecting element23and the toothing plate29, wherein, following adjustment of the second connecting element23, fixing takes place by virtue of the fastening screws24being tightened, these fastening screws extending through the second connecting element23, the first connecting element22and the toothing plate29and engaging in associated nuts (seeFIG.4).

A vibration damper30is arranged in the supporting eyelet16of the second connecting element23and is fixed by a closure ring31. This isolates the stowage compartment11and further interior components of the aircraft from noise and vibrations.

As in the case of the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the first fastening element12is an A bracket or A holder, which is produced from aluminum. The first connecting element22and the second connecting element23, as described above, are configured in the form of a B bracket or B holder and produced from plastic, preferably from carbon-fiber-reinforced or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. These measures and the design illustrated here give rise to the fastening system10having a particularly low weight along with a very high load-bearing force.

FIGS.6and7show a side view of the fastening system10, together with the supporting structure13on which it is fastened. In addition,FIG.7also shows the fastening of the supporting eyelet16of the connecting arrangement15between two supporting eyelets17of second fastening elements14, on which an arrangement of stowage compartments11has been fastened. The fastening system10is configured in the manner described above with reference toFIGS.3to5.

As shown inFIG.6, the supporting structure13or the frame member of the fuselage, together with the first fastening element12fastened thereon, is enclosed by the insulation layer21. In the region of the fastening surfaces12a,22a, and also outside these, the insulation layer21extends continuously between the first fastening element12and the first connecting element22of the connecting arrangement15. In this way, the supporting structure13with the first fastening element12fastened thereon is insulated fully, and without interruption, in relation to the connecting arrangement15and the stowage compartment retained thereon. The insulation layer21is configured for heat insulation and moisture insulation.

In the case of the embodiment of the fastening system10which is shown inFIGS.3to7, in the joined-together state of the fastening system10, the connecting surfaces22b,23afor fastening the connecting elements22,23on one another are oriented parallel to the fastening surface12a,22abetween the first fastening element12and the first connecting element22.

FIG.8shows a further embodiment of the fastening system10. In the same way as in the embodiments described above, the connecting arrangement15comprises a first connecting element22and a second connecting element23, which can be moved relative to one another in two degrees of freedom, as shown inFIG.4and already explained above. However, in the case of the embodiment shown inFIG.8, the first connecting element22is configured in the form of a relatively thin plate which has its surface area arranged between the second connecting element23and the first fastening element12.

The first fastening element12forms an offset between its fastening surface25for fastening on the supporting structure13and its fastening surface12afor fastening the connecting arrangement15and/or the first connecting element22.

Here too, as described above with reference toFIG.6, it is possible for the insulation layer21to be positioned and installed between the first fastening element12and the first connecting element22of the connecting arrangement15so that, in the installed state, it gives rise to continuous and complete insulation of the supporting structure13, with the first fastening elements12fastened thereon, in relation to the connecting arrangement15.

As an alternative to this, the insulation layer21illustrated inFIG.6can be clamped in between the supporting structure13and the first fastening element12. For this purpose, the first fastening element12is screwed to the supporting structure13.

The connecting surfaces for connecting the connecting elements22,23to one another are formed by one side22bof the first connecting element22and by the opposite side23aof the second connecting element23. These connecting surfaces22b,23aare oriented parallel to the fastening surface25of the first fastening element12on the supporting structure13. They are also formed parallel to the fastening surfaces12a,22a, which serve for fastening the first connecting element22on the first fastening element12.

It is also the case with this embodiment that the first fastening element12is configured in the form of an A holder, whereas the second connecting element23is configured in the form of a B holder, in order to fasten the stowage compartments11. The connecting elements22,23and the second fastening element14, which is configured to fasten the stowage compartments11, are produced from plastic, preferably from fiber-reinforced and, in particular, from carbon-fiber-reinforced and/or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic.

The invention provides, in particular, the following advantages:

Dividing the fastening system10into A and B holders or A and B brackets makes it possible to install a layer between the two holders for the purpose of insulating the primary structure and, in the process, to avoid any cut in the insulating layer. This prevents condensation from passing into the cabin.

Moreover, the invention gives the further advantage of it being possible for the fastening system to be adjusted in two directions, preferably two directions which are perpendicular in relation to one another. Mutually opposite toothing formations here allow adjustment of the interface in relation to the ceiling-mounted container or the overhead stowage compartment (OHSC).

In addition, the interior components are isolated from noise or vibrations. This is made possible by the vibration damper which is preferably integrated in the B holder or in the connecting element and is fixed in the B holder by a straightforward snap-fit closure ring. This fixing allows the vibration damper to be very easily replaced at the end of its service life.

Commercially available standard parts are used for the purpose of installing the fastening system10and the parts thereof, i.e., there is no need for any special fastening means or specifically developed bearings.

The invention is based, in particular, on three parts of a bracket or fastening concept, wherein each part can advantageously be produced from fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular, by means of injection molding.

The invention proposes two possible solutions in order to avoid any risk of corrosion which can be generated by the combination of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and aluminum, and these two solutions can also be combined with one another. On the one hand, for the purpose of isolating the materials, a non-conductive layer of material can be arranged between the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and the aluminum. On the other hand, carbon-fiber reinforcement can be replaced by glass-fiber reinforcement.

In order for the load-bearing force and loading capability of the fastening system to be increased yet further, an additional fiber insert can be produced by means of overmolding technology, this further increasing the load-bearing capacity of the holders and/or of the elements of the fastening system. Overmolding is an injection-molding process in which one material is formed onto a second material, which is typically a solid polymer or plastic material. As a result, the thermoplastic material which has been formed on can undergo strong bonding with the plastic and this can be maintained in the user environment.

A further advantage is that connection to the stowage compartment or ceiling-mounted container can be established by a straightforward standard bolt. The bolt fastens preferably two stowage compartments or OHSCs on a bracket or holder.

While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

10Fastening system11Stowage compartment12First fastening element12aFastening surface for the connecting arrangement13Supporting structure14Second fastening element15Connecting arrangement16Supporting eyelet17Supporting eyelet18Fastening bolt20Screws21Insulation layer22First connecting element22aFastening surface for fastening on the first fastening element22bConnecting surface in relation to the second connecting element23Second connecting element23aConnecting surface in relation to the first connecting element24Fastening means or screws25Rear side or fastening surface of the first fastening element26Front side of the first fastening element27Rear side of the first connecting element28Front side or connecting surface of the first connecting element29Toothing plate120Ceiling-mounted container101First fastening element102Supporting structure or frame member103Second fastening element106Third fastening element107Screws108Double supporting eyelet109,110Further supporting eyelet109,110