Cabin equipment unit and method for assembling cabin equipment unit

By using the contact connection elements of the magnetic coupling device in the aircraft cabin equipment unit, the automatic contact and separation of the electrical connection is achieved by using magnetic force, the problems of complex and easy damage in the electrical connection installation in the prior art are solved, and the installation is simplified and safety is improved.

CN120225427APending Publication Date: 2025-06-27FACC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380080079.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-11-25
Filing Date
2023-11-24
Publication Date
2025-06-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art In aircraft cabin equipment units, especially overhead luggage compartments, the electrical connections of the electrical connections are complex and difficult to access, increasing the installation workload and potentially causing damage to the electrical connection.

Method used

Using a magnetic coupling device including the first and second contact connection elements, automatic contact and separation of the electrical connection is achieved in difficult-to-reach positions by the magnetic force of the magnet, simplifying the installation and maintenance of the electrical connection.

Benefits of technology

It realizes simplified installation of electrical connections in aircraft cabin equipment units, reduces installation workload, and protects electrical connections in difficult-to-reach locations, avoids damage, and improves safety and reliability.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a cabin equipment unit (1) for a passenger cabin, comprising:-a first pivot part (3); -a second pivot part (4) pivotable relative to the first pivot part (3) about a pivot axis (5) between an open position and a closed position; and-an electrical element (13) which is arranged on the second pivoting part (4) and which can be connected to the first pivoting part (3) by means of an electrical connection line (15), the first pivoting part (3) comprising a first contact connection element (17), the electrical connection line (15) comprising a second contact connection element (18) corresponding to the first contact connection element (17), and the electrical connection line (15) comprising a second contact connection element (18) corresponding to the second contact connection element (17). The first contact connection element (17) and / or the second contact connection element (18) comprises at least one magnet (19), and the contact connection elements (17, 18) can be shifted from a disengaged position into a contact position, the second contact connection element (18) can be arranged on the second pivot part (4) such that when the second pivot part (4) is moved into the closed position, the first contact connection element (17) and / or the second contact connection element (18) can be shifted from the disengaged position into the contact position. The contact connection elements (17, 18) enter the contact position and are held in the contact position.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cabin equipment unit for an aircraft cabin, in particular an overhead luggage compartment, wherein the cabin equipment unit comprises the following:

[0002] - A first pivoting member, in particular a first luggage compartment member;

[0003] - A second pivoting member, in particular a second luggage compartment member, which is pivotable relative to the first pivoting member about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position; and

[0004] - An electrical component, which is arranged on the second pivoting member and can be connected to the first pivoting member via an electrical connection line.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an aircraft having a cabin and a cabin equipment unit, in particular an airplane, and a method for assembling the cabin equipment unit, preferably a method for assembling the cabin equipment unit in an aircraft, in particular a method for assembling the cabin equipment unit in an airplane. Background Art

[0006] In the aviation industry, the goal is to utilize the available space as efficiently as possible; however, this increases the complexity of the components and makes their installation more difficult. The same problem exists for cabin equipment units (such as overhead luggage compartments). In addition, these units include components such as connectors, hinges, and electrical wires, which, for protection and safety reasons, are arranged in concealed and difficult-to-reach positions to avoid wear and damage during luggage handling. For luggage compartment components that can pivot relative to each other, electrical connection lines, for example, pass through the pivot axis and are accommodated in cable ducts. This is illustrated, for example, in DE102007030331A1 or US10,407,172B2. These measures ensure both safety and space savings, but also increase the installation workload of the cabin equipment unit in the aircraft cabin. Therefore, it is generally an ideal choice to simplify the installation of the cabin equipment unit in an airplane without increasing the space requirements or compromising safety.

[0007] A magnetic coupling device is known in the prior art, which uses magnets to establish a detachable electrical connection between electrical contacts. If the coupling components are close enough to each other, they are connected by magnetic force. Such coupling devices have been disclosed in US9,531,118B2, EP2533374A1, EP1537632B1, and DE202012006523U1. However, the known magnetic coupling devices are not suitable for narrow spaces, such as the spaces commonly found in the cabin equipment units of airplanes, such as overhead luggage compartments. In particular, they cannot be used in places where the hand cannot reach. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on the above description, the object of the present invention is to eliminate or even completely avoid the defects of the prior art. Preferably, the object of the present invention is to simplify the establishment of the electrical connection between the first pivot member and the second pivot member in a cabin equipment unit of the type described at the beginning.

[0009] This object is achieved by a cabin equipment unit according to claim 1, an aircraft according to claim 12, and a method for assembling a cabin equipment unit according to claim 13.

[0010] According to the present invention, in a cabin equipment unit of the type described at the beginning, the provided first pivot member includes a first contact connection element, and the electrical connection line includes a second contact connection element corresponding to the first contact connection element, wherein the first and / or second contact connection elements include at least one magnet, and the contact connection elements can be switched from a separated position to a contact position, in which the contact connection elements are electrically connected to each other, wherein the second contact connection element can be arranged on the second pivot member in such a way that by moving the second pivot member to a closed position, the contact connection elements are brought into the contact position and held in the contact position, in particular by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet.

[0011] Advantageously, this enables an electrical connection to be established between the first pivot member and the second pivot member at an inaccessible location during the initial assembly of the cabin equipment unit or after repair. Thus, even for complex cabin equipment units, the installation effort can be kept low. On the other hand, the electrical connection can be deliberately placed in an inaccessible location to avoid damage (e.g., damage caused by loading luggage) and reduce the need for repair. The cabin equipment unit can be used in particular for the passenger cabin of an aircraft. Preferably, the cabin equipment unit is designed to be installed in an overhead luggage compartment above a seat in an aircraft. However, the cabin equipment unit can also be a seat, a cabinet, a shelf or paneling. The key point is only that two pivot members are provided. For an overhead luggage compartment, the first pivot member can be designed as a first luggage compartment member. Usually, the first luggage compartment member is stationary, i.e., immovable relative to the aircraft fuselage, and typically forms the top side of the overhead luggage compartment. The second luggage compartment member can preferably pivot downward relative to the first luggage compartment member. The cabin equipment unit preferably includes a storage space for storing items (especially luggage), and the items can be loaded in the open position. In the closed position, the pivot members are preferably fixed relative to each other so that their relative positions remain unchanged. In one embodiment of the invention, the pivot members can be locked in the closed position. After actuating an actuating element (such as a handle), the second pivot member can be moved to the open position. An electrical component is an element that is supplied with electric current through an electrical connection line. The connection line can also transmit signals, especially data signals. Preferably, the connection line is an insulated cable. The cable includes at least two conductors insulated from each other, preferably at least three or at least four conductors. For example, the connection line can include two conductors for power supply and at least one or more conductors for (data) signals. The electrical component can be an electric lighting element, a motor, a monitor or a control panel. According to the invention, the first pivot member includes a first contact connection element, and the electrical connection line includes a second contact connection element corresponding to the first contact connection element. Corresponding means that the contact elements can be connected to each other. Through the contact connection elements, an electrical connection can be established between the electrical component and the first pivot member. For this purpose, each contact connection element can include corresponding contacts, such as contact pins and / or contact sockets. The contacts, especially the contact pins, can be spring-preloaded by a mechanical spring to facilitate electrical contact. The contact socket can also be spring-preloaded and / or have elastic side walls to releasably fix the contact pin. Preferably, the first contact connection element and the second contact connection element each include at least two contacts, at least three contacts or at least four contacts. In the contact position, the contacts of the contact connection elements are in electrical contact with each other. The first pivot member can include a power supply or be connected to a power supply. The first contact connection element can be connected to the power supply through an additional connection line. To form and preferably maintain the contact position, the first contact connection element and / or the second contact connection element includes at least one magnet.The magnet can be, for example, a permanent magnet (such as a permanent magnet made of neodymium or a neodymium-iron-boron compound), an electromagnet, or a pre-magnetized material (such as pre-magnetized metal). For a permanent magnet, it can be designed, for example, as a rod-shaped magnet. When the distance between the contact connection elements is small enough (e.g., less than 2 cm), the contact connection elements attract each other by means of the at least one magnet. If only one contact connection element includes a magnet, at least a part of the other contact connection element is made of a magnetic material (especially metal). Of course, both contact connection elements can include magnets with corresponding orientations and polarizations. In a preferred embodiment, the first contact connection element or the second contact connection element includes protruding positioning pins, which can preferably be received in corresponding receiving sockets (grooves) of the other contact connection element in the first contact connection element or the second contact connection element in a substantially form-fitting manner. The positioning pins can be tapered to facilitate insertion into the receiving sockets. Preferably, the positioning pins include magnets. It can also be arranged that the receiving sockets include magnets, while the other contact connection element includes positioning pins without magnets, which can be inserted into the receiving sockets. Preferably, the length by which the contact pins protrude from the corresponding contact connection elements is less than that of the positioning pins, so that the positioning pins can position the contact connection elements before the contact pins enter the contact sockets. In the separated position, the contacts of the contact connection elements are electrically separated from each other, so there is no electrical connection between the electrical component and the first pivot member. The contact connection elements can be switched from the contact position to the separated position, especially by overcoming the magnetic force. The first contact connection element can be statically (i.e., immovably) mounted on the first pivot member, for example, by gluing, riveting, welding, or screwing. Preferably, the first contact connection element is arranged on the inner side of the compartment equipment unit, especially on the inner side of the first pivot member, which forms or faces the accommodation space for the second pivot member. The first contact connection element can be arranged flush with the inner side of the first pivot member. The first contact connection element can also be arranged offset relative to the inner side of the first pivot member. The second contact connection element is detachably arranged on the second pivot member, such that when the second pivot member is moved to the closed position, the contact connection elements enter the contact position by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet. For this purpose, the second contact connection element can be held on the second pivot member in a tool-free detachable manner. When the second pivot member is moved to the closed position and thus approaches the first pivot member, the second contact connection element also approaches the first contact connection element. If the distance between the contact connection elements is small enough (e.g., less than 2 cm), the second contact connection element will be magnetically attracted by the first contact connection element and vice versa. The second contact connection element is arranged on the second pivot member in such a way that the second contact connection element can be detached from the second pivot member and enter the contact position with the first contact connection element. Preferably, the contact connection elements are shaped such that they have a unique orientation for the contact position, thus precluding faulty electrical contacts.The at least one magnet can be oriented such that the contact element finds the contact position in a defined orientation. The magnet holds the contact connecting element in the contact position. In addition, a tool-free separable mechanical lock, such as a spring-loaded snap element, can be provided to hold the contact connecting element in the contact position. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using an electromagnet. The contact connecting element can be configured to transmit electrical energy and data signals. The first contact connecting element and / or the second contact connecting element can be at least partially made of plastic, such as polyetherimide.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the direction and position information refer to the expected installation state of the cabin equipment unit in the passenger cabin of an aircraft (especially an airplane). In a non-limiting example, the expected installation state of an overhead luggage compartment is, for example, a state in which the second luggage compartment part can be pivoted downward. The pivot axis is preferably aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft or the passenger cabin.

[0013] Preferably, when the second pivot part moves from the closed position to the open position, the contact position between the first contact connecting element and the second contact connecting element remains unchanged. This can be achieved by the at least one magnet, which holds the contact connecting element in the contact position in a separable manner. As described above, a tool-free separable mechanical lock, such as a spring-loaded snap element, can be additionally provided to hold the contact connecting element in the contact position.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a positioning element, especially a holding element, for the second contact connecting element is provided on the second pivot part. When the second pivot part moves to the closed position, the second contact connecting element can be moved towards the first contact connecting element through this positioning element. Through the positioning element, when the second pivot part moves to the closed position, the second contact connecting element can be positioned at a position on the second pivot part, and the second contact connecting element can contact the first contact connecting element from this position through the at least one magnet. The positioning element is designed to hold the second contact connecting element in a tool-free separable manner, such that when the second contact connecting element is switched to the contact position with the first contact connecting element, the second contact connecting element can disengage itself from the positioning element. In an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning element can include at least one (especially several) holding protrusions, which can hold the second contact connecting element in place. In this way, a gap, such as less than 1 mm, can be left between the at least one holding protrusion and the second contact connecting element. The positioning element can be at least partially or entirely made of plastic, such as polyetherimide. It is advantageous to use a flame-retardant plastic. The positioning element can be produced by an injection molding process. Preferably, the positioning element is provided on the outer side, especially the upper outer side, of the second pivot part.

[0015] To more easily place the contact connection element in the contact position, it is advantageous if the positioning element is arranged at a distance from the pivot axis in the cross-section of the cabin equipment unit that is substantially the same as that of the first contact connection element. It is also advantageous if, when viewed in the longitudinal section of the cabin equipment unit, the positioning element and the contact connection element are arranged at substantially the same longitudinal position. This enables the positioning element to approach the first contact connection element precisely when the pivot part is moved to the closed position.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pivot part may form a receiving space into which the second pivot part is at least partially inserted in the closed position, wherein the first contact connection element is arranged on the inner side of the first pivot part that forms the receiving space. This embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous for an overhead luggage compartment because it allows an electrical connection between the two pivot parts to be established at an inaccessible location. By arranging the electrical connection at an inaccessible location, the electrical connection can be protected from damage. This also improves personnel safety.

[0017] In the above embodiment, as previously mentioned, it is more advantageous if the positioning element is arranged on the outer side of the second pivot part facing the receiving space, particularly on the upper outer side facing the receiving space. By moving the second pivot part to the closed position in this way, an electrical connection between the electrical component and the first pivot part can be established at an inaccessible but protected location.

[0018] The connecting line may be at least partially arranged in a part of the receiving space. Preferably, this part is located between the upper outer side of the second pivot part and the inner side of the first pivot part facing the receiving space.

[0019] To save space, the connecting line is preferably a flat ribbon cable, particularly a flat ribbon cable having at least four poles. The length of the flat ribbon cable is, for example, at least 4 centimeters. The individual conductors of the cable are electrically insulated from each other.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical component is a lighting element, particularly a lighting element arranged in the handle bar of the second pivot part. The electrical connection between the electrical component and the first pivot part can be established through an electrical connecting line. However, the electrical component may also be a monitor, a motor, or a control element.

[0021] For facilitating the establishment of an electrical connection, it is advantageous if the first contact connection element and / or the second contact connection element includes at least one spring-loaded contact pin. The at least one spring-loaded contact pin can be spring-preloaded. The contact pin on the first contact connection element or the second contact connection element can be inserted into a contact socket on the other of the first or second contact connection elements. The contact socket can also be designed with spring loading. Preferably, the side wall of the contact socket is formed to be spring-loaded. Preferably, the first contact connection element / second contact connection element only includes contact pins, while the second contact connection element / first contact connection element only includes contact sockets, and each contact socket can accommodate a contact pin. Preferably, the contact pins and the contact sockets are arranged such that there can only be a single orientation of the contact connection elements: in this orientation, the contact connection elements enter the contact position.

[0022] To prevent an accidental pulling of the connecting line during the removal of the cabin equipment unit, a fixing element can be provided, which is connected to the second contact connection element and the second pivoting part. For example, the fixing element can be designed as a wire, a cable, a rope or a chain. Preferably, the fixing element is dimensioned such that when the second pivoting part is removed, the second contact connection element is pulled away from the first contact connection element without applying a load to the connecting line, so that the contact connection elements are transferred to the separated position by the fixing element. Thus, the connecting line does not bear stress. For example, it can be provided that the fixing element is shorter than the section of the connecting line in the accommodation space part between the first pivoting part and the second pivoting part. The fixing element can be fixed to the second pivoting part, for example, to a positioning element or a bracket, especially to a hook-shaped element.

[0023] The object mentioned at the beginning is also achieved by an aircraft (especially an airplane) according to claim 12. The aircraft according to the invention includes at least one cabin equipment unit of the above type. The cabin equipment unit is arranged in the passenger cabin. Preferably, a plurality of cabin equipment units are provided in the passenger cabin.

[0024] The object mentioned at the beginning of the present invention is also achieved by a method for assembling a cabin equipment unit according to claim 13, the cabin equipment unit being preferably for an aircraft, especially an airplane. The method includes the following steps:

[0025] Providing a cabin equipment unit, which includes:

[0026] - a first pivoting part, especially a first luggage compartment part, with a first contact connection element;

[0027] - a second pivoting part, especially a second luggage compartment part, pivotable relative to the first pivoting part about a pivot

[0028] axis;

[0029] - An electrical component, which is arranged on the second pivot member and is connected to the first pivot member by an electrical connection line. The electrical connection line includes a second contact connection element corresponding to the first contact connection element, and the second contact connection element is detachably arranged on the second pivot member;

[0030] - At least one magnet located on the first and / or second contact connection elements, wherein the contact connection elements can be switched from a separated position to a contact position, in which the contact connection elements are electrically connected to each other;

[0031] The second pivot member is moved to the closed position so that the contact connection elements enter the contact position and are then held in the contact position, in particular by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet.

[0032] Therefore, this method is applicable to assembling a cabin equipment unit of the above type. Therefore, the advantages and features described in connection with the cabin equipment unit can be applied to this method. Advantageously, by means of the method according to the invention, an electrical connection between the electrical component and the first pivot member can be established in a simple manner at an inaccessible but protected location. During the disassembly of the cabin equipment unit, for example, during replacement or repair work, the electrical connection can be released again by overcoming the magnetic force and thereby moving the contact connection elements to the separated position.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that before the second pivot member is moved to the closed position, the second pivot member is connected to the first pivot member, and the second contact connection element is detachably arranged on the second pivot member. For this purpose, the second contact connection element can be inserted into a positioning element. Description of the Drawings

[0034] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the figures:

[0035] Figure 1 A cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin in the closed position is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin in the open position is shown;

[0037] Figures 3A - 3C The movement sequence of the cabin equipment unit from the closed position to the open position is shown.

[0038] Figure 4A Cross-sectional details of a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin are shown, wherein the contact elements are in the separated position;

[0039] Figure 4B Shown according to Figure 4ACross-sectional details of a cabin equipment unit, where the contact element is in the contact position;

[0040] Figure 5 Shows cross-sectional details of a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin, where the contact element is in the separated position;

[0041] Figure 6 Shows a first contact connection element;

[0042] Figure 7 Shows a second contact connection element in a positioning element;

[0043] Figure 8 Shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a positioning element;

[0044] Figure 9 Shows a cross-sectional view of the first and second contact connection elements in the contact position;

[0045] Figure 10 Shows a plan view of the second contact connection element in a positioning element; and

[0046] Figure 11 Shows a second contact connection element with a fixing element. Detailed description of the specific implementation

[0047] Figure 1 Shows a cabin equipment unit 1 of a passenger cabin (not shown in the figure) of an aircraft in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the cabin equipment unit is designed as an overhead luggage compartment 2. The cabin equipment unit 1 includes a first pivot member 3 and a second pivot member 4, and the second pivot member 4 can pivot relative to the first pivot member 3 about a pivot axis 5. After actuating the handle 6, the cabin equipment unit 1 can be moved from the closed position to the open position (see Figure 2 ), in which the cabin equipment unit 1 can be loaded with, for example, luggage items (not shown in the figure). In the intended installation state, the cabin equipment unit 1 can be provided in the aircraft, particularly above the passenger seat, by a fastening device (not shown in the figure).

[0048] As Figure 2 shown, the first pivot member 3 has two opposite side surfaces 7 and an upper cover surface 8. Between the side surface 7 and the cover surface 8, the first pivot member 3 forms a receiving space 9, and the second pivot member 4 is at least partially received in the receiving space 9. In the illustrated figure, the second pivot member 4 is designed as a chute 10, which includes a storage space 11 for storing luggage items (not shown). By swinging the second pivot member 4 upward about the pivot axis 5, the cabin equipment unit 1 can be placed in the closed position (see Figure 1) In the closed position, the luggage item is stored. In the closed position, the cabin equipment unit 1 is held by a locking mechanism (not shown). The lock can be released by the handle 6 to move the cabin equipment unit 1 back from the closed position to the open position.

[0049] Figures 3A - 3C A cross-sectional view shows the process of the cabin equipment unit 1 moving from the closed position to the open position. As Figures 3A - 3C shown, in the groove 12 of the second pivot member 4 (the handle 6 is also received in the groove 12), there is provided an electrical component 13 in the form of a lighting element 14. The lighting element may include one or more light-emitting elements, such as LEDs. The groove 12 and the handle 6 may also be referred to as the handle bar. Of course, additional or other electrical components 13, such as a control panel, a motor, or a screen, may also be provided on the second pivot member 4. To supply power to the electrical component 13, an electrical connection line 15 is provided, which electrically connects the electrical component 13 to the first pivot member 3. The connection line 15 can also transmit data signals. For example, two poles of the connection line can be used for power supply, and at least one or more poles can be used for data transmission. The electrical connection line 15 can be a flat ribbon cable. To avoid damage to the first connection line 15 when loading luggage items in the cabin equipment unit 1, the electrical connection line 15 is at least partially arranged in the intermediate space 16, which forms part of the accommodation space 9. In the illustrated figure, the electrical connection line 15 extends partially inside the second pivot member 4 and finally extends through the accommodation space 16 to the first pivot member 3. This is the case regardless of whether it is in the closed position or the open position.

[0050] Arranging the connection line 15 in the intermediate space 16 can prevent damage to the connection line 15 and at the same time simplify the structure of the cabin equipment unit 1, because the connection line 15 does not need to pass through the pivot axis 5, for example. However, especially as Figures 3A - 3C shown, the intermediate space 16 is difficult to access during the assembly or installation process.

[0051] Thus, according to the present invention, a first contact connection element 17 is provided on the first pivot member 3, and a second contact connection element 18 is provided at one end of the connection line 15. The first contact connection element 17 and the second contact connection element 18 can be switched from a separated position to a contact position. In the separated position, the contact connection elements 17 and 18 are neither electrically connected nor mechanically connected to each other, while in the contact position, the contact connection elements 17 and 18 are electrically connected to each other. In order to more easily connect the contact connection elements 17 and 18 to each other, that is, to place them in the contact position, at least one magnet 19, especially a permanent magnet, can be provided. In order to simplify the installation of the cabin equipment unit 1, during the assembly process, the second contact connection element 18 can be arranged on the second pivot member 4 in such a way that by moving the second pivot member 4 to the closed position, the contact connection elements 17 and 18 can be placed in the contact position. By moving the second pivot member 4 to the closed position, the second contact connection element 18 approaches the first contact connection element 17. Thereby, the contact connection elements 17 and 18 are attracted to each other by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet 19, enter the contact position, and remain in the contact position. The second contact connection element 18 is placed in such a way that when the second pivot member 4 is moved to the closed position, the magnet 19 can generate a magnetic attraction. In the illustrated figure, the first contact connection element 17 is arranged on the inner side of the first pivot member 3 facing the accommodation space 9. The second contact connection element 18 is arranged on the upper outer side of the second pivot member 4 facing the accommodation space 9. Preferably, before moving to the contact position, when viewed from the cross-section of the cabin equipment unit 1, the second contact connection element 18 is arranged at a distance R from the pivot axis 5 (see Figure 5 ) which is substantially the same as the distance of the first contact connection element 17 from the pivot axis 5 (see Figure 5 ).

[0052] Figure 3A The second pivot member 4 in the closed position is shown, causing the contact connection elements 17, 18 to enter the contact position. Even when the second pivot member 4 is moved to the open position, the contact connection elements 17, 18 still remain in the contact position, as shown in Figure 3B and Figure 3C .

[0053] Figure 4A A cross-sectional detail of the cabin equipment unit 1 is shown, where the second pivot member 4 is already in the closed position, but the contact connection elements 17, 18 are still in the separated position. By means of the magnetic force of the at least one magnet 19, the second contact connection element 18 is separated from its position on the second pivot member 4 and is pulled in the direction of the first contact connection element 17, and the two contact connection elements automatically reach the contact position ( Figure 4B)。The at least one magnet 19 holds the contact connection elements 17, 18 in the contact position. For example, during disassembly in the context of maintenance work, the contact connection elements can be moved back to the separated position by overcoming the magnetic force. However, during normal use of the aircraft, the contact connection elements remain in place even when the second pivot part 4 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0054] Figure 5 shows Figure 4A an enlarged view of the cross-section shown, in which the second pivot part 4 is in the closed position, but the second contact connection element 18 has not yet been pulled in the direction of the first contact connection element 17 by the magnetic force of the magnet 19.

[0055] Figure 6 An enlarged view of the first contact connection element 17 is shown. The first contact connection element 17 includes a first base body 20, which preferably has a substantially cuboid shape. A preferably circumferential retaining flange 21 is provided on the rear side of the first base body 20 to facilitate its installation in the first pivot part 4. On the front side 22 of the first base body 20, the first contact connection element 17 includes a number of contacts 23, which are in the form of contact sockets 24. The contact sockets 24 are designed to receive the contact pins 29 of the second contact connection element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts 23 are arranged in a straight line, but they can also be positioned in a different manner. The first base body 20 has two receiving sockets 25, which in the illustrated drawing are located near the narrow sides of the first base body 20. The receiving sockets 25 are designed to receive (preferably in a substantially form-fitting manner) the protruding positioning pins 26 of the second contact connection element 18. At least one magnet 19 can be provided in the receiving sockets 25. Another connecting line 52 leads from the first contact connection element 17 to a power source (not shown).

[0056] Figure 7 The second contact connection element 18 is shown in an enlarged view. The second contact connection element 18 includes a second base body 27, which preferably has a substantially cuboid shape. On the front face 28 of the second base body 27, the first contact connection element 17 includes a number of contacts 23, which are in the form of contact pins 29. The contact pins 29 can be inserted into the contact sockets 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact sockets 24 are also arranged in a straight line, but they can also be arranged in a different manner. The important point is that the contact pins 29 are arranged in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the contact sockets 24. The contact pins 29 can be spring-preloaded by a spring 50 (see Figure 9), to improve the electrical contact. The contacts 23 are arranged in a straight line, but they can also be positioned in different ways. The connecting line 15 leads into the second base body 27 and is connected to the contacts 23 here. The second base body 27 includes two protruding positioning pins 26, which, in the illustrated figure, are arranged near the narrow side of the second base body 27. In one embodiment, the positioning pins 26 can protrude from the surface of the second base body 27 by a length of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. Preferably, the contact pins 29 protrude from the surface of the second base body 27 by a length less than that of the positioning pins 26. The contact pins 29 can be elastically preloaded (see below), for example, the spring stroke of each contact pin 29 is 0.1 mm to 4 mm. This enables the positioning of the contact connection elements 17, 18 before the contact pins 29 are received in the contact sockets 24. The positioning pins 26 can be received by the receiving sockets 25. The positioning pins 26 can include at least one magnet 19.

[0057] It should be noted that the designs of the first contact connection element 17 and the second contact connection element 18 can also be interchanged. For example, the first contact connection element 17 can have protruding positioning pins 26 and / or contact pins 29, while the second contact connection element 18 can have contact sockets 24 and / or receiving sockets 25.

[0058] In Figure 7 , it can be seen that the second contact connection element 18 is mounted in the positioning element 30 in a tool-separable manner, and the positioning element 30 is in the form of a holding element 31. Figure 8 The positioning element 30 is shown in an enlarged view and a cross-sectional view. The positioning element 30 can be connected to the second pivot member 4, which helps to accurately position the second contact connection element 18 on the second pivot member 4. Thus, by moving the second pivot member 4 to the closed position, it can be moved towards the first contact connection element 17, enabling the at least one magnet 19 to place the contact connection elements 17, 18 in the contact position. The positioning element 30 includes a substantially rectangular support surface 32, on which holding protrusions 33 are preferably provided along the circumference of the positioning element 30. The dimensions of the positioning element 30 are preferably designed such that when the second contact connection element 18 is received in the positioning element 30, there is a gap 34 between the second contact connection element 18 and the holding protrusions 33 (see Figure 10 ). One or more fixing pins 51 can be located at the rear side of the positioning element 30 for fixing the positioning element 30 to the second pivot member 4.

[0059] Figure 9 The first contact connection element 17 and the second contact connection element 18 in the contact position are shown in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the contact pins 29 are elastically preloaded by springs 50, thus avoiding electrical contact errors. It is also obvious that the positioning pins 26 taper gradually towards the end protruding from the second base body 27 to facilitate their insertion into the receiving sockets 25.

[0060] Figure 11 Shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which a fixing element 35 in the form of a rope is provided. The fixing element 35 is connected to the second pivot member 4 and the second contact connection element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing element 35 is attached to the hook-shaped element 36 of the positioning element 30. However, the hook-shaped element 36 can also be directly attached to the second pivot member, for example. On the second contact connection element 18, the fixing element 35 is connected to the safety rod 38. Both ends of the fixing element 35 form loops 37 for fastening. When disassembling the cabin equipment unit 1, especially when removing the second pivot member 4 from the first pivot member 3, the fixing element 35 can prevent the connecting line 15 from being subjected to tensile force. If the second pivot member 4 is removed, a tensile force is applied to the second contact connection element 18 through the fixing element 35, thereby converting the contact connection element to the separated position.

Claims

1. A cabin equipment unit (1) for an aircraft cabin, in particular an overhead luggage compartment (2), comprising: - a first pivotable member (3), in particular a first luggage compartment member; - a second pivotable member (4) which is pivotable relative to the first pivotable member (3) about a pivot axis (5) between an open position and a closed position, in particular a second luggage compartment member; and - an electrical component (13) which is provided on the second pivotable member (4) and is connectable to the first pivotable member (3) via an electrical connection line (15), characterized in that the first pivotable member (3) comprises a first contact connection element (17), and the electrical connection line (15) comprises a second contact connection element (18) corresponding to the first contact connection element (17), wherein the first contact connection element (17) and / or the second contact connection element (18) comprises at least one magnet (19), and the contact connection elements (17, 18) are convertible from a separated position to a contact position, in which the contact connection elements (17, 18) are electrically connected to each other, wherein the second contact connection element (18) can be arranged on the second pivotable member (4) such that by moving the second pivotable member (4) to the closed position, the contact connection elements (17, 18) enter the contact position and remain in the contact position, in particular by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet (19).

2. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second pivotable member (4) is moved from the closed position to the open position, the contact position between the first contact connection element (17) and the second contact connection element (18) is maintained.

3. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A positioning element (30), in particular a holding element (31), for the second contact connection element (18) is provided on the second pivotable member (4), and when the second pivotable member (4) is moved to the closed position, the second contact connection element (18) can be brought closer to the first contact connection element (17) via the positioning element (30).

4. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, When observed from a cross-section of the cabin equipment unit (1), the positioning element (30) is arranged such that the distance from the pivot axis (5) is substantially the same as the distance of the first contact connection element (17) from the pivot axis (5).

5. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first pivotable member (3) forms a receiving space (9), and in the closed position, the second pivotable member (4) is at least partially inserted into the receiving space (9), wherein the first contact connection element (17) is arranged on the inner side of the first pivotable member (3) forming the receiving space (9).

6. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to claim 3 or 4 and 5, characterized in that, The positioning element (30) is provided on the outer side of the second pivotable member (4) facing the receiving space (9), in particular on the upper outer side.

7. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The connection line (15) is at least partially arranged in a part of the receiving space (9).

8. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The connection line (15) is a flat ribbon cable, in particular a flat ribbon cable having at least four poles.

9. The cabin equipment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The electrical component (13) is a lighting component (14), in particular a lighting component (14) provided in a handle bar of the second pivot member (4).

10. The cabin equipment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first contact connecting element (17) and / or the second contact connecting element (18) includes at least one spring-loaded contact pin (29).

11. The cabin equipment unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, A fixing element (35) is provided, in particular a cable, wire or cord, which is connected to the second contact connecting element (18) and the second pivot member (4).

12. An aircraft, in particular an airplane, having at least one cabin equipment unit (1) arranged in the passenger cabin, characterized in that, The cabin equipment unit (1) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method for assembling a cabin equipment unit (1), preferably for an aircraft, in particular an airplane, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a cabin equipment unit (1), comprising: - a first pivot member (3), in particular a first luggage compartment member, having a first contact connecting element (17); - a second pivot member (4) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (5) relative to the first pivot member (3), in particular a second luggage compartment member; - an electrical component (13) which is provided on the second pivot member (4) and is connectable to the first pivot member (3) via an electrical connection line (15), wherein the electrical connection line (15) includes a second contact connecting element (18) corresponding to the first contact connecting element (17), and the second contact connecting element (18) is detachably provided on the second pivot member (4); - at least one magnet (19) on the first contact connecting element (17) and / or the second contact connecting element (18), wherein the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are capable of being switched from a separated position to a contact position in which the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are electrically connected to each other; Moving the second pivot member (4) to a closed position such that the contact connecting elements (17, 18) enter and subsequently remain in the contact position, in particular by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet (19).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Before moving the second pivot member (4) to the closed position, connecting the second pivot member (4) to the first pivot member (3) and detachably providing the second contact connecting element (18) on the second pivot member (4).

Citation Information

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