Fastening system for fastening mounting elements in a cabin of a vehicle

Abstract

A fastening system having a fastening element (44) and at least one fastening device (2) with a flange housing (8), a locking element (58), a hollow-sphere element (22) and a sphere insert (38). The hollow-sphere element is pivotable relative to the flange housing about a first pivot axis, while the sphere insert is pivotable in the hollow-sphere element about a second pivot axis. First engagement means in an opening (42) of the sphere insert are formed complementary to second engagement means of the fastening element (44), wherein the first and second engagement means are formed such that the fastening element can be freely inserted into the opening in a first rotational position, while in a second rotational position the first and second engagement means engage into one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fastening system for securing mounting elements within a vehicle compartment. The invention also relates to a vehicle compartment in which mounting elements are secured using such a fastening system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, equipped with such a compartment. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles used for transporting passengers typically have multiple mounting elements that provide different functions. These mounting elements are arranged within the vehicle's compartment according to desired and required configurations and are fastened such that the loads caused by the mass and inertia of these mounting elements can be reliably introduced into the vehicle structure during all conceivable movements of the vehicle. Therefore, each mounting element is provided with a sufficiently robust and simultaneously statically defined support. Depending on the implementation of the mounting elements, specific solutions can be used for the fastening devices.

[0003] To enable vehicles with the same structural design to meet the individual design expectations of different operators, modular mounting elements are typically used. To avoid the fastening devices being arranged entirely variably at the main structure of the vehicle in question, it is known to provide continuous mechanical interfaces that allow for customized fastening device placement without affecting the main structure. Therefore, a suitable approach to personalizing the placement of mounting elements is to decouple them from the main structure of the vehicle.

[0004] For example, a rail-based fastening system is known, which has a rail connected to the vehicle structure, and mounting elements can be secured to the rail using suitable fittings. Variations are known in which floor rails, particularly for securing passenger seats, are used to secure mounting elements to the floor.

[0005] EP 3 266 705 A1 illustrates, for example, a support system for arranging mounting elements in a compartment of a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The basic objective of this invention is to provide a fastening system that allows mounting elements to be fastened to the main structure in a decoupled manner and ensures flexible and different relative positions between the fixing point in the compartment and the mounting element, even when the mounting position is susceptible to tolerances.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a fastening system according to the invention for securing mounting elements in the compartment of a vehicle. Advantageous embodiments and improvements can be derived from the description below.

[0008] A fastening system for securing mounting elements in a vehicle compartment is proposed, the fastening system having a fastening element and at least one fastening device, the fastening device having: a flange housing with an internal space formed therein, a locking element, a hollow spherical element capable of being inserted into the internal space of the flange housing, and a spherical insert capable of being inserted into the hollow spherical element with an opening having a first engagement device, wherein the internal space of the flange housing has a spherical first support surface, the first support surface being formed to correspond to the outer surface of the hollow spherical element to allow the hollow spherical element to pivot, wherein a first guiding device allows pivoting only about a first pivot axis, wherein the... The hollow spherical element has a spherical second support surface on its inner side, the second support surface being formed to correspond to the outer surface of the spherical insert to allow the spherical insert to pivot, wherein a second guide device allows pivoting only about a second pivot axis, wherein the locking element locks the internal space at least segmentally such that the hollow spherical element is held in the internal space, wherein the fastening element can be inserted into the spherical insert and has a second engagement device, and wherein the first and second engagement devices are formed such that the fastening element can be freely inserted into the opening in a first rotational position, while in a second rotational position the first and second engagement devices engage with each other.

[0009] The flange housing forms a securely mounted base for the fastening device. The flange housing may have a flange at one end, which extends radially outward over the remainder of the flange housing. Thus, the flange can form a stop, allowing the flange housing to be inserted into an opening in the floor or wall of the compartment until it reaches the stop. Preferably, the flange housing has a hollow cylindrical housing section, which is supplemented on one side by a flange.

[0010] The locking element is used to lock the internal space of the flange housing, thereby retaining the components located therein, further explained below, within the internal space. The locking element can preferably, but not necessarily, be positioned at the end of the flange housing opposite to the flange. In a particularly simple case, the locking element can be formed as a ring or a cap.

[0011] A hollow spherical element that can be inserted into an internal space can be implemented as an annular segment of a sphere, wherein the sphere lacks a corresponding cover. The hollow spherical element is not implemented as a solid element, but rather surrounds a cavity.

[0012] The internal space of the flange housing can pivotally support the hollow spherical element via a spherical first support surface. The hollow spherical element can occupy a free pivot angle about its first pivot axis, wherein the orientation of the pivot angle depends on the first guide device.

[0013] Similarly, the ball insert is pivotally supported inside the hollow spherical element, wherein the free pivot angle of the ball insert relative to the hollow spherical element depends on the second guide device. Thus, in general, the flange housing, the hollow spherical element, and the ball insert constitute a universal joint because, depending on the implementation of the two guide devices, the ball insert can pivot about two axes inside the flange housing.

[0014] By arranging an opening in the ball insert (in which the fastening element can be inserted), the pivotability of the ball insert can be fully utilized to orient the fastening element as desired. The fastening element can be understood as a component that engages with the mounting element to be fastened and is fixed at the opening of the ball insert of the fastening device. Through the pivotability of the fastening element relative to the flange housing of the fastening device, a certain distance can be achieved between the fastening point at the mounting element and the fastening device, which can be structurally and securely positioned at the vehicle. Forces can still be reliably and adequately introduced into the vehicle structure using various force directions.

[0015] Besides the free orientation of the ball insert within the flange housing, other advantages are also apparent: the fastening element can be very easily connected to the opening and the ball insert. For this purpose, first and second engaging devices are provided, designed correspondingly to each other. If the fastening element is inserted into the opening in the first rotational position and then moved to the second rotational position, these engaging devices engage with each other. This means that the distance between the mounting element and the fastening device is variable to some extent. It is proposed that when the second rotational position is selected, these engaging devices engage with each other regardless of the insertion depth.

[0016] Therefore, in general, the fastening device according to the invention can introduce force from a largely arbitrary position into the structurally fixed fastening device and can simultaneously perform means for compensating for tolerances caused by installation.

[0017] In this regard, it should be noted that a simple ball bushing, designed like a hollow ball element and pivotally supported, may suffice to connect the fastening element to the mounting element. However, it is particularly conceivable and preferred to provide a second fastening device through which a common fastening element extends. Thus, the fastening system may include two fastening devices, one disposed at the mounting element and the other structurally fixed at the corresponding facet element. By fully utilizing the first and second engagement devices in the two ball inserts and the fastening element, the fastening element can be connected to the two ball inserts, thereby compensating for all tolerances caused by installation and rigidly maintaining its relative position between the mounting element and the structurally fixed point during installation.

[0018] It should also be noted that, in order to securely connect the mounting element to the surface element, multiple structural fixing points and multiple connection points of the mounting element should be considered.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second pivot axes are perpendicular to each other. This effectively provides a universal joint that allows for completely arbitrary positioning of the ball insert relative to the flange housing. However, it should be noted that preferably neither of these two pivot axes should be configured such that the hollow ball and / or the ball insert can only rotate about its own axis.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second pivot axes are perpendicular to the main extension direction of the opening of the ball insert. This eliminates the possibility that one of these elements could rotate about an axis parallel to the fastening element. Therefore, the fastening device allows the insertion and fixation of the fastening element without the need for tools to hold the ball insert. However, especially when the pivot axes are perpendicular to each other, it completely ensures the entirely arbitrary orientation of the ball insert.

[0021] The fastening device also has a flange nut with a first external thread, which can be screwed into the first internal thread of the flange housing, thereby allowing the flange housing and the flange nut to be fastened to a section of the surface element. Therefore, arranging the fastening device in the surface element, i.e., a wall or floor, can be achieved by providing a cutout, inserting the flange housing into the cutout, and tensioning the flange housing with the flange nut. Preferably, the flange nut also has a flange, which functions as a protrusion or stop. Thus, by screwing the flange nut into the flange housing, it clamps around the edge region surrounding the cutout. The flange housing is then fixedly positioned at the surface element and allows effective force to be introduced. Particularly preferably, the flange nut is also implemented as a hollow cylindrical component, wherein the hollow cylindrical section has the flange on one side.

[0022] Preferably, the locking element has a spherical third support surface on the side facing the internal space. This third support surface is based on a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature of the spherical second support surface, such that the spherical second and third support surfaces at least partially complement each other. Therefore, the hollow spherical element and the locking element together constitute an enlarged, spherical support surface. This improves the support for the spherical insert, increasing pivotability without necessarily increasing the size of the hollow spherical element.

[0023] The fastening element is preferably elongated, and the second engaging device is arranged only on two opposing longitudinal sides, wherein the first engaging device in the opening is arranged to complement the second engaging device, thereby enabling engagement or disengagement by rotating the fastening element about the longitudinal axis. The first and second engaging devices can be implemented, for example, in the form of teeth. These teeth can form a grooved structure. A specific pitch is possible, but not essential. This arrangement results in two opposing, discrete toothed segments in the profile cross-section of the fastening element and the opening. Here, the size of the opening in the spherical insert is set such that the fastening element can rotate about its longitudinal axis within the opening and engage with the first engaging device only in a second rotational position. In the first rotational position, the second engaging device of the fastening element is located in the gap between the first engaging devices in the opening. This allows for free and unobstructed insertion along the longitudinal axis of the fastening element and the opening.

[0024] When the fastening element is in the second rotational position, these gaps are empty. Preferably, the fastening system has at least one retaining pin that can be inserted between the inner contour of the opening of the ball insert and the fastening element in the second rotational position. Thus, the gap is largely filled and thereby prevents the fastening element from rotating back to the first rotational position. Therefore, the retaining pin forms a fastener to prevent the fastening element from loosening, which is mechanically particularly simple to construct.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining pin is configured to elastically deform upon insertion into the opening and form a force-fit and / or form-fit connection with the opening and / or the fastening element. Simultaneously, this elastic deformability prevents unintentional loosening of the retaining pin itself. Here, the retaining pin may, for example, be wedged into the opening.

[0026] Preferably, the fastening system has two fastening devices, wherein the fastening element extends through the openings of the ball inserts of the two fastening devices. This allows the use of the advantages of fastening devices at structurally fixed surface elements and mounting elements, and also allows tolerances to be compensated by correspondingly engaging the first and second engagement devices in two regions of the fastening element.

[0027] The objective is also achieved by a compartment for a vehicle having at least one surface element and at least one mounting element, the at least one mounting element being connected to the at least one surface element via the aforementioned fastening system, wherein the surface element has a cutout for accommodating the at least one fastening device.

[0028] The invention also relates to a vehicle having such a compartment. In an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle is an aircraft. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and drawings. Hereinafter, all described and / or illustrated features, in themselves and in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their relationship to the individual claims or the claims to which they are referenced. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar objects.

[0030] Figure 1a and 1b A fastening device with fastening elements at the surface element is shown.

[0031] Figure 2a , 2b 2c shows the top view ( Figure 2a ) and two different vertical cross-sectional views ( Figure 2b and 2c ).

[0032] Figure 3 A fastening system with two fastening devices is shown in a height schematic diagram.

[0033] Figure 4 A vehicle having a compartment and mounting elements arranged therein is shown, the mounting elements being fastened in the compartment by a fastening system according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1a and 1b The fastening device 2 according to the present invention is shown in a three-dimensional cross-sectional view. Figure 1b A portion of the fastening device 2 is shown from below. For illustration, the fastening element 2 is integrated into a surface element 4, which may be, for example, a floor element or wall element in a vehicle compartment. For this purpose, the surface element 4 has a cutout 6 in which a flange housing 8 is arranged. The flange housing 8 has a hollow cylindrical section 10 to which an annular flange 12 is connected. The hollow cylindrical section 10 is fully pushed into the notch 6, thereby allowing the flange 12 to rest on the surface element 4. Exemplarily, the flange 12 has an actuating device 14 on the side opposite to the surface element 4, into which a tool can be inserted to rotate the flange housing 8 or to hold it in a fixed rotational position.

[0035] An internal space 16 is formed in the flange housing 8, which leads to a through opening 18 in the flange 12 and a structural opening 20 arranged opposite to it.

[0036] A hollow spherical element 22 is arranged in the internal space 16, the hollow spherical element having a spherically curved outer surface 24. A spherical first support surface 26 corresponds to the outer surface, and the outer surface 24 of the hollow spherical element 22 maintains surface contact at the first support surface. The hollow spherical element 22 can move at the spherical first support surface 26 through corresponding shaping.

[0037] However, the first guide device 28, which takes the form of a protrusion 30 and a corresponding recess 32 in the flange housing 8, can restrict the mobility of the hollow sphere 22 within the internal space 16. The first guide device 28 is arranged on two opposing sides of the hollow sphere 22, thereby defining the pivot plane. Only the first guide device 28 is visible in this figure; however, it is shown in the following figures.

[0038] The hollow spherical element 22 has a spherical second support surface 34 on its inner side, which corresponds to the outer surface 36 of the spherical insert 38. Therefore, the spherical insert 38 is pivotally supported in the hollow spherical element 22 and has a similarly spherically curved outer surface 40 for this purpose. Furthermore, an opening 42 is present there, into which a fastening element 44 can be inserted. The spherical insert 38 has a second guide device, not visible here, which, similar to the first guide device 28, restricts the pivoting movement of the spherical insert 38. The pivot axes of the hollow spherical element 22 and the spherical insert 38 are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0039] The fastening element 44 is designed like a bolt and therefore has a rod 46 that extends through the opening 42. The fastening end 48 of the fastening element 44 has a head 50, which is designed with a shaped recess 52 for engagement with a tool. At the end opposite the head 50, two engaging devices 54 are arranged on two opposing longitudinal sides, wherein the area of ​​the fastening element 44 between these two engaging devices 54 is realized in the form of a flat side 56. The first engaging device in the ball insert 38 is not visible in this figure, however, it is also shown in the following figures.

[0040] The flange housing 8 is disposed at the surface element by a flange nut 58. For this purpose, the flange housing 8 has a first internal thread 60, which corresponds to the first external thread 62 of the flange nut 58. The flange nut 58 can be screwed into the flange housing 8 by arranging a flange 64 at a section 66 that is otherwise a hollow cylinder, until the flange 64 is positioned at the surface element 4. Thus, the fastening device 2 is integrated at the surface element 4 in a fully form-fit and force-fit manner. The surface element 4 is clamped around its annular edge by the two flanges 12 and 64.

[0041] To secure or retain components arranged in the internal space 16, a locking element 66 is provided, which can be screwed into the locking nut 58 in a ring-shaped design. For this purpose, the locking element 66 has a second external thread 68 corresponding to a second internal thread 70. Furthermore, the locking element 66 has a ring-shaped, spherical third support surface 72, which is based on a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature of the spherical second support surface 40 of the hollow sphere 22. Therefore, the hollow spherical element 22 is supplemented on the bottom side of the fastening device 2 (i.e., opposite to the flange 12). Figure 1a and 1b As can be seen, the pivotal movement of the hollow spherical element 22 can also be restricted by forced surface contact with the locking element 66.

[0042] Other correlations can be derived from the following figures. Figure 2a The fastening device 2 is shown in a top view. It can be seen that the fastening element 44 is oriented at an angle to one side. This may occur, for example, in situations where the mounting element to be fastened to the surface element 4 cannot be positioned via a predefined fixing point on the surface element 4, but instead the fastening element 44 extends obliquely from the mounting element towards the next predefined fixing point on the surface element 4. Two cross-sections, AA and BB, are marked; these cross-sections are at... Figure 2b (Section AA) and Figure 2c Implemented in (section BB). Not every element is fully detailed in these figures, as mentioned above. Here, only those elements are described in more detail, for example. Figure 1a and 1b The missing components.

[0043] exist Figure 2b A first guide device 28 with a protrusion 30 and a groove 32 can be seen in the image. Another first guide device 28, also with a protrusion 30 and a groove 32, can be seen on the opposite side of the hollow spherical element 22. This limits the possible pivoting movement of the hollow spherical element 22 to only the first pivot axis 74.

[0044] In this illustration, the flattened shape of the fastening element 44 can also be seen, as only the side surface 56 is visible from this perspective. When the fastening element 44 is in the second rotational position, a gap is created on the right side of the plane of the illustration between the inner contour 76 and the flattened side surface 56. This gap is filled by the retaining pin 78. The retaining pin may be elastically deformable and have a certain prestress. By pressing the retaining pin 78 between the side surface 56 and the inner contour 76 of the ball insert, the retaining pin 78 is at least partially and substantially upset, thereby fixing its position.

[0045] exist Figure 2cThe diagram shows section BB, in which the first engaging device 55 in opening 42 can be seen. Furthermore, two second guide devices 80, each with a protrusion 82 and a groove 84, are arranged opposite each other. These second guide devices restrict the pivoting movement of the ball insert 38 to a second pivot axis 86, which is perpendicular to the first pivot axis 74. Generally, with the fastening element 44 secured, the fastening element can perform movement in any direction. However, the hollow ball element 22 or the ball insert 38 cannot rotate about its own axis. Thus, it is possible for the fastening element 44 to be introduced from the outside into the opening 42 of the ball insert 38 so that rotation of the fastening element can then be performed without separately fixing the position of the ball insert 38 or the hollow ball element 22.

[0046] Figure 3 A highly schematic illustration shows a fastening system 85 by means of two fastening devices 2 and a fastening element, by which the mounting element 92 can be placed on the surface element 4.

[0047] Figure 3 Only the compartment 88 of the vehicle 90 is shown, in which mounting elements are arranged and fastened to at least one fastening device 2 according to the invention.

[0048] Additionally, it should be noted that "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a / an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that combinations of features already described with reference to one of the above embodiments, as well as other features of the other embodiments described above, may be used. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A fastening system (85) for securing a mounting element (92) in a compartment (90) of a vehicle (88), the fastening system having a fastening element (44) and at least one fastening device (2), the fastening device (2) having: - A flanged shell (8) with an internal space (16) formed therein. - Locking element (66). - A hollow spherical element (22) that can be inserted into the internal space (16) of the flange housing (8), and - A spherical insert (38) with an opening (42) having a first engagement device (55) that can be inserted into the hollow spherical element (22). The internal space (16) of the flange housing (8) has a spherical first support surface (26) formed to correspond to the outer surface (24) of the hollow spherical element (22) to allow the hollow spherical element (22) to pivot, wherein a first guide device (28) allows pivoting only about a first pivot axis (74). The hollow spherical element (22) has a spherical second support surface (34) on its inner side, the second support surface being formed to correspond to the outer surface (36) of the spherical insert (38) to allow the spherical insert (38) to pivot, wherein the second guide device (80) allows pivoting only about a second pivot axis (86). The locking element (66) locks the internal space (16) at least in sections, so that the hollow spherical element (22) is held in the internal space (16). The fastening element (44) is capable of being inserted into the ball insert (38) and has a second engagement device (54), and The first and second engagement devices (55, 54) are configured such that the fastening element can be freely inserted into the opening (42) in a first rotational position, and in a second rotational position the first and second engagement devices (55, 54) engage with each other.

2. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis (74) and the second pivot axis (86) are perpendicular to each other.

3. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pivot axis (74) and the second pivot axis (86) are perpendicular to the main extension direction of the opening (42) of the ball insert (38).

4. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises a flange nut (58) with a first external thread (62) which can be screwed into the first internal thread (60) of the flange housing (8), thereby enabling the flange housing (8) and the flange nut (58) to be fastened in a section of the surface element (4).

5. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (66) has a spherical third support surface (72) on the side facing the interior space (16), the third support surface being based on a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature of the spherical second support surface (40), such that the spherical second support surface (40) and the spherical third support surface (72) are at least partially complementary to each other.

6. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (66) is designed to be annular and has a second external thread (68) corresponding to a second internal thread (70), the second internal thread being arranged symmetrically with respect to the internal space (16).

7. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening element (44) is elongated and the second engagement device (54) is arranged only on two opposing longitudinal sides, wherein the first engagement device (55) in the opening (42) is arranged to complement the second engagement device, thereby enabling engagement or disengagement by rotating the fastening element (44) about the longitudinal axis.

8. The fastening system (85) according to claim 7, the fastening system further comprising at least one retaining pin (78) which can be inserted between the inner contour (76) of the opening (42) of the ball insert (38) and the fastening element (44) at the second rotational position of the fastening element (44).

9. The fastening system (85) according to claim 8, wherein the retaining pin (78) is configured to elastically deform when inserted into the opening (42) and form a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection with the opening (42) and / or the fastening element (44).

10. The fastening system (85) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening system has two fastening devices (2), wherein the fastening element (44) extends through the opening (42) of the ball insert (38) of the two fastening devices (2).

11. A compartment (90) for a vehicle (88) having at least one surface element (4) and at least one mounting element (92), the mounting element being connected to the at least one surface element (4) by a fastening system (85) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle (88) having a compartment (90) according to claim 11.

13. The vehicle (88) according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle (88) is an aircraft (88).

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