Hinge assembly for door of overhead luggage compartment

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge assembly (1) for a door (32) of an overhead luggage compartment (26), comprising: a side cover (2); a lever arm (3) for supporting the door (32), connected to the side cover (2) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (4), and pivotable between a first pivot position corresponding to an open position of the door (32) and a second pivot position corresponding to a closed position of the door (32); -a spring element (5) connected to the lever arm (3) to support the movement of the lever arm (3) between the second pivot position and the first pivot position; and an adjusting element (6), by means of which the pretension of the spring element (5) can be adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hinge assembly for a door of an overhead luggage compartment, comprising: - a side cover plate, - a lever arm for supporting the door, the lever arm being connected to the side cover plate so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and being pivotable between a first pivot position corresponding to the open position of the door and a second pivot position corresponding to the closed position of the door, - a spring element connected to the lever arm to support the movement of the lever arm between the second pivot position and the first pivot position. Background Art

[0002] Hinge assemblies are known for overhead luggage compartments, which are installed, for example, below or above a ceiling panel or as a superstructure on a side panel. However, these hinge assemblies disadvantageously reduce the available storage space or impede equipment components mounted on the overhead luggage compartment.

[0003] Therefore, WO2018 / 116084A1 proposes to arrange the hinge assembly in a side panel of the overhead luggage compartment or an extension of the side panel.

[0004] The hinge assembly should support the movement of the door of the overhead luggage compartment, and for this purpose, a spring element can be provided. In particular, the hinge assembly should support the movement of the door from the closed position upwards to the open position. Once the luggage compartment housing and the hinge assembly are installed, different doors can be installed. Different door configurations include, for example, different door lengths, different door protections, and different locking mechanisms. The door protection can include, for example, a decorative film on the inner side of the door or a plastic extrusion profile on the lower edge of the door to prevent the door from being damaged by contact with the luggage. These affect the weight and, especially due to their large distance from the pivot point, also affect the torque. However, disadvantageously, the hinge assembly arranged in the side panel does not allow adjustment or does not have a sufficient adjustment range to adapt to the change in door mass caused by different door configurations. This results in insufficient or excessive torque exerted by the hinge assembly on the door of the overhead luggage compartment. This can only be solved by disassembling the overhead luggage compartment and replacing the spring element (if the hinge assembly allows). However, this causes a large amount of work on the one hand and a large number of parts on the other hand. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to mitigate or eliminate at least one drawback of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a hinge assembly for an overhead luggage compartment that can be used with different doors in a simple manner.

[0006] This is achieved by the hinge assembly mentioned at the beginning, in which an adjusting element is provided, by means of which the pre-tension of the spring element can be adjusted.

[0007] The pre-tension of the spring element can be adjusted using an adjusting element. Thus, different pre-tensions can be achieved without replacing the spring element. By adjusting the pre-tension of the spring element, the force applied to the lever arm can be adjusted, and thus the torque exerted by the lever arm on the door can be adjusted. This means that the hinge assembly can be easily adapted to different provided doors with different masses.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the annular cover extends in a partitioned section along the edge of the side cover plate. The annular cover is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate and / or extends substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate from the side cover plate. The annular cover prevents people from reaching into the hinge assembly and / or allows the hinge assembly to be attached to the side wall of the side element of the overhead luggage compartment. The annular cover preferably includes a groove for the lever arm and its movement between the first and second positions. The lever arm preferably includes an attachment section to which the door can be attached. The hinge assembly preferably includes a stop element (end stop element) that limits the movement of the lever arm from the second pivot position to the first pivot position at the first pivot position. In this way, the stop element can prevent the lever arm from moving beyond the first pivot position. Preferably, the hinge assembly does not include a stop element that limits the movement of the lever arm beyond the second pivot position. The movement of the door of the overhead luggage compartment in the direction of the closed position is preferably limited by the door resting against the luggage compartment housing.

[0009] Preferably, a rotary damper is provided to damp the rotation of the lever arm about the pivot axis. Preferably, the adjusting element is arranged such that the pre-tension of the spring element can be adjusted infinitely. Preferably, the adjusting element is designed to adjust the pre-tension of the spring element without changing the kinematics of the lever arm or the door. Preferably, when the pre-tension of the spring element is adjusted using the adjusting element, the axis of the spring element does not change, i.e., preferably, the length of the spring element changes with the adjusting element while the position of the axis remains unchanged. In particular, the kinematics is such that the door includes a low initial opening speed. Preferably, the adjusting element is arranged to adjust the pre-tension of the spring element at a fixed pivot position. Preferably, the adjusting element is arranged to change the position of one end of the spring element at a fixed pivot position (e.g., the first pivot position or the second pivot position). The adjusting element is arranged to allow an adjustment of preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 20 mm. The adjusting element is arranged to shift the position of one end of the spring element to a fixed pivot position (e.g., the first pivot position or the second pivot position) within an adjustment interval of preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 20 mm. The adjusting element is preferably connected to the spring element. Preferably, one end of the spring element is supported on or held by the adjusting element. Preferably, the adjusting element is supported by a counter element (statically) connected to the side cover plate. Preferably, at least one end of the adjusting element is supported on a counter element (statically) connected to the side cover plate.

[0010] The side cover preferably includes holes, in particular elongated holes, for fastening to the side wall of the side element of the overhead luggage compartment. The lever arm preferably includes holes, in particular elongated holes, for fastening the door. The elongated holes can be used in particular to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

[0011] Advantageously, if the adjusting element includes an adjusting unit, with which the pre-tension of the spring element can be adjusted from the outside of the edge of the side cover, and / or the annular cover includes a groove such that the adjusting unit is accessible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cover. For this purpose, the adjusting element preferably extends at least partially through the groove, or the adjusting unit is arranged to be actuated through the groove. In this way, in the installed state, it is particularly easy to adapt the hinge assembly to different door qualities. For example, a screw head can be provided as the adjusting unit. Preferably, the adjusting unit is provided in a section adjacent to the edge of the side cover that defines the insertion opening of the luggage compartment housing of the overhead luggage compartment. Preferably, the adjusting unit is provided in an area that is at least partially covered by the door in the closed position of the overhead luggage compartment.

[0012] The spring element is preferably arranged to support the movement of the lever arm from the second pivot position to the first pivot position (at least in one area). Alternatively or additionally, the spring element can also support the movement of the lever arm from the first pivot position to the second pivot position (at least in one area). The spring element preferably generates a torque on the lever arm that can be adjusted between 0.8 Nm and 1.9 Nm at the first pivot position (corresponding to the open position of the door) using the adjusting element. Preferably, the spring element holds the lever arm in the first pivot position, thereby holding the door in the open position. Preferably, the lever arm can also be adjusted between the first pivot position and an over-pivot position corresponding to the over-pivot position of the door. In the over-pivot position, the door is opened further than in the open position. Preferably, the lever arm abuts against a stop element when moving from the second pivot position to the first pivot position. The stop element is preferably pivotally mounted and preferably pre-tensioned by another spring element (in particular a leg spring) so as to remain in its initial position where the lever arm abuts against the stop element in the first pivot position. The spring forces of the other spring element and the spring element act in opposite directions and keep the door in the open position. This means that the torque exerted by the other stop element on the spring element is greater than the torque exerted by the spring element and the weight of the door on the lever arm at the first pivot position. The door can be pushed further open from the open position and into the over-pivot position by manually applying a force, whereby the lever arm overcomes the spring force of the other spring and swings the stop element out of its starting position. The stop element and / or the other stop element preferably prevent / block the lever arm from pivoting beyond the over-pivot position.

[0013] Preferably, the opening angle can be finely adjusted at the open position and / or the over-pivot position. The lever arm includes a width parallel to the pivot axis, which is preferably less than 35 mm, particularly preferably less than 25 mm.

[0014] It is preferred if the adjusting element comprises a set screw for adjusting the pre-tension of the spring element. This makes it easy to adjust the pre-tension. The set screw preferably comprises a screw head. Preferably, the set screw and / or the screw head is supported on or carried by a counter element connected to the side cover plate.

[0015] It is advantageous if the adjusting element comprises a nut, in particular a barrel nut, where the set screw engages with the nut and the spring element is connected to the nut. Preferably, the nut is non-rotatably connected to the spring element such that, preferably, rotation of the set screw causes a linear displacement of the nut, preferably such that the position or length of one end of the spring element can be adjusted, and thus the pre-tension of the spring element can be adjusted. Preferably, the spring element is non-rotatably mounted. If the nut is designed as a cylindrical nut, a particularly stable connection with the spring element can be achieved.

[0016] It is preferred if the first end of the spring element facing the adjusting element is designed as an eyelet in which the nut engages. Preferably, one end of the spring element surrounds the nut engagement on both sides of the set screw. The spring element preferably has a double eyelet at its end facing the adjusting element in order to clamp the nut on both sides of the set screw. The spring element is preferably formed at its end facing the adjusting element such that the adjusting element applies a force concentrically on the spring axis of the spring element.

[0017] It is advantageous if the set screw comprises a screw head. The annular cover preferably comprises a groove such that the rotational drive of the screw head can be achieved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate. The rotational drive of the screw head is preferably obtained from the outside of the edge of the side cover plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate and / or is at least partially provided outside the edge of the side cover plate (i.e., outside the volume extending perpendicularly away from the side cover plate). Thus, the pre-tension can be easily adjusted even if the hinge assembly is installed in the overhead luggage compartment.

[0018] Preferably, the counter element extends substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate along a section of the edge of the side cover plate, where the screw head of the set screw is supported on the counter element. Preferably, the annular cover forms the counter element. The counter element or the annular cover may comprise a protrusion such that the screw head is at least partially, preferably completely, recessed into the counter element or the annular cover.

[0019] Preferably, the lever arm comprises a first arm element and a second arm element, the second arm element being opposite the first arm element relative to the pivot axis (or extending in a different direction relative to the pivot axis relative to the first arm element), where the first arm element is arranged to support the door and the spring element is connected to the second arm element. Thus, the spring element engages with the second arm element. The spring element and the door are connected to the lever arm on opposite sides relative to the pivot axis.

[0020] Advantageously, the spring element comprises a spring section and a (particularly straight) connecting section, wherein the connecting section connects the spring section to the lever arm. Thus, the spring section generating the spring force is preferably at a distance from the attachment point of the spring element on the lever arm. In the spring section, the spring element generally has a larger cross-section than in the straight connecting section. Thus, the arrangement of the connecting section prevents the spring element from colliding with the pivot axis when the lever arm pivots. The straight connecting section is preferably formed by a wire element. Preferably, the spring section is formed by a wire element, and preferably, the connecting section is an extension of the wire element. To connect the connecting section to the lever arm, the spring element preferably comprises an eyelet. The connecting section preferably does not undergo substantial elastic deformation during the movement of the lever arm. The connecting section preferably transmits the movement of the lever arm to the spring section. The length of the connecting section can be at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, particularly 30 mm to 50 mm.

[0021] The adjusting element is preferably located in the spring axis of the spring element. In this design, the longitudinal axes of the adjusting element and the spring element are substantially arranged in a line. The spring axis is parallel to the spring force exerted by the spring element. The adjusting element is preferably arranged to move the position of one end of the spring element parallel to the axis of the spring element when adjusting the pre-tension of the spring element. The adjusting element is preferably arranged to adjust the pre-tension of the spring element without changing the axis of the spring element. This ensures that the kinematics of the lever arm do not change when the pre-tension changes. The adjusting element preferably extends parallel to the straight connecting section. The straight connecting section preferably extends parallel to the spring axis of the spring section. Preferably, the spring element comprises a wire spring, and the adjusting element, particularly a wire screw, partially extends within the wire spring. Preferably, the force transmission points between the adjusting element, the spring section and the connecting section and the lever arm are substantially in a line.

[0022] It is preferred if the connecting section and the spring section are integral. Preferably, the spring element from the (particularly eye-shaped) connecting element connecting the lever arm to the (particularly eye-shaped) connecting element connecting the adjusting element is made in one piece, particularly formed by one wire.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting section extends from the side of the end of the spring section on the connecting-section side that faces away from the pivot axis. Preferably, the connecting section extends from that half, in particular that quarter, and most preferably that point of the end of the spring section on the connecting-section side that faces away from the pivot axis. Advantageously, the end of the spring section on the connecting-section side includes an edge whose cross-section is perpendicular to the spring-force direction, and the connecting section extends from the region (that half, in particular that quarter) of the edge of the spring section that faces away from the pivot axis. This results in the connecting section extending from the side of the end of the spring section on the connecting-section side that faces away from the pivot axis, thus better avoiding the collision of the spring element with the pivot axis. The spring element preferably includes a helical spring, and in particular the spring section is preferably helical-spring-shaped. The connecting section extends from the end of the helical spring on the connecting-section side, in particular from the point that faces away from the pivot axis.

[0024] Preferably, the lever arm includes a rotatably mounted bushing to which the spring element is connected. To this end, the spring element preferably includes a connecting section, in particular a bent connecting section, which includes the bushing.

[0025] Preferably, the lever arm includes a pin, and the bushing is rotatably mounted on the pin.

[0026] Advantageously, the spring element includes a tension spring.

[0027] The spring element is preferably a linear spring.

[0028] The spring element preferably includes (in particular an oval) wire spring. The spring section is preferably designed as a linear spring, a tension spring, and / or (in particular an oval) wire spring. The oval wire enables a smaller size or a larger number of windings to be achieved for the same length. In addition, better eyelet strength and greater stability against permanent loads are achieved.

[0029] The invention also relates to a side element for an overhead luggage compartment, which includes a side wall and a part of the edge adjacent to the side wall, and a hinge assembly in the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The side element is provided for laterally defining the overhead luggage compartment. In this regard, a part of the edge of the side element defines an insertion opening for the overhead luggage compartment. Preferably, an adjustment element is provided for adjustment when the hinge assembly is connected to the side wall to form the side element.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to an overhead luggage compartment for an aircraft, comprising a luggage compartment housing defining a storage space, the luggage compartment housing having an insertion opening through which the storage space can be loaded, wherein the luggage compartment housing comprises at least one side element as described above, wherein the lever arm of the side element carries a door which is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the storage space is closed, and in the open position the storage space is accessible. In the closed position, in particular, it is possible to prevent luggage from falling out of the storage space. Preferably, the overhead luggage compartment comprises a second hinge assembly, in particular a second side element having a second hinge assembly, wherein the lever arm of the second hinge assembly or the second hinge assembly of the second side element also supports the door. The overhead luggage compartment may also comprise more than two hinge assemblies and / or more than one door. In particular, the overhead luggage compartment may comprise at least one hinge assembly arranged in the region of the insertion opening. For example, the overhead luggage compartment may comprise two side elements, each having a hinge assembly, and two central hinge assemblies, wherein the overhead luggage compartment comprises two doors, each door being supported by the hinge assembly of the side element and the central hinge assembly.

[0031] The present disclosure also relates to an aircraft having at least one overhead luggage compartment according to one of the above embodiments.

[0032] In one variant, the invention also relates to a hinge assembly for a door of an overhead luggage compartment, comprising - a side cover plate, - a lever arm for supporting the door, the lever arm being connected to the side cover plate so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and being pivotable between a first pivot position corresponding to the open position of the door and a second pivot position corresponding to the closed position of the door, - a spring element which is connected to the lever arm to support the movement of the lever arm between the second pivot position and the first pivot position, the spring element comprising a spring section and a straight connecting section, the connecting section connecting the spring section to the lever arm. Thus, a collision between the spring element and the pivot axis is avoided. The preferred embodiments described in the present disclosure may also be provided in this variant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will be further explained below with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the hinge assembly is schematically shown.

[0035] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a detailed view of the spring element of the embodiment of.

[0036] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 a detailed view of the adjusting element of the embodiment of.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a Figure 1 detailed view of the lever arm of an embodiment of

[0038] Figure 5 shows an overhead luggage compartment in which Figure 1 the hinge assembly of an embodiment of

[0039] Figure 6 shows Figure 5 the overhead luggage compartment in an over - pivoted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figures 1 to 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a hinge assembly 1 for a door of an overhead luggage compartment to be installed in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft. Wherein, Figure 1 A side view of the hinge assembly 1 is schematically shown. The hinge assembly includes a mounting or side cover plate 2, which bounds the hinge assembly in the direction of the storage space of the overhead luggage compartment. A second side cover plate opposite to the first side cover plate 2 may also be provided. However, this is not necessary, especially in the case where the overhead luggage compartment is adjacent to another overhead luggage compartment.

[0041] The hinge assembly 1 includes a lever arm 3 for supporting the door. The lever arm 3 is pivotally connected to the side cover plate 2 about a pivot axis 4 and is pivotable between a first pivot position corresponding to the open position of the door and a second pivot position corresponding to the closed position of the door. The lever arm 3 can be further pivoted about the pivot axis 4 from the open position to an over - pivot position corresponding to the over - pivot position of the door. In Figure 1 the lever arm 3 is shown in the over - pivot position. The hinge assembly includes a spring element 5, and the spring element 5 is connected to the lever arm 3 to support the movement of the lever arm 3 between the second pivot position and the first pivot position. Thus, the spring element 5 supports the door to rise from the closed position to the open position. Figure 2 A detailed view of the spring element 5 is shown.

[0042] The hinge assembly includes an adjusting element 6, and the adjusting element 6 can be used to adjust the pre - tension of the spring element 5. This enables the provided support to easily adapt to different door masses. For example, in the case where the door is heavy, the pre - tension can be increased, thereby applying a greater torque to the lever arm and thus to the door. The adjusting element 6 extends along the spring axis 22 of the spring element 5. Figure 3 A detailed view of the adjusting element 6 is shown.

[0043] The annular cover 23 extends in a segmented manner along the edge 8 of the side cover plate 2. The annular cover 23 extends from the side cover plate 2 substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate 2. The adjusting element 6 includes an adjusting unit 7 by means of which the pre-tension of the spring element 5 can be adjusted from the outside of the edge 8 of the side cover plate 2 (i.e., from the outside of the volume extending perpendicular to the side cover plate 2 from the side cover plate 2). The annular cover 23 includes a groove such that the adjusting unit 7 is accessible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate 2. For this purpose, in this embodiment, the adjusting element 6 extends at least partially through the groove, which means that in this embodiment, the adjusting unit 7 is located outside the edge 8 of the side cover plate 2. This enables the pre-tension to be easily adjusted even when the hinge assembly 1 is installed. Preferably, the hinge assembly 1 is located on the front side of the hinge assembly in the assembled state of the overhead luggage compartment, i.e., on the side where the overhead luggage compartment is loaded. In particular, the adjusting unit 7 abuts a part of the edge 8 of the side cover plate 2 that defines the insertion opening of the overhead luggage compartment.

[0044] The adjusting element 6 includes a setscrew 9 for adjusting the pre-tension of the spring element 5. A nut 10 is provided on the setscrew 9, and the nut 10 is designed as a cylindrical nut in this embodiment. The position of the nut 10 can be moved by rotating the setscrew 9. The spring element 5 is connected to the nut 10 so that the pre-tension of the spring element 5 can be adjusted. The spring element 5 is formed as an eyelet 11 at the first end 5a, and the nut 10 engages in the eyelet. Specifically, the first end 5a includes a double-eyelet shape such that the nut 11 is surrounded by the first end 5a on both sides with respect to the setscrew 9 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). As the adjusting unit 7, the screw head 12 of the setscrew 9 is at least partially provided outside the edge 8 of the side cover plate 2. The adjusting unit 7 can also be provided to be recessed in the side cover 23. The side cover 23 forms a reverse element 13, and the screw head 12 of the setscrew 9 is supported on the reverse element 13.

[0045] The lever arm 3 includes a first arm element 3a and a second arm element 3b opposite to the first arm element 3a with respect to the pivot axis 4. The first arm element 3a is provided to support the door, and the spring element 5 is connected to the second arm element 3b. Thus, the door and the spring element 5 are connected to the lever arm 3 on different sides with respect to the pivot axis 4.

[0046] The spring element 5 includes a spring section 5b and a straight connecting section 5c, wherein the connecting section 5c connects the spring section 5b to the lever arm 3. The connecting section 5c is integral with the spring section 5b. The end 14 of the spring section 5b on the connecting section side includes an edge 16 whose cross-section is perpendicular to the spring force direction 15. The connecting section 5c extends from the region of the edge 16 of the spring section 5b that faces away from the pivot axis 4. Thus, starting from the end 14 of the spring section 5b that faces the lever arm 3, on the side facing away from the pivot axis (in particular that half or that quarter or that point), i.e., on the side facing away from the door in the installed state, the connecting section 5c adjoins the spring section 5b or its edge 16.

[0047] As Figure 4 shown more clearly, the lever arm 3 includes a rotatably mounted bushing 17 to which the spring element 5 is connected. The bushing 17 is rotatably mounted on a pin 18. The spring element includes a bent connecting section 20 at its end 19 on the lever arm side (see Figure 2 ; mostly hidden in Figure 4 ), which bent connecting section circumferentially surrounds the bushing 17. This allows the spring element 5 to engage with the lever arm 3 regardless of its pivot position.

[0048] The spring element 5 includes a linear tension spring, which is a wire spring. Specifically, the spring section 5b is designed as a tension wire spring. The pivot axis 4 includes a rotary damper. For further rotational damping, a toothed ring section 25 is provided on the side cover plate 2, and the lever arm 3 engages with this toothed ring section through a rotary damping gear. A stop element 21 is provided (see Figure 5 ), and the lever arm 3 abuts against this stop element in the first pivot position. The stop element 21 is mounted on a leg spring and prevents the door from being moved out of the open position by the spring element 5 because the torque exerted by the spring element 5 is less than the torque exerted by the stop element 21 and the gravity of the door. However, the user can apply an additional force to move the door from the open position to an over-pivot position, in which the door is opened further than in the open position, so that the lever arm 3 pivots from the first pivot position to the over-pivot position, and the stop element 21 pivots against the force of the leg spring. In the over-pivot position, the lever arm 3 abuts against another stop element 24, as Figure 1 shown, which prevents the lever arm 3 from pivoting beyond the over-pivot position.

[0049] Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a overhead luggage compartment 26 with a plurality of hinge assemblies 1, as in Figures 1 to 4as described in the context of. The overhead luggage compartment 26 includes a shell-shaped luggage compartment housing 27 that defines a storage space and has an insertion opening 28 through which the storage space can be loaded. The luggage compartment housing 27 includes at least a first side element 29. The side element 29 includes a side wall 30 and a hinge assembly 1 that is part of an edge 31 adjacent to the side wall. In addition, in this embodiment, the overhead luggage compartment 26 includes two additional (central) hinge assemblies 1 adjacent to the center of the upper edge of the insertion opening 28. The side covers 2 of these central hinge assemblies 1 substantially define a space in which the lever arms 3 of the central hinge assemblies 1 are pivotally mounted. In addition, the overhead luggage compartment has a second side element 29 that also includes a hinge assembly 1 (hidden in the figure) and is opposite the first side element 29 with respect to the storage space. The lever arm 3 of the first side element 29 and the lever arm of one of the central hinge assemblies 1 support a door 32 that is movable between a closed position (in which the storage space is closed) and an open position (in which the storage space is accessible). In this embodiment, the door 32 can still be moved to an over-pivoted position, as described in connection with Figures 1 to 4 described. Figure 5 shows the door 32 in the open position, where the lever arms 3 respectively abut against the stop elements 21. In Figure 6 shows the door 32 in the over-pivoted position, where the lever arms 3 have pivoted against the force of the leg springs on which each stop element 21 is mounted, such that they respectively abut against another stop element 24. The lever arm 3 of the second side element 29 and the lever arm of another central hinge assembly 1 also support the door 32. The latter is in the closed position as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 . If the weight of the respective doors 32 changes, the spring force acting on the respective lever arms 3 can be easily adapted thereto using the adjustment elements 6 of the respective hinge assemblies 1.

[0050] List of reference numerals: 1 Hinge assembly 2 Side cover 3 Lever arm 3a First arm element (at the door) 3b Second arm element (at the spring element) 4 Pivot shaft 5 Spring element 5a First end (at the nut) 5b Spring section 5c Connecting section 6 Adjustment element 7 Adjustment unit 8 Edge of the side cover 9 Fixing screw 10 Nut 11 Eyelet of the spring element (at the nut) 12 Screw head 13 Reverse element 14 End of the spring section on the connecting section side 15 Spring force direction 16 Edge of the end of the spring section on the connecting section side 17 Bushing 18 Pin 19 End of the spring element on the lever arm side 20 Eyelet of the spring element to the lever arm 21 Stop element 22 Spring shaft 23 Annular cover 24 Another stop element 25 Ring gear part 26 Overhead luggage compartment 27 Luggage compartment housing 28 Insertion opening 29 Side element 30 Side wall 31 Edge of the side wall 32 Door

Claims

1. A hinge assembly (1) for a door (32) of a roof luggage compartment (26), comprising: - A side cover plate (2); - A lever arm (3) for supporting the door (32), the lever arm being connected to the side cover plate (2) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (4), and the lever arm being pivotable between a first pivot position corresponding to the open position of the door (32) and a second pivot position corresponding to the closed position of the door (32); - A spring element (5) which is connected to the lever arm (3) to support the movement of the lever arm (3) between the second pivot position and the first pivot position; It is characterized in that - An adjusting element (6) by which the pre-tension of the spring element (5) can be adjusted.

2. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element (6) comprises an adjusting unit (7) by which the pre-tension of the spring element (5) can be adjusted from the outside of the edge (8) of the side cover plate (2).

3. The hinge assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting element (6) comprises a fixing screw (9) for adjusting the pre-tension of the spring element (5).

4. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting element (6) comprises a nut (10), in particular a cylindrical nut, the fixing screw (9) engages with the nut (10), and the spring element (5) is connected to the nut (10).

5. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein the spring element (5) is formed as an eyelet (11) at a first end (5a), and the nut (10) engages in the eyelet (11).

6. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the spring element (5) engages around the nut (10) on both sides of the fixing screw (9) at its first end (5a).

7. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the rotational drive of the screw head (12) of the fixing screw (9) can be obtained from the outside of the edge (8) of the side cover plate (2) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate (2).

8. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein a reverse element (13) extends substantially perpendicular to the side cover plate (2) along a part of the edge (8) of the side cover plate (2), and the screw head (12) of the fixing screw (9) is supported on the reverse element (13).

9. The hinge assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever arm (3) comprises a first arm element (3a) and a second arm element (3b) opposite to the first arm element (3a) with respect to the pivot axis (4), wherein the first arm element (3a) is arranged to support the door (32), and the spring element (5) is connected to the second arm element (3b).

10. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (5) comprises a spring section (5b) and a straight connecting section (5c), and wherein the connecting section (5c) connects the spring section (5b) to the lever arm (3).

11. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting section (5c) is integrally formed with the spring section (5b).

12. The hinge assembly (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the connecting section side end (14) of the spring section (5b) comprises an edge (16) in a cross-section perpendicular to the spring force direction (15), and the connecting section (5c) extends from a region of the edge (16) of the spring section (5b) facing away from the pivot axis (4).

13. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever arm (3) comprises a rotatably mounted bushing (17) to which the spring element (5) is connected.

14. The hinge assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the bushing (17) is rotatably mounted on a pin (18).

15. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (5) comprises a tension spring.

16. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (5) comprises a linear spring.

17. The hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting element (6) is located in the spring axis (22) of the spring element (5).

18. A side element (29) for an overhead luggage compartment (26), comprising a side wall (30) and a hinge assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims adjacent to a section of the edge (31) of the side wall (30).

19. An overhead luggage compartment (26), comprising a luggage compartment housing (27) that defines a storage space having an insertion opening (28) through which the storage space can be loaded, wherein the luggage compartment housing (27) comprises a side element (29) according to claim 18, and wherein the lever arm (3) of the side element (29) supports a door (32) that is movable between a closed position closing the storage space and an open position enabling access to the storage space.

20. An aircraft comprising the overhead luggage compartment (26) according to claim 19.

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