Clamping bracket, clamping bracket arrangement, aircraft with a clamping bracket and method for mounting a clamping bracket

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping bracket 10 for installing a textile air distribution system in an aircraft, comprising a first ring element 100, wherein the first ring element 100 has an inner surface for fixed mounting on a tube 400, and wherein a plurality of first locking means are formed on the first ring element 100, which are arranged equidistantly to each other in the circumferential direction of the ring element, comprising a second ring element 200, wherein the second ring element 200 has an inner surface for loose mounting on the tube 400, a receptacle for holding a fastening means 300 of the air distribution system is formed on the second ring element 200, and wherein a plurality of second locking means are formed on the second ring element 200, which are arranged equidistantly to each other in the circumferential direction of the ring element, wherein the second ring element 200 can be moved from a first position via a second position to a third position.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to system installation in aircraft manufacturing. Background of the invention

[0002] Commercial aircraft typically include aircraft air conditioning systems designed to set and maintain the desired environmental conditions in the aircraft cabin, such as cabin pressure, cabin temperature, and cabin humidity.

[0003] The cabin of a passenger aircraft is typically air-conditioned both during flight and on the ground using an onboard air conditioning system. This system draws bleed air, for example, from the engine compressors or auxiliary power units, which is then cooled to the desired temperature in the air conditioning units, also known as air packs. The cooled air is then directed to a mixer, where it is blended with recirculated air drawn from the cabin. The resulting mixture of cold fresh air supplied by the air packs and recirculated air is then introduced into the cabin.

[0004] In conventional aircraft air conditioning systems, the generated mixed air is introduced into the aircraft cabin via an air distribution system. Since the central mixers are typically located in the lower deck area, the mixed air first travels through longitudinal air distribution pipes and then via riser pipes to the passenger areas on the upper deck of the aircraft.

[0005] Alternatively, air distribution systems are known, for example, from DE 10 2017 112 594 A1, which comprise an air distribution duct extending in a longitudinal direction. These air distribution systems can be made of textile materials, and further, smaller air distribution pipes can branch off from these ducts into the aircraft cabin.

[0006] Textile air distribution ducts are inherently flexible in terms of their shape. This means that when printed (when air is distributed throughout the aircraft cabin via the air distribution system for climate control and supply purposes during operation), the air distribution ducts typically occupy their full volume. In this state, the entire cross-section of the air distribution duct is filled. However, when unprinted (e.g., during ground operations), the shape of the air distribution ducts can deviate from this, and their volume can decrease.

[0007] However, it is generally desirable that the textile air distribution strands retain their original shape even in operating conditions where they are not printed.

[0008] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide suitable brackets for the installation of such textile air distribution ducts, enabling shape-retaining and secure fastening in the aircraft under all operating conditions. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for assembling or installing such brackets. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by a clamping device comprising a first ring element, wherein the first ring element has an inner surface for fixed mounting on a tube, and wherein a plurality of first locking means are formed on the first ring element, which are arranged equidistantly to one another in the circumferential direction of the ring element, and comprising a second ring element, wherein the second ring element has an inner surface for loose mounting on the tube, and wherein a receptacle for holding a fastening means of the air distribution system is formed on the second ring element, and wherein a plurality of second locking means are formed on the second ring element, which are arranged equidistantly to one another in the circumferential direction of the ring element, wherein the second ring element can be moved from a first position, in which the fastening means is not clamped and in which the first and second locking means are not engaged with one another, to a second,The ring element can be rotated into a position offset in the circumferential direction, in which the fastening means is tensioned, and in which the first and second locking means are not engaged with each other, and furthermore can be displaced into a third position offset in the axial direction, in which the first and second locking means are releasably engaged with each other.

[0010] The clamping bracket according to the invention is suitable for use in the installation of a textile air distribution system in an aircraft. Advantageously, the clamping bracket according to the invention allows the textile air distribution system to be attached to the structure or to other suitable and already installed components of the aircraft in such a way that the textile air distribution system retains its original shape even in operating states where it is not printed. In particular, the clamping bracket according to the invention can achieve both holding and tensioning of the textile air distribution system. Holding and tensioning of the air distribution system is achieved by a fastening element that is formed at one end on the textile air distribution system and that is attached (or held) at the other end to the mounting of the clamping bracket.

[0011] According to the invention, the tensioning of the fastening element, and consequently the tensioning of the textile air distribution system, is achieved by rotating the second ring element from the first to the second position. This rotation allows the fastening element to be wound up section by section until the air distribution system (the textile air distribution strand) is gradually tensioned. Once the desired tension of the fastening element, and thus of the air distribution system, has been achieved through this rotation, this tension can be maintained and fixed by axially displacing the second ring element to the third position. In the third position, the fastening element thus remains under tension. The axial displacement of the second ring element from the second to the third position ensures that the tension in the fastening element remains largely unchanged.

[0012] To assume the third position, the first and second locking elements engage with each other. To enable this mutual engagement, the number of first and second locking elements on the two ring elements is identical. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first and second locking elements on the two ring elements are also matched or identical, allowing for proper mutual engagement.

[0013] It is understood that all movements in the axial and / or circumferential direction can also be performed in reverse, since the locking mechanisms are reversibly releasable. It is therefore possible to disengage (or separate) the first and second locking mechanisms while they are engaged (closely connected), then move the second ring element axially from the third position to the second position, and finally rotate the second ring element from the second position to the first position, thus restoring the fastener to a disengaged state.

[0014] The first and second ring elements can be arranged on a continuous (one-piece) pipe section. Alternatively, the first ring element can be arranged on one (first) pipe and the second ring element on another (second) pipe, with the first and second pipes being arranged axially to each other and the two pipes optionally being connected at their opposing ends, for example by bolting them together.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the clamping fixture is characterized in that the receptacle is designed as a groove having a cross-sectional shape with an undercut. For the purposes of the invention, a cross-sectional shape with an undercut is, for example, the cross-section through the female part of a dovetail joint or the cross-section through the female part of a trapezoidal tongue-and-groove joint. A groove with a cross-section that is at least partially circular is also an example. Such receptacles, in conjunction with a correspondingly complementary male counterpart formed on the fastener, advantageously achieve an effective connection between the fastener and the clamping fixture, or an effective fastening of the fastener in the receptacle. Furthermore, this facilitates the simple transmission of the clamping force.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the clamping device, a ramp extending tangentially to the outside of the second ring element is formed on the receptacle for at least partial contact of the fastening element. The tangential contact of the fastening element is advantageous for force application and transmission during clamping. Furthermore, the tangential contact of the fastening element on the ramp protects the fastening element itself. For example, local buckling, knotting, or similar issues with the fastening element can be avoided.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the clamping device is one in which an adhesive film is applied to the inside of the first ring element for fixed mounting on the pipe, and in which the inner diameter of the second ring element for loose mounting on the pipe is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the pipe. Such designs for achieving fixed mounting of the first ring element on a pipe and for achieving loose mounting of the second ring element have proven successful.

[0018] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the clamping device is characterized in that the geometric shapes of the first and second locking elements are complementary to each other. For example, second locking elements designed as barbs can interact reversibly and detachably with first locking elements designed as counters, which are complementary to them. It is understood that other interacting locking elements can also be provided. The first and second ring elements can, for example, be made of a plastic that allows local reversible (elastic) deformation, so that locking (closing) and unlocking (opening) of the first and second locking elements is always possible.

[0019] The problem is also solved by a clamping bracket arrangement with a clamping bracket according to the invention and with a fastening means of an air distribution system. A preferred embodiment of the clamping bracket arrangement further comprises a tube, wherein the first ring element is attached to the tube with its inner surface, in particular by gluing. Alternatively, it is also possible that two tubes (a first tube and a second tube) are provided. The first and the second tube can be arranged coaxially to each other. The two tubes can be connected to each other or joined at their respective ends at a connection point to form a continuous tube. The first and the second ring elements can then be arranged at the connection point such that the first ring element can be firmly attached to the first tube and the second ring element can be loosely arranged on the second tube.

[0020] In a further preferred clamping arrangement, the fastening element is designed as a textile tab or a rope. Fastening elements designed as tabs or straps have proven particularly effective with regard to robustness and force transmission. The fastening elements are preferably textile fasteners. According to the invention, the fastening elements (tabs, straps, ropes, etc.) are held (or attached) at one end in the receptacle and are connected to, formed on, or attached to the air distribution system or air distribution duct at the other end. Alternatively, according to the invention, a textile fastening element can also be designed as a hook-and-loop fastener. A further alternative is that the fastening element can also be a rigid hook element.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the clamping arrangement is one in which the pipe is a cabin exhaust duct. Cabin exhaust ducts are typically located near the overhead luggage compartments of aircraft cabins and generally run continuously along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. Furthermore, they are typically made of rigid materials and thus possess sufficient structural strength to absorb and transmit the holding forces of a textile air distribution system.

[0022] The problem is also solved by an aircraft with a clamping bracket or clamping bracket arrangement according to the invention. The aircraft according to the invention essentially makes use of the same advantages that result from the clamping bracket or clamping bracket arrangement according to the invention.

[0023] The invention also encompasses a method for mounting a clamping bracket according to the invention onto a pipe, comprising the following steps: threading the first ring element onto the pipe; gluing the first ring element onto the pipe; loosely threading the second ring element onto the pipe; inserting the fastening element of the air distribution system into the receptacle of the second ring element to hold the fastening element on the ring element; rotating the second ring element from a first position in which the fastening element is not tensioned and in which the first and second locking elements are not engaged, into a second position offset in the circumferential direction of the ring element, in which the fastening element is tensioned and in which the first and second locking elements are not engaged;and shifting the second ring element from the second position to a third position offset in the axial direction, until the first and second locking means are releasably engaged together.

[0024] By applying the method according to the invention, the textile air distribution system can be attached to the aircraft structure or to other suitable and already installed components of the aircraft (such as a cabin exhaust duct) in such a way that the textile air distribution system retains its original shape even in operating states in which it is not printed. In particular, the method according to the invention can achieve both holding and tensioning of the textile air distribution system. It is understood that, due to the fact that the locking devices are reversibly releasable, the method according to the invention can also be carried out in reverse order.It is therefore possible to separate the first and second locking elements that are engaged with each other, and then to move the second ring element from the third position in an axial direction to the second position, and then to rotate the second ring element from the second position to the first position, thus restoring the untensioned state of the fastening element.

[0025] The aspects described above and further aspects, features and advantages of the invention can also be derived from the examples of the embodiment, which are described below with reference to the attached drawings. Description of the drawings

[0026] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or at least similar elements, components, or aspects. It should be noted that the following descriptions detail embodiments, which are merely illustrative and not limiting. In the claims, the word "featuring" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are mentioned in different dependent claims does not limit the subject matter of the invention. Combinations of these features can also be used advantageously. The reference numerals in the claims are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The figures are not to be understood as being to scale but are purely schematic and illustrative. They show Fig. 1 a perspective view of a clamping bracket or clamping bracket arrangement according to the invention with a detail section, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b Perspective views of a first (b) and a second (a) ring element, Fig. 3a to 3e perspective views of the clamping bracket according to the invention during its installation on a pipe, Fig. 4 an aircraft according to the invention, Fig. 5 a representation of the process of a method according to the invention for mounting the clamping bracket on a pipe.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a clamping bracket 10. The clamping bracket 10 is suitable for installing a textile air distribution system (not shown) in an aircraft 500. Such textile air distribution systems generally comprise textile air distribution strands running longitudinally along the cabin of the aircraft 500, which, during installation in an aircraft fuselage, are attached or held on the inside of an aircraft structure or on other already installed components. The clamping bracket 10 comprises a first ring element 100 and a second ring element 200. Fig. Figure 1 further shows a clamping bracket arrangement 20 comprising the first ring element 100, the second ring element 200 and a fastening means 300. The clamping bracket arrangement 20 can also include a tube 400 on which the two ring elements 100 and 200 are arranged.

[0028] The following refers to the Fig. 1 as well as 2a and 2b the clamping bracket 10 and the clamping bracket arrangement 20 are described in more detail.

[0029] The first ring element 100 has an inner surface 110 suitable for secure mounting on the tube 400. This means the first ring element 100 can be securely mounted on the tube 400. For this purpose, the first ring element 100 can, for example, be threaded or slipped onto the tube 400. An adhesive film may be applied to the inner surface 110 of the first ring element 100 to facilitate secure mounting on the tube 400. After threading or slipping onto the tube 400 and after the adhesive bond has cured, the first ring element 100 is securely mounted to the tube 400, preventing slippage and rotation, and clamping forces can be reliably transmitted. The clamping assembly 20 comprises the clamping bracket 10 and the tube 400, wherein the first ring element 100 is attached to the tube 400 by its inner surface 110, in particular by adhesive bonding. The clamping assembly 20 may also include the fastening element 300.

[0030] The second ring element 200 has an inner surface 210 suitable for loose mounting on the tube 400. This means the second ring element 200 can be loosely mounted on the tube 400 (i.e., it is slidably mounted in the axial tube direction X). For this purpose, the second ring element 200 can, for example, be threaded or slipped onto the tube 400. For loose mounting on the tube 400, the diameter Di of the inner surface 210 of the second ring element 200 is slightly larger than the outer diameter Da of the tube 400.

[0031] The first ring element 100 has a plurality of first locking elements 120, which are arranged equidistantly to each other in the circumferential direction U of the ring element. The second ring element 200 has a plurality of second locking elements 220, which are also arranged equidistantly to each other in the circumferential direction U of the ring element. The number of first and second locking elements 120, 220 is the same (for example, twenty), so that the locking elements 120, 220 can interact.

[0032] The second ring element 200 also has a receptacle 230 for holding a fastening element 300. The receptacle 230 is designed as a groove having a cross-sectional shape with an undercut. From the Fig. 2a shows that the groove has a circular cross-section, at least in sections, and thus forms an undercut for inserting the fastener 300. The fastener 300 can be inserted into the receptacle 230 at one end and thus be firmly connected to it (see, e.g., Fig. 3c). Alternatively, the fastening element 300 can be formed at one end on the textile air distribution system (not shown). Alternatively, the fastening element 300 can also be (temporarily) attached at the other end to the textile air distribution system (not shown). For example, the fastening element 300 can be temporarily hooked into an air distribution duct of the air distribution system. The air distribution system is held and tensioned by the fastening element 300, which is attached (or held) to the receptacle 230 of the tensioning bracket 10 and thus connected to the receptacle 230, and which can also be formed on or attached to the textile air distribution system. The fastening element 300 is designed as a textile tab or as a rope.At the mounting point 230, a ramp 240 extending tangentially to the outside of the second ring element 200 is formed for at least partial placement of the fastening device 300.

[0033] To achieve the holding and tensioning of the air distribution system according to the invention, the second ring element 200 is first rotatable from a first position, in which the fastening means 300 is not tensioned and in which the first and second locking means 120, 220 are not engaged, to a second position, offset in the circumferential direction U of the ring element, in which the fastening means 300 is tensioned and in which the first and second locking means 120, 220 are not engaged. Subsequently, the second ring element 200 is further displaceable from the second position to a third position, offset in the axial direction X, in which the first and second locking means 120, 220 are releasably engaged. In the third position, the fastening means 300 remains tensioned.

[0034] As the detailed description from the Fig. As can be seen from section 1, the geometric shapes of the first and second locking elements 120, 220 are complementary to each other. The cross-section of the detailed illustration shows that the second locking elements 220, designed as barbs, interact reversibly and detachably with the first locking elements 120, which are complementary and designed as recesses.

[0035] The Fig. Figures 3a to 3e show the operation of the clamping bracket 10 or the clamping bracket arrangement 20 in various successive steps.

[0036] In the Fig. 3a The first ring element 100 is already threaded or attached to the pipe 400 and, for example, glued to it. Furthermore, the second ring element 200 is loosely threaded or attached to the pipe 400. The pipe 400 is, for example, a cabin exhaust pipe.

[0037] In the Fig. Figure 3b shows how the fastening element 300 of the air distribution system can be inserted into the receptacle 230. For this purpose, the fastening element 300 is inserted axially in the X direction into the receptacle 230 via a thickening 310 formed at one end, which is complementary to the groove-shaped receptacle 230. In this (first) position of the second ring element 200, the fastening element 300 is in a relaxed, i.e., slack, state. Furthermore, in this first position, the first and second locking elements 120, 220 are not engaged with each other.

[0038] In the Fig. 3c the second ring element 200 is rotated into a second position offset in the circumferential direction U of the ring elements 100, 200, in which the fastening means 300 is tensioned, and in which the first and the second locking means 120, 220 are not locked into each other.

[0039] In the Fig. 3D and Fig. 3e finally shows how the second ring element 200 is inserted from the second position ( Fig. 3d) into a third position offset in the axial direction X ( Fig. 3e) is shifted until the first and second locking devices 120, 220 are detachably locked into each other.

[0040] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows an aircraft 500 with a clamping bracket 10 or with a clamping bracket arrangement 20.

[0041] The Fig.Figure 5 schematically shows the sequence of a procedure for mounting the clamping bracket 10 on the pipe 400, with the following process steps: Threading 610 of the first ring element 100 onto the pipe 400; Gluing 620 of the first ring element 100 onto the pipe 400; Loosely threading 630 of the second ring element 200 onto the pipe 400; Inserting 640 of the fastening element 300 of the air distribution system into the receptacle 230 of the second ring element 200 to hold the fastening element 300 on the ring element 200; Rotating 650 of the second ring element 200 from a first position in which the fastening means 300 is not tensioned and in which the first and second locking means 120, 220 are not locked into each other, to a second position offset in the circumferential direction U of the ring element in which the fastening means 300 is tensioned and in which the first and second locking means 120, 220 are not locked into each other;and shifting 660 of the second ring element 200 from the second position to a third position offset in the axial direction X, until the first and second locking means 120, 220 are reversibly engaged. It is understood that all movements in the axial direction X and / or in the circumferential direction U can also be performed in reverse, since the locking means 120, 220 are reversibly releasable. It is therefore possible to release the engaged first and second locking means 120, 220 from each other, then to move the second ring element 200 from the third position in the axial direction X to the second position, and then to rotate the second ring element 200 from the second position to the first position, thus restoring the fastening element 300 to a disengaged state. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 112 594 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Clamping bracket (10) for installing a textile air distribution system in an aircraft (500): - with a first ring element (100), wherein ◯ the first ring element (100) has an inner surface (110) for fixed mounting on a tube (400), and wherein ◯ a plurality of first locking means (120) are formed on the first ring element (100), which are arranged equidistant to each other in the circumferential direction (U) of the ring element, - with a second ring element (200), wherein ◯ the second ring element (200) has an inner surface (210) for loose mounting on the tube (400), ◯ a receptacle (230) for holding a fastening means (300) of the air distribution system is formed on the second ring element (200), and wherein ◯ a plurality of second locking means (220) are formed on the second ring element (200), which are arranged equidistant to each other in the circumferential direction (U) of the ring element, - wherein the second ring element (200) ◯ from a first position in which the fastening means (300) is not tensioned, and in which the first and second locking means (120, 220) are not locked into each other, in ◯ a second position, offset in the circumferential direction (U) of the ring element, is rotatable, in which the fastening means (300) is tensioned, and in which the first and second locking means (120, 220) are not locked into each other, and furthermore in ◯ a third position, offset in the axial direction (X), is displaceable, in which the first and second locking means (120, 220) are releasably locked into one another. [2] Clamping bracket (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receptacle (230) is designed as a groove having a cross-sectional shape with an undercut. [3] Clamping bracket (10), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that a ramp (240) extending tangentially to the outside of the second ring element (200) is formed at the receiving (230) for at least partial attachment of the fastening means (300). [4] Clamping bracket (10), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an adhesive film is applied to the inside (110) of the first ring element (100) for fixed mounting on the tube (400), and that the diameter (Di) of the inside (210) of the second ring element (200) for loose mounting on the tube (400) is slightly larger than the outside diameter (Da) of the tube (400). [5] Clamping bracket (10), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the geometric shapes of the first and second resting means (120, 220) are complementary to each other. [6] Clamping bracket arrangement (20) with a clamping bracket (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, and with a fastening means (300) of an air distribution system. [7] Clamping mounting arrangement (20) according to claim 6, further comprising a tube (400), wherein the first ring element (100) is attached to the tube (400) with its inner side (110), in particular glued in place. [8] Clamping bracket arrangement (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the fastening means (300) is designed as a textile tab or as a rope. [9] Clamping bracket arrangement (20) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by that the pipe (400) is a cabin exhaust pipe. [10] Aircraft (500) with a clamping bracket (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5 or with a clamping bracket arrangement (20) according to one of claims 6 to 9. [11] Method for mounting a clamping bracket (10) according to one of claims 6 to 9 on a tube (400), comprising the following method steps: a. Threading (610) the first ring element (100) onto the tube (400); b. Bonding (620) the first ring element (100) to the tube (400); c. Loosely threading (630) the second ring element (200) onto the tube (400); d. Inserting (640) the fastening means (300) of the air distribution system into the receptacle (230) of the second ring element (200) to hold the fastening means (300) on the ring element (200); e. Rotating (650) the second ring element (200) i. from a first position in which the fastening means (300) is not tensioned and in which the first and second locking means (120, 220) are not locked into each other, ii. into a second position offset in the circumferential direction (U) of the ring element, in which the fastening means (300) is tensioned, and in which the first and second locking means (120, 220) are not locked into each other; and f. Moving (660) the second ring element (200) i. from the second position to a third position offset in the axial direction (X) until the first and second locking means (120, 220) are releasably locked into one another.

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