CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING COMPONENTS IN AN AIRCRAFT

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a connection system for connecting components in an aircraft, a structural and equipment system, and a vehicle. Technical background

[0002] During the final assembly of an aircraft, structural components and equipment are typically handled and installed manually. For example, components are positioned in underfloor areas that require connection to an electrical network or fluid sources and sinks via electrical or fluid lines. These components must be equipped with appropriate wiring, which, after the installation of the corresponding assembly, is then connected to fixed cables. Due to the size of an aircraft and the complexity of its equipment, this can be a time-consuming process.

[0003] According to the summary, EP 2058574 B1 describes a cuff for an end section of an axially open metal tube of a specified outer diameter, which has an axially projecting annular rim (12, 52) for applying to the end section from the outside and a pocket (15, 55) housing an axially acting pressure element (20, 30) for sealingly gripping the end section. Description

[0004] It can be seen as a task to provide a system that enables faster or simpler connection of components in an aircraft.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0006] A connection system for joining components in a vehicle is proposed, comprising a first elongated element with a first connecting surface at a first end, and a second elongated element with a second connecting surface at a second end, wherein the first element and the second element each have several retaining devices distributed along an annular connecting line of the respective connecting surface, wherein the connecting surfaces and the connecting lines of the first element and the second element are congruent, and wherein the connecting surfaces and retaining devices are designed such that the connecting surfaces can be brought into flush surface contact when the orientations of the first elongated element and the second elongated element coincide, and the then opposing retaining devices of the connecting surfaces brought into surface contact connect to each other.wherein at least one of the first element and the second element each has a length compensation component adjacent to the respective connecting surface and configured to change the position of the respective connecting surface in a longitudinal direction of the element in question, and wherein the connecting surfaces have at least one pair of mutually correlated interfaces for transmitting a fluid, electrical or optical signals or electric current, which can be connected when the connecting surfaces are in surface contact with each other.

[0007] The connection system according to the invention can be used to connect a component to be installed in a vehicle to a media line or similar component located therein. The first elongated element could be fixed to the structure or attached to a component already fixed to the structure of the vehicle. The second elongated element could be attached to an equipment component, a mounting assembly, or similar component. When the assembly is mounted at the desired installation location, the first and second connecting surfaces can be brought into surface contact. This connects the two elongated elements to each other.

[0008] The first and second elongated elements could comprise a media conduit, such as a fluid line, an electrical line, or similar. The elongated elements are not limited to conveying a single medium; they could also be arranged in a single strand containing multiple media conduits. The term "elongated" is to be understood as meaning that, at least in the area of ​​the connection surfaces, an arrangement with a largely uniform cross-section is provided, extending along an axis, i.e., the longitudinal axis. Each elongated element terminates in the respective connection surface located at its first and second ends, respectively.

[0009] The connecting surfaces each have a connecting line arranged on the surface. The term "ring-shaped" means that the connecting line is continuous and self-contained. It is an imaginary line on which several retaining devices can be arranged. The number of retaining devices can depend on their operating principle or design. Form-fit, friction-fit, and material-fit retaining devices are all conceivable. For example, snap-fit ​​elements could be provided that together form a form-fit snap connection. Magnetic retaining devices, on the other hand, create a friction-fit connection. Soldered and welded connections could be provided, which can be produced by an additional external influence, such as the selective application of a suitable electrical welding voltage.

[0010] The purpose of the connecting surfaces with the attached holding devices is to establish a connection between the two elements as simply and quickly as possible, without requiring direct manual interaction. An assembly or similar device could, for example, comprise an arrangement of structural components with attached cables or electrical devices, which are to be fixed to the structure. However, connecting cables or components could be quite difficult to access after fixed mounting, especially if the assembly is only accessible from one side, the side facing away from the connecting cables and components. Connecting individual cables would therefore be difficult. By using the connection system according to the invention, however, the connecting cables could automatically connect directly to adjacent cables during the fixed mounting of the assembly.

[0011] To prevent the two elongated elements from becoming mechanically stressed against each other, especially in larger structures, with varying temperatures and associated thermal expansion effects, length compensation components are provided. These allow for a certain degree of variability in the position of the individual connection surfaces, thereby preventing stress and enabling an improved connection.

[0012] The surface normal of each connecting surface could be inclined to an axis of extension of the respective elements. This causes the connecting surfaces to form a chamfer on the elongated elements. Due to their inclination, the surface area of ​​the connecting surfaces increases compared to connecting surfaces arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It is conceivable to use an angle of 30–60° between the surface normal and the longitudinal axis for this inclination. Furthermore, the forces of the fastening devices then do not act exclusively along the longitudinal axis, but can also absorb transverse forces. Overall, this can improve the quality of the connection.

[0013] It is conceivable that the elongated elements have a largely cylindrical section with an outer diameter, with the respective connecting surface adjoining the respective cylindrical section, and the retaining devices arranged outside the outer diameter. The connecting surfaces thus extend significantly beyond the outer diameter of the largely cylindrical section. The connecting surfaces thereby create an annular strip that encircles the outer diameter and is equipped with retaining devices. The entire outer diameter of the largely cylindrical section can be used for media lines. In a simpler form, it is conceivable that the largely cylindrical section is designed as a pipe end, so that the connecting surfaces form a kind of flange connecting the two pipe sections.It is conceivable that the connecting surfaces then have a central cutout through which the medium in question flows.

[0014] It is conceivable that the connecting surfaces each have a cutout. This cutout can, in particular, be located centrally within the connecting surfaces. The connecting surfaces thereby form at least an annular, flange-like strip. Congruent cutouts are preferred, allowing for the unimpeded passage of electrical conductors or the unimpeded flow of a fluid.

[0015] The holding devices could incorporate magnets, particularly neodymium magnets. The magnets can be arranged so that on the first connecting surface, outward-facing north poles meet outward-facing south poles on the second connecting surface, and vice versa. The magnets can each have or form a circular segment-shaped structure and / or be arranged in a row with alternating orientations, so that when the connecting surfaces approach each other, in addition to attraction, the correct alignment of the connecting surfaces to each other occurs immediately. Neodymium magnets are particularly well-suited for this purpose because they have a very high magnetic force and can be produced cost-effectively on an industrial scale.

[0016] The fastening devices could include adhesive elements, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap connectors, weld connectors, solder connectors, clamp connectors, or vacuum connectors. Adhesive elements could, for example, include a curing two-component adhesive. When installing a previously mentioned assembly or the like, such an adhesive could be applied locally to the joining surfaces so that, after contact, the adhesive hardens, firmly fastening the two surfaces together. Hook-and-loop fasteners, on the other hand, are directly connected to each other through sufficient surface contact and can later be separated relatively easily. Snap connectors could have a pre-tensioned snap mechanism that engages immediately upon contact of the joining surfaces.The solder and weld connectors mentioned above could be produced in the form of selectively activated solder and weld connections. This requires an external heat source or a corresponding power source. Vacuum connectors, on the other hand, could be activated by applying a vacuum.

[0017] The first and second elements could each have at least one pipe section, with at least one of the pipe sections having a seal, and the pipe sections being designed such that they are fluid-tight when their connecting surfaces are in contact. Thus, a continuous fluid line could be realized, with the pipe sections facing each other being fluid-tightly connected by the corresponding seal. It is also conceivable that both the first and second elements could each have a seal, with the two seals being matched to each other. The seals could be designed such that the two pipe sections are automatically centered. For this purpose, one of the two seals could, for example, have a slight funnel or cone shape.

[0018] The first and second elements could each have at least one pair of electrical connectors arranged such that they are electrically connected when their contact surfaces are in contact. Each electrical connector could have a single pole of an electrical conductor. However, it is also conceivable to provide more complex connectors, each with multiple poles and, for example, magnetically connected to one another. This would allow for the integration of virtually any level of signal complexity.

[0019] The electrical connectors could be arranged along the respective connection line. Consequently, the electrical connectors could be located between the individual retaining devices. In complex system arrangements, it would be conceivable to use many electrical connectors alternating with the retaining devices. It is also conceivable that such a number of retaining devices would be used that a symmetrical force would be exerted on the connecting surfaces.

[0020] It should be noted that the mounting devices themselves can incorporate the electrical connectors. This provides a high degree of space efficiency and enables a compact form of the connection surface.

[0021] The electrical connectors could each be connected to an electrical conductor that extends outside the respective elongated element, away from the relevant connection surface. The electrical conductor can be attached to the outside of the elongated element and run along it. The electrical conductor could consist of several sub-conductors connected together to form a strand. Each sub-conductor could be connected to an electrical connector.

[0022] Furthermore, the length compensation component could include an elastic element integrated into the element in question, allowing for shape variability. This shape variability could enable stretching or compression, at least in the longitudinal direction. It is also conceivable that this could compensate for a slight misalignment between the connecting surfaces or the elongated elements.

[0023] The invention further relates to a structural and equipment system comprising an assembly for installation on a structure of a vehicle, and a connection system according to the preceding description, wherein a first connector can be attached to the structure and a second connector to the assembly, wherein the second connector is coupled to a component arranged on the assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a structure and at least one such structural and equipment system.

[0025] The vehicle could be an aircraft. The structural and equipment system could be located in an underfloor area of ​​the aircraft. Brief description of the characters

[0026] The following section describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations are schematic and not to scale. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a structural and equipment system in an aircraft. Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a connection system. Figs. 3a and 3b show a connection process. Fig. 4 shows a detail of a holding device. Figs. 5a and 5b show electrical connectors. Fig. 6 shows an aircraft. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0027] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a structural and equipment system 2 installed in the fuselage 4 of an aircraft. An example shown is an underfloor area 6 bounded by a floor 8. An assembly 10 is mounted below the floor 8 and may include vertical supports 12 connected to floor joists 14 and a frame 16. Several such assemblies 10 can be arranged in a longitudinal direction X and may include several components 18. These components may include piping, electrical equipment, or similar items. The structural and equipment system 2 may include a connection system 20 for simplified connection of components 18. The connection system 20 is explained in more detail below.

[0028] Fig. 2 Figure 20 shows the connection system, which comprises a first elongated element 22 and a second elongated element 24. The first element 22 has a first end 26. The second element 24 has a second end 28. A first connecting surface 30 is arranged at the first end 26, while a second connecting surface 32 is arranged at the second end 28. Both elements 22 and 24 each have a longitudinal axis X1 and X2, respectively.

[0029] The connecting surfaces 30 and 32 each have a surface normal N1 and N2 respectively, which is inclined to the respective longitudinal axis X1 and X2, for example at an angle α between 30 and 60° to the respective longitudinal axis X1 and X2.

[0030] Both connecting surfaces 30 and 32 each have a connecting line 34 or 36, respectively, along which several retaining devices 38 are distributed. The connecting lines 34 and 36 are arranged outside an outer diameter d1 or d2, respectively, so that they form, by way of example, a strip circumferential to the connecting surface 30 or 32. By contacting each other, the two connecting surfaces 30 and 32 are joined by the retaining devices 38, so that the elements 22 and 24 are consequently combined.

[0031] In the connecting surfaces 30 and 32, respectively, a cutout 40 and 42 can be arranged as an interface through which a fluid can flow from the first element 20 into the second element 24. Seals 44 and 46 can be used to seal the two elements 22 and 24, which then function as or have pipe sections. Instead of a pure fluid flow, it is also conceivable to route electrical conductors through the elements 22 and 24. Alternatively, other variants are conceivable, as explained below.

[0032] To join the two elements 22 and 24, the process is as described in Fig. 3a und 3b shown to execute. In Fig. 3a The two elements 22 and 24 are spaced apart from each other, and the connecting surfaces 30 and 32 are brought closer together. In Fig. 3b The two connecting surfaces 30 and 32 are connected to each other, so that the two longitudinal elements 22 and 24 form a continuous tube.

[0033] To avoid stresses between elements 20 and 22, which could result from the rigid installation of both elements 22 and 24 on a component connected to the structure, length compensation components 48 are provided. For example, these could be designed as a type of bellows by which elements 22 and 24 can be compressed, stretched, or otherwise deformed.

[0034] The holding devices 38 could, for example, have magnets so that both connecting surfaces 30 and 32 attract each other. Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows two holding devices 38 in the form of magnets oriented in opposite directions, which are made of neodymium magnets. Due to their strong attractive force, the two connecting surfaces 30 and 32 can be very firmly joined together.

[0035] Fig. 5a Figure 1 shows a further modification in which several electrical conductors 50 are provided, which can be connected to each other at the connection surfaces 30 and 32 using electrical connectors 52 and 60. Several partial conductors 50 are coupled here to form a complete conductor 54 in the form of a strand and are connected to the relevant components or conductors using connector plugs 56. The electrical connectors 52 and 60 can be arranged separately between the individual holding devices 38. As in Figure 2 Fig. 5b As shown, however, retaining devices 38 can also include a bore 58 in which an electrical connector 52 is arranged. A corresponding contact pin 60 on an opposing retaining device 38 can snap into such a bore 58 as an electrical connector. It is conceivable that the contact pins 60 are spring-mounted and, for example, partially conical to facilitate easy insertion into the bore 58. However, more complex connectors are also possible.

[0036] Finally, it shows Fig. 6 An aircraft 62, which has a fuselage 4 in which a structural and equipment system 10 is arranged. Several connection systems 20 can be installed there.

[0037] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" or "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. Reference symbol list

[0038] 2 Structure and equipment system 4 Fuselage 6 Underfloor area 8 Floor 10 Assembly 12 Vertical support 14 Floor support 16 Frame 18 Component 20 Connection system 22 First elongated element 24 Second elongated element 26 First end 28 Second end 30 First connection surface 32 Second connection surface 34 First connection line 36 Second connection line 38 Holding device 40 Cutout / Interface 42 Cutout / Interface 44 Seal 46 Seal 48 Length compensation component 50 Electrical line / Partial line 52 Electrical connector / Interface 54 Total line 56 Connector plug 58 Bore 60 Electrical connector / Contact pin / Interface 62 Aircraft α Angle d1 First outer diameter d2 Second outer diameter N1 First surface normal N2 Second surface normal X1 First longitudinal axis X2 Second longitudinal axis

Claims

1. Connecting system (20) for connecting components in a vehicle (62), comprising a first elongate element (22) with a first connecting face (30) at a first end (26), a second elongate element (24) with a second connecting face (32) at a second end (28), wherein the first element (22) and the second element (24) each comprise several holding devices (38) which are distributed along an annular connecting line (34, 36) of the respective connecting face (30, 32), wherein the connecting faces (30, 32) and the connecting lines (34, 36) of the first element (22) and second element (24) are congruent, wherein the connecting faces (30, 32) and holding devices (38) are configured such that the connecting faces (30, 32) can be brought into a flush superficial contact when the orientations of the first elongate element (22) and second elongate element (24) coincide, and the then mutually opposite holding devices (38) of the connecting faces (30, 32) brought into superficial contact connect with one another, wherein at least one of the first element (22) and second element (24) has a length adjustment component (48) which adjoins the respective connecting face (30, 32) and is configured to change a position of the respective connecting face (30, 32) in a longitudinal direction of the respective element (22, 24), wherein the connecting faces (30, 32) comprise at least one pair of interfaces (40, 42, 52, 60) which correlate with one another in pairs for transfer of a fluid, electrical or optical signals or an electrical current, which interfaces can be brought into connection when the connecting faces (30, 32) are brought into superficial contact with one another, and wherein a respective surface normal (N1, N2) of the connecting faces (30, 32) stands obliquely to an extent axis (X1, X2) of the respective elements (22, 24).

2. Connecting system (20) according to Claim 1, wherein the elongate elements (22, 24) comprise an at least largely cylindrical portion with an outer diameter (d1, d2), wherein the respective connecting face (30, 32) adjoins the respective cylindrical portion, and wherein the holding devices (38) are arranged outside the outer diameter (d1, d2).

3. Connecting system (20) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting faces (30, 32) each comprise a cutout (40, 42) as interfaces.

4. Connecting system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (38) comprise magnets, in particular neodymium magnets.

5. Connecting system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holding devices (38) comprise adhesive elements, rip tape elements, snap connectors, weld connectors, solder connectors, clamp connectors, or vacuum connectors.

6. Connecting system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (22) and the second element (24) each comprise at least one pipe portion, wherein at least one of the pipe portions comprises a seal (44, 46), and wherein the pipe portions are configured such that they are connected together fluid-tightly when the connecting faces (30, 32) are brought into superficial contact.

7. Connecting system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (22) and the second element (24) comprise at least one pair of electrical connectors (52, 60) as interfaces which are arranged such that they are electrically connected together when the connecting faces (30, 32) are brought into superficial contact.

8. Connecting system (20) according to Claim 7, wherein the electrical connectors (52, 60) are arranged on the respective connecting line (34, 36).

9. Connecting system (20) according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the electrical connectors (52, 60) are each connected to an electrical line (50) which is guided away from the respective connecting face (30, 32) outside the respective elongate element (22, 24).

10. Connecting system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length adjustment component (48) comprises an elastic member which is integrated in the respective element (22, 24) and allows a shape variability of the respective element (22, 24).

11. Structural and equipment system (2), comprising an assembly (10) for installation on a structure of a vehicle (62), and a connecting system (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (22) can be arranged on the structure and the second element (24) on the assembly (10), wherein the second element (24) is coupled to a component (18) arranged on the assembly (10).

12. Vehicle (62), comprising a structure and at least one structural and equipment system (2) according to Claim 11.

13. Vehicle (62) according to Claim 12, wherein the vehicle (62) is an aircraft (62).