SIDE GUIDE AND CARGO DECK OF AN AIRCRAFT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a side guide and a cargo deck of an aircraft. A side guide according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 124 312 A1.

[0002] It is well known that aircraft cargo holds are frequently modified for different purposes. For example, it may be necessary to configure a cargo deck depending on the cargo being transported. When transporting cargo in aircraft, standardized cargo items, such as containers or pallets, are often used. For example, standard container sizes for civil aviation are: 123.5 cm x 317.5 cm (88 in x 125 in), 143.8 cm x 317.5 cm (96 in x 125 in), and 223.5 cm x 157.5 cm (88 in x 62 in). In the military sector, pallets measuring 274.3 cm x 223.5 cm (108 in x 88 in) are commonly used. Furthermore, military applications utilize containers that deviate from standard dimensions and feature corner retaining rings, allowing them to be lifted by crane, for instance. Such containers are called ISU containers.They essentially have the following base dimensions: 274.3 cm by 223.5 cm (108 in x 88 in). Their height is approximately 232 cm (91.35 in).

[0003] Side guides mounted on the cargo deck are used to secure and guide such standardized and non-standardized cargo items.

[0004] For optimal cargo space utilization, a wide range of configuration options is essential, with rapid reconfiguration of the cargo deck being a top priority. Suitable side guides must therefore be quick and easy to install and reconfigure, as the operating costs of such aircraft are very high. Furthermore, the configuration and reconfiguration process must be very straightforward, since the personnel performing these reconfigurations often have little or no training on the cargo decks in use. In addition, the cargo deck equipment, especially the side guides, must be extremely robust, as they are subjected to very high loads and gentle handling cannot be expected due to the tight time constraints during loading and unloading.A cargo deck with its corresponding side guides is frequently exposed to moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, dust, and other harsh conditions. A defective cargo deck, or even just a faulty functional component, can render the aircraft unusable for several days. Such a breakdown is very costly.

[0005] Side guides are known from DE 10 2019 124 312 A1, which allow a cargo deck to be quickly and easily reconfigured so that different cargo items with varying dimensions can be loaded. A disadvantage of the side guide described in DE 10 2019 124 312 A1 is the type of connection between the longitudinally displaceable fixing element and the side guide rail. In this connection, a cylindrical section of the fixing element engages in a cylindrical opening in an insert plate of the side guide rail for fixing. A smaller cylindrical section connects to the cylindrical section of the fixing element to release the side guide rail. Under high vertical forces, this leads to a wedging effect due to the angular relationships at the transition between the cylindrical sections of different diameters, causing the insert plate to bend.Under high vertical forces, the insert plate and thus the side guide rail can detach from the fixing element. Secure fixing therefore cannot be guaranteed.

[0006] Furthermore, in the side guides according to DE 10 2019 124 312 A1, transverse tensile or compressive forces acting on the side guide rail are transmitted indirectly, i.e., via the screw connections of the insert plates, from the rail to the mounting frame. In particular, horizontal forces acting in the y-direction towards or away from the center of the aircraft are always transmitted via the screw connections between the insert plates and the side guide rail. This results in high bending stresses in the insert plates. Furthermore, the screw connections between the insert plates and the side guide rail can fail under such high forces.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a lateral guide that allows for a multitude of different configurations, is robust, and exhibits increased operational reliability. Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing a cargo deck for an aircraft.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved with regard to the lateral guidance by the subject matter of claim 1. With regard to the cargo deck, the aforementioned problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 15.

[0009] Specifically, the problem is solved by a lateral guide for guiding and / or securing cargo, in particular containers and / or pallets, in an aircraft, comprising at least one lateral guide device and at least one holding unit for the lateral guide device. The holding unit includes a longitudinally extending mounting frame and at least one locking device arranged on the mounting frame, which has a plurality of recesses extending transversely to the longitudinal direction. The lateral guide device can be inserted into at least one of the recesses at different positions and, when inserted, can be locked in the different positions by the locking device.

[0010] The side guide device has at least one contact element which, in the inserted state, can be brought into engagement with, or is in engagement with, at least one longitudinally displaceable fixing element of the fixing device.

[0011] According to the invention, the fixing element has at least one fixing contour with which the fixing element engages positively in a fixing position in the cross-sectional contour of the opening for securing the side guide device. In this position, the side guide device is in the inserted state, i.e., it is inserted into at least one of the recesses.

[0012] This has the advantage that the side guide device is securely fixed in the correspondingly inserted position due to the positive locking connection between the fixing contour and the cross-sectional contour.

[0013] According to the invention, the fixing contour and the cross-sectional contour are mushroom-shaped. This creates a particularly stable positive-locking connection, preventing the contact element and thus the side guide device from detaching from the fixing element. Preferably, the cross-sectional contour of the opening is designed to be oriented vertically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame. This also applies to the fixing contour of the fixing element, at least in the fixed position.

[0014] Lateral guides in aircraft are typically used to guide cargo along the longitudinal (X-axis) of the aircraft (from nose to tail, or tail to nose). During flight, these guides absorb forces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis) and hold the cargo in position. The guide rollers engage the cargo from below and support it. They enable easy and low-friction transport of cargo within the cargo hold.

[0015] When using side guides in a cargo hold, cargo items with increased weight are transported or secured.

[0016] A key aspect of the present invention is that the side guide device, which performs the actual guiding and holding function with respect to the cargo, is mounted in a movable mounting frame. The side guide device can therefore preferably assume different positions in the transverse direction of the aircraft (y-axis) in order to hold and guide cargo of varying dimensions, including standardized cargo items as described in the introduction. This eliminates the need for numerous side guide devices that would otherwise have to be arranged at different positions within a cargo deck.

[0017] The positions can be chosen so that freight items with predefined standard dimensions can be handled.

[0018] The recesses can be, for example, slots that are open at the top. In this way, the recesses enable a positive fit with the insertable side guide device, allowing forces to be efficiently dissipated.

[0019] To fix the side guide device to the frame, the fixing element can perform a rotational and / or translational movement. Preferably, an actuating lever is provided on the fixing element for this purpose. In one embodiment, the actuating lever and / or the frame has a cam track so that actuating the lever moves the fixing element longitudinally along the side guide. The fixing element is preferably formed by a shaft with a longitudinal axis.

[0020] The side guide device can be designed partially as a U-shaped profile or as a closed polygonal profile with section-by-section recesses for multiple contact elements. In one embodiment, the side guide device has locking bars. These can be conventionally standardized locking bars that, by means of their locking lugs, grip the edge areas of cargo pallets and / or cargo containers to secure them, among other things, in the Z-direction of the aircraft. Alternatively or additionally, locking bars can be provided that engage in corresponding recesses of cargo pallets and / or cargo containers and secure them in the X-direction and / or Z-direction of the aircraft. Such recesses are frequently provided in military pallets. Hereinafter, corresponding locking bars for such military pallets are referred to as "side locks."The side guide device can therefore have one or more such latches, and in one embodiment the side guide device extends over several holding units. If the side guide device extends over several side guides, there is sufficient space to arrange several latches on or in it.

[0021] It is possible to design the side guide according to the invention such that the mounting frame of the side guide extends obliquely to the transverse direction of the aircraft. For example, the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame can run at a 45° angle to the transverse direction of the aircraft. Preferably, however, the mounting frame runs parallel to the transverse direction (Y-axis) of the aircraft.

[0022] The side guide device can be fixed to the mounting frame at at least two different positions by the fixing device. Preferably, however, the side guide device can be fixed to a plurality of positions so that it can interact with the cargo items in different configurations of the cargo deck.

[0023] The fixing contour can be designed to be complementary to the cross-sectional contour of the opening. In other words, the fixing contour can be a positive form relative to the negative form of the opening's cross-sectional contour. In the fixed position, the fixing contour engages with the cross-sectional contour. The fixing contour can then be slidably positioned against the cross-sectional contour in the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame.

[0024] Preferably, the fixing contour of the fixing element and the cross-sectional contour of the opening have at least one at least partially circular contour section and at least one straight contour section. In other words, the fixing contour and the cross-sectional contour are formed by at least one circular and one straight contour section. Preferably, the fixing contour and / or the cross-sectional contour has several straight contour sections. The straight contour sections are preferably formed by flattening. The flattening is preferably produced by milling.

[0025] Preferably, the fixing element has at least one release contour with at least one flattened section, which is longitudinally adjacent to the fixing contour and is designed such that the side guide device can be inserted into or removed from at least one of the recesses when the fixing element is in a released position. Preferably, the release contour comprises at least two flattened sections opposite each other along a longitudinal axis. The fixing contour and the release contour preferably each have a flattened section that transitions continuously into the adjacent one. Particularly preferably, the adjacent flattened sections are aligned. The flattened release contour, adjacent to the fixing contour, creates a transition between the contours that has a larger residual cross-section compared to a transition between two cylindrical contours.This increases the stiffness of the fixing element, especially in the transition, and thus reduces or prevents a wedge effect on the opening cross-section of the contact element.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one contact element has at least one internal support section for the fixing device to introduce occurring forces. Additionally or alternatively, the contact element preferably has at least one positive-locking section with at least one opening having a cross-sectional contour deviating from a circular shape for engaging the fixing element.

[0027] The contact element preferably forms a central element that, together with the inner support section and the positive locking section, fulfills essential functions. The inner support section serves to transfer transverse forces occurring in the lateral direction (y-direction) of the aircraft at the side guide device to the locking device, which is connected to the mounting frame. Under load, the transverse forces are introduced into the locking device via the inner support section, which in turn transmits the introduced forces to the mounting frame, preferably attached to an aircraft structure. Preferably, the transmission of the transverse forces between the inner support section of the contact element and the locking device occurs directly, i.e., without an intermediate element. However, an indirect force transmission is also possible.

[0028] By arranging or designing the support section on the inner side of the contact element, the transverse forces, whether tensile and / or compressive, are preferably always transferred under pressure from the contact element to the locking device. The support section serves not only to transfer the transverse forces under pressure to the locking device, but also to absorb these transverse forces under pressure. In other words, the support section is preferably designed to absorb the transverse forces (tensile and / or compressive forces) acting on the side guide device, particularly on a side guide rail, and to transfer them under pressure to the locking device.This prevents the force flow of the absorbed transverse forces from being routed via fasteners to attach the contact element to, for example, a side guide rail of the side guide device, since the force transmission occurs via one or more component contacts under pressure. This prevents failure of the fasteners due to transverse forces, thus increasing the operational reliability of the side guide.

[0029] For the purposes of the application, the term "inner support section" means that the support section is formed on an inner side of the contact element, which is at least partially integrated into an interior of the side guide device, in particular in a side guide rail.

[0030] The inner support section can be flat. Additionally or alternatively, the inner support section can be stepped. Other shapes for the inner support section are possible.

[0031] In the aforementioned embodiment, the positive locking section is part of the contact element and includes an opening into which the fixing element engages to secure the side guide device in the inserted state. In other words, the side guide device is held in the z-direction by the positive locking between the fixing element and the positive locking section. The opening has a cross-sectional contour that deviates from a circular shape. In other words, the opening has a shape that deviates from a cylindrical shape. The opening therefore does not correspond to a circular bore.

[0032] The described opening shape offers the advantage that, when the side guide device, particularly the side guide rail, is subjected to torsion about its longitudinal axis, no increased wedging effect occurs due to the contact element and the fixing element becoming wedged at the opening. The described opening shape enables a stable and secure connection with the fixing element, thus preventing impermissible bending forces, especially in the area of ​​a transition to an adjacent release contour of the fixing element. This further increases the operational reliability of the side guide, as the opening shape prevents the positive locking connection between the fixing element and the positive locking section from loosening. Furthermore, when the side guide is used in a cargo hold, it facilitates the transport and securing of cargo items with increased weight.

[0033] The contact element is preferably formed by a plate-shaped reinforcing insert, in particular a steel insert plate, which is rigidly connected to a rail element of the side guide device. The rail element preferably has a circumferentially closed profile, in particular a polygonal profile, which has a recess, in particular a milled recess, at least at one position for the contact element. In the case of high transverse forces acting on the side guide device, it is necessary to reinforce the contact point between the side guide device and the holding unit, specifically the locking device. This is achieved here by the reinforcing insert, which is preferably rigidly connected to the side guide rail of the side guide device, in particular by at least one screw connection.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking device, with at least a first housing section, engages a rail element, in particular the side guide rail, of the side guide device when inserted. The first housing section comprises at least one stop in the longitudinal direction for the support section of the contact element to absorb forces acting on the rail element. In other words, the stop of the first housing section and at least a first part of the support section are in contact under load. Transverse forces are preferably transmitted directly from the support section to the stop. It is advantageous that the force transmission always occurs under pressure, thus protecting any fastening elements of the contact element.

[0035] The recesses are preferably provided on the fixing device in such a way that the side guide device can be fixed in at least two recesses opposite each other on the first housing area.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the locking device has at least a second housing section which, when the side guide device is inserted, is spaced apart from the contact element and which, together with the first housing section, defines at least one of the recesses at at least one of the different positions. In other words, a first housing section and an opposing second housing section each define one of the recesses in the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame. Or, put another way, the two housing sections are spaced apart longitudinally, so that one of the recesses lies between them, thus forming a gap. The distance between the second housing section and the contact element ensures that, under load, transverse forces are always transmitted to the first housing section via the inner support section.This is essential to ensure that the flow of transverse forces is not directed via the fastening means of the contact element, but via the inner support section.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the support section comprises at least one step with which a rail element, in particular the side guide rail of the side guide device, is in contact in order to transmit the forces occurring, especially tensile and compressive forces, in the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame to the fixing device. The step forms the second part of the support section. The step preferably faces a leg of the rail element. In other words, the step is formed on the side of the contact element facing away from the stop of the first housing region of the fixing device. The step forms a seat for the rail element with which the rail element is in contact. This can be direct or indirect contact. The rail element is supported against the contact element via the step, so that, in the case of a load, transverse forces (in the y-direction) are absorbed in a controlled manner.

[0038] The support section preferably has at least one internal contact surface facing the first housing section. When the side guide device is inserted, this contact surface faces the stop of the first housing section. Under load from transverse forces, the internal contact surface of the support section is in contact with the first housing section, preferably direct contact. Alternatively, the stop and the contact surface can be in indirect contact. The flat contact surface allows for flat contact with the stop of the first housing section in the event of transverse forces, thus optimizing the transfer of forces into the locking device.

[0039] Preferably, the securing device is arranged to be longitudinally displaceable within the mounting frame. In other words, the securing device is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction, particularly floating. In this embodiment, a slide encompassing the housing areas and the fixing element mounted therein are both longitudinally displaceable. The securing device is preferably guided within the mounting frame, allowing for longitudinal displacement. This has the advantage of preventing the containers and / or pallets from being crushed due to fuselage deformations caused by flight operations and the associated displacement of the lateral guide in the y-direction, particularly in the area of ​​the aircraft's wing center box. The lateral guide is offset by the displaceable securing device in the y-direction of the aircraft.

[0040] Preferably, the side guide comprises at least one spring element that is arranged to support the mounting frame and resiliently mounts the locking device in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the side guide has at least two spring elements that resiliently support the locking device in the longitudinal direction on the mounting frame. Preferably, the spring element is arranged in a forked shape.

[0041] During flight operations, so-called "wing pinching" load cases often occur, in which the aircraft's wings deflect upwards due to high wind loads, thereby deforming the cargo deck structure in the y-direction towards the center of the aircraft. This causes the side guides for pallets and containers in the cargo hold to move inwards, reducing the overall track width for the pallets and containers. This can lead to lateral crushing of the containers and pallets, resulting in unacceptably high forces acting on the aircraft structure.

[0042] The spring-loaded mounting of the securing device, and thus the lateral guide device, prevents or at least reduces such additional stresses on the aircraft structure caused by increased lateral forces. It is possible to design the lateral guide device to be spring-loaded at multiple positions when lateral guides are arranged in the cargo hold where different positions in the y-direction are required.

[0043] In one embodiment, the side guide has at least one bar with a bar claw that is at least partially split into two sections. This bar claw is attached to the mounting frame such that the split claw can be pivoted from a raised working position to a lowered rest position. The claw can include a stop that can be pivoted with the claw from a raised working position to a lowered rest position. The claw can be lowered so that it can be driven over by cargo, in particular containers and / or pallets. This allows for further configurations of the cargo deck in which the bar performs the function of guiding and / or holding the cargo.Due to the folding mechanism of the latch, a configuration of the cargo deck can be created that does not require any additional guidance beyond the side guide device and can, for example, be driven on by a vehicle.

[0044] The locking bar can be rotatably mounted on the mounting frame about a pivot axis, the pivot axis being arranged such that forces occurring when holding cargo are transferred into the mounting frame. In this respect, the pivot axis acts as a hinge and, in the working position, efficiently transfers the forces into the mounting frame.

[0045] The locking claw of the bolt can have inclined surfaces on at least one side in order to move it from the working position to the rest position when passing over a load in a direction that is not the same as a holding direction of the locking claw.

[0046] The two-part locking claw saves installation space, allowing for combined installation with the fixing element. Furthermore, the two-part design of the locking claw enables it to hold so-called "B-Code Military" pallets. These pallets have interrupted edges with cutouts approximately 7 cm (2.75 inches) wide. The fork-shaped locking claw secures and holds the pallets regardless of their final transport position. This results in improved usability of the side guide for "B-Code Military" pallets.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the bolt is attached to the mounting frame such that the bolt's locking claw can be pivoted from a working position to a resetted parking position. In the parking position, the locking claw is tilted in the direction away from a longitudinal end of the mounting frame. The locking claw is held in place in the parking position. For this purpose, at least one sliding jaw piece can be arranged on or in the mounting frame to secure the locking claw. In the parking position of the locking claw, space is provided in front of it such that the side guide device or the rail element can be fixed in a forward position. This prevents the locking claw from colliding with the side guide device during placement.

[0048] The fixing element can have a longitudinally flattened area to accommodate a bridge element of the two-part locking claw that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. The bridge element preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame and connects the two claw extensions of the locking claw. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that when the locking claw is driven over or generally folded down, the bridge element is received by the area freed at the flattened section. This results in a space-saving and compact design.

[0049] Preferably, the locking device has at least two recesses at one longitudinal end of the mounting frame, with the bolt and the two-part bolt claw abutting the inside. In other words, the two-part bolt claw is offset inwards along the mounting frame from the longitudinal end such that one of the different positions for the lateral guide device is provided in the region of the longitudinal end. This further increases the configuration possibilities of a cargo deck.

[0050] The fixing device can comprise at least three, and in particular at least four, pairs of recesses, so that the side guide device can be fixed in at least three, and in particular four, different positions. It is possible for the fixing device to have at least five pairs of recesses, so that the side guide device can be fixed in five different positions. In general, the side guide in this embodiment allows for a multitude of different configurations, in particular of the cargo deck.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one guide roller is rotatably mounted in a roller housing, which can be inserted or is inserted into at least one of the recesses at different positions. This facilitates the transport of cargo. Modern cargo decks are so densely populated with functional elements (e.g., side guides, guide rollers, locking claws, PDUs) that it is often difficult to find the right location for the necessary functional elements on the cargo deck. By selectively reducing the number of guide rollers and arranging guide rollers on side guides, space is saved on the cargo deck.

[0052] In a secondary aspect, the invention relates to a cargo deck of an aircraft with at least one side guide of the type mentioned above, wherein the side guide has a plurality of retaining units to which the side guide device is fixed or can be fixed.

[0053] The advantages of the cargo deck are described in relation to the advantages explained in connection with the lateral guidance. Furthermore, the cargo deck may alternatively or additionally have one or a combination of several of the features mentioned above in relation to the lateral guidance, provided these fall within the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0054] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments represent examples of how the lateral guide according to the invention can be designed.

[0055] These show, Fig. 1 a perspective view of a side guide with a holding unit and a side guide device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a top view of a holding unit of the side guide according to Fig. 1, with the side guide device hidden; Fig. 3 a side view of the side guide according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a section through the side guide according to Fig. 1 along the in Fig. 3 section line AA shown; Fig. 5 a partial view of a section through the side guide according to Fig. 1 along the in Fig. 3 section line CC shown; Fig. 6 a partial view of a section through the side guide according to Fig. 1 along the in Fig. 4 section line DD shown; Fig. 7 a front view of the side guide according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8 a partial view of a section through the side guide according to Fig. 1 along the in Fig. 7 section line BB shown; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a side guide according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the side guide device is hidden; Fig. 10 a top view of the side guide according to Fig. 9; and Fig. 11 an exploded view of a locking device and a guide roller unit of the side guide according to Fig. 9 .

[0056] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent parts.

[0057] A Cartesian coordinate system is typically used to provide directional information within an aircraft. In this system, the X-axis extends from the tail to the nose, the Y-axis runs perpendicular to the X-axis and lies essentially in the plane defined by the wings, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to both the X- and Y-axes.

[0058] Figs. 1 to 8Figure 1 shows a side guide 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the side guide 10 comprises a side guide device 11 and a holding unit 12 for the side guide device 11. The side guide 10 serves to guide and hold or fix cargo items in a cargo deck of an aircraft. Containers, pallets, or the like are used as cargo items.

[0059] The side guide device 11 can be fixed to the holding unit 12 at different positions A, B, C, D. This has the advantage that the side guide device 11, which performs the actual guiding and holding function with respect to the cargo items, can be moved along the holding unit 12 and thus adapted to the different track widths of the containers or pallets when used in a cargo deck of an aircraft.

[0060] The holding unit 12 includes a mounting frame 13 which has a longitudinal extension. In other words, the mounting frame 13 extends in a longitudinal direction v. The mounting frame 13 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0061] Furthermore, the holding unit 12 has a locking device 14, which is arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction v on the mounting frame 13. Specifically, the locking device 14 is arranged to be displaceable both in and against the longitudinal direction v. The locking device 14 has a housing 30 extending along the longitudinal direction v. The housing 30 comprises a longitudinal axis L that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction v of the mounting frame 13. The housing 30 is arranged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction v on the mounting frame 13. The housing 30 has guide projections 45 that engage longitudinally formed recesses 46 in the mounting frame 13. Specifically, the recesses 46 form two longitudinally formed T-slots into which the guide projections 45 engage in a longitudinally displaceable manner.The guide extensions 45 are T-shaped and engage in the recesses 46 in such a way that the housing 30 is secured in the Z direction, in particular of the aircraft.

[0062] The housing 30 further comprises a through-bore 47 that penetrates the housing 30 along its longitudinal axis L. A fixing element 17 of the fixing device 14 is arranged to be longitudinally displaceable within the through-bore 47 in order to fix the side guide device 11 at one of the different positions A, B, C, D. The fixing element 17 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0063] The housing 30 has several housing sections 31, 33 arranged in series along the longitudinal axis L. The through-hole 47 completely penetrates the housing sections 31, 33. The housing 30 is formed in one piece. Alternatively, the housing 30 can be assembled from several individual parts. Two adjacent housing sections 31, 33 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L. A recess 15 is formed between each pair of adjacent housing sections 31, 33, extending towards the longitudinal axis L. The recess 15 is formed on both sides of a first housing section 31 in the longitudinal direction v. As in Figs. 2 to 4As can be seen, the housing 30 comprises a total of four first housing sections 31. The two recesses 15 adjacent to one of the first housing sections 31 form a recess pair into which a rail element 29 of the side guide device 11 can be inserted. Each recess pair represents one of the different positions A, B, C, D at which the side guide device 11 can be fixed. A total of seven recesses 15 are formed along the longitudinal axis L. At positions B and C, two first housing sections 31 adjoin each other. The two associated recess pairs therefore share a common recess 15.

[0064] Overall, the lateral guidance has 10 according to Figs. 1 to 8 Four positions A, B, C, D are defined along the longitudinal axis L, at which the side guide device 11 can be fixed. Fig. 1 , 3 , 4 and 6The side guide device 11 is shown as an example at the first position A.

[0065] As mentioned above, the locking device 14 comprises a locking element 17, which is slidably arranged in the housing 30 along the longitudinal axis L. Specifically, the locking element 17 is a locking shaft which is longitudinally movably mounted in the through-bore 47 of the housing 30 for locking and releasing the side guide device 11. Hereinafter, the locking element 17 will be referred to as the locking shaft with the same reference numeral.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking shaft 17 is moved by an actuating lever 48, which has a cam guide. In this embodiment, a pin is attached to the locking shaft 17. This pin engages in the cam guide of the actuating lever 48, which in turn can be rotated around the locking shaft 17. The rotation of the actuating lever 48 moves the pin in the longitudinal direction v of the mounting frame 13, in particular along the longitudinal axis L of the housing 30, causing the locking shaft 17 to move in a corresponding translational movement. The actuating lever 48 allows the locking shaft 17 to be moved into a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the locking shaft 17 secures the side guide device 11 in one of the different positions A, B, C, or D.In the released position, the side guide device 11 can be removed from the corresponding pair of recesses and, if necessary, can be inserted and fixed in another pair of recesses at a different position A, B, C, D.

[0067] To secure and release the rail element 29 of the inserted side guide device 11, the fixing shaft 17 has a securing contour 23 and a releasing contour 26. The two contours 23, 26 are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction v. The fixing shaft 17 has a securing contour 23 and a releasing contour 26 for each recess 15 of the housing 30. In other words, the fixing shaft 17 comprises a plurality of securing and releasing contours 23, 26 to secure the rail element 29 of the side guide device 11 at positions A, B, C, D.

[0068] As in the Fig. 5As can be seen in the section CC shown, the fixing contour 23 of the fixing shaft 17 has a cross-sectional profile that deviates from a circular shape. Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows the fixing shaft 17 in the fixing position, in which the fixing shaft 17 engages positively with the side guide device 11 with the fixing contour 23 and locks it in place. Specifically, in the fixing position, the fixing contour 23 of the fixing shaft 17 interacts positively with a cross-sectional contour 22 of an opening 21 of the rail element 29.

[0069] For the absorption and transmission of high loads, the side guide device 11 features according to Figs. 1 to 8Contact elements 16 are inserted into the aforementioned rail element 29. Each contact element 16 is formed by a plate-shaped reinforcing insert 28. The reinforcing insert 28 is preferably a steel plate. According to this embodiment, two reinforcing inserts 28 are arranged opposite each other on longitudinal legs 49 of the rail element 29. The rail element 29 comprises an elongated polygonal profile, preferably made of aluminum. The rail element 29 has recesses on the longitudinal legs 49 into which the reinforcing inserts 28 are inserted. Additionally, the reinforcing inserts 28 are fastened to the rail element 29 by several fasteners 51. In this specific case, the fasteners 51 are screws. The screw connection between the respective reinforcing inserts 28 and the rail element 29 is, for example, in Fig. 4 clearly visible.

[0070] The rail element 29 is in the inserted and secured state in the Fig. 1 , 3 , 4 and 6 The figure shows, for example, the rail element 29 inserted into the corresponding pair of recesses at position A and secured against lifting by the fixing shaft 17. In this fixed position, the fixing shaft 17 engages with the fixing contour 23 in the opening 21 of a positive-locking section 19 of the respective reinforcement insert 28. In other words, each of the two opposing reinforcement inserts 28 has an opening 21 that is part of a positive-locking section 19 of the respective reinforcement inserts 28. The openings 21 of the two opposing reinforcement inserts 28 are aligned. The respective opening 21 has a cross-sectional contour 22 that deviates from a circular shape (see figure). Fig. 5The cross-sectional contour 22 of the opening 21 and the fixing contour 23 of the fixing shaft 17 are essentially mushroom-shaped. Specifically, the cross-sectional contour 22 of the opening 21 and the fixing contour 23 each have a circular contour section 24 that adjoins two straight contour sections 25 lying with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The two lying contour sections 25 each adjoin a straight contour section 25' that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The cross-sectional contour 22 of the opening 21 thus comprises two steps formed by the straight contour sections 25 and 25', against which the fixing contour 23 of the fixing shaft 17 can be supported, or is supported.

[0071] The contour sections of the cross-sectional contour 22 and the fixing contour 23 comprise surfaces that are in contact with each other for fixing purposes. A dimensional difference of up to 5% between the cross-sectional contour 22 and the fixing contour 23 can be provided to ensure the longitudinal displacement of the fixing shaft 17.

[0072] As in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the circular contour section 24 is partially cylindrical in the circumferential direction. The straight contour sections 25, 25' are flattened sections 27. These are preferably produced by milling the fixing shaft 17. The two vertically oriented flattened sections 27 of the fixing shaft 17 define a web 52 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, which merges into the partially cylindrical part of the fixing contour 23. The web 52 has a width transverse to the longitudinal axis L that is smaller than the outer diameter of the fixing shaft 17.

[0073] The web 52 transitions into the release contour 26, which adjoins the fixing contour 23. In the area of ​​the release contour 26, the web 52 is designed to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L across its entire cross-section. In other words, the mushroom-shaped fixing contour 23 adjoins the release contour 26, which is I-shaped.

[0074] In Fig. 5It is clearly visible that the opening 21 of the reinforcement inserts 28 is open to the outside, specifically to the bottom. Two opposing flattened sections, in particular the upright straight contour segments 25, 25', define a gap through which the rail element 29 can be placed onto the fixing shaft 17 in the area of ​​the release contour 26. The gap has a width essentially corresponding to the width of the web 52. This allows the rail element 29 to be placed onto the release contour 26 in the release position of the fixing shaft 17 and subsequently fixed in the corresponding position by the translational movement of the fixing shaft 17 via the fixing contour 23. The locking and unlocking of the rail element 29 is achieved according to the key / hole principle.

[0075] To insert the rail element 29 into one of the recess pairs, the locking shaft 17 is in the release position. The rail element 29 is pushed onto the release contour 26, in particular the web 52, with the downward-facing openings 21 in the reinforcement inserts 28. In this state, the rail element 29, and thus the side guide device 11, is loosely inserted. If necessary, it can be removed from the recess pair in this state and moved to another position.

[0076] To secure the rail element 29 against lifting, the fixing shaft 17 is moved longitudinally v so that the fixing contour 23 enters the opening 21 and forms a positive fit with the cross-sectional contour 22 of the opening 21. This positive fit is achieved by moving the fixing shaft 17 along both opposing reinforcement inserts 28 via a separate fixing contour 23 of the fixing shaft 17. In this state, the fixing shaft 17 is in the locking position. The rail element 29, and thus the side guide device 11, is fixed and therefore secured against lifting.

[0077] Furthermore, it is assumed that Figs. 5 and 6It is evident that the positive-locking section 19 is essentially triangular in shape and includes a projection 53 which is arranged in the wall of the longitudinal legs 49 of the rail element 29. The projection 53 is in contact with the wall of the longitudinal legs 49. The opening 21 completely penetrates the projection 53.

[0078] As in Fig. 6 As shown, each reinforcement insert 28 further comprises a support section 18, which is arranged on an inner side. Specifically, the support section 18 is integrated into the rail element 29. The support section 18 is arranged on the side of the reinforcement insert 28 facing a rail interior 54. The support section 18 forms the plate-shaped part of the reinforcement insert 28. The extension 53 of the positive-locking section 19 extends from the support section 18.

[0079] The support section 18 serves to absorb transverse forces acting on the rail element 29 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail, and to transfer these transverse forces into the housing 30 of the locking device 14. The transfer of forces from the rail element 29 to the housing 30 always occurs under compressive forces. That is, regardless of whether transverse forces occur on the rail element 29 as tensile or compressive forces, they are absorbed under compressive forces by the reinforcement insert 28 and transferred under compressive forces from the reinforcement insert 28 to the housing 30, specifically the first housing section 31.

[0080] The support section 18 of the respective reinforcement insert 28 has a step 34 facing one of the longitudinal legs 49 of the rail element 29. The rail element 29 rests against the step 34. Specifically, the longitudinal leg 49 of the rail element 29 rests against a step wall and a step base, which together form the step 34. On a side opposite the step 34, the support section 18 has a contact surface 35. The contact surface 35 faces the interior of the rail 54 and is thus located inside the rail element 29. Under load, in which corresponding transverse forces are absorbed and transmitted, the contact surface 35 is in contact with the first housing section 31. The reinforcement insert 28 is pressed against the first housing section 31 with the contact surface 35. In other words, the contact surface 35 is in direct contact with the first housing section 31 under load. If no transverse loads occur, i.e.h. in the case of no load, the first housing area 31 can have a distance from one or both contact surfaces 35 of the reinforcement inserts 28.

[0081] As in Fig. 6 or also in Fig. 4As shown, the housing 30 with its first housing section 31 projects into the rail element 29. Specifically, the housing 30 with its first housing section 31 engages in the interior space 54 of the rail element 29. The first housing section 31 has a stop 32 at both longitudinal ends, which is arranged opposite the contact surface 35 of the respective reinforcement insert 28. Under load, the contact surface 35 abuts the opposite stop 32 of the first housing section 31 to transmit the force. The second housing sections 33, or the housing section 31, 33 opposite the first housing section 31 in the longitudinal direction v, are spaced away from the reinforcement insert 28 located in the recess 15, both under load and under no load. This prevents transverse forces under tension from being transmitted from the reinforcement inserts 28 to the second housing sections 33 or 33.The force is transferred to the housing areas 31, 33 opposite the first housing area 31, and thus the force flows via the bolted connections. This could lead to failure of the bolted connections. The force transmission described above applies not only to the [missing information]. Figs. 1 to 8 The position shown (A) applies, but also to each of the other different positions (B, C, D).

[0082] According to Fig. 1, 2 and 4 The holding unit 12 comprises two spring elements 36 which provide a spring-like support for the locking device 14 in the longitudinal direction v. Alternatively, only one spring element 36 or several spring elements 36 may be provided for the spring-like support of the locking device 14.

[0083] The spring elements 36 are arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal axis L on the mounting frame 13. The mounting frame 13 has a receiving space 55 for each spring element 36, in which the respective spring element 36 is arranged. Each spring element 36 is supported on one side by an abutment 56 of the mounting frame 13 and is in contact on the other side with the longitudinally displaceable housing 30. For this purpose, the housing 30 has wing-like contact areas 57 via which the housing 30 is in longitudinally movable contact with the spring elements 36. The spring elements 36 are arranged at one longitudinal end of the mounting frame 13.

[0084] In Fig. 4The spring elements 36 are shown to be V-shaped. The ends of the spring elements 36 are in contact with the abutment 56 and the wing-like contact area 57 of the housing 30. At a vertex of the spring elements 36, they are mounted in a recess of the mounting frame 13, specifically around a stationary axis of rotation. The actuating lever 48 is arranged along the longitudinal axis L at the axial position of the spring elements 36.

[0085] As in the Fig. 1 and 3As can be clearly seen, one of the four positions for the side guide device 11 is provided at a longitudinal end 42 of the mounting frame 13. This is position D. Within position D, a bolt 37 with a bolt claw 38 is arranged on the mounting frame 13. The bolt 37 abuts the inner recess 15 of the recess pair of position D. The bolt 37 is rotatably attached to the mounting frame 13 about an axis of rotation transverse to the longitudinal direction v. Two springs 59, in particular coil springs, are arranged on the axis of rotation, which preload the bolt 37 rotatably in a direction away from position D (see Fig. 3 To hold the bolt 37 and thus the bolt claw 38 in a working position, jaws 58, which are movable transversely to the longitudinal direction v, are arranged in the mounting frame 13, which are Fig. 8The jaws 58 are movable between a locking position and a release position transversely to the longitudinal axis L. In the locking position, the jaws 58 are in contact with a lug of the bolt 37. The jaws 58 form a stop for the bolt 37 to block any rotational movement of the bolt 37 about the axis of rotation by the pre-tensioned springs 59. In the working position, the bolt 37 can perform its guiding and holding function with respect to a load.

[0086] When the jaws 58 are moved into the release position, the springs 59 pivot the bolt 37 into a resetted park position. The jaws 58 have an additional stop for the park position, against which the bolt 37 rests.

[0087] Furthermore, the locking bar 37 can be folded down around the axis of rotation towards position D. This can be advantageous, for example, when driving over the locking bar 37. The locking bar 37 can therefore assume a lowered rest position in addition to the parked position.

[0088] As in the Figs. 1 to 4As can be seen, the locking claw 38 of the bolt 37 is divided into two sections. The locking claw 38 is forked. The locking claw 38 has two claw legs 61 extending longitudinally v, which are provided on both sides of the longitudinal axis L. The claw legs 61 are spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction v. The claw legs 61 preferably have a distance of 5 cm to 15 cm (approx. 1.95 in to 5.9 in), in particular 5 cm to 10 cm (approx. 1.95 in to approx. 3.9 in), and preferably 7 cm (approx. 2.75 in) from each other. The claw legs 61 are connected to each other via a bridge element 41. The bridge element 41 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis L and connects the two claw legs 61. The locking claw 38 is formed in one piece. The bridge element 41 extends beyond the fixing device 14.To pivot the bolt 37 into the lowered rest position, the fixing shaft 17 has a flattened section in its upper area. In this area, the housing 30 is freed so that the bridge element 41 can be received when the bolt 37 is in the lowered position.

[0089] In the Figs. 1 to 4The side guide 10 is shown to have a guide unit 40 with two guide rollers 43 and a roller housing 44. The guide rollers 43 are rotatably arranged in the roller housing 44. The guide rollers 43 are cylindrical. The roller housing 44 forms a frame which, in the present embodiment, is inserted into the corresponding pair of recesses at position C and fixed by the fixing shaft 17. For this purpose, the frame has an opening at each recess 15, which corresponds to the opening 21 of the reinforcement insert 28. Regarding the design of the frame openings, reference is made to the preceding description of opening 21. The guide unit 40 is arranged adjacent to the bolt 37. It is possible to insert the guide unit 40 into a pair of recesses at any of the different positions A, B, C, D and to fix it in place by the fixing shaft 17, just like the rail element 29.

[0090] Figs. 9 to 11Figure 1 shows a holding unit 12 of a side guide 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the side guide 10 according to... Figs. 1 to 8 indicates lateral guidance 10 according to Figs. 9 to 11 The holding unit 12 has an extended mounting frame 13 to allow for an additional position on the fixing device 14 for the side guide device 11 (not shown). Overall, the side guide 10 has, according to Figs. 9 to 11Five positions A, B, C, D, E are provided along the longitudinal axis L, at which the side guide device 11 can be fixed. The further position E is provided at a second longitudinal end of the mounting frame 13. For this purpose, the fixing device 14 has a further pair of recesses for receiving the rail element 29. The fixing shaft 17 additionally has two fixing contours 23 and two release contours 26 at the axial locations of the additional recesses 15. Regarding the design, arrangement, and interaction of the components in the Figs. 9 to 11 The components shown refer to the above description of the side guide 10 according to the Figs. 1 to 8 referred.

[0091] Another difference to the side guide 10 according to Figs. 1 to 8 In this embodiment, the spring elements 36 are located in the position of the spring elements. These are arranged between position E and position A along the longitudinal axis L. The in Fig. 11The exploded view shown illustrates, by way of example, the side guide 10 according to Figs. 1 to 8 as well as the side guide 10 according to Figs. 9 to 11 the design of the housing 30 and the fixing shaft 17, in particular with regard to the fixing and releasing contours.

[0092] In general, the side guide device 11, the side guides 10 according to both embodiments described above, comprise locking bars arranged on the rail element 29 for holding and / or guiding cargo. Such locking bars can be so-called X-locks and / or Z-locks (see, for example, [reference]). Fig. 1 or 3 ) and / or Y-bolts that guide and secure the cargo accordingly.

[0093] It should be noted at this point that all parts described above are claimed as essential to the invention, both individually and in any combination, especially the details shown in the drawings. Reference symbol list

[0094] 10 Side guide 11 Side guide device 12 Holding unit 13 Mounting frame 14 Fixing device 15 Recesses 16 Contact element 17 Fixing element, fixing shaft 18 Inner support section 19 Positive locking section 21 Opening 22 Cross-sectional contour 23 Fixing contour 24 Circular contour section 2525' Straight contour section 26 Release contour 27 Flattening 28 Plate-shaped reinforcement insert 29 Rail element 30 Housing 31 First housing area 32 Stop 33 Second housing area 34 Step 35 Internal contact surface 36 Spring element 37 Latch 38 Two-part latch claw 39 Flattened area 40 Guide unit 41 Bridge element 42 Longitudinal end 43 Guide roller 44 Roller housing 45 Guide extensions 46 Recesses 47 Through hole 48 Actuating lever 49 Longitudinal leg of the rail element 51 Fastening means 52 Orthogonal web 53 Extension of the positive locking section 54 Rail interior 55 Receiving space 56 Abutment 57 Wing-like contact areas 58 Jaws 59 Springs 61 Claw leg A First position B Second position C Third position D Fourth position E Fifth position v Longitudinal direction L Longitudinal axis,

Claims

1. A side guide (10) for guiding and / or fastening cargo items, in particular containers and / or pallets, in an aircraft, which has at least one side guide device (11) and at least one holding unit (12) for the side guide device (11), wherein the holding unit (12) comprises a fastening frame (13) extending in a longitudinal direction (v) and at least one securing device (14) arranged on the fastening frame (13), which has a plurality of recesses (15) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (v), wherein the side guide device (11) is insertable at different positions (A, B, C, D, E) into at least one of the recesses (15) in each case and can be secured in the inserted state at the different positions (A, B, C, D, E) by the securing device (14), wherein the side guide device (11) has at least one contact element (16), which, in the inserted state, can be engaged or is engaged with at least one fixing element (17), displaceable in the longitudinal direction (v), of the securing device (14), characterized in that the fixing element (17) has at least one fixing contour (23), with which the fixing element (17) engages in a formfitting manner in a fixing position in a cross-sectional contour (22) of an opening (21)of the side guide device (11) to secure the side guide device (11), wherein the fixing contour (23) and the cross-sectional contour (22) are formed in a mushroom shape.

2. The side guide (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing contour (23) of the fixing element (17) and the cross-sectional contour (22) of the opening (21) have at least one at least partially circular contour section (24) and at least one linear contour section (25, 25').

3. The side guide (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing element (17) has at least one release contour (26) having at least one flattening (27), which adjoins the fixing contour (23) in the longitudinal direction (v) and is formed in such a way that the side guide device (11) is insertable into at least one of the recesses (15) or removable therefrom in a release position of the fixing element (17).

4. The side guide (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one contact element (16) has at least one inside support section (18) for the securing device (14) for introducing occurring forces and / or at least one formfitting section (19) having at least one opening (21) having a cross-sectional contour (22) deviating from a circular shape for the engagement of the fixing element (17).

5. Theside guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (16) is formed by a plate-shaped reinforcing insert (28), in particular a steel insert plate, which is firmly connected to a rail element (29) of the side guide device (11).

6. The side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing device (14) engages with at least one first housing region (31) in the inserted state in a / the rail element (29) of the side guide device (11), wherein the first housing region (31) comprises at least one stop in the longitudinal direction (v) for the support section (18) of the contact element (16), to receive occurring forces from the rail element (29).

7. The side guide (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the securing device (14) has at least one second housing region (33), which is spaced apart from the contact element (16) in the inserted state of the side guide device (11) and, with the first housing region (31), delimits at least one of the recesses (15) at at least one of the different positions (A, B, C, D, E).

8. The side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the support section (18) comprises at least one step (34), with which a / the rail element (29) of the side guide device (11) is in contact, to transmit the occurring forces, in particular traction and compression forces, in the longitudinal direction (v) of the fastening frame (13) to the securing device (14) and / or the support section (18) has at least one inside contact surface (35), which faces toward the first housing part (31) for contact.

9. The side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing device (14) is arranged displaceably in the longitudinal direction (v) in the fastening frame (13) and / or at least one spring element (36) is provided, which is arranged in a supporting manner on the fastening frame (13) and spring mounts the securing device (14) in the longitudinal direction (v).

10. The side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, at least one latch (37) having a two-part latch claw (38) at least in sections, which is fastened on the fastening frame (13) in such a way that the two-part latch claw (38) is pivotable from an upright working position into a lowered resting position and / or a / the latch (37) is fastened on the fastening frame (13) in such a way that a / the latch claw (38) of the latch (37) is pivotable from a working position into a retracted parked position.

11. The side guide (10) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the fixing element (17) has a region (39) flattened in the longitudinal direction (v) for accommodating a bridge element (41), extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (v), of the two-part latch claw (38).

12. The side guide (10) according to any one of Claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the securing device (14) has at least two of the recesses (15) at one longitudinal end (42) of the fastening frame (13), wherein the latch (37) having the two-part latch claw (38) adjoins on the inside.

13. The side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing device (14) comprises at least three, in particular at least four pairs of the recesses (15), so that the side guide device (11) can be secured at at least three, in particular four different positions.

14. The side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide roller (43) is mounted so it is rotationally movable in a roller housing (44), which is insertable or inserted at different positions (A, B, C, D, E) into at least one of the recesses (15) in each case.

15. A cargo deck of an aircraft having at least one side guide (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side guide (10) has a plurality of holding units (12), at which the side guide device (11) is secured or can be secured.