CABIN EQUIPMENT UNIT AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE CABIN EQUIPMENT UNIT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin of an aircraft, in particular an overhead luggage compartment, wherein the cabin equipment unit comprises the following: a first pivoting part, in particular a first luggage compartment part, a second pivoting part which is pivotable relative to the first pivoting part about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, in particular a second luggage compartment part, and an electrical element which is arranged on the second pivoting part and which can be connected to the first pivoting part via an electrical connecting line.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to an aircraft, in particular an airplane, with a passenger cabin and a cabin equipment unit, and to a method for assembling a cabin equipment unit, preferably in an aircraft, in particular an airplane.

[0003] In the aviation industry, the goal is to utilize available space as efficiently as possible, which, however, increases the complexity of components and makes their installation more difficult. This is also the case with cabin equipment units such as overhead luggage compartments. In these cases, components such as joints, hinges, and electrical wiring are located in concealed and therefore difficult-to-access locations for protection and safety reasons, in order to prevent wear and tear and damage from loading and unloading luggage. For example, in luggage compartment sections that pivot relative to each other, electrical connecting cables are routed through the pivot axes and housed in cable ducts. This is shown, for example, in DE 10 2007 030 331 A1 or US 10,407,172 B2.The aforementioned measures, which serve safety and space saving, increase the installation effort for cabin equipment units in the aircraft cabin. It is therefore generally desirable to simplify the installation of cabin equipment units in aircraft without increasing the space required or compromising safety.

[0004] Magnetic coupling devices are known in the art, which use magnets to establish a detachable electrical connection between electrical contacts. If the coupling elements are sufficiently close to each other, they are connected by magnetic force. Such couplings are known from US 9,531,118 B2, EP 2 533 374 A1, EP 1 537 632 B1, and DE 20 2012 006 523 U1. However, the known magnetic coupling devices are not suitable for use in confined spaces, such as those found in aircraft cabin equipment units like overhead luggage compartments. In particular, the coupling devices cannot be used in locations that are inaccessible by hand.

[0005] Luggage compartments are known, for example, from US 2012 / 0038253 A1, US 10,711,500 B1 and US 10,407,172 B2.

[0006] In light of the above, the object of the present invention is to eliminate or even completely avoid the disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, the object of the present invention is to facilitate the establishment of an electrical connection between the first and second pivoting parts in a cabin equipment unit of the type mentioned above.

[0007] This problem is solved by a cabin equipment unit according to claim 1, an aircraft according to claim 12 and a method for assembling a cabin equipment unit according to claim 13.

[0008] According to the invention, in a cabin equipment unit of the type mentioned above, the first pivoting part has a first contact connection element and the electrical connection line has a second contact connection element corresponding to the first contact connection element, wherein the first and / or the second contact connection element has at least one magnet and the contact connection elements can be moved from a disconnected position to a contact position in which the contact connection elements are electrically connected to each other, wherein the second contact connection element can be arranged on the second pivoting part such that by moving the second pivoting part into the closed position the contact connection elements are brought into the contact position and, in particular, are held in the contact position by a magnetic force of the at least one magnet.

[0009] This advantageously allows an electrical connection between the first and second swivel sections to be established in a difficult-to-access location during initial assembly or after repairs to the cabin equipment unit. This minimizes installation effort, even for complex cabin equipment units. Conversely, electrical connections can be deliberately placed in hard-to-reach locations to prevent damage, for example, from luggage, and to reduce the need for repairs. The cabin equipment unit can be used, in particular, in the passenger cabin of an aircraft. Preferably, the cabin equipment unit is designed as an overhead luggage compartment mounted above the seats in an aircraft. However, the cabin equipment unit can also be an armchair, a cabinet, a shelf, or interior paneling.The only important requirement is that two pivoting parts are provided. In the case of an overhead overhead compartment, the first pivoting part can be designed as the first compartment section. This first compartment section is typically static, i.e., immovable relative to the aircraft fuselage, and usually forms the top of the overhead compartment. The second compartment section is preferably pivotable downwards relative to the first. The cabin equipment unit preferably has a storage space for items, particularly luggage, which can be loaded in the open position. In the closed position, the pivoting parts are preferably fixed relative to each other so that their relative positions are maintained. In one embodiment of the invention, the pivoting parts can be locked in the closed position. After actuating an operating element, for example, a handle, the second pivoting part can be moved to the open position.The electrical element is an element that is to be supplied with electrical current via the electrical connecting line. The connecting line can also transmit signals, in particular data signals. The connecting line is preferably an insulated electrical cable. The cable has at least two insulated conductors, preferably at least three or at least four conductors. For example, the connecting line can have two conductors for the power supply and at least one or more conductors for (data) signals. The electrical element can be an electric light element, an electric motor, a monitor, or a control panel. According to the invention, the first pivoting part has a first contact connecting element, and the electrical connecting line has a second contact connecting element corresponding to the first contact connecting element.Corresponding means that the contact elements can be connected to each other. An electrical connection between the electrical element and the first pivoting part can be established via the contact elements. For this purpose, the contact elements can each have corresponding contacts, for example, contact pins and / or contact sockets. The contacts, in particular contact pins, can be spring-loaded by mechanical springs to facilitate electrical contact. The contact sockets can also be spring-loaded and / or have resilient side walls to detachably fix the contact pins. Preferably, the first and second contact elements each have at least two, at least three, or at least four contacts. In the contact position, the contacts of the contact elements are electrically connected.The first pivoting element can have or be connected to an electrical power supply. The first contact element can be connected to the power supply via a further connecting line. To establish and, in a preferred embodiment, maintain the contact position, the first and / or the second contact element has at least one magnet. The magnet can be, for example, a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium or neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a premagnetized material, such as premagnetized metal. In the case of a permanent magnet, it can, for example, be designed as a bar magnet. The contact elements are attracted by the at least one magnet when the contact elements are at a sufficiently small distance from each other, for example, less than 2 cm.If only one of the contact elements has a magnet, the other contact element consists at least partially of a magnetic material, in particular metal. Naturally, both contact elements can also have appropriately aligned and polarized magnets. In a preferred embodiment, the first or the second contact element has protruding positioning pins that can be received by the first or second contact element into corresponding receiving sockets, preferably in a substantially form-fitting manner. The positioning pins can be conically shaped to facilitate insertion into the receiving sockets. It is preferred that the positioning pins have magnets. However, it is also possible for the receiving sockets to have magnets and for the other contact element to have positioning pins without magnets that can be received into the receiving sockets.Preferably, the contact pins protrude from the corresponding contact connection element with a shorter length than the positioning pins, so that the contact connection elements can be positioned using the positioning pins before the contact pins penetrate the contact sockets. In the disconnected position, the contacts of the contact connection elements are electrically isolated from each other, so that there is no electrical connection between the electrical element and the first pivoting part. The contact connection elements can be moved from the contact position to the disconnected position, in particular by overcoming the magnetic force. The first contact connection element can be statically, i.e., immovably, mounted on the first pivoting part, for example by gluing, riveting, welding, or screwing.Preferably, the first contact element is arranged on an inner side of the cabin equipment unit, in particular on an inner side of the first pivoting part that forms or faces a receiving space for the second pivoting part. The first contact element can be arranged substantially flush with the inner side of the first pivoting part. Alternatively, the first contact element can be arranged offset from the inner side. The second contact element can be detachably arranged on the second pivoting part such that, when the second pivoting part is moved into the closed position, the contact elements are brought into contact by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet. For this purpose, the second contact element can be detachably held on the second pivoting part without the need for tools.When the second pivoting part is moved into the closed position and approaches the first pivoting part, the second contact element is also moved into contact with the first. If the distance between the contact elements is sufficiently small, for example, less than 2 cm, the second contact element is magnetically attracted to the first, and vice versa. The second contact element is arranged on the second pivoting part in such a way that it can detach from the second pivoting part and enter contact with the first contact element. Preferably, the contact elements are shaped such that a unique orientation for the contact position is defined, thus preventing electrical misconnections. The at least one magnet can be oriented so that the contact elements find their way into the contact position in the defined orientation.The magnet holds the contact elements in the contact position. Additionally, a tool-free releasable mechanical lock, such as a spring-loaded snap element, can be provided to hold the contact elements in the contact position. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using an electromagnet. The contact elements can be configured to transmit electrical energy and data signals. The first and / or the second contact element can be made at least partially of plastic, for example, polyetherimide.

[0010] In the present disclosure, directional and spatial references relate to the intended installation state of the cabin equipment unit in a passenger cabin of an aircraft, in particular an airplane. In a non-restrictive example, the intended installation state of an overhead luggage compartment is, for instance, that in which the second luggage compartment element can be pivoted downwards. The pivot axis is preferably aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft or the passenger cabin.

[0011] It is preferred that the contact position between the first and second contact connecting elements is maintained when the second pivoting part is moved from the closed position to the open position. This can be achieved by at least one magnet that holds the contact connecting elements in the contact position, allowing them to be separated from one another. Additionally, as mentioned above, a tool-free releasable mechanical locking mechanism, for example a spring-loaded snap element, can be provided to hold the contact connecting elements in the contact position.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a positioning element, in particular a holding element, for the second contact connection element is arranged on the second pivoting part, with which the second contact connection element can be brought into contact with the first contact connection element when the second pivoting part is moved into the closed position. With the aid of the positioning element, the second contact connection element can be positioned on the second pivoting part in a position from which, when the second pivoting part is moved into the closed position, the second contact connection element can be brought into contact with the first contact connection element by means of the at least one magnet.The positioning element is designed to hold the second contact element in a tool-free manner, allowing the second contact element to detach from the positioning element when it comes into contact with the first contact element. In one embodiment of the invention, the positioning element can have at least one, and in particular several, retaining projections that can hold the second contact element in position. A clearance, for example less than 1 mm, can be provided between the at least one retaining projection and the second contact element. The positioning element can be made at least partially or entirely of a plastic, such as polyetherimide. It is advantageous to use flame-retardant plastics. The positioning element can be manufactured using an injection molding process.Preferably, the positioning element is arranged on an outer side, in particular on an upper outer side, of the second pivoting part.

[0013] To facilitate the engagement of the contact elements, it is advantageous if the positioning element, viewed in a cross-section of the cabin equipment unit, is arranged at a substantially equal distance from the pivot axis as the first contact element. It is also advantageous if the positioning element and the contact element, viewed in a longitudinal section of the cabin equipment unit, are arranged at substantially the same longitudinal position. This ensures that the positioning element is guided directly toward the first contact element when the pivoting parts are moved into the closed position.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the first pivoting part can form a receiving space in which the second pivoting part is at least partially received in the closed position, with the first contact connection element being arranged on an inner surface of the first pivoting part that forms the receiving space. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous for overhead luggage compartments, as it allows an electrical connection between the two pivoting parts to be established in a difficult-to-access location. By arranging the electrical connection in such a location, the connection is protected from damage. Furthermore, this increases safety for persons.

[0015] In the aforementioned embodiment, as already mentioned, it is additionally advantageous if the positioning element is arranged on an outer surface, particularly the upper surface, of the second pivoting part facing the receiving space. This allows an electrical connection between the electrical element and the first pivoting part to be established at a location that is difficult to access but protected by moving the second pivoting part into the closed position.

[0016] The connecting line can be arranged at least partially within a sub-area of ​​the receiving space. Preferably, this sub-area is located between the upper outer surface of the second pivoting part and the inner surface of the first pivoting part facing the receiving space.

[0017] In terms of space savings, it is advantageous if the connecting cable is a ribbon cable, in particular a ribbon cable with at least four conductors. The ribbon cable can have a length of, for example, at least 4 cm. The individual conductors of the cable are electrically insulated from each other.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical element is a lighting element, in particular a lighting element arranged in a handle strip of the second pivoting part. The electrical connection of the electrical element to the first pivoting part can be made via the electrical connecting cable. However, the electrical element can also be a monitor, an electric motor, or a control element.

[0019] To facilitate the establishment of an electrical connection, it is advantageous if the first and / or the second contact element has at least one spring-loaded contact pin. The at least one spring-loaded contact pin can be spring-preloaded. A contact pin on the first or second contact element can be received into a contact socket on the other side of the first or second contact element. The contact socket can also be spring-loaded. Preferably, the side walls of the contact sockets are spring-loaded. Preferably, the first / second contact element has only contact pins, while the second / first contact element has only contact sockets, each of which can receive a contact pin.It is preferred if the contact pins and contact sockets are arranged in such a way that there is only one orientation of the contact connecting elements in which the contact connecting elements can be brought into the contact position.

[0020] To prevent unintentional pulling on the connecting cable when removing the cabin equipment unit, a locking element can be provided that is connected to the second contact connection element and the second pivoting part. The locking element can be, for example, a wire, cable, cord, or chain. Preferably, the locking element is dimensioned such that, when the second pivoting part is removed, the second contact connection element is pulled away from the first contact connection element without putting any strain on the connecting cable, thus moving the contact connection elements into the disconnected position by the locking element. This prevents any strain on the connecting cable. For example, the locking element can be shorter than the section of the connecting cable located in the portion of the receiving space between the first and second pivoting parts.The locking element can be attached to the second pivoting part, for example to the positioning element or a bracket, in particular a hook element.

[0021] The problem mentioned at the outset is also solved by an aircraft, in particular an airplane, according to claim 12. The aircraft according to the invention has at least one cabin equipment unit of the type described above. The cabin equipment unit is arranged in the passenger cabin. Preferably, several cabin equipment units are located in the passenger cabin.

[0022] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for assembling a cabin equipment unit, preferably in an aircraft, in particular in an airplane, according to claim 13. The method comprises the following steps: Providing a cabin equipment unit comprising: a first pivoting part, in particular a first luggage compartment part, with a first contact connecting element; a second pivoting part, which is pivotable relative to the first pivoting part about a pivot axis, in particular a second luggage compartment part; an electrical element, which is arranged on the second pivoting part and is connectable to the first pivoting part via an electrical connecting line, wherein the electrical connecting line has a second contact connecting element corresponding to the first contact connecting element and the second contact connecting element is detachably arranged on the second pivoting part; at least one magnet on the first and / or second contact connecting element, wherein the contact connecting elements are transferable from a disconnected position to a contact position in which the contact connecting elements are electrically connected to each other;Moving the second pivoting part into a closed position, so that the contact connecting elements are brought into the contact position and subsequently held in the contact position, in particular by a magnetic force of at least one magnet.

[0023] The method is therefore suitable for assembling a cabin equipment unit of the type described above. The advantages and features described in connection with the cabin equipment unit are thus transferable to the method. Advantageously, the method according to the invention allows for the simple establishment of an electrical connection between the electrical element and the first pivoting part at a location that is difficult to access but protected. When the cabin equipment unit is removed, for example during replacement or repair work, the electrical connection can be released by overcoming the magnetic force and thereby moving the contact elements into the disconnected position.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, before the second pivoting part is moved into the closed position, the second pivoting part is connected to the first pivoting part, and the second contact connection element is detachably arranged on the second pivoting part. For this purpose, the second contact connection element can be inserted into the positioning element.

[0025] The invention will be described below with reference to figures, to which it is not limited. The figures show: Fig. 1 a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin in a closed position; Fig. 2 a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin in an open position; Fig. 3A-C a movement sequence of a cabin equipment unit from a closed position to an open position. Fig. 4A a section of a cross-section of a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin, in which contact elements are in a separating position; Fig. 4B a section of a cross-section of the cabin equipment unit according to Fig. 4A , in which the contact elements are in a contact position; Fig. 5 a section of a cross-section of a cabin equipment unit for a passenger cabin, in which contact elements are in a separating position; Fig. 6 a first contact connection element; Fig. 7 a second contact connection element in a positioning element; Fig. 8 a positioning element in an oblique view and in cross-section; Fig. 9 a first and a second contact connecting element in contact position in cross-section; Fig. 10 a second contact connection element in a positioning element in top view; and Fig. 11 a second contact connection element with a locking element.

[0026] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a cabin equipment unit 1 for a passenger cabin of an aircraft (not shown) in a closed position, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as an overhead luggage compartment 2. The cabin equipment unit 1 has a first pivoting part 3 and a second pivoting part 4, which can be pivoted relative to the first pivoting part 3 about a pivot axis 5. After actuating the handle 6, the cabin equipment unit 1 can be moved from the closed position to an open position (see Figure 1). Fig. 2 ) in which the cabin equipment unit 1 can be loaded, for example, with luggage (not shown). In its intended installed state, the cabin equipment unit 1 can be positioned in an aircraft, particularly above passenger seats, using fastening devices (not shown).

[0027] As in Fig. 2 The first pivoting part 3, as shown, has two opposing side surfaces 7 and an upper top surface 8. Between the side surfaces 7 and the top surface 8, the first pivoting part 3 forms a receiving space 9 in which the second pivoting part 4 is at least partially received. In the illustration, the second pivoting part 4 is designed as a chute 10, which has a storage space 11 for luggage (not shown). By pivoting the second pivoting part 4 upwards about the pivot axis 5, the cabin equipment unit 1 can be moved into the closed position (see Fig. 1 ) can be moved into the compartment where luggage can be stored. In the closed position, the cabin equipment unit 1 is held in place by a locking mechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism can be released using handle 6 to move the cabin equipment unit 1 from the closed position back to the open position.

[0028] Fig. 3A-C The diagram shows the transition of cabin equipment unit 1 from the closed position to the open position in a cross-sectional view. This is particularly evident in... Fig. 3A-C As can be seen, an electrical element 13 in the form of a lighting element 14 is provided in a recess 12 of the second swivel part 4, which also houses the handle 6. The lighting element can have one or more light sources such as LEDs. The recess 12 and the handle 6 can also be referred to as a handle strip. Of course, other electrical elements 13, such as control panels, electric motors, or screens, can also be located on the second swivel part 4. To supply the electrical element 13 with electrical energy, an electrical connecting cable 15 is provided, which electrically connects the electrical element 13 to the first swivel part 3. The connecting cable 15 can also transmit data signals. For example, two poles of the connecting cable can be provided for power supply and at least one or more poles for data transmission.The connecting cable 15 can be a ribbon cable. To prevent damage to the first connecting cable 15 when loading the cabin equipment unit 1 with luggage, the electrical connecting cable 15 is located at least partially in a space 16, which forms part of the receiving space 9. In the illustration shown, the electrical connecting cable 15 runs partially within the second pivoting part 4 and finally across the space 16 to the first pivoting part 3. This is the case in both the closed and open positions.

[0029] The arrangement of the connecting line 15 in the space 16 offers the advantage that, on the one hand, damage to the connecting line 15 can be avoided, and on the other hand, the assembly of the cabin equipment unit 1 is simplified, since the connecting line 15 does not, for example, have to be routed through the pivot axis 5. However, the disadvantage is that the space 16 is difficult to access during assembly or installation, as can be seen particularly in the illustrations of the Fig. 3A-C as is evident.

[0030] According to the invention, a first contact connecting element 17 is provided on the first pivoting part 3 and a second contact connecting element 18 is provided at one end of the connecting line 15. The first 17 and the second contact connecting element 18 can be moved from a disconnected position, in which the contact connecting elements 17, 18 are neither electrically nor mechanically connected to each other, to a contact position, in which the contact connecting elements 17, 18 are electrically connected to each other. To facilitate connecting the contact connecting elements 17, 18 to each other or bringing them into contact, at least one magnet 19 (see Figure 1) can be used. Fig. 7 ), in particular a permanent magnet, is provided. To facilitate the assembly of the cabin equipment unit 1, the second contact element 18 is arranged on the second pivoting part 4 such that moving the second pivoting part 4 into the closed position brings the contact elements 17, 18 into contact. Moving the second pivoting part into the closed position brings the second contact element 18 close to the first contact element 17. The contact elements 17, 18 are then attracted by the magnetic force of the at least one magnet 19 and brought into contact, where they are held. The second contact element 18 is positioned such that attraction by the magnet 19 is possible when the second pivoting part 4 is moved into the closed position.The first contact connecting element 17 is arranged in the illustrations on an inner side of the first pivoting part 3 facing the receiving space 9. The second contact connecting element 18 is arranged on an upper outer side of the second pivoting part 4 facing the receiving space 9. Preferably, the second contact connecting element 18 is positioned at a substantially equal distance R (see figure 1) before being moved into the contact position in a cross-section of the cabin equipment unit 1. Fig. 5 ) is arranged from the pivot axis 5 like the first contact connecting element 17.

[0031] Fig. 3A Figure 1 shows the second pivoting part 4 in the closed position, which brings the contact connecting elements 17, 18 into contact. Even when the second pivoting part 4 is moved to the open position, the contact connecting elements 17, 18 remain in contact, as shown in the figure. Fig. 3B und Fig. 3C as is evident.

[0032] Fig. 4A shows a section of a cross-section of the cabin equipment unit 1, in which the second pivoting part 4 is already in the closed position, but the contact connecting elements 17, 18 are still just in the separating position.

[0033] The magnetic force of at least one magnet 19 detaches the second contact connecting element 18 from its position on the second pivoting part 4 and pulls it towards the first contact connecting element 17, automatically bringing the two contact connecting elements into contact position (see Fig. 4B The contact connecting elements 17, 18 are held in the contact position by at least one magnet 19. The contact connecting elements can be returned to the disconnected position by overcoming the magnetic force, for example, during disassembly for repair work. However, in normal use in an aircraft, the contact position remains in place even when the second pivoting part 4 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged section of the cross-section according to Fig. 4A , in which the second pivoting part 4 is in the closed position, but the second contact connecting element 18 has not yet been pulled towards the first contact connecting element 17 by the magnetic force of the magnet 19.

[0035] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows an enlarged view of a first contact connection element 17. The first contact connection element 17 has a first base body 20, which is preferably substantially cuboid in shape. A preferably circumferential retaining flange 21 is provided on a rear side of the first base body 20, which simplifies installation in the first pivoting part 4. On a front side 22 of the first base body 20, the first contact connection element 17 has several contacts 23 in the form of contact sockets 24. The contact sockets 24 are designed to receive contact pins 29 of the second contact connection element 18. The contacts 23 are arranged along a straight line, but can also be positioned in other ways. The first base body 20 has two receiving sockets 25, which, in the illustration shown, are arranged near the narrow sides of the first base body 20.The receiving sockets 25 are each designed to receive a protruding positioning pin 26 of the second contact connecting element 18. At least one magnet 19 can be provided in the receiving sockets 25. A further connecting line 52 leads from the first contact connecting element 17 to a power supply (not shown).

[0036] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a second contact connecting element 18 in an enlarged view. The second contact connecting element 18 has a second base body 27, which is preferably substantially cuboid in shape. On a front face 28 of the second base body 27, the first contact connecting element 17 has several contacts 23 in the form of contact pins 29. The contact pins 29 can be received into the contact sockets 24. In the embodiment shown, the contact sockets 24 are also arranged along a straight line, but they can also be arranged differently. The only important thing is that the pattern of the arrangement of the contact pins 29 corresponds to the pattern of the arrangement of the contact sockets 24. The contact pins 29 can be held in place by means of springs 50 (see Figure 1). Fig. 9 The contacts 23 are spring-loaded to improve electrical contact. They are arranged along a straight line, but can also be positioned in other ways. The connecting lead 15 leads into the second base body 27 and is connected to the contacts 23 there. The second base body 27 has two projecting positioning pins 26, which, in the illustration shown, are arranged near the narrow sides of the second base body 27. In one embodiment, the positioning pins 26 can project from the surface of the second base body 27 with a length between 0.5 and 5 mm. Preferably, the contact pins 29 project from the surface of the second base body 27 with a shorter length than the positioning pins 26. The contact pins 29 can be spring-loaded (see below), with the spring travel of each contact pin 29 being, for example, between 0.1 mm and 4 mm.This allows the contact connecting elements 17, 18 to be positioned before the contact pins 29 are inserted into the contact sockets 24. The positioning pins 26 can be inserted into the receiving sockets 25. The positioning pins 26 can have at least one magnet 19.

[0037] It should be noted here that the configuration of the first 17 and the second contact connection element 18 can also be reversed. For example, the first contact connection element 17 can also have protruding positioning pins 26 and / or contact pins 29, and the second contact connection element 18 can also have contact sockets 24 and / or receiving sockets 25.

[0038] In Fig. 7 It can be seen that the second contact connection element 18 is arranged on a positioning element 30 in the form of a retaining element 31 and can be detached without tools. The positioning element 30 is in Fig. 8 The positioning element 30, which can be connected to the second pivoting part 4, facilitates the precise positioning of the second contact connection element 18 on the second pivoting part 4. This allows the second contact connection element 18 to be moved into the closed position and brought into contact with the first contact connection element 17, so that the at least one magnet 19 can move the contact connection elements 17 and 18 into the contact position. The positioning element 30 has a substantially rectangular contact surface 32 on which retaining projections 33 are provided, preferably arranged along the circumference of the positioning element 30. The positioning element 30 is preferably dimensioned such that, when the second contact connection element 18 is received in the positioning element 30, a clearance 34 is provided between the second contact connection element 18 and the retaining projections 33 (see figure). Fig. 10 ). On the back of the positioning element 30, one or more fixing pins 51 can be located for attaching the positioning element 30 to the second swivel part.

[0039] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a first 17 and a second contact connection element 18 in contact position in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that the contact pins 29 are spring-loaded by means of the springs 50, which prevents errors in electrical contact. It is also evident that the positioning pins 26 taper conically towards an end projecting from the second base body 27, which facilitates engagement in the receiving sockets 25.

[0040] Fig. 11Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a locking element 35 in the form of a cord is provided. The locking element 35 is connected to the second pivoting part 4 and the second contact connection element 18. In the illustration shown, the locking element 35 is connected to a hook element 36 of the positioning element 30. Alternatively, the hook element 36 can, for example, be attached directly to the second pivoting part. The locking element 35 is connected to the second contact connection element 18 by a locking tab 38. The locking element 35 forms a loop 37 at each end for fastening. The locking element 35 prevents a tensile force from being exerted on the connecting line 15 during the disassembly of the cabin equipment unit 1, in particular during the removal of the second pivoting part 4 from the first pivoting part 3.If the second pivoting part 4 is removed, a tensile force is exerted on the second contact connecting element 18 via the locking element 35, thus moving the contact connecting elements into the disconnecting position.

Claims

1. Cabin equipment unit (1) for a passenger cabin of an aircraft, in particular an overhead baggage compartment (2), comprising: - a first pivoting part (3), in particular a first baggage compartment part, - a second pivoting part (4), which is pivotable relative to the first pivoting part (3) about a pivot axis (5) between an open position and a closed position, in particular a second baggage compartment part, and - an electric element (13) arranged on the second pivoting part (4) and connectable to the first pivoting part (3) via an electrical connection line (15), characterized in that the first pivoting part (3) comprises a first contact connecting element (17) and the electrical connection line (15) comprises a second contact connecting element (18) corresponding to the first contact connecting element (17), wherein the first (17) and / or the second contact connecting element (18) comprises at least one magnet (19), and the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are transferrable from a separation position to a contact position in which the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are electrically connected to each other, wherein the second contact connecting element (18) is arrange-able on the second pivoting part (4) such that by moving the second pivoting part (4) into the closed position, the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are brought into the contact position and held in the contact position, in particular by a magnetic force of the at least one magnet (19).

2. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the contact position between the first (17) and the second contact connecting element (18) is maintained when the second pivoting part (4) is moved from the closed position to the open position.

3. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a positioning element (30), in particular a holding element (31), for the second contact connecting element (18) is arranged on the second pivoting part (4), by means of which the second contact connecting element (18) can be brought toward the first contact connecting element (17) when the second pivoting part (4) is moved into the closed position.

4. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the positioning element (30), viewed in a cross-section of the cabin equipment unit (1), is arranged at essentially the same distance from the pivot axis (5) as the first contact connecting element (17).

5. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first pivoting part (3) forms a receiving space (9) into which the second pivoting part (4) is at least partially inserted in the closed position, wherein the first contact connecting element (17) is arranged on an inside of the first pivoting part (3) forming the receiving space (9).

6. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to Claim 3 or 4 and 5, characterized in that the positioning element (30) is arranged on an outside, in particular an upper outside, of the second pivoting part (4) facing the receiving space (9).

7. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to one of Claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the connection line (15) is at least partially arranged in a portion of the receiving space (9).

8. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connection line (15) is a flat ribbon cable, in particular flat ribbon cable with at least four poles.

9. Cabin equipment unit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electric element (13) is a lighting element (14), in particular a lighting element (14) arranged in a handle strip of the second pivoting part (4).

10. Cabin equipment unit according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first (17) and / or the second contact connecting element (18) comprises at least one spring-loaded contact pin (29).

11. Cabin equipment unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a securing element (35), in particular a cable, a wire, or a cord, is provided which is connected to the second contact connecting element (18) and to the second pivoting part (4).

12. Aircraft, in particular an airplane, with at least one cabin equipment unit (1) arranged in a passenger cabin, characterized in that the cabin equipment unit (1) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 10.

13. Method for assembling a cabin equipment unit (1), preferably in an aircraft, in particular in an airplane, with the following steps: Providing a cabin equipment unit (1), which comprises: - a first pivoting part (3), in particular a first baggage compartment part, with a first contact connecting element (17); - a second pivoting part (4), which is pivotable relative to the first pivoting part (3) about a pivot axis (5), in particular a second baggage compartment part; - an electric element (13) arranged on the second pivoting part (4) and connectable to the first pivoting part (3) via an electrical connection line (15), wherein the electrical connection line (15) comprises a second contact connecting element (18) corresponding to the first contact connecting element (17), and the second contact connecting element (18) is arranged detachably on the second pivoting part (4); - at least one magnet (19) on the first (17) and / or second contact connecting element (18), wherein the contact connecting elements (17, 18) can be transferred from a separation position to a contact position in which the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are electrically connected to each other; Moving the second pivoting part (4) into a closed position, so that the contact connecting elements (17, 18) are brought into the contact position and subsequently held in the contact position, in particular by a magnetic force of the at least one magnet (19).

14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that before moving the second pivoting part (4) into the closed position, the second pivoting part (4) is connected to the first pivoting part (3) and the second contact connecting element (18) is arranged detachably on the second pivoting part (4).