Switching on power assistance for an aircraft storage compartment

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a power assistance for closing and opening a storage compartment for an aircraft.

[0002] From US patent 2014 / 0283336 A1, a method and device for assisting the movement of a storage compartment into a closed position are known. An assistance system associated with the storage compartment can be activated in response to the actuation of a switch associated with the storage compartment. The assistance system can include a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system can be configured to generate a force in the direction toward a closed position for the storage compartment. A switch can be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the storage compartment. The force toward the closed position for the storage compartment can be generated in response to the activation of the assistance system.

[0003] From DE 10 2020 000 834 A1, a storage compartment for an aircraft is known, comprising a storage compartment housing for attachment to an aircraft structure, a swivel compartment for receiving stowed goods, the swivel compartment being pivotably mounted in the storage compartment housing via a swivel bearing in a swivel range about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, a force support device, the force support device comprising a support force unit, the support force unit being selectable in an active state or a passive state, the support force unit providing a support force in the active state acting in the direction of the closing position, the support force providing force support to the swivel compartment during a closing movement from the open position to the closed position.wherein the support force unit has a coil spring for generating the support force, wherein the coil spring is received in a receiving housing arranged on the storage compartment housing, wherein one end of the coil spring can be brought into operative contact with the swivel compartment in the active state in order to apply the support force to the swivel compartment.

[0004] From US patent 2011 / 0253714 A1, a lifting assistance mechanism is known that serves to assist in lifting a movable component that can move between a lowered and a raised position relative to a fixed structure. The lifting assistance mechanism comprises a lifting assistance spring connected to a spring shaft and an extended rail in which one end of the lifting assistance spring or one end of the spring shaft is movably mounted. A spring lock prevents movement of the spring shaft when no lifting assistance is required and releases the spring shaft when lifting assistance is required.

[0005] From EP 3 371 052 B1, an overhead luggage compartment for an aircraft is known, comprising an upper luggage compartment element, a lower luggage compartment element which is movable between a closed and an open position, a holding device for holding the lower luggage compartment element in its closed position, a lifting spring for assisting the movement of the lower luggage compartment element from the open position to the closed position, and a retaining device for fixing the lifting spring in the tensioned state in the open position of the lower luggage compartment element, wherein an actuating handle is provided for releasing the retaining device in the open position of the lower luggage compartment element, wherein the lower luggage compartment element is movable from the open position towards the closed position regardless of its loading state, optionally with assistance from the lifting spring or with the lifting spring fixed in the tensioned state.

[0006] From DE 10 2017 003 051 A1, an overhead storage compartment of a passenger aircraft is known, comprising a support and a pivoting part which is pivotable about a pivot axis and which is rotatable in a pivoting range at least between an open position and a closed position, and comprising a restoring means which, at a grip point of the pivoting part, causes a closing force in the direction of the closed position, whereby the closing force is greater and opposite in direction to the force of gravity acting at the grip point through the unloaded pivoting part, wherein the storage compartment has a holding means by which the pivoting part is held in the open position.

[0007] The object of the invention is to specify improvements with regard to force assistance when closing a storage compartment.

[0008] The problem is solved by a storage compartment according to claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and of other invention categories will become apparent from the further claims, the following description and the accompanying figures.

[0009] A storage compartment is one for an aircraft, specifically an overhead storage compartment, particularly for a passenger aircraft or its passenger cabin. This assumes an aircraft that has a mechanically load-bearing basic structure, for example, a corresponding outer skin, frames, etc.

[0010] The storage compartment contains a base unit. The base unit can be fixed to a structural element of the aircraft. In its intended installation state in the aircraft, the base unit, and thus the entire storage compartment, is permanently installed, i.e., fixed, to the structural element of the aircraft by means of its base unit. The storage compartment contains a swiveling compartment. The swiveling compartment is mounted to pivot between an open and a closed position relative to the fixed base unit. This pivoting mechanism is primarily located on the base unit, but can alternatively be located, for example, on the structural element.

[0011] The storage compartment contains a spring unit. This unit is located on the base body on one side and the swivel compartment on the other, and is therefore coupled to both parts in terms of movement, in particular by means of a hinge. The spring unit can be switched between an active and a passive state. The spring unit contains a spring element, e.g., a mechanical spring.

[0012] In its active state, the spring element allows for relaxation, i.e., longitudinal expansion, thereby exerting its spring force. This relaxation generates a closing force / assistance on the swivel compartment during movement from the open to the closed position and vice versa. In other words, the spring element or spring unit provides closing force assistance for the swivel compartment; the relaxation and expansion of the spring element follows the swiveling movement. Thus, the spring element is tensioned in the open position and relaxed, or at least more relaxed, in the closed position, depending on the intended and desired force assistance characteristics. The force assistance can also end before the closed position is reached, etc.

[0013] In the passive state, the spring mechanism is prevented from relaxing. Consequently, no force is applied to close the swivel compartment in the passive state. Therefore, in the passive state, only compression of the spring mechanism or its remaining stationary is possible. A (one-time) force application when opening the swivel compartment is possible or necessary to compress the relaxed spring mechanism, even in the passive state, if, for example, it was previously in the active state and is still at least partially relaxed / extended.

[0014] As a rule, or after a single compression, the spring element is fully compressed or tensioned in the passive state and then remains in this state until the transition to the active state.

[0015] The storage compartment contains a switching unit that is functionally coupled to the spring unit. "Functional coupling" means that the switching unit can, and does, cause the spring unit to switch between active and passive states. The switching unit contains a switching element that can be moved from a neutral position to an active position. In the neutral position, the spring unit is in passive mode. In the active position, the spring unit is in active mode.

[0016] The switching element is biased towards the zero position. Therefore, it automatically returns from the switching position to the zero position unless prevented from doing so. Preventing it from doing so could, for example, involve a user manually holding the switching element in the switching position.

[0017] The switching unit has a locking device for the switching element in the switching position. The locking device is pre-tensioned to lock the switching element. As soon as the switching element reaches the switching position, the locking device locks the switching element in that position. The locking device thus ensures that the switching element is locked in the switching position and does not return to the zero position. In other words, the locking occurs automatically upon reaching the switching position. The switching element is therefore designed for self-locking. The locking device can act directly on the switching element or indirectly on an element coupled to the switching element's movement, such as a lever mechanism.

[0018] The switching unit contains a release element for the locking device. The release element can be actuated from a rest position to a release position. In the rest position, the locking device allows the switching element to be locked in the switching position. In the release position, the locking device prevents the switching element from locking. The release element is pre-tensioned towards the rest position. This means that the release element must be intentionally moved into the release position, for example, by manual movement or by moving it against a stop, to prevent it from locking. When the release element is "released," it returns to the rest position. "Preventing" locking means that in the release position, both an existing lock is released and a new lock is prevented.

[0019] The storage compartment according to the invention therefore has the following operating characteristics: First, it is assumed that the spring unit is in a passive state and the spring element is fully compressed. The activation element is in the neutral position, and the release element is in the rest position. The swivel compartment can then be moved or pivoted between the open and closed positions without any force assistance from the spring unit.

[0020] By actuating the switching element into the activated position, the spring unit is switched to the active state, so that the swivel compartment can henceforth be moved between the open and closed positions with the assistance of force provided by the spring unit. The locking mechanism automatically locks the switching element in the activated position, maintaining the active state.

[0021] Only when the release element is moved into the release position is the locking mechanism of the switching element released from the switching position, the switching element returns to the zero position, thereby bringing the spring unit into a passive state and ending the force assistance of the swivel compartment. If necessary, the spring mechanism must be compressed again by moving the swivel compartment from the closed position to the open position against the force of the spring mechanism.

[0022] According to the invention, moving the activation element into the activation position ensures that the power assistance remains switched on and activated until it is deactivated by actuating the release element. All of this can be achieved purely mechanically using spring / tensioning elements and other mechanisms. Neither an electrical supply to the storage compartment nor any kind of weighing device / measurement at the storage compartment is required. The storage compartment can be easily implemented.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the switching unit is a push-button unit, and the switching element is a push button. The push button can be moved from the neutral position to the switching position by pressing it. The pressing action is performed particularly along a straight path. A push-button solution that locks in the pressed state (switching position) is especially convenient for keeping the spring unit in the active state.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the switching unit is operatively coupled to the spring unit via a pull rod. Specifically, the switching unit pulls the pull rod by moving the switching element from the neutral position to the switching position, for example, by pressing the push button. A suitable pull rod, for example in the form of a cable or Bowden cable, can be integrated into a storage compartment particularly easily and reliably.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the switching element is pre-tensioned from the switching position to the zero position by a restoring force applied from outside the switching unit. The source of the force, e.g., a spring or tensioning element, is therefore located outside the switching unit. The restoring force is applied to the switching unit from outside, particularly via the aforementioned tensioning element. The restoring force is generated specifically within the spring unit, particularly the spring element itself. For example, the restoring force is generated via a spring-loaded lever in or on a gas spring, as explained below. This eliminates the need to provide a separate restoring or spring / tensioning element for the switching element within the switching unit.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the spring unit incorporates a gas spring as the spring element. Gas springs are particularly well-suited as spring elements in the spring unit because they can be easily switched from an active to a passive state using pins / valves. No other measures within the spring unit are then necessary to switch it between active and passive states.

[0027] Such a valve / pin can itself be pre-tensioned by tensioning devices / springs. These can then be used to transfer this spring force / tensioning force to the switching unit and pre-tension the switching element there to the zero position. This results in a very simple overall design of the storage compartment.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the spring unit is switched between active and passive states by actuating (moving / opening or closing) a spring-loaded actuator (lever / valve / pin) of the gas spring. This allows for a particularly simple and reliable switching between active and passive states, and the spring preload can also be used synergistically in the switching unit.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the base body or structure has a counter element for the release element, or such a counter element is integrated therein. At least—and in particular exclusively—in the closed position of the swivel compartment, the release element is brought into the release position by the counter element. This ensures that the release element is brought into the release position, at least by moving the swivel compartment into the closed position, or optionally by other contact between the counter element and the release element. This releases the locking mechanism and the return of the switching element to the zero position, thus returning the spring unit to its passive state.

[0030] The power assistance on the swivel compartment is therefore automatically deactivated in the closed position, although any subsequent opening movement may be power-assisted if the spring element is still expanded and must first be compressed against its spring force by moving into the open position, as explained above.

[0031] Such a counter-element can, for example, be designed as a stop element for a release element (e.g., rocker arm, see below) on the base body.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the release element is accessible for manual actuation from an external space outside the storage compartment, at least when the swivel compartment is in the open position. This accessibility refers at least to the ability to manually move the release element to the release position. Thus, manually actuating the release element ultimately triggers the return of the spring unit to its passive state. In other words, the power assist on the swivel compartment can also be deactivated manually.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the release element is a rocker arm that can pivot between the released position and the rest position. Such a rocker arm is easy to operate manually on the one hand, and also easily actuated by a counter-element on the other.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the locking means includes a detent element, e.g., a pin projecting towards the locking element, which is movable transversely to a direction of movement of the switching element (movement between the switching and zero positions, in particular a straight line). The detent element is biased towards the switching element and thus towards the locking of the switching element. The switching element includes a counter-detent element for the detent element, e.g., a recess / blind hole / detent edge, etc., for interacting with / receiving the pin. The locking of the switching element is achieved by the engagement of the detent element and counter-detent element in the switching position. When the release element is in the release position, the detent element and counter-detent element are held apart without being latched (and thus not locked); thus preventing engagement and locking.

[0035] Such a mechanical solution can be implemented particularly easily in the switching unit.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment contains no electrical components. In other words, the storage compartment requires no electrical components whatsoever and is therefore particularly simple, namely purely mechanical in design. Alternatively or additionally, the switching between active and passive states, i.e., the activation / deactivation of the closing force assistance by the spring unit in the storage compartment, is independent of the storage compartment's load. In other words, this makes the storage compartment particularly simple, as no weighing devices or similar measures are necessary.

[0037] Nevertheless, the storage compartment offers convenient and optionally switchable power assistance for opening and closing the swivel compartment.

[0038] The object of the invention is also achieved by an aircraft according to claim 12. This aircraft contains the aforementioned basic structure as well as the storage compartment according to the invention. The basic body is fixed to the basic structure of the aircraft as explained above.

[0039] The aircraft and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been explained in the context of the storage compartment according to the invention.

[0040] The invention is based on the following findings, observations, and considerations and further comprises the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are sometimes referred to simply as "the invention." The embodiments may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments mentioned above, correspond to them, and / or may include previously unmentioned embodiments.

[0041] According to the invention, in particular a lockable push button with gas spring for a lowerable luggage compartment in an aircraft cabin is provided.

[0042] This results in mechanical force assistance with a lockable push button and a gas spring, which is set to continuous operation by pressing the push button until a defined movement (swivel compartment in closed position) has been completed.

[0043] The invention is based on the realization that a very large amount of manual force is required to close the luggage compartment when it is fully loaded. The basic idea of ​​the invention is a locking mechanism for the gas spring to decouple the release (switching to the active state) and the closing process (moving the compartment from the open to the closed position).

[0044] According to the invention, no fully automatic solutions with electric motors or power-assisted solutions with electronic weighing units are required. Furthermore, due to the locking mechanism, a switch (activation element) does not need to be held during the start of the closing process. By eliminating the need for fully automatic solutions that use an electric motor to perform the required lifting work, the high costs, weight, and electrical power consumption of the units are avoided. No power-assisted systems based on an electronic weighing unit and electrical activation of the mechanical energy storage devices are necessary. This also avoids the associated high cost, the expense of the electrical supply, and the risk of accidental activation.

[0045] According to the invention, the following applies in particular: A gas spring (spring element) unlocks (active state) when a valve on the piston is actuated via a Bowden cable (pull element). This requires a certain force, depending on the lever arm of the actuating lever and the gas pressure. To prevent the gas spring from locking again, the valve must remain open until a certain stroke (expansion of the spring element) has occurred. The locking mechanism (by the locking element) of the switch (activation element) is required for this purpose. With a single actuation (moving the activation element into the activation position), the force can be applied to the valve, thus permanently unlocking the gas spring without it moving (expanding). The operator can then concentrate solely on closing the (swivel compartment), which now occurs with power assistance.

[0046] Inside the housing (switching unit) of the push button (switching element) there is a slide with a pin (locking device) which is spring-loaded and locks the push button in a specific position (switching position).

[0047] When the luggage compartment (swivel compartment) is closed, the push button only returns to its initial position (zero position) once the luggage compartment is completely closed (closed position). This is achieved via an installed bracket (counter-element for the release element) mounted on the luggage compartment housing (base body). This bracket presses on a lever system (the associated release element) located inside the housing (activation unit). This lever (release element) in turn triggers a movement in the spring-loaded slide, which moves into the defined rear position (release of the locking mechanism). Due to the specified preload, transmitted via a Bowden cable from the gas spring to the push button mechanism, the push button returns to its initial position (zero position).

[0048] During the next opening step of the luggage compartment, the piston rod of the gas spring is compressed again by movement (the spring mechanism is tensioned). This compression is achieved via a ball bearing on the gas spring and a mounting system (ball bearing) on ​​the luggage compartment (swivel compartment) that has a receptacle for this ball bearing.

[0049] During this compression, the energy is stored again in the gas spring and the piston rod is locked (passive state) until the next actuation of the push button.

[0050] The push button can be reset to its initial position (zero position) via the hidden lever mechanism (release element) which protrudes slightly from the housing (switching unit), "RESET".

[0051] The power assistance unit (spring unit) only provides support up to a specified point (pivot range, before reaching the closed position) to prevent fingers from being pinched between the luggage compartment (pivot compartment) and the housing (base body). According to the invention, a purely mechanical solution is achieved with a push button that has a Z-shaped movement (straight line) and can only be locked at a specific point (engagement position) inside the housing by means of lever movements and spring force assistance. This push button only returns to its initial position (zero position) when the luggage compartment is completely closed and engages in the luggage compartment housing (closed position). Operation is simplified because actuating the switch (engagement element) and closing the luggage compartment are now, or can be, two independent steps.

[0052] According to the invention, purely mechanical force assistance is achieved by means of a gas spring in combination with a highly integrated push button that locks or releases only at a defined point (activation position). The gas spring has integrated pinch protection during the closing process of the luggage compartment.

[0053] Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. These figures are shown in schematic diagrams: Figure 1 shows a storage compartment in an aircraft with a swivel compartment in the open position in a semi-transparent side view; Figure 2 shows a section of the storage compartment. Figure 1 with swivel compartment in closed position and spring unit in active and passive state, Figure 3 the switching unit made of Figure 1with switching element in zero position and release element in rest position, Figure 4 the switching unit made of Figure 3 with switching element in switching position and releasing element in releasing position, Figure 5 the switching unit made of Figure 4 with release element in rest position, Figure 6 shows a section of the spring element of the spring unit. Figure 1 in cross-section, Figure 7 the storage compartment made of Figure 1 with swivel compartment in closed position and release element in release position, Figure 8 an enlarged section from Figure 7 with the switching unit and the counter element for the release element, Figure 9 a further enlarged detail from Figure 8 in perspective view, Figure 10 a detail from Figure 7 with a section of the spring unit and the ball mount.

[0054] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a section of an aircraft 2, namely a storage compartment 4, which is fixed to a base structure 6 (only symbolically indicated here) of the aircraft 2 in an assembly state M. The storage compartment 4 contains a base body 8. The storage compartment 4 is fixed to the base structure 6 by the fact that the base body 8 is fixed to it. The storage compartment 4 also contains a swivel compartment 10, which is located between a Figure 1 shown disclosure OS and one in Figure 7 The closed position SS shown is pivotally mounted. The pivot mounting is achieved by mounting the pivoting compartment 10 about a pivot axis 12 on the base body 8.

[0055] The storage compartment 4 contains a spring unit 14, which is connected to both the base body 8 and the swivel compartment 10 and is thus coupled to the movement of both or supported between them. The spring unit 14 can be switched between an active state AZ and a passive state PZ, as explained below. Figure 1 The situation is shown for both states. Figure 1 This shows a state in which the storage compartment 4, or luggage compartment, is open and ready for loading. The spring unit 14 is a combination of a spring element 16 in the form of a gas spring and an oil damper 18.

[0056] Figure 2 The spring unit 14 is shown in detail, with the swivel compartment 10 in the closed position SS. The spring unit 14 is therefore opposite Figure 1expands. This always applies to the oil damper 18. In the passive state PZ, however, the spring element 16 always remains compressed, i.e., it has a length L1. A ball at the end of the spring element 16 moves away from a ball receptacle 20.

[0057] In the active state AZ, however, the spring element 16 also expands to the length L2, so that the ball engages with the ball receptacle 20. Thus, the spring force of the spring element 16 can be transmitted via the ball receptacle 20 to the swivel compartment 10. Both of these facts are symbolically represented in Figure 2 jointly indicated or drawn, the end of the spring center 16 is therefore shown twice.

[0058] In the passive state PZ at length L1, the spring element 16, and thus the spring unit 14, does not provide any support force for the swivel compartment 10. In the active state AZ, however, the spring element 16 is supported against the ball receptacle 20 and thus provides a support force for the swivel compartment 10 during a closing movement 22 (in Figure 1 (indicated by an arrow) by relaxing the spring element 16 and, in the opposite direction to the closing movement 22, by compressing the spring element 16.

[0059] Figure 2 This shows, in total, an unspecified holder system 26 with ball mounts for a gas pressure ball and a damper ball.

[0060] Figure 1This shows that the storage compartment 4 also contains a switching unit 30, which is operatively coupled to the spring unit 14, in that the switching unit 30 causes the spring unit 14 to switch between active state AZ and passive state PZ. The operative coupling is effected by a traction element 32, here a Bowden cable, which is in Figure 1 is only indicated by a dashed line.

[0061] Figure 3 The diagram shows the switching unit 30 in detail. This unit contains a switching element 34, in this case a push button. The switching element 34 is made of a Figure 3 shown zero position NP in a in Figure 4 The shown switching position ZP can be brought into position by pressing the push button in a direction of movement 38, which represents a straight line as the direction of pressure of the push button. Figure 3indicated by an arrow. In the zero position NP, the spring unit 14 is switched to the passive state PZ by the coupling mechanism; in the activation position ZP, it is switched to the active state AZ. The coupling mechanism is a lever mechanism 40 (not described in detail here) and the tension element 32. The activation element 34 is pre-tensioned towards the zero position NP, primarily by the spring unit 14, as explained below. The pre-tension is transferred to the activation element 34 via the coupling mechanism 40 and the tension element 32. The tension element 32 is a Bowden cable to the gas spring. The activation unit 30 can also be referred to as a "pushbutton housing".

[0062] The switching unit 30 contains a locking element 50, in this case a slide 56 with a detent 58 in the form of a pin. By means of a tensioning element 52 in the form of a spring, the locking element 50 is biased in a tension direction 54 (indicated by an arrow) towards the switching element 34. The locking element 50 serves to lock the switching element 34 in the switching position ZP. For this purpose, the switching element 34 has a counter-detent 64 that matches the detent 58, in this case in the form of a blind hole in the push button. Thus, the tensioning element 52 biases the locking element 50 towards a locking position (when the switching element 34 is in the switching position ZP). The slide 56 is therefore a spring-loaded slide with a pin.

[0063] The switching unit 30 contains a release element 60 for the locking device 50. The release element 60 is made of a Figure 3shown rest position RS into a release position LS according to Figure 4 operable. In the rest position RS, the locking element 34 is enabled by the locking device 50; in the release position LS, this locking is prevented or an existing lock is released. The release element 60 and the locking device 50 are coupled to each other via a lever system 62. The release element 60 is a rocker arm that pivots about the pivot axis 66 between the release position LS and the rest position RS. The release element 60 can also be referred to as the "lever for unlocking the push button". Figure 3 The push button is therefore in a home position, especially when the luggage compartment is open.

[0064] Figure 3 shows the rest position RS of the release element 60 and how the locking device 50 is therefore ready to lock the switching element 34.

[0065] Figure 4Figure 60 shows the release element in the release position LS and how the locking device 50 is retracted to the left via the lever system 62. Any existing locking of the switching element 34 is therefore released, and re-locking is no longer possible. Figure 4 This shows how the release element 60 in the release position LS holds the locking means 58 and the counter locking means 64 apart without locking.

[0066] Figure 4 As illustrated by arrows 42, after pressing the push button in the direction of pressure or movement 38, the pin retracts into the push button, the lever system 62 rotates, and the release element moves from the release position LS to the rest position RS. Pressing the push button causes the Bowden cable to be pulled in the direction of travel 67 via the rotation of the lever mechanism (arrows 44). In other words, the push button is triggered, and the gas pressure in the gas spring is released. The pin engages in the push button.

[0067] Figure 5 Figure 50 shows in detail how the locking device 50 locks the switching element 34 in the switching position ZP. The locking device 58, in the form of a pin, engages in the counter-locking device 64, in the form of a blind hole, as assumed by Figure 3 The actuating element 34 was pressed down in the pressure direction 38, and the locking element 58 moved into the counter-locking element 64 due to the clamping element 52 (spring). Movement of the actuating element 34 against the pressure direction 38 is now prevented.

[0068] Figure 1This illustrates how the release element 60, at least in the open position OS of the swivel compartment 10, can be manually actuated from outside the storage compartment, namely from its outer space 24, in order to move it into the release position LS. In other words, a flight attendant or passenger can manually release the locking mechanism of the switching element 34 in the switching position ZP by reaching into the open swivel compartment 10 behind the switching unit 30 and pressing down the release element 60. This deactivates the power assistance for the closing movement 22 of the swivel compartment 10.

[0069] Figure 6 This shows in Fig. 2 The upper end of the spring element 16 is shown in detail with the tension element 32, i.e., the Bowden cable connected to the push button. The spring element 16 is connected via the tension element 32 between the in Figure 6The passive state PZ and the active state AZ are switched back and forth. Switching to the active state is achieved by moving the switching element 34 in the direction of movement 38, i.e., manually pressing the push button, for example by a passenger or flight attendant.

[0070] This causes the traction element 32 to be pulled in the direction of pull 67, which is why an internal actuating element 68, here a lever, in the spring center 16 in the Figure 6 The lever 68 is moved to the right and an internal pin is held pressed in the gas spring to activate its spring action. If the pull rod is retracted (by moving the switching element 34 against the direction of movement 38) against the direction of pull 67, the lever 68 tilts into Figure 6to the left and the internal pin is relieved, the spring action deactivated. This return movement is caused by an internal spring (not shown) acting on the actuating element 68 in the spring center 16, which also causes the bias of the switching element 34 to the zero position NP.

[0071] Figure 7 The swivel compartment 10 is shown in the closed position SS. This can be seen here – as well as in... Figure 1 - a counter element 70 attached to the base body 8 of the storage compartment 4 for the release element 60. The counter element 70 is an angle bracket. In the Figure 7 In the closed position SS of the swivel compartment 10 shown, the release element 60 moves against the counter element 70 and is brought into the release position LS by the counter element 70. Figure 7 This provides an overview, Figure 8 in detail.

[0072] Figure 9The figure shows the interaction between counter element 70 and release element 60 in a further enlarged detail view in perspective. The path of the traction element 32 is only symbolically indicated here by a line.

[0073] Overall, the lever in the form of the release element 60 is pressed "downwards", which initiates the rotational movement (contrary to the arrows 42, see Figure 4 ) of the lever system 62 and the retraction of the pin from the push button. The preload force of the internal pin on the gas spring (acts on lever 68 in Figure 6 ) therefore pushes the push button back "upwards", i.e., against the direction of movement 38.

[0074] Starting from Figure 7The following then applies: When the luggage compartment is opened (swivel compartment 10 from the closed position SS to the open position OS), the piston of the gas spring is compressed again in the cylinder and locked in the lower (compressed) position. This is done via a ball bearing on the side of the gas spring, see Figure 10 . On the luggage compartment side (swivel compartment 10) a holder system is attached which has the ball mount 20.

[0075] Figure 10 Finally, the interaction between the spring element 16 or the gas spring ball and the ball receptacle 20 is illustrated by Figure 2 in a perspective view. Reference symbol list

[0076] 2 Aircraft 4 Storage compartment 6 Base structure 8 Base body 10 Swivel compartment 12 Swivel axis (swivel compartment) 14 Spring unit 16 Spring element 18 Oil damper 20 Ball receptacle 22 Closing movement 24 Exterior (storage compartment) 26 Mounting system 30 Switching unit 32 Pulling element 34 Switching element 38 Direction of movement 40 Lever mechanism (switching element) 42 Arrow 44 Arrow 50 Locking device 52 Clamping element (locking device) 54 Clamping direction 56 Slide 58 Detent device 60 Release element 62 Lever system 64 Counter-detent device 66 Swivel axis (release element) 67 Pulling direction 68 Actuating element 70 Counter-element (release element) M Assembly state OS Open position SS Closed position AZ Active state PZ Passive state NP Zero position ZP switching position RS rest position LSL release position L1,2 length

Claims

1. Stowage compartment (4) for an aircraft (2), - with a main body (8) which can be fixed to a basic structure (6) of the aircraft (2), - with a swivelling compartment (10) mounted so as to swivel between an open position (OS) and a closed position (SS), - with a spring unit (14) which is fastened to the main body (8) and the swivelling compartment (10), is motion-coupled to the latter and can be switched between an active state (AZ) and a passive state (PZ), - wherein, in the active state (AZ), relaxation of a spring means (16) of the spring unit (14) for generating a closing force on the swivelling compartment (10) in the direction from the open position (OS) to the closed position (SS) is enabled, - wherein, in the passive state (PZ), the spring means (16) is prevented from relaxing, - with a connection unit (30) which is operatively coupled to the spring unit (14) and has a connection element (34) which can be brought from a zero position (NP) into a connection position (ZP), wherein the spring unit (14) is switched into the passive state (PZ) in the zero position (NP) and into the active state (AZ) in the connection position (ZP), - wherein the connection element (34) is biased towards the zero position (NP), - wherein the connection unit (30) has a locking means (50) for the connection element (34) in the connection position (ZP), - wherein the locking means (50) is biased towards the locking of the connection element (34), - wherein the connection unit (30) has, for the locking means (50), a release element (60) which can be actuated from a rest position (RS) into a release position (LS), - wherein the release element (60) is biased towards the rest position (RS), - wherein, in the rest position (RS), locking of the connection element (34) in the connection position (ZP) is enabled by the locking means (50) and prevented in the release position (LS).

2. Stowage compartment (4) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection unit (30) is a push-button unit and the connection element (34) is a push-button which can be pressed from the zero position (NP) into the connection position (ZP).

3. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection unit (30) is operatively coupled to the spring unit (14) via a pulling means (32).

4. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection element (34) is biased from the connection position (ZP) towards the zero position (NP) by a restoring force from outside the connection unit (30).

5. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring unit (14) contains a gas pressure spring as spring means (16).

6. Stowage compartment (4) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the spring unit (14) is switched between the active state (AZ) and passive state (PZ) by actuating a resiliently pretensioned actuating element (68) of the gas pressure spring.

7. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a counter element (70) for the release element (60) is attached to the main body (8) or to the basic structure (6), wherein the release element (60) is brought into the release position (LS) by the counter element (70) at least in the closed position (SS) of the swivelling compartment (10).

8. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release element (60) is accessible, at least in the open position (OS) of the swivelling compartment (10), for manual actuation from an external space (24) outside the stowage compartment (4) at least towards the release position (LS).

9. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release element (60) is a rocker lever that can be swivelled between the release position (LS) and the rest position (RS).

10. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the locking means (50) is a latching means (58) which is movable transversely to a direction of movement (38) of the connection element (34) and which is biased towards the connection element (34), - and the connection element (34) has a counter latching means (64), - wherein the locking of the connection element (34) is effected by the engagement of latching means (58) and counter latching means (64) in the connection position (ZP), - wherein the latching means (58) and the counter latching means (58) are held apart, unlatchably, by the release element (60) in the release position (LS).

11. Stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stowage compartment (4) does not contain any electrical components and / or the switchover between active state (AZ) and passive state (PZ) is independent of a load in the stowage compartment (4).

12. Aircraft (2), - with a basic structure (6), - with a stowage compartment (4) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the main body (8) is fixed to the basic structure (6).