Overhead cabin fitting for an aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to an overhead cabin fitting (1) for an aircraft, comprising: an overhead luggage compartment (3) for luggage; a ventilation device (4) having a housing (5), an air inlet (6), an air channel (7) and an air outlet (8); and a lighting device (9) having lighting elements (10); wherein the ventilation device (4) and the lighting device (9) are each arranged above the overhead luggage compartment (3), and a support (11) on which the lighting elements (10) are arranged is provided at the air outlet (8) of the ventilation device (4).

Description

[0001] Overhead cabin equipment for an aircraft

[0002] The invention relates to an overhead cabin equipment for an aircraft, comprising: an overhead luggage compartment for a piece of luggage, a ventilation device with a housing, an air inlet, an air guide channel and an air outlet, a lighting device with lighting elements, wherein the ventilation device and the lighting device are each arranged above the overhead luggage compartment.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an aircraft with at least one overhead cabin equipment.

[0004] DE 10 2019 008 403 A1 discloses such an overhead storage compartment, which is installed in the passenger area of ​​an aircraft cabin above a seating area. The storage compartment has a storage compartment housing and a flap for closing the storage compartment housing. Furthermore, a ventilation system is provided, which serves to supply and distribute fresh air in the passenger area of ​​the cabin. The ventilation system has air outlets that are connected to air ducts. The air outlets are arranged above the storage compartment.

[0005] Finally, a lighting device for illuminating the cabin, in particular the aisle area, is attached above the storage compartment. The lighting device can be designed as an OLED strip, which in the embodiment shown is attached at a distance from the air outlet in the direction of the aisle area. The storage compartment module has a translucent lighting section which serves to ensure that light enters through the lighting device when the storage compartment is open. Furthermore, this patent application generally mentions that the lighting device can form part of the air outlet and / or define an air flow path. However, no practical embodiment with which such integration could be achieved is disclosed.However, if the air outlets and lighting are to be mounted one above the other, the problem arises that the installation space above the overhead storage area is limited. This can result in functional limitations and high installation and maintenance costs. Another problem is the heat generated by such lighting devices.

[0006] DE 10 2007 019 538 A1 discloses an air guiding element for an aircraft air conditioning system. The air guiding element has a perforated diaphragm with a plurality of webs in order to straighten the air flow.

[0007] US 7,527,402 B2 shows a different type of reading light and personal air outlet unit, which is, however, fundamentally different from lighting and ventilation devices above overhead luggage compartments.

[0008] The general state of the art is further illustrated by US 2020148367 Al , EP 2484588 Al , US 2011256821 Al and US 2012074258 Al .

[0009] The object of the invention is to alleviate or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. The aim of the present invention is, in particular, to provide an overhead cabin system with which the lighting and ventilation devices can be arranged in a space-saving manner above the overhead luggage compartment. Furthermore, heat management should preferably be improved and assembly costs reduced.

[0010] The object is achieved by an overhead cabin equipment having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, the overhead cabin equipment has a support at the air outlet of the ventilation device, on which lighting elements are arranged.

[0012] The support with the lighting elements is therefore arranged at the air outlet so that the air flowing from the air inlet via the air duct to the air outlet can be discharged past the lighting elements into the aircraft cabin. Since the support is arranged so as to overlap the air outlet in the vertical direction, in particular substantially at the same height as the air outlet, a particularly flat design of the lighting and ventilation device can be created, with which the confined installation space above the overhead luggage compartment can be optimally utilized. The arrangement of the lighting elements at the level of the air outlet also has the effect that the heat given off by the lighting elements can be effectively absorbed by the air flow. Due to the improved heat dissipation via the air flow, a material- and weight-saving design can be provided.Preferably, the support is attached to the housing of the ventilation device. This conveniently integrates the lighting device into the ventilation device. This advantageously reduces assembly and maintenance costs. It is particularly advantageous if the support is mounted between two housing walls defining the air duct, in particular an upper and a lower housing wall.

[0013] For the purposes of this disclosure, the location and direction specifications, such as "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", refer to the intended installation state of the overhead luggage compartment in an aircraft cabin with the aircraft oriented horizontally. "Front" refers to the side of the overhead luggage compartment facing the user, which is preferably arranged laterally next to an aisle in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the overhead cabin equipment, the support leaves a plurality, preferably a multiplicity, of air outlet openings of the air outlet free, wherein in particular more than 10, for example more than 20 air outlet openings are provided. Thus, the air can exit from the air outlet through the air outlet openings essentially unhindered. Advantageously, a backflow of air can be avoided. The air passes through the air outlet openings of the support, which is arranged at the air outlet, in particular built into the air outlet. The lighting elements on the support are cooled as it flows through the air outlet openings.

[0015] LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are preferred as lighting elements, particularly WRGB LEDs (white, red, green, blue light-emitting diodes). A major advantage of LEDs is that they generate less heat than other light sources. Furthermore, LEDs are more energy-efficient than other light sources. Heat dissipation via the air flow from the air outlet can increase the service life and operational reliability of the lighting system.

[0016] Because the heat is dissipated via the airflow at the air outlet, the support does not need to be made of a solid material such as aluminum. In a preferred embodiment, the support can therefore comprise a lightweight material, particularly glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, or be made of this lightweight material.

[0017] Preferably, the front side of the support, i.e., the side of the support facing away from the air inlet, is arranged substantially flush with a front side of the housing, which defines the air outlet. This flush arrangement allows for optimal space utilization. Furthermore, heat dissipation can be improved. Preferably, the support is connected on the top side to the inside of an upper housing wall and on the bottom side to the inside of a lower housing wall of the housing of the ventilation device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the support is designed as a lattice structure, in particular with longitudinal and / or transverse support and / or diagonal support elements. A regular lattice structure is preferably provided. With this design, uniform lighting and ventilation of the aircraft cabin can be ensured. Depending on the design, longitudinal support elements running in the longitudinal direction of the air outlet and / or transverse support elements running in the vertical direction and / or diagonal support elements running at an angle different from 0° and 90°, for example at an angle of substantially 45°, to the longitudinal direction of the air outlet are provided, to which diagonal support elements the lighting elements are attached. Preferably, a plurality of rows of lighting elements are provided, which are arranged in different vertical planes of the lattice structure.Each row can have several, in particular many, for example more than 5, preferably more than 10, lighting elements, in particular LEDs.

[0019] The lighting elements on the support are preferably connected to a power supply via lines, in particular via conductor tracks. The lines preferably extend along longitudinal and / or transverse and / or diagonal support elements of the lattice structure.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting elements are arranged at intersections of longitudinal and / or transverse beam and / or diagonal beam elements, in particular at intersections of diagonal beam elements. This achieves a particularly favorable airflow. Furthermore, the air flow at the air outlet can be evened out.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the air outlet of the overhead cabin equipment has a longitudinal extent that is several times greater than its height, wherein the support, in particular the grid structure, is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the air outlet. In this embodiment, the ventilation device can have a flat housing which is arranged in a horizontal state. The air outlet of the flat housing is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The length of the air outlet (i.e. its horizontal extent in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft) can, for example, be at least 5 times, in particular at least 10 times, greater than the height of the air outlet (i.e. its vertical extent). This allows optimal use of the available space above the overhead luggage compartment.Furthermore, the support can preferably extend substantially over the entire length of the air outlet, whereby a large number of lighting elements can be arranged on the support in order to ensure optimal illumination, in particular in the ceiling area of ​​the aircraft cabin.

[0022] The housing of the ventilation device preferably widens in plan view from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air inlet can be designed as an air inlet nozzle with a preferably substantially cylindrical cross-section in order to enable connection to a ventilation system, in particular to an aircraft air conditioning system. The ventilation system can be an aircraft air conditioning system. The air inlet nozzle can be designed as a component separate from the housing in order to enable easy replacement or simple connection to the ventilation system. The air inlet can in particular be arranged centrally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the air outlet. The design of the housing which is widened from the air inlet to the air outlet can ensure that air flows out over the length of the overhead luggage compartment.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the overhead cabin equipment comprises a device for equalizing the air flow along the air outlet. This device can ensure that the air flow exits essentially evenly across the cross-section of the air outlet. With the aid of this device, the air can be distributed laterally. For this purpose, the device can change the flow resistance so that the air can exit evenly through the air outlet.

[0024] In a first embodiment, the device for evening the air flow along the air outlet has a recess in the ventilation housing in a central longitudinal section opposite the end longitudinal sections, in order to enable a uniform exit of air from the air outlet. This ensures that the air is not only released in the central longitudinal section opposite the air inlet, but that corresponding air quantities are also released at the end longitudinal sections. The recess forms a cross-sectional taper of the flow channel. The recess has, in particular, rounded edges to avoid disturbing noises.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the recesses widen toward the air outlet. The recess is preferably shaped to correspond to the upper or lower housing wall of the housing. Thus, the recess can, for example, be essentially triangular in plan view, preferably with rounded corners. In this way, the air can be evenly distributed across the cross-section of the air outlet. The uniform airflow pattern allows the heat to be dissipated from all lighting elements.

[0026] In a second embodiment, the device for equalizing the air flow has at least one

[0027] Air guide ribs are located within the air duct. The air guide ribs allow the air flows to be effectively directed or redirected. This variant is particularly suitable for housing designs with an upper and a lower half shell, which can be made of foam.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the overhead luggage compartment has a luggage compartment housing enclosing a receiving space for items of luggage and a flap that can be pivoted upwards from a closed to an open position and is fastened to the luggage compartment housing (which remains stationary while the flap is pivoting). The flap is preferably mounted on the luggage compartment housing via a hinge arrangement with a pivot arm. The pivot arm is preferably of such a length that a gap is formed between the upper side of an upper part of the luggage compartment housing and an upper edge of the flap (relative to the closed position of the flap). This allows light and air from the lighting and ventilation device to be released into the aircraft cabin not only when the flap is in the closed position, but also when the flap is in the open position. The gap is preferably at least as high as the air outlet.

[0029] In a second embodiment, the overhead luggage compartment has a chute for inserting items of luggage, wherein the chute can be lowered from a closed to an open position relative to a housing which is stationary during the same time.

[0030] The present invention is explained below with reference to embodiments which are shown in the drawings.

[0031] Fig. 1A and 1B show an overhead cabin equipment according to the invention with an overhead luggage compartment and an integrated ventilation and lighting device in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively, wherein a flap of the overhead luggage compartment is shown in a closed position.

[0032] Fig. 1C shows the overhead cabin equipment according to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B with the flap in the open position.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the ventilation device of the overhead cabin equipment of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B according to a first embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 3A to 3C show a second embodiment of the ventilation device of the overhead cabin equipment according to the invention of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B.

[0035] Fig. 1A and 1B show an overhead cabin equipment 1 for an aircraft, which is indicated by the cross-section of an aircraft fuselage 2. The overhead cabin equipment 1 has an overhead luggage compartment 3 with a fixed luggage compartment housing 3A and at least one (here two) door or flap(s) 3B which can be pivoted upwards from a closed to an open position (cf. Fig. 1A). This design of luggage compartment is also referred to as a "shelf bin". Another design of the overhead luggage compartment (so-called "pivot bin") has a chute which can be lowered from a closed to an open position relative to a housing. The invention is explained below using a "shelf bin" as an example. The luggage compartment housing 3A encloses a receiving space 3C in which items of luggage can be accommodated.In addition, the overhead cabin equipment 1 has a ventilation device 4 with a housing 5, an air inlet 6, an air duct 7 and an air outlet 8 which is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin. In the embodiment shown, the air inlet 6 is designed as an air inlet nozzle to which air is supplied in the direction of arrow 6A (cf. Fig. 2). The ventilation device 4 is arranged on an upper part of the luggage compartment housing 4. The air then flows along the air duct 7 from the air inlet 6 to the air outlet 8. Finally, the air is released into the aircraft cabin above the overhead luggage compartment 3 via the air outlet 8 in the direction of arrow 6B. Depending on the embodiment, several overhead cabin equipment 1 can follow one another in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.Furthermore, the overhead cabin equipment 1 includes a lighting device 9 with lighting elements 10 for emitting light toward a ceiling area of ​​the aircraft cabin. The ventilation unit 4 and the lighting device 9 are arranged above the overhead luggage compartment 3.

[0036] According to the invention, a support 11 extends along the air outlet 8 on the front side of the ventilation device 4 facing the aircraft cabin, and the lighting elements 10 of the lighting device 9 are arranged on said support. The flap 3B of the overhead luggage compartment 3 is mounted on the luggage compartment housing 3A via a pivot arm 19 in such a way that, when the flap 3B is in the open position (not shown), a gap is formed between the upper side of the upper part of the luggage compartment housing 3A and the upper edge of the flap 3B (relative to the closed position), through which gap light can be emitted into the aircraft cabin even when the flap 3B is in the open state. In the embodiment shown, a ceiling panel 20 is also provided, which is cut out in the region of the air outlet 8 in order to allow air and light to escape. A power supply unit 12 for supplying power to the lighting elements 10 can also be arranged on the ventilation device 4 (cf. Fig. 2).Preferably, the power supply 12 is arranged on the outside of the housing 5. A line 12a runs from the power supply 12 to the support 11 to supply the lighting elements 10 with power.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of the ventilation device 4, which can be manufactured, for example, in a sandwich construction. The support 11 leaves a plurality, in particular a multiplicity, of air outlet openings 13 free on the front of the ventilation device 4, so that air can flow past the lighting elements 10 through the air outlet 8. The support 11 is arranged on the front side facing away from the air inlet 6 essentially flush with a front side of the housing 5 delimiting the air outlet 8. In the embodiment shown, a lattice structure 11a with intersecting diagonal support elements 11b is provided as the support 11. The lighting elements 10 are arranged in the embodiment shown at the intersection points of the diagonal support elements 11b.

[0038] In order to optimally utilize the space occupied by the ventilation device 4 above the overhead luggage compartment 3, the air outlet 8 has a greater longitudinal than vertical extension. Preferably, the air outlet is substantially rectangular. The support 11 extends substantially over the entire length and height of the air outlet 8.

[0039] The housing 5 of the ventilation device 4 widens from the air inlet 6 to the air outlet 8 to enable a uniform distribution of the air along the air outlet 8. A device 14 is provided to even out the air flow along the air outlet 8. The device 14 can be formed by a recess 15 in the ventilation housing 5, which widens toward the air outlet 8.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the air enters the ventilation device 4 through the air inlet 6. The air is transported to the air outlet 8 via the air duct 7. In the embodiment shown, the air inlet 6 is arranged essentially centrally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the air outlet 8. The device 14 distributes the air flow entering the center of the air inlet 6 into the air duct 7 essentially evenly over the cross section of the air duct duct 7. The recess 15 has the basic shape of the ventilation device 4. The recess 15 widens out towards the air outlet 8, preferably in the ratio of air outlet 8 to air inlet 6. Advantageously, the recess 15 can already be produced during the manufacture of the housing 5 of the ventilation unit 4.The edges of the recess 15 are preferably rounded to facilitate good airflow and prevent disturbing noises caused by the air flow hitting a sharp edge. Furthermore, the recess 15 forms a cross-sectional taper, which ensures a uniform recess at the air outlet.

[0041] The air flow can exit evenly from the air outlet 8 through the air outlet openings 13 of the grid structure 11a. When exiting the air outlet 8, the air flows past the lighting elements 10 of the lighting device 9. Due to the arrangement of the lighting elements 10 at the intersection points of the diagonal support elements 11b of the grid structure 11a, the lighting elements 10, in the embodiment shown LED spots, in particular WRGB LED spots 10a, are flowed around from all sides, so that the heat of the lighting elements 10 is dissipated. The lighting elements 10 are supplied with power by conductor tracks (not shown) along the grid structure 11a. Common commercial aircraft are operated with an alternating current network. In this case, the power supply unit 12 converts the provided alternating current into direct current and supplies it via a line 12a to the conductor tracks (not shown) of the grid structure 11a.

[0042] 3A to 3C show an embodiment of the ventilation device 4, which can be manufactured, for example, in a half-shell construction. Fig. 3A shows an upper half-shell 17 of the housing 5 of the ventilation device 4. Fig. 3B shows a lower half-shell 18 of the housing 5 and Fig. 3C shows a sectional view of the joined half-shells 17 and 18 from Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. The half-shells have air guide ribs 16 within the air duct 7, which in this embodiment function as a device 14 for evening out the air flow along the air outlet 8. In the embodiment shown, for example, four air guide ribs 16 are provided. In the embodiment shown, the air guide ribs 16 are each composed of an upper half part 16A and a lower half part 16B.When connecting the upper half-shell 17 to the lower half-shell 18, the upper half-parts 16A are connected, in particular glued, to the lower half-parts 16B in order to obtain the air-guiding ribs 16. Furthermore, plug-in connections can be designed, in particular as positioning aids for joining the upper half-parts 16A and the lower half-parts 16B of the air-guiding ribs 16. Furthermore, Figure 3B schematically shows the line 12a to the power pack 12 (not shown here). The air-guiding ribs 16 of the device 14 serve to even out the air flow. By means of the air-guiding ribs 16, the air can be directed along the air-guiding channel 7 such that the air exits essentially evenly along the air outlet 8.

[0043] Reference number for the long-distance list:

[0044] 1 Overhead cabin equipment

[0045] 2 aircraft fuselage

[0046] 3 overhead luggage compartment

[0047] 3A Luggage compartment housing

[0048] 3B flap

[0049] 4 Ventilation system

[0050] 5 housings

[0051] 6 Air intake

[0052] 6A Arrow direction

[0053] 6B Arrow direction

[0054] 7 Air duct

[0055] 8 Air outlet

[0056] 9 Lighting equipment

[0057] 10 lighting elements

[0058] 10a WRGB LED spots

[0059] 11 carriers

[0060] 11a Lattice structure

[0061] 11b Diagonal support elements

[0062] 12 Power supply

[0063] 12a line

[0064] 13 air outlet openings

[0065] 14 Facility

[0066] 15 Deepening

[0067] 16 Air guide rib

[0068] 16a upper half

[0069] 16B lower half part

[0070] 17 upper half shell

[0071] 18 lower half shell

[0072] 19 Swivel arm

[0073] 20 ceiling panels

Claims

Claims:

1. Overhead cabin equipment (1) for an aircraft, comprising: an overhead luggage compartment (3) for a piece of luggage, a ventilation device (4) with a housing (5), an air inlet (6), an air guide duct (7) and an air outlet (8), a lighting device (9) with lighting elements (10), wherein the ventilation device (4) and the lighting device (9) are each arranged above the overhead luggage compartment (3), characterized in that a carrier is arranged at the air outlet (8) of the ventilation device (4) (11) is provided, on which the lighting elements (10) are arranged.

2. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (11) leaves free a plurality, in particular a multiplicity, of air outlet openings (13) of the air outlet (8), through which the air can flow out of the air outlet (8) past the lighting elements (10).

3. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support (11) is arranged on the side facing away from the air inlet (6) substantially flush with a front side of the housing (5) delimiting the air outlet (8).

4. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a lattice structure (11a), in particular with longitudinal and / or transverse support and / or diagonal support elements (11b), is provided as the support (11).

5. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lighting elements (10) are arranged at intersection points of the longitudinal and / or transverse beam and / or diagonal beam elements (11b).

6. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 4 and 5, characterized in that the air outlet (8) has a longitudinal extension which is several times greater than its height, wherein the support (11), in particular the grid structure, is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the air outlet (8).

7. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the support (11) extends substantially over the entire longitudinal extent of the air outlet (8).

8. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the housing (5) of the ventilation device (4) extends from the air inlet (6) to the air outlet (8) extended.

9. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a device (14) is provided for equalizing the air flow along the air outlet (8).

10. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the device (14) for equalizing the air flow along the air outlet (8) has a recess (15) of the ventilation housing (5) in a central longitudinal section opposite a front and a rear longitudinal section.

11. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the recess (15) widens towards the air outlet (8).

12. Overhead cabin equipment (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the device (14) has at least one air guide rib (16) within the air guide duct (7).

13. Aircraft with at least one overhead cabin equipment (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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