EP2340697A1 - Attachment structure, attachment device and attachment system for attachment of a finishing component in an aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

An attachment device (6) for attachment of a finishing component (3) in an aircraft, having a second attachment element (13) for attachment of a finishing component (3) in an aircraft, the second attachment element (13) having a guide element (14), a contact element (15) and a locking element (16), wherein the guide element (14) can be inserted into a first section (19) of a first attachment element (12), wherein the guide element (14) of the first section (19) of an inventive, first attachment element (12) can be introduced into a second section (20) of the first attachment element (12), wherein the first attachment element (12) and the second attachment element (13) can be brought into a mechanically coupled state by engaging of the first attachment element (12) in the second section (20) of the first attachment element (12), wherein the contact element (15) in the coupled state produces a mechanical contact between first (12) and second attachment element (13) and wherein through operation of the locking element (16), the first attachment element (12) and the second attachment element (13) can be detachably locked relative to each other.

Description

 Fastening structure, fastening device and fastening system for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft

The present application claims the priority of the German

Patent Application No. 10 2008 052 519.7 filed on October 21, 2008, US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/196 853 filed on October 21, 2008, German Patent Application No. 10 2008 059 852.6 filed on Dec. 1, 2008, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 200,654, filed December 1, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a fastening structure, a fastening device, a fastening system, an equipment component according to the invention, an aircraft with a fastening structure according to the invention, a erfmdungsgemäßen

Fastening device, a fastening system according to the invention and / or an equipment components according to the invention and a use of a fastening structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, a fastening system according to the invention and / or an equipment component according to the invention in an aircraft.

Conventional fastening systems make it possible, for example, to attach a component to the interior of an aircraft or to a part of the aircraft structure.

Conventional fastening systems, however, are usually tailored individually to the mounting location and / or on the component to be attached, so designed highly specific. Furthermore, the fastening or release of a component is usually complicated and / or tedious due to extensive safety regulations in the field of aircraft technology, so that a fast, short-term or flexible installation, removal and / or replacement of a component is not possible. Document DE 10 2007 030 330 and PCT / EP 2008/056275 describe a pivotable equipment carrier in combination with a modified luggage rack for an aircraft.

Document US 6,513,755 describes a hinged implement carrier and method for installing implement carriers in an aircraft.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient fastening system which allows for flexible and quick attachment of a component in an aircraft and moreover meets the relevant safety requirements in the field of aircraft technology.

This object is achieved by a fastening structure, a fastening device, a fastening system, an inventive equipment component, an aircraft with an inventive

Fixing structure, a fastening device according to the invention, a fastening system according to the invention and / or an equipment components according to the invention and a use of a fastening structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, a fastening system according to the invention and / or an inventive equipment component in an aircraft according to the independent claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mounting structure for mounting an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a first fastener having an opening, the opening having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured such that a guide member a fastening device according to the invention can be introduced, wherein the second portion is set, with a second fastening element form-fitting manner be coupled and wherein a mechanical contact between the first and second fastener in the coupled state can be produced using a contact element of the second fastening element.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fastening device for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a second fastening element for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, the second fastening element comprising a guide element with a connection element, a contact element and a locking element Guide element in a first portion of a first fastener according to the invention can be introduced, wherein the guide member of the first portion in a second portion of the first fastener can be introduced, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener by engaging behind the first fastener in the second portion of the first fastener in a mechanically coupled state can be brought, wherein the contact element in the coupled state of a mechanical contact produces between the first and second fastener and wherein the first fastener and the second fastener relative to each other are releasably fixed by pressing the locking element.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fastening system for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft is provided, comprising a fastening structure according to the invention, wherein the fastening structure adheres to the structure of a

Plane is attachable and a fastening device according to the invention, wherein the guide element of a first portion of the first fastening element in a second portion of the first fastening element can be introduced, wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element by engaging behind the first fastening element in second section of the first fastener in a mechanically coupled state can be brought, wherein the contact element in the coupled state makes a mechanical contact between the first and second fastener and wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are releasably fixed relative to each other by pressing the locking element.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounting structure for mounting an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a first fastener having an opening, the opening having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured such that a fastener a fastening device according to the invention can be introduced, wherein the second portion is adapted to be positively coupled to the attachment member of the second fastener and wherein a mechanical contact between the first and second fastener in the coupled state can be produced using a contact element of the second fastener.

According to another aspect of the present invention is a

A fastening device for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a second fastening element for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, the second fastening element comprising a guide element with a connection element, a contact element and a locking element, wherein the connection element in a first

Section of a first fastener according to the invention can be introduced, wherein the guide element of the first portion in a second portion of the first fastener can be introduced, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener by engaging behind the first fastener using the attachment element in the second Section of the first fastener in a mechanically coupled state can be brought, wherein the contact element in the coupled state makes a mechanical contact between the first and second fastener and wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are releasably fϊxierbar by pressing the Arretierungselementes.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastening system for securing an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising an attachment structure according to the invention, wherein the attachment structure is attachable to the structure of an aircraft and a fastening device according to the invention, wherein the guide element from a first portion of the first attachment element in a second portion of the first fastening element can be introduced, wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element can be brought by engaging behind the first fastening element using the connecting element in the second portion of the first fastening element in a mechanically coupled state, wherein the contact element in the coupled state, a mechanical contact between first and second fastener produces and wherein by pressing the locking element, the first Befestigungselemen t and the second fastening element are releasably f relativxierbar relative to each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting structure for mounting an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a first fastener having an opening, the opening having a first portion with a first extent, and a second portion having a second extent, the first Extension is greater than the second extension, wherein the first portion is set up so that a guide element of a fastening device according to the invention in the first section can be introduced and wherein the second section established is to engage in a recess of the guide element of the second fastener for realizing a mechanically coupled state between the first and second fastener, wherein a contact element of the second fastener in the coupled state makes a mechanical contact between the first and second fastener, wherein a

Locking element of the second fastening element engages in the coupled state in the first portion of the opening and wherein the fastening structure and a fastening device are fixed relative to each other by the engagement of the locking element of the second fastening element in the first section.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening device for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a second fastening element for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, the second fastening element comprising a guide element, a contact element and a locking element, wherein the guide element has a recess wherein the guide member is insertable using the recess of a first portion of a first fastener according to the invention in a second portion of the first fastener, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener by inserting the recess of the guide element in the second portion of the first fastener in a mechanical Coupled state can be brought, wherein the contact element in the coupled state, a mechanical contact between the first and second Befes tigungselement manufactures, wherein the locking element engages in the coupled state in the first portion of the opening, and wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element are fixed relative to each other by the engagement of the locking element in the first section. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastening system for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, comprising a fastening structure according to the invention, wherein the fastening structure is attachable to the structure of an aircraft and a fastening device according to the invention, wherein the first

Fastening element and the second fastening element can be brought by introducing the recess of the guide element in the second portion of the first fastener in a mechanically coupled state, wherein the contact element in the coupled state makes a mechanical contact between the first and second fastener, wherein the

Arretierungselement engages in the coupled state in the first portion of the opening and wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element are fixed relative to each other by the engagement of the locking element in the first section.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, an equipment component for an aircraft is provided, comprising at least one fastening device according to the invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, an aircraft is provided, comprising a fastening structure according to the invention for fastening an equipment component, a fastening device according to the invention for fastening an equipment component, an inventive fastening system for fastening an equipment component and / or an equipment component according to the invention for an aircraft.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a fastening structure according to the invention for fastening an equipment component, a fastening device according to the invention for fastening an equipment component, an inventive Fastening system used for fastening an equipment component and / or an equipment component according to the invention in an aircraft.

The present invention relates to a connection or fastening concept for components in an aircraft.

The components may in this case be attached to a fastening structure, for example a rail system. The attachment structure may be z. B. in the X direction, ie in the longitudinal direction through an aircraft and may thus extend substantially over the entire aircraft length. A different kind of orientation in an airplane is conceivable.

The attachment structure may offer defined attachment points or attachment points, which may be spaced apart in a defined pattern to allow flexible connection or attachment of components.

The individual components may be standardized in their dimensions, the size thus be predetermined. The attachment structure has a plurality of first attachment elements over its extension, wherein the plurality of first attachment elements may be arranged to be recurrently defined.

The components, in turn, are provided with at least one second fastener which is engageable with the first fastener to thereby enable a mechanically stable connection or attachment of the component to / on the fastener structure.

Due to the standardization and in particular by an integration or integral design of the second fastening element with the component, the component may be flexible without necessary mechanical adaptation, for example under Using an adapter plate to be attached to the mounting structure and thus on the aircraft.

The components may thus be attached to a mounting structure. The attachment structure itself may be formed as a rail structure, in particular as a plurality of rails, which may be mounted parallel to the aircraft structure at a defined distance.

By integrating a carrier element into the housing of a component, the weight load or the weight may thus be reduced. On the one hand, a separate adapter plate may thus be understood as omitted, on the other hand, a housing base plate may be understood as a carrier element according to the invention, which may take over the function of an adapter plate.

The second fastening element may be attached to the component or to the carrier element / to the base plate, for example to a bulge or a tab.

For example, for a standardization, it is possible to specify possible, defined component dimensions which depend on the fastening structure or the

May be matched majority of the first fasteners. The dimension of a component may also determine the distance of the rails to each other.

Depending on the required dimensions, the manufacturer of a component may select a defined, standardized component cross-section and a length. Standardization may allow the component manufacturer to optimize the weight of the component housing.

The components may be connected in various ways to the attachment structure. On the one hand, the components may be screwed on or off or they may be mounted using a "snap &click" method (plug & play), both of which may allow purely mechanical coupling or mechanical and simultaneous electrical connection.

In order to realize an electrical connection, the components and / or the fastening structure / rails may be configured or coated at least partially conductive. As a result, for example, a short-circuit current of a component can be derived in the event of a fault and / or a ground connection can be realized.

In the screwed variant, the screw connection may for example be realized as a blind screw connection, which may prove to be particularly advantageous for those applications in which the rear portion of the mounting structure is difficult or impossible to access.

An electrical connection may be made by screwing on coated parts of the component and the mounting structure, which may include a portion, e.g. B. in Windungsgang a screw and / or in a region of the component is made conductive, for example by removing a non-conductive BeSchichtung. Furthermore, an electrical connection through a guide element, for example, a separate ground strap, take place.

For the attachment of a component in an aircraft, for example, it may preferably be necessary to create a backlash-free and secure connection possibility.

Occurring vibrations, for example, in the case that a substantially metal component is attached to a substantially metal B efestigungs structure, and resulting from slight vibration noise are unpleasant for passage and crew members in the plane and may be prohibited if possible.

Furthermore, a component fastened in the aircraft should as far as possible be fastened in such a way that an accidental release, thus the sliding out of the component from its attachment, is avoided.

In this respect, an attachment for a component in an aircraft may, on the one hand, have a certain flexibility or cushioning, in order to avoid noise emissions, and at the same time be fastened securely to the aircraft structure even with a single or double positive connection.

A fastening device according to the invention or a fastening element according to the invention may thus have a form-locking element, which on the one hand enables simple, targeted fastening, but at the same time still has spring elements in order to minimize occurring vibrations and the resulting noise development.

Particularly preferred may be a fastening device which has a form-locking element which can be transferred between an insertion state in which the positive connection is substantially eliminated and a locking state in which a positive, vibration-free connection to the aircraft structure is made possible.

To meet extended safety requirements in the aircraft, beyond a locking option is provided, which effectively prevents the accidental release of the positive connection, so the reaction of the positive locking element of a locked, form-closed state in an unlocked, open state. An inventive first fastener may also be understood as an opening or coincide with this in its function and its configuration.

Further, for example, the second fastening element may be realized as a bolt-spring variant in conjunction with an opening (eg in the form of a keyhole) in the first fastening element.

The second fastening element may in this case be designed as a snap closure system according to the "snap & click" principle, wherein an automatic grounding may also take place.

The "snap and click" method may be realized by using a second fastener having a guide element, a contact element and a locking element.

Guide element, contact element and / or locking element, thus bolts and / or spring may be attached to the component or to the support element. The opening or the keyhole may be attached to the first fastening element, to the fastening structure or rail. These openings or keyholes may have a defined distance.

The opening or the keyhole may have a variable opening cross-section which, for example, tapers or reduces on one side. Furthermore, the guide element of the second fastening element or the pin may have a taper, an incision or a recess, which is adapted in its dimensions to the opening, for example, to enable a mechanical connection in the tapered region. Thus, the component may be introduced with the guide element in an opening of the first fastener. By displacing the component and thus the guide element in the opening, the recess of the guide element may be brought into engagement with the tapered opening, in order to thus realize a mechanical connection. The rail with its wall thickness may thus engage in the recess of the bolt (tongue and groove principle).

Contact elements of the second fastener like on the first fastener on or rest and thus establish an electrical contact. The contact elements may in this case be designed as spring elements in order to ensure a substantially backlash-free contact even with slight mechanical stress, thus movement, for example by vibration.

The locking element, for example a locking spring, may be in one

End position of the component in the opening or the keyhole engage or engage and thus secure the mechanical connection. The component may be mechanically fixed and have an electrically conductive connection, for example a ground connection. The locking element may engage in the opening and push or push back, against the direction of insertion or Versetzrichtung prevent or block.

By locking the component using the locking spring in the opening of the first fastener, any orientation of the opening or the keyhole may be conceivable. Thus, the extent and thus the movement of the component from the introduction of the guide element into the opening to lock the locking element may be parallel or perpendicular to the extension direction of the attachment structure. Furthermore, further attachment structures or rails may be provided along the extension direction of the attachment structure in order, for example, to realize the attachment of devices or components of different standard dimensions. Thus, for example, a component with a first standard dimension or a plurality of components with a second standard dimension, which is smaller, for example, than the first, may be possible using further attachment structures or rails at the same or similar location.

Several components may thus be mounted parallel or slightly offset side by side or one above the other, wherein the individual components may be interlocked using a so-called crown profile. Thus, several components may be mounted one above the other or side by side regardless of their length or number.

The second fastener or attachment structure may provide a spring-loaded mechanical and electrical connection with a simultaneous, integral attachment and locking mechanism.

The opening of the first fastening element may have a first section with a first extension and a second section with a second extension. The first extent may be greater than the second extent. The guide element may further comprise a recess, wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element can be fixed to one another by introducing the recess of the guide element into the second section of the opening.

The guide member may have a first dimension which is smaller than the opening in its first portion, but larger than the opening in its second section, whereas a recess of the guide element is smaller than the opening in its second section. Thus, the guide element may be introduced with its recess in the second section and, for example, by a portion of the guide element in front of and behind the recess, a mechanical contact between the guide element and the second portion of the opening, thus between the second fastener and the first fastener produce.

The opening may taper from the first section to the second section, for example jumpy and / or linear. The second portion may thus be substantially smaller than the outer dimensions of the guide element, but at least equal to or larger than the dimensions of the recess of the guide element.

The first fastening element or the guide element may be in the first

Fastening element are introduced in the region of the first portion of the opening, are offset in the direction of the second portion, whereby the guide element may engage with the recess in the second portion of the opening to produce a mechanical and / or electrical connection.

Furthermore, standardization of the equipment components may be achieved by specifying, by way of example, two defined dimensions or cross-sections, which can be attached / stuck to the mounting structure in a fixed grid. This dimension or this grid may determine the distance between the attachment structures to one another.

Depending on the size or space requirements of a piece of equipment and / or a board, a manufacturer of an equipment component may select a preferred housing dimension and / or length from the standardized specifications of the equipment component. So a quick montage of the Equipment components can be realized and in particular ease of maintenance through reduced disassembly and assembly times.

Furthermore, it may be superfluous to set earth straps, since ground connections may be made, for example via the fasteners. Due to the standardization or the standardized dimensions of the equipment components weight reduction may occur because adapter plates omitted.

Furthermore, a preferred juxtaposition of the equipment components may be done by the predetermined grid. By saving material as well as by standardized dimensions, an equipment component may be produced inexpensively, in particular by an optimized selection of the dimension of a housing of the equipment component.

Thus, equipment components may be placed on mounting structures in a particular grid. A standardized housing size or standardized device housing of equipment components with integrated base plate or carrier element may include the fastening and contacting system, thus the fastening device according to the invention or the second fastening element.

One or more connectors may be arranged on the housing sides or elements, for example connectors type SAC1 or SAC3 from Tyco.

An inventive fastening system makes it possible to simultaneously produce a mechanical fastening and an electrically conductive connection. Adapter plates may be omitted for installation or attachment of equipment components. Further exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

In the following, embodiments of the fastening structure according to the invention for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft will be described. However, these embodiments also apply to the fastening device for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, for the fastening system for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, for an equipment component for an aircraft, for an aircraft having a fastening structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, an inventive fastening system and or an equipment component according to the invention and for the use of a fastening structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, a fastening system according to the invention and / or an equipment component according to the invention in an aircraft.

In the following, when a section or a shape of the section is described, it should be understood to mean the shape of the opening. In particular, this should be understood to mean the shape of the opening in the respective section.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the region of the second section may at least in sections be circular and / or a taper may be formed between the first and second sections.

An at least partially circular-shaped section may make it possible, together with the connection element or a suitably shaped, likewise at least partially circular, form-fitting part element of the attachment element to connect the first and second attachment element substantially without play. By introducing a at least partially circular part of the connection element in an at least partially circular second section with, for example, a subsequent rotation of the connection element part may be positioned in the second section, so that a substantially positive connection can be produced.

In order to further ensure that a positive connection can be realized, a taper may be formed between the second section and the first section. A rejuvenation in this context may be understood as a transition or area of first and second

Section or between the first and second section, which has dimensions which are, for example, smaller than the diameter of the at least partially circular portion of the second portion.

As a result, an at least partial slippage or displacement of the

Connecting element and thus the second fastening element from the first fastening element be avoidable. Essentially, the first and second sections may merge directly with each other, or another section may be arranged, for example, a constant width section (a constant width opening) between the first and second sections.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment structure may comprise a plurality of first attachment elements, the plurality of first attachment elements being arranged in a defined recurring manner.

Thus, the position or the attachment of a second fastening element or an equipment component may be flexibly adapted to the desired or required mounting location. Deformed recurring may be understood, for example, as a certain distance between the fasteners or its openings or mag z. B. be understood as a repetition of a certain arranged group of openings.

The defined recurring arrangement of the plurality of first fastening elements thus represents a grid for the defined fastening of equipment components.

Different, defined and / or standardized dimensions of

Equipment components may be adapted to the defined recurring arrangement such that flexible placement of equipment components may be realized.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment structure may be formed as a structure from the group consisting of rail structure, hole rail, U-rail, Z-rail, Ω-rail and rectangular rail.

A rail structure may in particular make it possible in a simple manner to connect a fastening structure to the aircraft structure in order thus to enable a secure mechanical coupling of equipment components via the second fastening element to the aircraft structure.

For example, a rail structure may have comparatively few features

Attachment points should be attached to the aircraft structure, in particular with fewer connection points than would require a single plurality of first fasteners in total. The profile of each rail is represented by the corresponding letter or displayed by the corresponding name.

In particular, a Ω-rail may represent a preferred possibility to realize a mounting option, as this two parallel

Attachment structures are arranged on one and the same rail and thus can be attached to the aircraft structure together.

A corresponding rail profile may each have first fastening elements on that part of its structure which respectively symbolizes the upper or the lower transverse end of the corresponding letter. The intervening elements of the respective letters, usually arranged perpendicularly in the writing or obliquely or circularly, may symbolize the respective coupling of the individual rail elements with each other as well as the connection possibility to the aircraft structure or to a V-bracket.

Embodiments of the fastening device according to the invention for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft will be described below. However, these embodiments also apply to the attachment structure for securing an equipment component in one

Aircraft, for the fastening system for fastening an equipment component in an aircraft, for an equipment component for an aircraft, for an aircraft having a fastening structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, an inventive fastening system and / or an inventive equipment component for an aircraft and for the use of an inventive Fixing structure, a fastening device according to the invention, a fastening system according to the invention and / or an equipment component according to the invention in an aircraft. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening device may comprise an extension of the locking element, wherein the engagement of the locking element in the first section is releasable by operating the extension of the locking element.

As a result of the engagement of the locking element in the first section of the first fastening element, the second fastening element may securely couple mechanically to the first fastening element or be connected to it. The locking element may constitute a securing of the guide element against slipping in the opening, thus against inadvertent release of the first and second fastener.

By a releasable engagement of the locking element by pressing the

Extension of the locking element may in turn be realized a desired or required release of the first and second fastener.

By actuating the extension of the locking element, this may be moved out of the first section, which in turn allows the guide element to slip or displace in the opening from the second section in the direction of the first section. As a result, the substantially complete mechanical coupling of first and second fastener may be solved by operating the extension of the locking element.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening device or the second fastening element may be designed as Blindschraubverbindung.

A blind screw connection may in particular make it possible to lock or screw on, for example, an equipment component on the first fastening element or on a fastening structure or rail which essentially provides only one page access, for example from the front.

A blind screw connection may be formed as a screw with associated nut, which is inserted from one side into the opening of the first fastening element and, for example, locks an equipment component on the first fastening element.

The nut of the blind screw connection may be so self-locking or self-locking, so that the nut is not uniformly screwed when screwing the screw with the screw to realize a mechanical connection or screwing of the first and second fastener and thus equipment component and mounting structure.

In the following, embodiments of the fastening system according to the invention will be described. However, these embodiments also apply to the mounting structure for attaching an equipment component in an aircraft, for a fastening device for attaching an equipment component in an aircraft, for an equipment component for an aircraft, for an aircraft having a mounting structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, an inventive fastening system and or an equipment component according to the invention and for the use of a fastening structure according to the invention, a fastening device according to the invention, a fastening system according to the invention and / or a fastening component according to the invention in an aircraft.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening element and the second fastening element may be electrically conductively connected in the coupled state. Thus, furthermore, the component may be electrically conductively connected to the attachment structure and subsequently to the aircraft structure, for example for a global ground connection of the component to the aircraft structure.

As elements of the conductive connection, one or more elements may be understood from the group consisting of guide element, contact element, locking element, guide element, first fastening element, second fastening element, fastening structure, fastening system, fastening device, aircraft structure and / or equipment component.

In particular, a guide element may be a separate element which may be dedicated to realize a conductive connection between the first fastening element and the second fastening element or between an equipment component and a fastening structure. The guide element may for example be a cable connection or else a flexible band, for example a ground strap made of a metal.

A conductive compound may be made by coating individual elements. For example, a coating may be formed of nickel, or one or more elements may be formed of a conductive material, such as metal.

The contact element or another element may, for example, develop a force effect in the fixed state, so that the first fastening element and the second fastening element are permanently held in contact even under mechanical load, for example by vibration, in order to ensure a conductive connection. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening system may further comprise a component or an equipment component with a carrier element, wherein the second fastening element is attached to the carrier element and wherein the component is attachable, in particular releasably attachable using the second fastening element to the mounting structure ,

Thus, an equipment component may be attachable to the attachment structure and thus subsequently to the aircraft structure in a simple and comfortable manner.

The equipment component may have standardized dimensions and may be individually placed and / or aligned due to a plurality of first fasteners in the fastener structure.

Equipment components of different sizes or different

Standard dimensions may also be individually aligned and secured to each other.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrier element may be an integral part of the component.

Thus, a weight reduction may be realized by avoiding a separate support member, which is possibly mounted between the housing of a component and a mounting structure. A separate carrier element may also be understood as an adapter element which would realize a possibly non-standardized housing to the standardized attachment dimensions of the attachment structure in cooperation with the attachment device in the attachment system. A standardized embodiment of the equipment components may make it possible to adapt the equipment components to the standardized dimensions of a mounting structure, so that a separate carrier element / adapter element can be avoided.

By a carrier element which is an integral part of an equipment component, which may thus hold to standardized dimensions, may make a separate carrier element superfluous.

Thus, weight reduction may be realized by avoiding a separate support member, which may be mounted between the housing of a component or equipment component and the attachment structure.

The support member may be housing component of the component, for example, bottom or lid or side member of the housing. Elements of the component, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) may be attached directly to the carrier element.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastening system may furthermore have at least one further attachment structure, wherein the at least one further attachment structure is arranged at a defined distance from the attachment structure and wherein the carrier element further comprises a plurality of second attachment elements, wherein the second attachment elements are such are arranged on the carrier element, so that the component can be fastened or releasably fixed using at least two fastening structures.

Thus, the component may be attached to one or a plurality of attachment structures with at least two further attachment elements. Especially At least three second fastening elements allow a substantially statically determined, fixed and secure connection of the component to fastening structures.

For example, a plurality of parallel attachment structures, such as three parallel attachment structures, allow attaching a first component having first dimensions to two exterior attachment structures of the three parallel attachment structures, whereas by way of example two second components having second dimensions, such as second dimensions, may be used. B. may be smaller than the first dimensions, adjacent to each other between an outer mounting structure and the middle attachment structure of the at least three parallel attachment structures may be appropriate.

Thus, (standardized) components may be convenient and flexible, individually attachable to the mounting options.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the component and the fastening structure may be automatically locked in the coupled state and / or the component and the fastening structure may be automatically connected in an electrically conductive manner in the coupled state.

Thus, a simple mechanical and / or electrical connection of the component to the fastening structure and thus to the aircraft structure may be realized.

The component may continue to be solvable in a simple and comfortable way of the mounting structure again. By attachment with simultaneous production of an electrically conductive connection in particular installation or. Deinstallationsaufwand / time are significantly reduced. In this context, it may automatically be understood that the mechanical coupling or locking and / or the electrical connection are produced or released without a separate workload, in particular in the transition of the component from the first to the second section or vice versa.

Thus, the component during insertion into the second section may be locked without further manual action, for example by snapping the locking element into the first section and / or at the same time the electrically conductive connection between the first and second fastener, thus between equipment component and mounting structure by in-contact bring guide element, contact element and / or locking element are made with the first fastener or with the mounting structure.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail below.

The same or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

The representation in the figures is schematic and not to scale, but may reproduce qualitative proportions.

However, the invention is not restricted in its execution to the embodiments shown in the figures. Rather, a variety of variants is conceivable which make use of the illustrated solution and the inventive principle even with fundamentally different type of embodiment.

Show it Fig. 1 shows a fastening system for securing a component in one

2, a first arrangement of fastening structures according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an aircraft,

3a, b, a first attachment structure according to an exemplary

4 shows a second arrangement of fastening structures according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an aircraft, FIG.

5 shows a second attachment structure according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6a to d, a second fastener and various

Embodiments of Carrier Elements According to an Exemplary Embodiment of the Present Invention

7a-e show the connection of the first and second fastening element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8a-d show a blind screw connection according to an exemplary embodiment

Embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 shows a conductive connection of component and mounting structure using a guide element according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 is a blind screw connection according to an exemplary

11 and 12 show various exemplary support members according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate various exemplary adapter panels for mounting nonstandard equipment components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 shows a third arrangement of fastening structures according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an aircraft,

FIG. 16 shows a third attachment structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

Figures 17a-c exemplary embodiments of the first and second

Fastening element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

FIGS. 18 a to d show a connection of a first and a second fastening element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 19 a to e a second fastening element and various

Embodiments of support elements according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the present invention, Figures 20a to i, an insertion process of a component comprising a second fastener 13a, Figures 21a and b different exemplary standard dimensions of

Equipment components according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 22 is a conductive connection of component and mounting structure using a guide element according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, an attachment system for securing a component in an aircraft is described.

The component 3 is attached to a mounting structure 1 using an adapter plate 2. The attachment structure 1 in turn is attached to the aircraft structure 4. The component 3 is connected to the adapter plate 2 (not shown in detail in Fig. 1), for example screwed. The adapter plate 2 is connected to the attachment structure 1 using the attachment device 6 and the second attachment element 13, respectively.

With further reference to FIG. 2, a first arrangement of attachment structures in an aircraft is described.

The fastening system 5 is designed by way of example to fasten a first component 3b and two second components 3a, c to the aircraft structure 4.

Thus, components 3b, c are coupled to the aircraft structure 4 with a V-bracket 8. The V-bracket 8 has two options or positions to attach components 3.

FIG. 2 shows by way of example a cross-section through the aircraft, the longitudinal extent 10 of the aircraft (X-axis) thus runs as an example perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of FIG.

Illustrated in FIG. 2 are, by way of example, seven attachment structures 1, which enable the connection of components 3. The arrangement of fastening structures 1 shown in the center is capable of fastening both a first component 3b and, if necessary, two second components 3a, c next to one another.

The attachment structures 1 set themselves here thought along the aircraft longitudinal axis 10, thus perpendicular to the plane continued.

The arrangement of the fastening system 5 according to the figure 2 is here exemplarily housed in the ceiling area of an aircraft cabin 7, in the so-called "Crown Area". Further arrangements of fastening structures 1, for example of a fourth fastening structure 1 in the region of the illustrated three fastening structures 1, are conceivable in order, for example, to fasten three small components 3 a, c in the central region 26.

With further reference to Figures 3a, b, a first attachment structure will be described.

A three-dimensional section of the V-bracket 8 of FIG. 2 is shown substantially in FIG. 3 a. Three second components 3 a, c and a first component 3 b are attached to the fastening system 5. The three parallel attachment structures 1 allow the flexible connection of the components 3 via the fastening device 6.

At the outer end of the fastening system 5 of FIG. 3a shown on the right in FIG. 3a, two components 3a, c are arranged parallel to one another or one above the other. Using the crown profile 9, both engage in the middle attachment structure 1 with a fastening device 6.

Shown in FIG. 3 b, the attachment structure 1 is shown here as an example as a rectangular rail, which is attached by means of a U-profile to an arm of the V-bracket 8, here riveted by way of example.

The connection to the aircraft structure 4 is indicated in Figures 3a, b by way of example with arrow 4 direction.

With further reference to FIG. 4, a second arrangement of attachment structures in an aircraft is described. The fastening structures 1 are in this case formed partly as Z-fastening structure 1 or Ω-fastening structure 1, ie as Z-shaped or Ω-shaped fastening structures 1.

The Z-shaped or Ω-shaped attachment structures 1 are configured to allow mounting of the components 3 at a predetermined distance or position on the V-bracket 8.

An Ω-attachment structure 1 may here be understood essentially as two oppositely disposed Z-attachment structures 1, which are embodied in one piece and / or are connected at a common point of the aircraft structure 4, here again via the V-bracket 8.

4, the Ω-mounting structures 1 are shown as being suitable in size to the components 3a, c, so that the components 3a, c can be fastened using a single Ω-fastening structure 1.

However, an embodiment of an Ω fastening structure 1 for connecting a component 3b may also be conceivable.

Component 3b is fastened by way of example in FIG. 4 using two Z attachment structures 1. Between these two outer Z-fastening structures 1 used for fastening the component 3b lie, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, two further Z-fastening structures 1.

These allow the connection of components 3a, c. However, the two optional Z mounting structures 1 may also be replaced by a Ω mounting structure 1. Also conceivable is an embodiment of the spacings of the individual attachment structures 1 on the V-bracket 8, so that a total of up to five components 3 a, c can be attached.

Still referring to Figure 5, a second attachment system is described.

FIG. 5 once again shows the V-bracket 8 of FIG. 4 in a 3D representation.

The V-bracket 8 is in turn arranged to extend in the aircraft longitudinal direction / X-axis 10. As a result, the fastening structures 1, which are arranged on the V-bracket 8, form a flexible mounting option for components 3.

Mounted on the V-bracket 8 are a total of four Z-attachment structures 1 and one Ω-attachment structure 1. The Ω-attachment structure 1 accommodates in each case a component 3 a, c, which are attached to the attachment structure 1 using the attachment device 6.

A component 3b is attached to the two outer Z-attachment structures 1. Two further components 3a, c are on an outer Z-

Attachment structure 1 and attached to a respective inner Z-attachment structure 1.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the attachment of individual components 3 can be implemented flexibly and individually by a suitable embodiment of the fastening structures 1.

With further reference to FIGS. 6a to 6d, an exemplary embodiment of the second fastening element 13 as well as various embodiments of the carrier element 11 will be described. Illustrated in FIG. 6a are, by way of example, two different carrier elements 1a, 1b, which represent the underside of components 3a, b, c. Carrier element I Ia may be assigned to the component 3b as an example, carrier element I Ib to the components 3a, c.

Support element I Ia has a total of four attachment device 6 and thus a total of four second attachment elements 13. The distance between two second attachment elements 13 of the support member I Ia, which are mounted on the same attachment structure 1, is exemplary ai. The comparable distance of the carrier element I Ib is exemplified by a ₂ .

The minimum distance between two first fasteners 12 may be the distance d. However, it is also conceivable that the distance between two adjacent first fastening elements 12 is smaller than d, for example d / 2.

In FIG. 6a, the small carrier element Ib is exemplarily used as three second fastening elements 13. Any variation between at least three second fastening elements 13 and a higher number of second fastening elements 13 is conceivable depending on the size or dimension and / or weight of a component 3.

FIGS. 6b to 6d show an enlargement of the second fastening elements 13. FIGS. 6b, c show a second fastening element 13 with guide element 14, shown here as a bolt 14 with a recess 18, contact elements 15 or spring elements 15 and locking element 16 or locking spring 16.

A second fastening element 13b without a locking element / locking spring 16 is shown in FIG. 6d. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to use only one side of the component 3 with fastening elements 13a To design locking element 16. Thus, a simpler and more comfortable release of the component 3 from the attachment structure 1 may be possible.

The contact elements / spring elements 15 are flexible and, for example, apply pressure to the attachment structure 1 in order to ensure mechanical and / or electrical contact. Also, a purely mechanical contact pad without electrical contact, for example for damping or to compensate for vibrations in the aircraft, may be conceivable.

The guide element 14 may in this case, for example, be selectively screwed to the base plate or the carrier element 11 of the component 3 and in particular have a preferred curve. Also, a one-piece design with the support member 11 may be conceivable.

The contact elements 15 are designed as spring elements which are mounted or clamped on the tongues 28 and the bulges 28 of the support member 11 of the component 3. A screwing or welding of the contact elements 15 with the tongues 28 of the support member 11 is conceivable.

Between the two-part contact element 15 shown in FIGS. 6b to 6d, in the case of the second fastening element 13a, the locking element 16 is arranged centrally between the two parts of the contact element 15. The locking element 16 has on the side facing away from the guide member 14 away side a substantially flat profile shape, on the side facing the guide member 14 side a slightly tapered shape. Thus, when transferring the second fastening element 13 from the first section 19 into the second section 20 of the first fastening element 12, it may automatically engage or penetrate the first section 19, whereas due to the flat side deflecting from the guide element 14, an automatic sliding out is effectively prevented. Thus, due to the configuration of the locking element 16, the second fastening element 13 automatically produces a mechanical connection which is automatically locked or locked by the locking element 16.

The recess 18 of the guide element 14 has a total of two flat sides, wherein a flat side is arranged in the direction of the support element 11 and one side of the support element 11 is oriented pointing away.

When inserting the second fastening element 13 into the first fastening element 12 into the second section 19, the opening of the first fastening element 12 engages in this recess 18.

Finally, the first fastening element 12 is clamped between the side of the recess 18 facing away from the contact element 15 and the contact elements 15. Depending on the configuration, for example of the materials, of first fastening element 12 or fastening structure 1, guide element 14, contact element 15 and locking element 16, a conductive connection between first fastening element 12 and second fastening element 13 may be produced.

Still referring to FIGS. 7a-7e, a process of locking a first fastener 12 and a second fastener 13 will be described.

In FIG. 7 a, the second fastening element 13 is introduced into the opening of the first fastening element 12 of the fastening structure 1. This is indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7a. The guide element 14 is in this case introduced into the first section 19 of the opening, which is wide enough to allow the guide element 14 to pass.

Shown in FIG. 7b is the second fastening element 13 and thus also the component 3 (not shown in FIG. 7b) moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7b in the direction of the second section 20 of the opening, wherein now the recess of the guide element 18 from the first section 19 of the opening is transferred into the second portion 20 of the opening. The dimensions of the second portion 20 of the opening, the recess 18 of the guide element and the guide member 14 prevent sliding out of the guide element 14 by engaging behind the mounting structure 1 by that part of the guide member 14 which does not have the recess 18.

The recess 18 may be understood as a portion where material has been removed from the guide member 14 and is wider than, for example, the material thickness of the attachment structure 1, such that the guide member 14 slides with the recess 18 into the second portion 20 of the opening Like .. In order to ensure a secure mechanical and / or electrical contact, grip or press contact elements 15 from the side of the component 3 against the mounting structure 1 and thus realize an elastic, mechanical and / or electrical contact between component 3 via contact element 15 and Fixing structure 1.

Shown in Figure 7b, the guide member 14 is located in the transition between the first portion 19 of the opening and the second portion 20 of the opening.

In Figure 7c, in turn, the movement of Figure 7b is continued, the guide member 14 is located with its recess 18 now in the second portion 20 of the opening. The contact elements 15 press against the attachment structure 1 and thus clamp the attachment structure 1 between itself and the guide element 14. A mechanical and / or electrical contact may thus be made. Furthermore, in the inserted end position according to FIG. 7c, the locking element 16 now engages in the opening.

Thus, a pushing backward, in Figure 7c, a "pushing upwards" against the illustrated arrow is substantially blocked, thus the component 3 is effectively fixed to the mounting structure 1.

For a comfortable, simple and quick release of the component 3 from the attachment structure 1, the locking element 16 now has to be removed again from the opening of the first attachment element 12. This is made possible according to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 by an extension 17 of the locking element 16, which for releasing the

Fixing structure 1 is pulled away. Thus, the locking element 16 is removed from the opening and the reverse movement process of Figure 7c to Figure 7a is made possible.

By moving the extension 17 of the locking element 16 back and forth away from the fastening structure 1, the mechanically fixed connection of component 3 and fastening structure 1 is released, thus removing the component 3.

FIG. 7e shows a more detailed illustration of the second fastening element 13 in the introduced, locked state on the fastening structure 1. FIG. 7e shows, in particular, the curved or curved shape of the contact elements 15 in the area of contact with the fastening structure 1. Small semicircular contact points on the contact element 15 may preferentially affect this effect. The entire movement sequence of the insertion shows the three-part arrow of Figure 7d.

No. 1 of the arrow of FIG. 7d shows the lifting of the component 3 and thus the positioning of the component 3 in front of the fastening structure 1 at the beginning of the assembly.

No. 2 of the arrow shows the insertion of the guide member 14 in the first fastener / opening.

No. 3 of the arrow shows the displacement of the component 3 according to FIGS. 7 b and c until the locking of the component 3 by the locking element 16 in the opening of the fastening structure 1.

The length of the guide elements 14 may be selected such that in an installation process, for example, three guide elements 14 are in the opening of the first fasteners 12 and another guide element 14 of the same component outside an opening of another first fastener 12. This and / or by a rounded

Design of the guide element 14 may be a "blind" plugging a component 3 can be realized on the mounting structure 1.

Still referring to FIGS. 8a-8d, a connection of a support member to a mounting structure using a blind screw connection is illustrated.

The blind screw connection 21 may in this case assume all the functions of the fastening element 13, that of the guide element 14, of the contact element 15 and of the locking element 16. The blind screw 21 is attached to the support member 11 and consists of a screw 22 and a counter element / a nut 23. The counter element 23 has an elevation or nose 24 on.

A component 3 with Blindschraubverbindung 21 is similar to the movement of Figures 7a to 7c introduced into the first fastener / opening of the mounting structure 1.

The carrier element 11 with the component 3 is positioned such that the

Blind screw 21 is disposed in the second portion 20 of the opening, as shown in Figure 8d. The screw 22 may now be adjusted against the counter element 23, which is not shown in detail in Figure 8d.

In order to prevent a simultaneous, simultaneous adjustment of the counter element 23 with the movement of the screw 22, the elevation 24 engages the edge of the second portion 20 of the opening and thus prevents the rotation of the counter element 23rd

By example, a rotational movement of the screw 22 like the

Blind screw 21 are tightened. Thus, the support member 11 is pulled to the mounting structure 1 and mechanically connected thereto. By a corresponding Blindschraubverbindung 21 may thus in turn a mechanical and / or electrical contact between the component 3, support member 11 and mounting structure 1 are produced.

The loosening of the component 3 and the support member 11 of the mounting structure 1 is carried out by rotating the screw 22 of the blind screw 21 in the reverse direction to previously, whereby the screw 22 is moved against the counter element 23, which in turn mechanical contact pressure of screw 22, support member 11, mounting structure 1 and counter element 23 opens or releases.

Still referring to FIG. 9, an alternative electrical connection of component and attachment structure is illustrated.

Shown in FIG. 9, a component 3 is connected to a fastening structure 1. In the event that, for example, the second fastening elements 13 do not produce electrical contact but only mechanical contact, or else to ensure additional electrical contact, this is

Guide element / ground strap 25 attached as a further connection between component 3 and mounting structure 1.

As shown in Figure 9, the baffle 25 may be bolted to both the housing of the component 3 and the mounting structure 1, and itself may be a conductive element such as a cable or ground strap (e.g., metal braid).

For a quick coupling / decoupling z. B. for a quick disassembly of the component 3, the guide element 25 may be a mechanically detachable intermediate piece, for. B. have a connector VC. The two ends of the guide element 25 may, for example, with cable lugs attached to the mounting structure 1 and / or the component 3, z. B. screwed.

Still referring to FIG. 10, a blind threaded connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The Blindschraubverbindung is attached with screw 22 and counter element 23 to a tab 28 of a component 3a, b, c. Screw 22 and Counterelement 23 are connected via a thread so that screw 22 in counter element 23 hinein- or is herausschraubbar.

A rotation of the counter element 23 is prevented by an increase 24, which projects beyond an opening in the tab 28. The opening here also represents a linear guide of the counter element 23.

The directed to the screw 22 side of the counter-element 23 thus represents the connection element 30. As a guide element 14 may be considered the thread of the located in the counter-element of the screw 22.

The contact element 15 is realized by a direct screwing of tab 28 on the mounting structure 1. The head of the screw 22, optionally backed by a washer, acts as a locking element 16. A small second increase 24 'on the counter element 23 represents the form-fitting function of the positive locking element 31 and the connecting element 30.

A component 3a, b, c with blind screw connection is installed with open counter element, (state in which the counter element (maximum) of the tab 28 of the component 3a, b, c is removed) inserted into the first portion 19 of the first fastener 12 and closing offset in the direction of the second section 20.

The tapered, tapered bottom (to the screw 22 aligned side) of the increase 24 is located on the also tapered

Transition region of the opening between the first portion 19 and the second portion 20 on. By screwing from the side of the component 3a, b, c, the front side of the screw 22, the connecting element 30 is offset in the direction of the tab 28, the components thus screwed. In the assembled and tightened state engages a recess of the tab 28 in the first section 19 and prevents displacement, thus releasing the first and second 13a, b fastener against the frictional connection of the screw. The indentation is inboard at the upper edge of the first portion 19 and thus creates a positive connection with the gland.

With further reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, various exemplary support members according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Thus, the carrier element 11 of FIG. 11 has a total of four attachment points or four second attachment elements 13. By contrast, the carrier elements 11 of FIG. 12 have only three attachment points for second attachment elements 13.

The second fastening elements 13 are mounted in the carrier elements 11 of Figures 11 and 12 on the tabs 28 shown there and there in the mounting holes 27. The further embodiment of the second fastening elements corresponds to those of Figures 6b to d. The support elements 11 of FIG. 11 or 12 preferably represent the integral design as a housing component of the equipment component 3.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, various exemplary adapter plates are described for mounting non-compliant equipment components.

The exemplary adapter plate 2 of Figure 13 and 14 differs from the support elements 11 of Figures Ib and 12 essentially by the additional integration of mounting holes 29 to install non-standard equipment components 3, for example, to screw. While the carrier elements 11 or the adapter plate 2 of FIGS. 11 to 13 may essentially act on two different attachment structures 1, the adapter plate 2 according to FIG. 14 may be attached to a Ω-rail essentially substantially. The individual connection to only one fastening structure 1 may also be conceivable on account of the configuration of the adapter plate according to FIG.

Still referring to FIG. 15, a third arrangement of attachment structures according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an aircraft will be described.

The fastening system 5 is in turn arranged on an aircraft structure 4 above an aircraft cabin 7. In FIG. 15, by way of example, two small components 3 a, c are each shown via an attachment structure 1, shown here as an exemplary Ω-structure (omega structure), and a large component 3 b attached to two attachment structures 1, here by way of example as inverse Ω-structures , appropriate.

An Ω-structure as well as an inverse Ω-structure differ essentially by a swapping of the connection points to the aircraft structure as well as to the component. While in an Ω-structure, the outwardly facing mounting options on the component and the centrally arranged mounting option (s) are attached to the aircraft structure, in the inverse Ω-structure, the component may be mounted in the central region, while the structure itself on the side expiring ends may be attached to the aircraft structure or the V-bracket 8.

Still referring to FIG. 16, a third attachment structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 again shows a fastening system 5, exemplified here as a V-bracket 8. The V-bracket 8 has a total of three fastening structures 1, the two fastening structures 1 'being in the inverse Ω structure and the structure 1 "being Ω-shaped. A large component 3b is attached by way of example to the two attachment structures 1 ', while the attachment structure 1 "has, by way of example, a small component 3a, c.

The components 3 a, b, c are each attached to the attachment structures 1 with a plurality of fastening devices 6. The individual attachment structures 1 have a plurality of first attachment elements (openings) 12. As indicated in the direction of the aircraft structure 4, the V-bracket 8 is attached to this aircraft structure 4 and extends in aircraft-lengthwise extension 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 17a-c, exemplary embodiments of the first and second fasteners according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 17 a shows an exemplary embodiment of a second fastening element 13 a in exploded view.

The second fastening element 13a has a guide element 14 which has an attachment element 30 at one end, which attachment element 30 in turn has a form-locking element 31. A three-part or one-piece design of guide element 14, attachment member 30 and positive-locking element 31 may also be conceivable. The guide element 14 may be regarded as a cylindrical element, wherein the cylinder jacket surface may be used for guiding in the opening of a fastening element.

The attachment element 30 engages behind the first attachment element 12 in the second section and thus establishes a positive connection by receiving the attachment structure 1 between the attachment element 30 and the contact element 15.

The guide element 14 has a receptacle 39, a continuous opening, for a bolt 34. Furthermore, the second fastening element 13a has a spring element 32, a contact element 15, a securing element 35, a spacer element 38 and a lever element 33, which is attached to the guide element 14 in the receptacle 39 with the bolt 34.

The guide element 14 is guided for mounting by the spring element 32, by the securing element 35 and by a central opening of the contact element 15. Furthermore, the guide element 14 is guided through an opening 40 of the spacer element 38.

The end of the guide element 14 with the notches or flats 41 and the receptacle 39 for bolts 34 thus protrudes from the opening 40 of the spacer element 38 out. The notches may for example be formed on one side or on both sides opposite. Using the bolt 34, the lever member 33 is fixed to the guide member 14. For this purpose, the jaws 45 of the lever element 33 enclose the end of the guide element 14 with the notches 41.

The bolt 34 connects the guide element 14 and the lever element 33. The jaws 45 of the lever element 33 in this case rest on the flattened sides of the notch 41 and enclose or embrace them substantially free of play, so that a tilting movement of the lever member 33 about the axis of the bolt 34 is possible.

The spring element 32 is placed on the guide element 14 and is arranged in the installed state substantially directly to the positive-locking element 31 thereafter.

The spacer element 38 is connected to the contact element 15 using the securing element 35. The spacer element is aligned here via groove 36 and pin 37 in a unique manner placed on the contact element and protrudes in the assembled state through the central opening of the contact element 15 therethrough. Securing element 35, for example a snap ring, is placed on the side of spacer element 38 facing away from lever element 33, so that contact element 15 is arranged between securing element 35 and spacer element 38.

Thus spacer element 38, contact element 15 and securing element 35 are set and secured substantially free of play with each other. A possible component to be fastened 3 a, b, c in an aircraft may also be mounted between spacer element 38 and contact element 15 and thus likewise secured or held by securing element 35. In other words, the second fastening element 13a may be attachable to a component 3a, b, c.

In the assembled state, the guide element 14 protrudes with attached spring 32 through the unit consisting of securing element 35, contact element 15 and spacer 38 and is connected to the side of the notches 41 from the bolt 34 with the lever member 33. The lever element 33 can be tilted substantially at the angle α, for example 180 °, 95 °, 90 °, 85 ° or 80 °, and can thus be brought into a total of three end positions 46a, b, c.

The protruding from the contact element 15 outer surface of the spacer element 38 has grooves 43, which are here exemplarily cross, perpendicular to each other. As a counterpart, the lever member 33 has a pin 44 which is engageable with the grooves. By a bias of spring element 32 in the assembled state, a force is required to bring the lever element in one of the three end positions 46a, b, c or merge into each other.

The spring 32 is in the mounted state on the positive locking element 31 on the one hand and on the contact element 15 projecting side of the spacer element 38 (in the region of the securing element 35) on the spacer element 38 at. The opening for receiving the bolt 34 in the lever element 33 has different distances c, c ', c "on the side of the respective end position 46a, b, c.

Thus, the center of the opening for receiving the bolt 34 of the lever element 33 is shown in FIG. 17a with the distance c from the side of the FIG

End position 46b is removed, c 'from the side of the end position 46a and distance c "from the side of the end position 46c An end position 46a, b, c assumes lever element 33 such that the corresponding side of the lever element 33 of the end position 46a, b, c rests on the substantially planar surface of the spacer element 38, in which surface also the grooves 43 are incorporated.

In each of the three end positions or position states 46a, b, c, the spring 32 is in a (pre-) tensioned, compressed state. Illustrated by way of example in FIG. 17a, the spring has the lowest preload in position 46b, and the greatest preload of the three end positions in end position 46a. The The initial position 46c is preloaded between the preloads of the two end positions 46a and 46b, since c <c "<c 'is also valid. <br/> In FIG. 17a, the lever element 33 is shown as an example in the end position 46a, although also in the exploded view.

In end position 46b and 46c, the guide element is essentially rotatable about its longitudinal extension (direction of connecting element 30 -direction 39). In particular, in end position 46c there is no preferred position of the guide element. Since the guide element in its illustrated construction and in its functionally essential components is configured asymmetrically substantially exclusively with respect to the positive-locking element 31 (and contact element 15), a rotation of the guide element 14 by the lever element 30 may be understood essentially as a rotation of the positive-locking element 31 ,

In end position 46b, the pin engages in the grooves 43 in two preferred orientations. In FIG. 17 a, the two positions are at an angle of 90 ° to one another, defined by the angle occurring between the two grooves 43. Each groove 43 is essentially the positive-locking element 31 in two possible, mutually perpendicular positions can be arranged.

In the end position 46a, as shown in FIG. 17a, a laterally projecting part of the lever element 33 engages along the flat 42 of the lever element 33 or lies against this flat 42. As a result, it is achieved substantially without play that the form-locking element 31 with the lever element 33 in the end position 46a is no longer rotatable.

The contact element 15 is designed as a spring element 15 and has on its side facing the attachment member 30 side contact springs 47 which contact when mounting a component 3 a, b, c, the attachment structure 1 and thus produce a non-positive, substantially vibration-free or vibration damping mechanical connection and / or electrical contact.

With further reference to FIG. 17b, an enlarged plan view from the direction of the guide element with its side having the receptacle 39 is shown.

The attachment member 30 is shown as an example circular. Attached to the attachment member 30 is the form-fitting element 31, which has a first extension b 'and a second extension b, wherein the extension b' is smaller than the extension b. The outer sides of the positive locking element 31 of length b are circular with diameter b.

In other words, the interlocking element 31 is formed substantially rectangular and each has two substantially parallel sides with length b and b 'on. The sides of the length b are here formed circular than a circle also with diameter b. The positive-locking element 31 is aligned concentrically with respect to the guide element 14, so that when the positive-locking element 31 rotates about the axis of the longitudinal extension of the guide element 14, the circular sides of the positive-locking element 31 describe a circular path.

The attachment member 30 has the diameter b "The shape of the attachment member 30 itself is shown in Figure 17a as a tapered cone to allow preferential insertion into the first portion 19 of the aperture 12. Any other type of configuration such as cylindrical, spherical, rectangular, etc. is conceivable as long as the dimensions of the attachment member 30 allow this to pass through the opening 12.

By turning the lever element 33 in the end position 46b or 46c, in the illustration of FIG. 17b, the interlocking element 31 becomes about the circular axis of the guide element 14 is rotated or rotated, wherein the circular outer sides of the positive-locking element 31 essentially describe a circular path.

Guide element 14 is shown in FIG. 17b by way of example with a diameter smaller than b '. Other diameters of guide element 14 may be conceivable, for example, substantially identical to b 'or possibly even larger b', as long as the spring element 32 is still able to rest on the positive-locking element 31.

Still referring to Figure 17c, an exemplary embodiment of a mounting structure 1 adapted to the second fastener 13a of Figure 17a will be described.

The fastening structure 1 has a first fastening element 12 with a first section 19, which is shown here by way of example as a rectangle with the side edge dimensions a "a" is hereby preferably larger b "and thus makes it possible to introduce the second fastening element 13a, b, in particular of the Attachment element 30 through the first portion 19 of the opening 12th

Following on the first section 19 is a taper at a distance a ', which distance a' is preferably greater than b ', so as to allow a passage of the positive-locking element 31 from the first section 19 into the second section 20 (in one position, as shown in Figure 17b).

The fastening structure 1 may have such a material thickness, or the second fastening element 13a may have such a distance between the underside of the contact springs 47 and the inner surface of the Represent connecting element 30, so that in a corresponding motion guide the connecting element 30 must be moved with positive locking element 31 by the taper between the first portion 19 and second portion 20 of the opening 12, this is not able to slip under.

The second portion 20 of the opening 12 is also exemplified here as a circle with diameter a. Diameter a and diameter b of the positive locking element 31 are adapted to one another in such a way to allow a substantially play-free positive locking.

If the second fastening element 13b has been substantially completely offset from the first section 19 into the second section 20 of the opening, a rotation of the positive-locking element 31 in the second section 20 of the opening 12 may now take place using the lever element 33.

For example, by a 90 ° rotation, which results from the mutually perpendicular alignment of the grooves 43, the interlocking element may be arranged rotated relative to the representation of Figure 17b by 90 °, thus exemplary in Figure 17c transverse (parallel to the extension a 'of the taper ) are aligned in the second portion 20 of the opening 12. By rejuvenating with

Distance a 'between the first section 19 and the second section 20 of the opening 12 and the dimensions adapted to each other without backlash a and b is a further displacement, displacement or sliding of the second fastener 13a in the second section 20 or out of this prevented.

By a corresponding rotation of the positive-locking element 31, first fastening element 12 and second fastening element 13a are thus fixed to one another in a form-fitting manner. A subsequently connected using the second fastener 13 a component to the mounting structure. 1 and thus to the aircraft structure 4 is thus also substantially free of play or positive fit.

Still referring to FIGS. 18a-d, a connection of a first and a second fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

In FIG. 18 a, the second fastening element 13 a is introduced into an opening 12 of a fastening structure 1. The exemplary tapered shape of the attachment member 30 allows easy insertion and positioning of the second fastener in the first portion 19 of the opening 12 until the attachment structure makes contact with the contact element 15.

In FIG. 18b, the second fastening element 13a is inserted essentially resting on the fastening structure 1 as far as the contact element 15.

In FIG. 18 c, the second fastening element 13 a is displaced from the first section 19 into the second section 20 of the opening 12 or has arrived in its end position.

Shown in FIG. 18d is a mounted component 3a, b, c on a fastening structure 1 with two rails. The component 3a, b, c has in this case by way of example two second fastening elements 13a according to FIG. 17a and two second fastening elements 13b, which may be formed essentially as shown in FIG. 17a, but without the possibility of a variable length or lever element 33. Distance between the bottom of contact springs 47 and inner top of support member 30 to vary. In the case of the second fastening element 13b, a form-fitting element 31 may likewise be dispensed with essentially, so that a fastening structure is arranged between contact springs 47 and inner surface of connection element 30 and is frictionally held by contact springs 47, which simultaneously represent an electrical contact.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 19a-e, a second fastener and various embodiments of support members according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 19a, by way of example, a large component 3b is shown, in FIG. 19b a small component 3a, c by way of example. The two respectively arranged on the upper side of the component 3a, b, c second fasteners 13a are shown enlarged in Figure 19d and 19e, each of the underside of the components 3a, b, c illustrated second fasteners 13b are shown by way of example in Figure 19c.

FIG. 19c has a second fastening element 13b, which essentially consists exclusively of contact element 15, guide element 14, illustrated as connecting element 30 and (provided in FIG. 19c)

Positive locking element 31 in the form of a non-rotatable positive locking element 31. The components are attached via a tab 28 on the component 3a, b, c. An omission of the positive locking element 31 may be conceivable.

FIG. 19d shows a second fastening element 13a attached to a tab 28 of a component 3a, b, c. A possibility of rotation about the longitudinal branches of the guide element 14 is indicated by way of example in FIG. 19d by the circular arrow with rotation axis. Furthermore, the tilting movement from the end position 46b (shown in phantom) to the end position 46a (shown) of the lever element 33 is shown. Still referring to Figures 20a-i, an inserting operation of a component including a second fastener 13a is set forth.

FIG. 20a shows a fastening structure 1 with several first ones

Fasteners 12. A second fastener 13a, mounted on a tab 28 of a component 3a, b, c is to be subsequently fixed in the opening 12. The second fastening element 13a has an embodiment according to FIG. 17a and in this case, in particular, the guide element 14 with attachment element 30 and positive-locking element 31, contact element 15,

Securing element 35, spacer element 38 and lever element 33. Lever element 33 is located in end position 46b with pin 44 in a groove 43. The side of the second fastening element 13 a, comprising the connecting element 30 and the positive-locking element 31, is located in the first section 19 of the opening 12. The contact elements 15 rest on the upper side of the fastening structure 1, so that the positive-locking element 31 is essentially at least partially in the opening 12 of the first fastener 12 is located and this does not interfere.

Small bulges or forms are arranged on the contact element 15 in order to obtain a defined or defined contact points. They like that

Increase current carrying capacity and prevent sharp-edged contact points. Thus, damage to the contact surface may be prevented.

In FIG. 20b, the representation according to FIG. 20a is shown from a different angle, whereby likewise the second fastening element 13b can be seen. The element 13b also has a contact element 15, which, however, is formed slightly differently than the contact element 15 of the second fastening element 13a. The contact springs 47 of the contact element 15 have the second fastening element 13b of this away in the direction of the second fastening element 13 a. The second fastening element 13b is attached to a lug 28 with a positive locking element 31 and a connecting element 30. The fastening structure 1 has a first fastening element 12 in the region of the second fastening element 13b, which is essentially comparable to the first fastening element 12 in the region of the second fastening element 13a.

In FIG. 20 c, the second fastening element 13 a, b is transferred from the first section 19 of the opening 12 into the second section 20 of the opening 12. The form-fitting element 31 is arranged with its narrow sides parallel to the sides of the taper with dimension a ', in order to allow a sliding through the positive-locking element 31.

FIG. 2Od shows a transition state of the first section 19 into the second section 20 of the opening, and in particular the orientation of the positive-locking element 31.

Small bulges or pins are arranged on the contact element 15 in order to allow a preferred, if possible, corrosion-free contact.

In FIG. 2Oe, the second fastening elements 13a, b are substantially completely in the second section 20 of the opening 12. Also shown is a 90 ° twisted arrangement of the positive locking element 31, so that it is perpendicular to the insertion movement from the first section 19 into the second section 20 is disposed in the second section 20. This results in the second section 20 a positive connection between the positive locking element 31 and opening 20 such that slipping or slipping out of the second fastening element 13a is prevented via the taper between the first section 19 and the second section 20 in the first section 19.

The rotation of the positive locking element 31 was achieved by rotating the lever element 33 about the longitudinal axis of the guide element 14, which is now arranged with its pin 44 in the groove 43, which was not occupied, for example in Figure 20a. The lever element was thus rotated by 90 °, which in turn caused a 90 ° - rotation of the orientation of the positive locking element 31.

FIG. 2Of shows the positive locking by twisted, transverse arrangement of the

Positive locking element 31 in the second portion 20 of the opening 12 in detail. The dimensions of the taper a 'are smaller than the diameter b of the transverse form-fitting element 31b, which is adapted substantially to the diameter of the second portion 20 of the opening 12 so that a substantially backlash-free recording of the positive locking element 31 in an arbitrarily oriented orientation in second portion 20 of the opening 12 can be achieved.

In FIG. 20g, the lever element has now been transferred from the end position 46b into the end position 46a. Due to the longer dimension of the length c 'of the end position 46a relative to the length c of the end position 46b, the guide element 14 is pulled together with positive-locking element 31 and connecting element 30 in the direction of the lever element 33, thus shortening the effective length. As a result, the contact pressure is increased to contact element 15, which springs into its contact springs 47 and thus produces a substantial play and vibration-free mechanical contact, which may also be electrically conductive hereinafter. The position according to FIG. 20g may be understood as a locked end position for mounting or fastening a component 3a, b, c. FIG. 20h illustrates this end position as viewed from the underside of the attachment structure 1 and shows how the attachment element 30 rests on the underside of the attachment structure 1 and the positive engagement element 31 remains in the second section 20 of the opening 12 in a form-fitting manner. The adjoining the attachment structure 1 top of the connecting element 30 may in particular have a roughened surface or, for example, a damping surface, in the form of a rubber pad, have.

FIG. 20I shows the same final state as viewed from the top side of the fastening structure 1.

Still referring to Figures 21a and b, various exemplary support members 11 will be described. In this case, they each have two second fastening elements 13a and two second fastening elements 13b, attached to a lug 28, respectively.

Still referring to FIG. 22, a conductive connection of component and attachment structure using a baffle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The components shown in FIG. 22 essentially correspond to the components of FIG. 9, wherein first fastening elements 12 according to FIG. 17c and one component 3 with second fastening elements 13a according to FIG. 17a are used.

In addition, it should be noted that "having" or "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and that "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude. It is further to be noted that features or steps which are referred to with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments Embodiments of the present invention may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above or exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Bezugszeichenhste

1 mounting structure

2 adapter plate

3a, b, c component

4 aircraft structure

5 fastening system

6 fastening device

7 aircraft cabin

8 V brackets

9 crown profile

10 Aircraft longitudinal axis / X-axis l la, b Carrier element

12 first fastening element (opening)

13a, b second fastening element

14 guide element / bolt

15 contact element / spring element

16 locking element / locking spring

17 extension of the locking element

18 recess of the guide element

19 First section of the opening

20 Second section of the opening

21 blind screw connection

22 Screw element

23 counter element / nut

24 increase / nose

25 guide element / earth strap

26 Center area

27 mounting hole for guide element 28 tab / tongue / bulge for mounting the second

fastener

29 Mounting hole for equipment component

30 connection element

31 positive locking element

32 spring element

33 lever element

34 bolts

35 securing element

36 groove

37 cones

38 spacer

39 receptacle for bolts 34

40 opening of the spacer element

41 notches

42 flattening

43 grooves

44 cones

45 baking

46a, b, c end position

47 contact springs

Claims

Patentansprttche

A mounting structure (1) for mounting an equipment component (3) in an aircraft, comprising a first fastener (12) having an opening; the opening having a first portion (19); and a second portion (20); wherein the first portion (19) is arranged such that a

Guide element (14) of a fastening device (6) according to one of claims 5 to 7 can be introduced; wherein the second portion (20) is arranged with a second one

Fixing element (13) of the fastening device (6) to be positively coupled; and wherein a mechanical contact between the first (12) and second

Fastener (13) in the coupled state can be produced under

Use of a contact element (15) of the second

Fastening element (13).

2. Fastening structure according to claim 1, wherein the second portion (20) is at least partially circular in shape and / or wherein between the first portion (19) and the second portion (20) has a taper (48) is formed.

3. A fixing structure according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of first fastening elements (12); wherein the plurality of first fasteners (12) are arranged in a defined recurring manner.

4. Fastening structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening structure (1) is formed as a structure from the group consisting of rail structure, hole rail, U-rail, Z-rail,

Omega Rail, Omega Inverse Rail and Rectangle Rail.

5. A fastening device (6) for fastening an equipment component (3) in an aircraft, comprising a second fastening element (13) for fastening a

Equipment component (3) in an aircraft, the second fastening element (13) having a guide element (14) with a connection element; a contact element (15); and a locking element (16); wherein the guide element (14) in a first portion (19) of a first

Fastening element (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4 can be introduced; wherein the guide element (14) from the first portion (19) in a second portion (20) of the first fastening element (12) can be introduced; wherein the first fastening element (12) and the second fastening element (13) can be brought into a mechanically coupled state by engaging behind the first fastening element (12) in the second section (20) of the first fastening element (12); wherein the contact element (15) in the coupled state makes a mechanical contact between the first (12) and second fastening element (13); and wherein by actuation of the locking element (16) the first fastening element (12) and the second fastening element (13) relative to one another are releasably fixable.

6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the second fastening element (13) is designed as a blind screw connection (21).

7. The fastening device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a connection element (30); wherein the attachment member (30) is adapted to be insertable into the first portion (19) of the first attachment member (12), and wherein the first attachment member (12) and the second attachment member (13) are engaged by engaging behind the first attachment member (12)

Fastening element (12) using the connecting element (30) in the second portion (20) of the first fastening element (12) can be brought into a mechanically coupled state.

An attachment system (5) for mounting an equipment component (3) in an aircraft, comprising a mounting structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment structure (1) is attachable to the structure of an aircraft; and a fastening device (6) according to one of claims 5 to 7; wherein the guide element (14) of a first portion (19) of the first

Fastening element (12) in a second portion (20) of the first

Fastening element (12) can be introduced; wherein the first fastening element (12) and the second fastening element (13) by engaging behind the first Fixing element (12) in the second portion (20) of the first fastening element (12) can be brought into a mechanically coupled state; wherein the contact element (15) in the coupled state makes a mechanical contact between the first (12) and second fastening element (13); and wherein by actuating the locking element (16), the first fastening element (12) and the second fastening element (13) are releasably fixable relative to one another.

9. Fastening system according to claim 8, wherein the first fastening element (12) and the second fastening element (12) are electrically conductively connected in the coupled state.

10. fastening system (5) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a component (3) with a carrier element (11); wherein the second fastening element (13) is attached to the carrier element (11); and wherein the component (3) is releasably attachable to the attachment structure (1) using the second attachment member (13).

11. A fastening system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising at least one further attachment structure (1); wherein the at least one further attachment structure (1) is arranged at a defined distance from the attachment structure (1); the carrier element (11) further comprising a plurality of second fastening elements (13), wherein the second fastening elements (13) are arranged on the carrier element (11), so that the component (3) can be fastened using at least two fastening structures (1).

12. A fastening system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the component (3) and the attachment structure (1) are locked automatically in the coupled state; and / or wherein the component (3) and the attachment structure (1) are automatically electrically conductively connected in the coupled state.

13. An equipment component for an aircraft, comprising at least one fastening device (6) according to one of claims 5 to 7.

14. An aircraft comprising a mounting structure (1) for attaching an equipment component according to one of claims 1 to 4, a

Fastening device (6) for fastening an equipment component according to one of claims 5 to 7, a fastening system (5) for fastening an equipment component according to one of claims 8 to 12 and / or an equipment component (3) for an aircraft according to claim 13.

Use of a fastening structure (1) for fastening an equipment component according to one of claims 1 to 4, a fastening device (6) for fastening an equipment component according to one of claims 5 to 7, a fastening system (5) for

Fastening an equipment component according to one of claims 8 to 12 and / or an equipment component (3) for an aircraft according to claim 13 in an aircraft.