Overhead luggage container, particularly for airplanes

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an overhead luggage storage box, particularly for airplanes, comprising at least one reinforcement structure connected to the storage box, the reinforcement structure being substantially along the longitudinal extension direction of the storage box It is provided and includes at least one device for hanging on a load-bearing structure of an airplane or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Overhead luggage storage boxes are particularly used in airplanes to store passengers' hand luggage during flight. However, the present invention also relates to other means of transportation, such as vehicles running on rails, especially high-speed trains and overhead storage boxes for buses or ships. The overhead luggage storage box is subject to high mechanical loads in the aircraft, especially during the take-off and landing phases, as well as during flight and very moments. Therefore, the overhead luggage storage box for the aircraft must be designed for extremely high loads. Such high demands on luggage storage boxes significantly increase manufacturing costs and usually also include an increase in their own weight.

In particular, overhead luggage storage boxes used in airplanes are now mostly made of plastic with a multi-layer structure, in which the core is generally composed of a honeycomb structure material and covered by a plastic cover layer, which can be reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber. The overhead luggage storage box may be composed of a groove surrounded by a curved edge, which is made of the above-mentioned material through multiple bending or folding. The storage box can also be manufactured by age hardening of the prepreg layers provided on a mold in a hot-pressure cooker. And most of the storage boxes include an opening, which can advantageously be closed by a flip lid. For example, EP0 557 267 B1 describes such an overhead luggage storage box and its manufacturing method. Since the substantially vertical side walls of the luggage storage box are subjected to high loads caused by vertically oriented forces, these side walls and their connection to the grooves surrounding the flange must be particularly stable and costly to manufacture. On the one hand, it increases the weight of the luggage storage box and on the other hand increases the manufacturing cost.

EP 0 658 644 A2 also describes an overhead luggage storage box, which is made of multiple components, which have a particularly small weight and at the same time high stability.

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EP 718 189 A1 discloses an overhead luggage storage box with a high load-bearing capacity, which is intended to be used to improve existing aircraft and therefore adapt to the existing overhead luggage storage box suspension device. However, the overhead luggage storage box according to this document is not designed for the higher static load of the luggage items located in it.

The overhead luggage storage box, especially used for passenger luggage of airplanes, is usually mechanically designed according to two situations. One situation is formed by normal regular flight operations, in which the storage box should withstand prescribed loads, such as loads caused by wind gusts, especially during takeoff and landing without damage. In the case of take-off, landing, or by gusts of wind passing through the inertia of the load in the luggage storage box, an acceleration is generated, which may be as high as 6 times the acceleration of gravity. Such values are customary especially in the tail or head of an airplane. The second load situation is formed by an emergency situation, for example, it may occur in the case of an emergency landing or falling of an aircraft. In order to ensure the safety of passengers under such circumstances, the luggage storage box is usually designed based on 1.5 times the normal load, that is, for example, designed based on a load of 9 times the value of the acceleration of gravity. Such a high load requires extremely high manufacturing costs for the luggage storage box, especially in terms of the side walls and their connection with the grooves surrounded by the flanges of the overhead luggage storage box.

Nowadays, more and more and heavier luggage items such as suitcases, laptops, camera and video equipment are carried in the cabin as hand luggage. In fact, the total allowable load of the luggage storage box is often exceeded. In an emergency situation, for example, luggage items in a storage box during an emergency landing may pose a danger to passengers. In order to strengthen the floor of the overhead luggage storage box, a reinforcing structure, especially in the form of a profile, is usually fixed on the floor, and at the same time, for example, it is used to suspend devices such as ventilation, oxygen supply and lighting located above the passenger seat arrangement. In this way, although the floor of the overhead luggage storage box is strengthened by the reinforcement structure, the force that appears is transmitted to the side wall of the storage box and from there to the suspension device and continues to be transmitted into the load-bearing structure of an airplane or the like. In this case, it may cause damage to the side walls and thereby cause the opening of the overhead luggage storage box and the fall of a luggage item or cause the suspension device to be torn off the load-bearing structure of the aircraft.

In order to protect the overhead luggage storage box from falling, it is known, for example, a safety device in the form of a flexible force steering element, which also includes a device for eliminating kinetic energy, which remains even after the suspension device is torn off. Fixed on the load-bearing structure of airplanes, etc. One such safety device is described, for example, in EP 0 767 100 A1.

02822932.0 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide an overhead luggage storage box especially for airplanes, which can withstand the static load caused by the luggage items in it and thus does not have any impact on passengers sitting under the luggage storage box. Danger. In addition, the overhead luggage storage box should be able to be manufactured as quickly, simply and cheaply as possible and with as little weight as possible. Small weight is particularly important for airplanes due to fuel consumption.

The object of the present invention is achieved in that at least one rigid connecting element is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the storage box on the sides of the storage box between the reinforcement structure and the suspension device. The rigid connecting element of the present invention is used as a force steering element from the bottom of the storage box to the suspension structure or each suspension structure via the reinforcement structure or each reinforcement structure, thereby reducing the burden on the overhead luggage storage box, especially its side walls, and thereby Simpler and cheaper to manufacture. In particular, therefore, there is no high requirement on the connection between the side wall of the overhead luggage storage box and the rest of the storage box. The so-called rigid connecting element should be understood to mean that the connecting element is made of a material that does not suffer any significant shape change under normal conditions of load. Through the rigid connection element provided between the reinforcement structure and the suspension structure, the overhead luggage storage box can withstand higher static loads. On the other hand, lower requirements are placed on the manufacturing and assembly of overhead luggage storage boxes. The number of connecting elements is matched to the largest occurring load value. In this way, the static load of the overhead luggage storage box itself is transferred into the reinforcement structure and the connecting element. Therefore, passengers and the like located under the overhead luggage storage box are protected from the danger of the storage box or luggage objects falling, especially under extreme conditions. The so-called "substantially vertical" should be understood as an angle range of 5° relative to the vertical line of the longitudinal direction of the overhead luggage storage box. To further improve safety, such as dynamic load conditions under extreme conditions At this time, a safety device can naturally be used, such as the safety device in the form of a seat belt as described above. The present invention is not only suitable for fixed overhead luggage storage boxes but also suitable for storage boxes which are rotatably or movably arranged. In the rotatably arranged overhead luggage storage box, the rigid connecting element is provided not only on the side of the movable storage box component but also on the side of the fixed storage box that may be connected to the movable storage box component.

Preferably, the connecting element is form-fittingly connected with the reinforcement structure and the suspension device. The form-locking ensures the transmission of force from the storage box via the reinforcement structure to the substantially vertical connecting element and from there to the suspension device and to the load-bearing structure of the aircraft or the like.

02822932.0 No. Although the overhead luggage storage box can be composed of an open storage box, the storage box advantageously includes a fixed part and a part that is movably connected to it.

Such a movable storage box component may be constituted by a door connected to a fixed storage box component in a chain. Such an embodiment is customary in the overhead luggage storage box of an aircraft.

As an alternative to this, the movable storage box part may be constituted by a recess for accommodating luggage, which is movably connected to the fixed storage box. Such overhead luggage storage boxes are increasingly used in large passenger aircraft, because the downward rotation or movement of the storage box greatly facilitates the neatly pushing and placing of luggage.

The movement of the groove relative to the fixed storage box component can be achieved by a chain, which allows the groove to rotate relative to the fixed storage box component, or through a moving mechanism, which enables the groove to be relative to the fixed storage box. Box parts move.

The chain or moving mechanism of the movable storage box part is preferably connected to the suspension device.

According to another feature of the present invention, the groove includes at least one reinforcement structure, and at least one rigid connecting element is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the storage box between a reinforcement structure and a chain or a moving mechanism. . Therefore, the movable storage box part composed of a groove is equipped with the rigid connecting element of the present invention in the same way as a fixed overhead luggage storage box, which transfers the static load from the side wall of the groove through the connecting element and the chain Or the moving mechanism is transferred to the suspension device and continues to be transferred into the bearing structure of the aircraft.

Generally, in order to form a reinforcing structure, at least one bracket arranged along the longitudinal direction of the storage box and protruding from the side of the storage box is provided. Since the brackets are subjected to high bending stresses, they are often made in the form of profiles, for example, from metal such as aluminum. However, the reinforcing structure can also have other forms and be made of other materials. The bracket is connected to the bottom of the storage box as usual, for example, glued or screwed. In addition to strengthening the storage box, it also realizes the functions of endurance and force steering.

For the form-locking connection of the connecting element, according to another feature of the present invention, it has various openings into which the reinforcement structure and the end of the suspension device can be inserted. For the form-locking connection between the connecting element and the reinforcing structure and with the suspension device, it is sufficient to insert the reinforcing structure and the suspension device into the corresponding opening of the connecting element. The forces occurring not only in the vertical but also in the horizontal direction are transmitted via the connecting element. In addition, it is naturally possible to use fixing devices, such as screws, etc., so as to achieve a force-locking connection between the connecting element and the bracket and suspension device. Detachable connector

02822932.0 The first advantage is that it can be assembled and disassembled very quickly and simply, and it can, for example, convert an aircraft from a passenger aircraft to a freighter quickly, for example.

The reinforcement structure does not need to be realized by a separate component, but may also be formed by a part of the storage box itself, such as a reinforced bottom plate.

In order to reduce the weight of the connecting element, it may have drill holes, voids, etc. These drilled holes, voids, etc. are preferably provided at the location where the force that occurs is the smallest.

In order to prevent the overhead luggage storage box from sliding relative to the connecting element, the connecting element can be connected to the side wall of the fixed storage box component or the movable storage box component formed by a groove, for example, by bonding or screwing. Therefore, although the assembly cost is increased, the sliding in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the storage box is also prevented.

The side wall is preferably composed of a fiber-reinforced composite plastic in a multilayer structure including a core of a honeycomb structural material.

The side walls of the storage box are preferably glued to fixed storage box parts or movable storage box parts formed by a groove, wherein no high requirements are imposed on the connection. For example, the side walls can be made of plastic in a multi-layer structure like the parts of the storage box and connected together by simple glue joints. A costly connection between the side wall and the storage box part via an additional overlapping glass fiber reinforced plastic layer is not necessary. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced and the weight of the overhead luggage storage box can be reduced.

It is also possible to make the connecting element and the reinforcing structure in one piece. This constitutes a structure on which the overhead luggage storage box is more or less mounted and the lateral sliding is prevented by a reinforcing structure such as the connection with the bottom plate of the storage box.

The connecting element can be composed of metal, preferably light metal, plastic, especially fiber-reinforced plastic or plastic produced by resin injection molding. Very different thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are suitable as plastics, which can be reinforced with glass fibers or carbon fibers. Select materials according to the corresponding requirements.

In order to avoid an uncontrolled reaction of the overhead luggage storage box in an extreme situation, such as an emergency landing of an airplane, the connecting element includes a predetermined breaking point and is connected to the end of the predetermined breaking point with a device for eliminating kinetic energy. As a result, the connecting element reaches a predetermined damage when the load is exceeded, and the device for eliminating kinetic energy prevents the overhead luggage storage box from falling. Luck

02822932.0 The first kinetic energy can be absorbed, for example, by a seat belt arranged in a loop or by an elastic element or by a specially arranged fabric.

In order to provide additional safety, at least one flexible strap or the like can be arranged between the reinforcement structure and the suspension device, which preferably includes a device for eliminating kinetic energy. This prevents the overhead luggage storage box from falling even when the suspension device is torn off. The device for eliminating kinetic energy can be configured, for example, in that the belt is arranged in a loop line stacked one above the other over a predetermined length, which is fixed by a seam. The seam is designed to tear under a predetermined load and thereby lengthen the effective part of the seat belt. Therefore, although the luggage storage box falls for a certain length at an extraordinary moment, it will not fall on the head of the passenger located under the overhead luggage storage box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be explained in detail below with the aid of various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Among them: Figure 1 schematically shows the arrangement of an overhead luggage storage box in an airplane in a cross section of the fuselage; Figure 2 A perspective view of an example of the manufacturing method of an overhead luggage storage box made of honeycomb reinforced composite material; Figure 3 follows The side view of the overhead luggage storage box implemented in the present invention; Figure 4a is a side view of the detail IV of the overhead luggage storage box in Figure 3; Figure 4b is a side view of the detail in Figure 4a; Figure 5 A scheme of the overhead luggage storage box of the present invention A perspective view, including the reinforcement structure and connecting elements formed in one piece; and the embodiment of the overhead luggage storage box rotatably supported in Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of an overhead luggage storage box 1 in an aircraft in a cross section of a part of a fuselage 2. The seat 4 is usually fixed on the floor 3 of the inner room of the passenger plane, and an overhead luggage storage box 1 is arranged above the seat 4. The storage box 1 is usually connected to a load-bearing structure of the aircraft, for example, to the fuselage 2 via a suspension device 5. The so-called load-bearing structure also includes all elements directly connected to a fixed structure such as the fuselage 2. In addition, another connection between the overhead luggage storage box 1 and the fuselage 2 can be realized by a bracket 6.

The overhead luggage storage box 1 usually includes a fixed storage box component 8, which includes a bottom plate 7,

02822932.0 The first back wall, top and at least part of the front. The fixed storage box component 8 has an opening 9 which can be closed by a flip cover 10. The bottom plate 7 of the fixed storage box part 8 is provided with a reinforcement structure 11, which can be formed by a metal bracket, which is connected to the bottom plate 7 by bonding or screw connection, for example. Various lighting devices, ventilation devices and oxygen supply devices above the passengers' heads are arranged on the reinforced structure 11. The fixed storage box 8 has side walls 12 on the side. The luggage item located in the overhead luggage storage box 1 exerts a force on the bottom plate 7, which is usually transferred into the suspension device 5 via the side wall 12. When the allowable load limit is exceeded, the suspension device 5 or the side wall 12 is torn off, and the overhead luggage storage box 1 or its luggage items may fall on the passenger's head. Therefore, the overhead luggage storage box 1 according to the present invention is provided with a connecting element 17 between the reinforcement structure 11 and the suspension device 5, thereby reducing the burden on the side wall 12 and avoiding damage to the storage box 1.

The present invention is not limited to the fixed overhead luggage storage box 1 shown in FIG. 1, but is also applicable to the recently more commonly used overhead luggage storage boxes that can rotate downward or move.

Figure 2 shows the possibility of manufacturing the overhead luggage storage box 1 with a groove surrounded by a crimp forming a fixed storage box component 8, which can be made of a composite material of glass fiber or carbon fiber in a multi-layer structure. A honeycomb filler 15 is arranged between the two fiber-reinforced plastic covering layers 13 and 14. There is no honeycomb filler 15 at the turning point of the fixed storage box part 8 and the covering layers 13 and 14 are arranged close to each other. Therefore, the storage box part 8 can be placed on a correspondingly shaped mold. The side wall 12 of the storage box 1 is also placed on the mold and glued to the storage box part 8, for example. The manufacturing can be done under heat and pressure in a hot autoclave. Such a manufacturing process is particularly expensive because of the high demands placed on the side wall 12 and the connection between the side wall 12 and the storage box part 8.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the overhead luggage storage box 1 of the present invention. The storage box 1 includes a fixed storage box component 8 including a bottom plate 7. Luggage can be loaded into the storage box part 8 through an opening 9 which is preferably configured to be closable. A suspension device 5 is provided on the upper surface of the storage box component 8. With the help of the bottom plate 7 of the storage box part 8, some reinforcing structures 11 in the form of extruded profile guide rails preferably made of metal are provided. The reinforcing structure 11 is connected to the bottom plate 7, for example, by bonding or screwing. In addition, at least one rigid connecting element 17 is provided on the side of the overhead luggage storage box 1 between the reinforcement structure 11 and the suspension device 5. The connecting element 17 has openings 18 for form-locking connection with the reinforcing structure 11 and the suspension device 5. The connecting element 17 is configured to ensure

02822932.0 The first force flow is transmitted from the reinforcing structure 11 on the bottom plate 7 of the storage box 1 to the suspension device 5. In order to reduce weight, a bore 19 or a recess 20 can be provided in the connecting element 17. These drilled holes 19, voids 20, etc. are provided in these parts where the force that occurs is the smallest. The connecting element 17 is made of metal, plastic, especially fiber-reinforced plastic. In order to avoid an uncontrolled reaction of the overhead luggage storage box 1 in extreme situations, such as an emergency landing of an aircraft, the connecting element 17 may include a predetermined breaking point 24, for example in a narrowed form (shown in dashed lines). The end of the predetermined breaking point 24 can be connected to a device for eliminating kinetic energy, such as a seat belt arranged in a loop or an elastic element (not shown).

Figures 4a and 4b show in detail an example of the connection between the connection element 17 and the reinforcement structure 11. To this end, openings 18 are provided in the connecting element 17 into which the reinforcing structure 11 or part thereof can be inserted. The end of the reinforcing structure 11 protruding from the connecting element 17 may be fixed with screws or the like, so that the sliding of the reinforcing structure 11 relative to the connecting element 17 is impossible. In addition, an adhesive layer 21 for connection may be provided between the side wall 12 of the storage box 1 and the connecting element 17.

Finally, Figure 5 shows an aspect of the invention, in which the reinforcing structure 11 and the connecting element 17 are made in one piece. The reinforcing structure 11 and the connecting element 17 constitute a swing-like structure, in which an overhead luggage storage box 1 (schematically shown) is provided. The suspension device 5 of the overhead luggage storage box 1 passes through the connecting element 17 through the corresponding opening 18 and is connected to the carrier structure of the aircraft.

Fig. 6 shows a solution of the overhead luggage storage box 1, which is rotatable so as to facilitate the storage of luggage items, especially in large aircraft. The storage box 1 includes a movable part formed by a groove 22, which includes a reinforcing structure 11. According to the invention, the reinforcing structure 11 is connected to a connecting element 17 which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the storage box 1. The groove is rotatably connected with a fixed storage box part (not shown) via a chain 23 which can be connected with the suspension device 5 (not shown). In the embodiment of the rotatably arranged overhead luggage storage box 1, not only the fixed storage box part 8 but also the movable storage box part formed by a recess 22 are equipped with the connecting element 17 according to the invention.

The current overhead luggage storage box 1 is especially used for airplanes and can withstand higher loads without increasing the manufacturing cost of the overhead luggage storage box 1.

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