Lifting device for a luggage compartment in an aircraft, as well as aircraft with a lifting device for a luggage compartment

• US 20050211834A1
• Filed: 12/23/2004
• Published: 09/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Wisch, Bodo, Rowold, Lars
• Granted Patent: US 7,246,771 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/118.500
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 5/003 Luggage racks, e.g. for busses primarily intended for passengers' property smaller than suitcases B60R7/04; B60R7/08; luggage racks for rail vehicles B61D37/003
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/003 Stowage devices for passengers' personal luggage

Abstract

The application concerns a lifting device for a luggage compartment in an aircraft, wherein the luggage compartment can be moved between an open and closed position, and the lifting device includes a power generation element that exerts a lifting force on the luggage compartment. The application also concerns an aircraft with a lifting device for a luggage compartment. The power generation element is an electrical power generation element, and the lifting device has a rechargeable energy accumulator to store energy for operation of the electrical power generation element.

Claims

1. Lifting device for a luggage compartment in an aircraft, wherein the luggage compartment is movable between an open and a closed position, wherein the lifting device comprises:

a power generation element adapted to a lifting force on the luggage compartment;

wherein the power generation element is an electrical power generation element; and

a rechargeable energy accumulator to store energy for operation of the electrical power generation element.

2. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the energy accumulator includes electrical storage devices.

3. The lifting device of claim 2, wherein the electrical storage device includes at least one capacitor.

4. The lifting device of claim 2, wherein the electrical storage device includes a number of series-connected capacitors.

5. The lifting device of claim 3, wherein the electrical storage device includes a number of series-connected capacitors.

6. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the energy accumulator is sufficient for at least one, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least four operating cycles of the luggage compartment.

7. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the power generation element is adapted to move the luggage compartment without outside force into the closed position.

8. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein a charging device to charge the energy accumulator with power from an electrical system is provided.

9. The lifting device of claim 8, wherein the charge power of the charging device is much lower than the power demand of the power generation element.

10. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the power generation element is an electric motor.

11. The lifting device of claim 10, wherein the electric motor is provided for operation in both directions of rotation.

12. The lifting device of claim 10, wherein the electric motor acts to lower the luggage compartment as a motor brake.

13. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the luggage compartment has at least one of a switch and a pushbutton for opening or closing the luggage compartment.

14. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the lifting device has a connection to a central control unit of the aircraft.

15. The lifting device of claim 1, wherein the luggage compartment has an electrically operable lock.

16. The lifting device of claim 15, wherein the lock is operable from a central control unit of the aircraft.

17. Aircraft comprising:

at least one luggage compartment, which is movable between an open and a closed position;

a lifting device for the at least one a luggage compartment;

wherein the lifting device has a power generation element that exerts a lifting force on the luggage compartment;

wherein the power generation element is an electrical power generation element; and

wherein the lifting device has a rechargeable energy accumulator to store energy for operation of the electrical power generation element.

18. The aircraft of claim 17, comprising

a plurality of luggage compartments;

wherein each luggage compartment is provided with a respective energy accumulator.

19. The aircraft of claim 17, comprising:

a plurality of luggage compartments;

wherein one energy accumulator is provided for the plurality of luggage compartments.