Technical field

The invention pertains to the field of a holder for fixing one or more channels to a panel, a channel or a bundle of channels with said holder, a vehicle for passenger transportation with said channel or a bundle of channels, a method for manufacturing said channel or bundle of channels and a method for fixing said channel or bundle of channels to a panel of a passenger transportation.

Prior art

Many appliances are installed on vehicles for passenger transportation. It can be appliances like coffee makers or ovens, lights, ventilation systems, plumbing or other mechanical systems. The regulation and the aircraft manufacturers imposes strict rules on the systems used to hold the electrical cables, duct or pipe of the appliances.

Different technologies are used to hold the electrical cables, ducts or pipes. However, the existing technologies are time consuming to prepare the sub-parts and install said cables, ducts or pipes.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a holder allowing significant savings in terms of preparation of the parts and installation of the channels.

Disclosure of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a holder for fixing one or more channels to a panel, the holder comprising a fixing interface to the panel with double-sided adhesive tape and at least one clip, and a fastening part of the one or more channels to the holder.

According to an embodiment, the fastening part is adjacent to the fixing interface, the fastening part being one piece with the fixing interface or being screwed to the fixing interface. According to an embodiment, the holder further comprises a stem between the fastening part and the fixing interface, the length of the stem maintaining a distance between the fastening part and the fixing interface.

According to an embodiment, the stem is one piece with the fixing interface or is screwed to the fixing interface.

According to an embodiment, the fixing interface further comprises a pin or a second clip or more.

According to an embodiment, the fastening part is provided with a clamping ring.

According to an embodiment, the double-sided adhesive tape comprises a layer of foam.

The invention also relates to a channel for use onboard a passenger transportation vehicle, comprising holders as previously described, the holders being fastened at various positions along the channel by the respective fastening part and the holders being adapted for fixing the channel to a panel of the vehicle, the distance between the fastening part fastening the channel and the respective fixing interface of the holders is in function of the holders fastened at the various positions along the channel.

According to an embodiment, the channel is a wire, a cable, a duct or a pipe.

The invention also relates to a bundle of channels comprising several channels as previously described, the holders being fastened at various positions along the channels by the respective fastening part and the holders being adapted for fixing the channel to a panel of the vehicle, the distance between the fastening part fastening the channels and the respective fixing interface of the holders is in function of the holders fastened at the various positions along the one or more channels.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a channel or a bundle of channels for use onboard a passenger transportation vehicle, comprising the steps of providing one or more channels, providing holders as previously described, for fixing the one or more channels to a panel of the vehicle, selecting and fastening the holders at various positions along the one or more channels, the distance between the fastening part fastening the one or more channels and the respective fixing interface of the holders is in function of the selected holders fastened at the various positions along the one or more channels.

The invention also relates to a method for fixing a channel or a bundle of channels to a panel of a passenger transportation vehicle, the method comprising providing a channel as previously described or a bundle of channels as previously described, the distance between the fastening part fastening the one or more channels and the respective fixing interface of the holders is in function of the holders fastened at the various positions along the one or more channels; drilling at least one hole into the panel, fixing the channel or the bundle of channels to the panel by pressing the double-sided adhesive tape against the panel while inserting the at least one clip into the hole.

According to an embodiment, the channel or the bundle of channels is provided with holders comprising two clips or one clip and a pin at the fixing interface, the method comprises a step of drilling two holes into the panel, the clips or the clip and the pin being inserted into the respective hole.

The invention also relates to a vehicle for passenger transportation, comprising a panel and a channel as previously described, or a bundle of channels as previously described, the channel or the bundle of channels being fixed to the panel by the holders.

According to an embodiment, the panel has an inner structure and a skin, the clip of the holder being hooked to the skin.

According to an embodiment, the clip of the holders are hooked in a non- through hole.

In the framework of this document, the use of the indefinite article “a”, “an” or the definite article “the” to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements. In this document, the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and the like are solely used to differentiate elements and do not imply any order in these elements.

In the framework of the present document, the use of the verbs “comprise”, “include”, “involve” or any other similar variant, as well as their conjugational forms, cannot exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. When the verb “comprise” is used for defining an interval by the terms “comprised between” two values, these two values should not be interpreted as excluded from the interval.

All the embodiments of the holder according to the invention and the advantages of these embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the present channel, the bundle of channels, the vehicle for passenger transportation, the method for manufacturing the channel or bundle of channels and the method for fixing a channel or a bundle of channels according to the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description, for the understanding of which, it is referred to the attached figures where:

- Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the holder according to the invention;

- Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the holder according to the invention ;

- Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the holder according to the invention;

- Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the holder according to the invention ;

- Figure 5 illustrates details of the holder;

- Figure 6 illustrates a channel manufactured according to the invention;

- Figure 7 illustrates channel(s) fixed according to the invention;

- Figure 8 illustrates channel(s) fixed on curved panel according to the invention.

The drawings in the figures are not scaled. Similar elements can be assigned by similar references in the figures. In the framework of the present document, identical or analogous elements may have the same references. The presence of reference numbers in the drawings cannot be considered to be limiting, in particular if these numbers are indicated in the claims.

Description of preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described with references to figures, but the invention is not limited by these references. In particular, the drawings or figures described below are only schematic and are not limiting in any way. Description of specific embodiments of the invention

The invention relates to a holder for fixing one more channels to a panel. The holder comprises a fixing interface to the panel with double-sided adhesive tape and at least one clip. The holder also comprises a fastening part of the one or more channels to the holder. The holder is simple and therefore allows significant savings in terms of preparation. Also, the use of the double sided adhesive tape and the clip facilitates the fixing of the holder to a panel, allowing again significant savings at the time of installation of any appliances having channels to be fixed.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate different embodiments of the holder 10 according to the invention. The holder fixes one or more channels 18 to a panel. The panel is any wall, plate or sheet, flat or curved. It can be an equipment structure. It can be a lining of a cabin, such as an interior lining. The panel can be a partition wall. The panel can have a solid or hollow interior, for example with honeycomb. The panel can be provided with a skin, on one side or two side of the panel. The panel can be a sandwich panel. The panel may also be a plate or sheet, such as an aluminum or metal sheet. The panel may be of any thickness. The holder can be used in a through hole or none-through hole.

The panel can be implemented in a passenger transportation vehicle. The vehicle can be an road vehicle, such as a car or truck, or a train. The vehicle can be a boat (yachts). Also, the vehicle can be an aircraft. The fact that the holder can be used in an aircraft means that the holder complies with constraining regulations and strict rules to hold the channels. Therefore, the holder 10 described herewith is more robust, in order to sustain the certification of aircraft manufacturers. Furthermore, the channel(s) may be installed on honeycomb panels for aeronautics. Therefore, the holder materials is adapted to this material. The holder can applied to aircraft interior monuments and cabin interior, such as galleys, Lavatories.

The channels 18, visible on figures 1 and 3, are any type of elongated means. The channels are able to conduct electricity or any type of fluid such as air, water or hydraulic fluid. The channels may be a duct or a pipe such as water or waste plumbing. The channels may house a cable for the transmission of mechanical forces. The channel (s) can be of the type of electrical wire. The channels may be of any diameter. The channels can be used to supply gaz or liquid to an appliance. The channel may convey water to a coffee machine or convey air for ventilation purpose. The holder may fix a single channel - such as a pipe - or a plurality of channels, i.e., at least two channels. The plurality of channels may be a bundle of channels of a single type or for a single purpose, such as a bundle or harness of wires to convey electricity. The channels of a given bundle may also be of different types or of different purpose, such as a bundle of wire to convey electricity and pipe to convey fluid.

The holder 10 comprises a fixing interface 12 to the panel. The fixing interface 12 allows the holder and the panel to be made integral. The fixing interface 12 is the part of the holder 10 in contact with the panel and makes it possible to hold the holder 10 in place on the panel. The fixing interface 12 has means for maintaining, fixing the holder to the panel. The fixing interface 12 may be shaped like a disc, having on one side a surface 121 with the means for fixing the holder 10 to the panel. The surface 121 of the fixing interface 12 facing the panel is adapted to the panel shape. Preferably, the surface 121 facing the panel is flat.

The fixing interface 12 has means for fixing the holder to the panel. The fixing interface 12 has a double-sided adhesive tape 20 and at least one clip 161. The double-sided adhesive tape 20 is applied on the surface 121 . Figure 5 shows details of the holder, as a matter of example and applicable to any other figures. The holder 10 is provided with the double-sided adhesive tape 20 applied on the surface 121. The double-sided adhesive tape 20 is sticked on one side on the surface 121 and on the other side to the panel. On figure 5, a protection 22, possibly a plastic protection, is present on the side of the double-sided adhesive tape 20 to be sticked to the panel. The protection 22 is removed before fixing the holder 10 to the panel. An ear 24 eases the peeling of the protection 22. The double-sided adhesive tape 20 may be 3M VHB ® tape. Another advantage of the ear 24 is the “mistake proofability”. The ear 24 can be colored so that if not peeled, there is a visible indicator on the final product to show that the holder 10 is not installed correctly. The double-sided adhesive tape 20 alone allows a resistance to pulling and shear force. Due to its thin thickness (for example between 0,9 and 1.2 mm, preferably between 1 and 1.1 mm), it can also fit on some bended or curved panels,. The double-sided adhesive tape 20 serves also as a protection of the core of the panel for the potential moisture and environmental risks.

The double-sided adhesive tape 20 is reinforced with the clip 161 . The holder 10 has in association the double-sided adhesive tape 20 and the clip 161. The holder 10 has at least one clip 161 as depicted on figure 3. The clip 161 is a spring clamp cooperating with the panel. The clip 161 makes it possible to maintain a pressure of the holder against the panel. The clip is provided with articulated arms. The arms are pressed towards each other during the time of insertion of the clip 161 into a hole of the panel, and tend to return to their position once the holder is in place into the panel. The functions of the clip 161 are to ensure that the pressure required to active the double-sided adhesive tape 20 is maintained and to reinforce the double-sided adhesive tape 20 on vibrations and static force. The clip 161 provides pressure to the double-sided adhesive tape 20 to develop its maximal strength. The clips allow an easy and fast installation, with a sound indicator when the part is correctly installed. The double-sided adhesive tape 20 may surround the at least one clip 161.

Double-sided adhesive tape 20 gives property of shock and vibration absorber. Thus, a function of double-sided adhesive tape 20 is to absorb shocks and dynamic pulling force. The clip (or clips as explained below) as well. In addition, clip(s) will not worn against sharp edges of panels, for example, in the form of composite material made from "pre-impregnated" fibers and in the form of aluminum sheets .On opposite side, clip 161 are there to still prepress double-sided adhesive tape 20 against panel, or the skin of the panel and a function is to resist to static load especially when holders are installed in horizontal position and there is still bending force created by gravity. Further, because clip(s) are designed to make permanent joint, one cannot remove them without damaging of neck of clip or destroy the panel. In that sense, the clips are acting like rivets. Design of shapes of the clip 161 of holder or specifically joint is permanent. This is different from standard clips which are removable. Therefore the holder 10 of the invention is able to reach extreme pulling force. Even this concept of clips is using shape which maximize surface contact with material in hole. Design and length of clip 161 is as short as possible and makes it possible to clip into sandwich panel even 7mm thick without having hole through the complete panel. Smaller is only just skin or 6,3mm thick sandwich panel.

The combination of clip 161 and double-sided adhesive tape 20 for joint reduces the ratling noise. Clips and piece of rubber on the bottom of the holder also reduces ratling noise.

The holder 10 may comprise on the fixing interface one clip 161 and one pin 163 (as depicted on figure 2). The pin 163 makes it possible to keep a given orientation of the holder 10 against the panel and to resist to torque. Also, the holder 10 may comprise two clips 161 and 162 as visible on figures 1 , 4, 5 for example. Two clips reinforce the pressure to the double-sided adhesive tape 20 to develop its maximal strength. Also, two clips 161 , 162 reduce the risk of the holder 10 falling in case of a broken clip. Number of pins and clips is not limited to the aforementioned examples.

The holder 10 further comprises a fastening part 26 of the one or more channels. The channels are fastened on part 26 by any fastening means. The fastening part 26 may be provided with a clamping ring 27. The clamping ring 27 may be inserted into a hole 28 and then surrounds the channels in order to fasten the channels 18 to the holder. The size of the clamping ring depends on the number of channels to be fastened. Preferably, the fastening part 26 maintains the holder 10 at a given position along the channel.

The holder 10 may have the fastening part 26 adjacent to the fixing interface 12 or may have a distance between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12. In other words, the holder 10 is able to maintain the channel(s) close to the panel or remotely. The holder 10 maintain the channel(s) at a certain height form the panel, and as it will be explained below in reference to figures 1 -4, different heights are available. This depends on the presence of other channel(s) at the same place on the panel or to fulfil construction requirements. Thus, the holder 10 makes it possible for the channel(s) not to come into contact with surrounding (equipment structure, e.g. honeycomb-panel) or other equipment because of slackening, acceleration or vibration.

Figures 1 -4 show the different concepts of holder 10, which can be selected (or chosen) depending on the situation. Three heights of holder are depicted on figures 1-4, but any other heights are possible. On figure 1 , the fastening part 26 is adjacent to the fixing interface 12. The distance between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12 is minimal. This embodiment requires little space so that the channel(s) is/are maintained very close to the panel. On figure 2, the fastening part 26 is at an intermediate distance from the fixing interface 12. The distance between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12 is intermediate. This embodiment makes it possible to have the channel(s) passing over another channel, while mitigating the clutter. On figure 3, the fastening part 26 is at the further distance from the fixing interface 12. The distance between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12 is high. This embodiment makes it possible to have the channel(s) passing over large number of cumbersome channels or channels with high diameter. The channels are maintained at the farthest distance from the panel.

According to figures 1 -3, the fastening part 26 may be one piece with the fixing interface 12. The advantage is that the holder is easy to manufacture. According to figure 4, the fastening part 26 may be screwed to the fixing interface 12. The advantage is that the holder is scalable. On figure 4, only the fixing interface 12 is depicted, with a threaded hole 30. This embodiment makes it possible to screw a fastening part 26 onto the fixing interface 12. Figure 4 is depicted a matter of example and is applicable to any other figures.

The holder 10 can be made by injection molding but as well as by additive manufacturing (For example 3D printing by filament or SLS or SLA.

A distance between the fastening part 26 fastening the channel(s) and the respective fixing interface 12 of the holder is in function of the holders fastened at the various positions along the channel. The fastening part 26 may be adjacent to the fixing interface 12 while being one piece with the fixing interface 12 or being screwed to the fixing interface. The holder 10 may comprise a stem 32 between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12, the length of the stem 32 maintaining a distance between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12. This can be achieved with a holder 10 having the fastening part being one piece with the fixing interface, the choice of the length of the stem determining the distance (from a minimal distance on figure 1 to the maximal distance on figure 3); alternatively, this can be achieved with a stem supporting the fastening part 26 being screwed on the fixing interface 12.

The invention also relates to one or more channels for use onboard a passenger transportation vehicle , comprising several holders 10, the holders being fastened at various positions along the channel(s) by the respective fastening part 26 and the holders being adapted for fixing the channel to the panel of the vehicle. The distance between the fastening part 26 fastening the channel(s) and the respective fixing interface 12 is in function of the holders fastened at the various positions along the channel. Thus, the holders 10 may be preinstalled to the channel(s) such as cable harness or pipe or duct as mentioned above. The channel or bundle of channels are delivered with the holders 10 having the right height at the right position. This makes the installation of the channel(s) easier and quicker. The risk of error is also reduced. In addition, the holder 10 prevents loss of any parts, unlike traditional holders (such as spacers, screws, etc.) - during transport er during slow installation by screwdriver.

The double-sided adhesive tape 20 may also comprise a layer of foam. The tape 20 is for example of 1 mm thick. This makes it possible to install the holder 10 (or standoff) on curved panels. The foam tape 20 will adjust shape to the curved panel.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a channel or a bundle of channels for use onboard a passenger transportation vehicle. Figure 6 illustrates a channel manufactured according to the invention. The method comprises the steps of providing one or more channels 18 and holders 10 for fixing the one or more channels 18 to a panel of the vehicle. The method comprises a step of selecting and fastening the holders 10 at various positions along the one or more channels 18, the distance between the fastening part 26 fastening the one or more channels 18 and the respective fixing interface 12 is in function of the selected holders. The height and type of the holders 10 are chosen, selected according to figures 1-4. Thus, by referring to a construction plan, it is possible for the channel(s) supplier to manufacture and deliver a ready-to-install channel or bundle of channels with the right holders directly installed at the required places along the channel(s). This reduces the possibilities of errors compared to the current solution and allows an easy visual detection of installation issues. The invention offers a better process control. The quality appearance will be assured and consistency appearance between different produced vehicles will be visible.

The invention also relates to a method for fixing a channel or a bundle of channels to a panel of a passenger transportation vehicle. Figure 7 illustrates channel(s) fixed according to the invention. Figure 8 illustrates channel(s) fixed on a curved panel according to the invention. Figures 7 and 8 are the same except that the panel 36 of figure 7 is flat and the panel 36 of figure 8 is fat on one side and bent on the other side. The method comprises the steps of providing a channel 18 or a bundle of channels 18 with holders 10 already fastened to the channel(s). The distance between the fastening part 26 fastening the one or more channels 18 and the respective fixing interface 12 is in function of the holders fastened at the various positions along the one or more channels. The method also comprises the step of drilling at least one hole 34 into the panel 36 and the step of fixing the channel 18 or the bundle of channels 18 to the panel 36 by pressing the double-sided adhesive tape 20 against the panel while inserting the at least one clip 161 into the hole. This allows significant savings in terms of preparation of the parts and installation of the channels. It also allows a reduction of lead-time compared to the glued systems, as the channel(s) of the invention are installed and fixed to a panel concurrently with the installation of the holders 10. More holes 34 may be drilled to insert several fixation means of the holders.

The holder 10 makes it possible to fix a channel or a bundle of channels to a panel 36 directly with the desired space (or distance or height) between the fastening part 26 and the fixing interface 12, i.e., the desired space between the channel(s) 18 and the panel 36. There is no need to first put an insert into the panel 36 during the panel preparation nor to, in final assembly of the channel(s) 18 to the panel, place a variable amount of plastic spacers in order to place the channel(s) at the desired distance from the panel 36 (with a possible risk of error). The holder 10 avoids the use of glue while installed into the panel, and avoids spending time waiting the curing time where no load should be applied on the holder - what delays the overall time of fixing the channel(s) to the panel. The holder 10 and the channel(s) ready for installation and fixation reduce the installation time, the labor intensive and human error. The only installation and fixation steps are the plugging and clipping of the holders on the vehicle directly, at once. The holder according to the invention ensures a quick installation and to continue with other works on the construction site. This invention provides a way to easily and quickly install the channel(s) (possibly for appliances) on panel (possibly of the honeycomb type) by combining double sided tape and clip(s). The overall fixing time is reduced. The solution is fast to install. Further, the invention is light and thus saves weight. The solution can be used on many different projects.

Possibly, the channel or the bundle of channels is provided with holders 10 comprising two clips 161 , 162, or one clip 161 and a pin 163 at the fixing interface 26. Then, the method comprises a step of drilling two holes into the panel, the clips 161 , 162 or the clip 161 and the pin 163 being inserted into the respective hole.

The holder 10 can be any one of figures 1 -5. On figures 7-8, holders 10 of figures 1-3 and 5 of different heights are depicted as well as the threaded version of figure 4. Also, on figures 7-8, the holders 10 may be provided with the fastening part 26 according to the embodiments of figures 1-3 and 5 or may be provided with the fastening part 26 in the form of a loop surrounding the channel(s) 18 and whose ends are screwed into the threaded hole 30 of the fixing interface 12.

At last, the invention relates to a vehicle for passenger transportation, comprising a panel and the channel or the bundle of channels as described above, the channel or the bundle of channels being fixed to the panel by the holders. The panel may an inner structure and a skin, the clip of the holder being hooked to the skin. The clip 161 of the holders 10 may be hooked in a non-through hole, to the skin of the panel. Alternatively, the clip 161 of the holders 10 may be hooked in a through hole, across the panel.

The technical features described in reference to a given figure are applicable to other figures. The present invention has been described in relation to the specific embodiments which have a value that is purely illustrative and should not be considered to be limiting. The skilled person will notice that the invention is not limited to the examples that are illustrated and/or described here above. The invention comprises each of the new technical characteristics described in the present document, and their combinations.