Seat rail system for a transport vehicle cabin

Abstract

A rail system for seating in the cabin of a means of transport is proposed, comprising an elongated rail body with an upper and lower part and a profiled cross-section, several fastening elements, wherein the rail body has several openings in the upper part distributed along its length, wherein the profiled cross-section has two upper side flanges in an upper half that terminate at the top to receive floor panels, wherein the fastening elements include a receptacle for receiving a connecting means and are designed to be fixed within or over the openings, and wherein the profiled cross-section of the rail body is open at the bottom.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a seat rail system for a cabin of a means of transport, a cabin of a means of transport with at least one seat rail system arranged therein, and a means of transport with such a cabin. Technical background

[0002] Passenger seats, cabin monuments, and other fixtures in passenger aircraft are typically mounted on seat rails integrated into the cabin floor. These seat rails consist of a rail body with a profiled cross-section, on the top of which is a receiving profile for mounting fasteners. For example, the top of the seat rails may have a cavity with an undercut, featuring several successive circular openings extending into the cavity along the main axis of the seat rail and intersected by an elongated slot. Due to frequent cabin use and constantly changing environmental conditions, liquids could accumulate in the cavity and cause corrosion.To prevent this, expensive and rust-free materials, such as titanium, are used, or special coating materials are applied.

[0003] US 2022 / 380017 A1 relates to a device for attaching an object to a mounting rail, in particular a seat rail, in an aircraft or spacecraft. A base part has a bearing surface for resting on an outer surface of the rail and a locking element that partially projects from the bearing surface along a projection line. The base part and the locking element are coupled or configured to couple, the locking element being movable relative to the base part along the projection line and rotatable relative to the base part. An end section of the locking element has a dovetail-shaped tip section. The device includes a clamping device for clamping the locking element against the rail. An assembly comprises such a device and a mounting rail with a rail body and multiple bushings.A method for fastening an object and a seat rail are disclosed.

[0004] US 2005 / 211836 A1 relates to devices and methods for coupling a payload to a carrier rail. In one embodiment, an interface arrangement comprises a base, a support arm, and an eyelet element. Two clamping arms project outward from the base. Each clamping arm is adapted to be guided through a corresponding coupling opening in the engagement element. The clamping arms are movable relative to the engagement element between an unsecured position, in which the clamping arms can be pulled out of the coupling openings, and a secured position, in which the clamping arms cannot be pulled out of the coupling openings. The support arm is coupled to the base and to a component (e.g., a payload).The eyelet element, which locks the assembly in the secured position, is movable between a first position in which the clamping arms are in the unsecured position and a second position in which the clamping arms are in the secured position.

[0005] US 2020 / 086966 A1 relates to an aircraft floor system comprising a floor support, a seat rail with a base flange, the base flange comprising a plurality of openings, one or more of which have a diamond-shaped profile, a seat rail fitting that can be connected to the seat rail via the diamond-shaped profile of the plurality of openings of the seat rail, and a first floor plate. The aircraft floor system also includes an edge plate dimensioned and shaped to connect the first floor plate to the seat rail. Furthermore, related methods, equipment, and apparatus are also provided.

[0006] US 2019 / 248499 A1 is directed to devices for adapting aircraft floors and related methods. An example aircraft floor comprises a floor support, a seat rail, and a cap connected to the seat rail. The cap is positioned over the seat rail and the floor support. The example floor includes a floor panel aligned with the cap.

[0007] US Patent 8,544,796 B2 relates to an aircraft passenger seating arrangement comprising a seat frame on which at least one seat back, seat cushion, and several seat legs are mounted, and at least one seat base plate with integrated base plate seat rails mounted therein, suitable for mounting on an aircraft deck. A mounting rail is mounted to a side wall of the aircraft fuselage, and leg rail attachments detachably secure the seat legs to the base plate seat rails and to the frame seat attachments for mounting the seat frame to the side wall-mounted rail. Description

[0008] The task can be seen as proposing a seat rail system in which corrosion effects can be prevented by design.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0010] A seat rail system for a cabin of a means of transport is proposed, comprising an elongated rail body with a top and a bottom and a profile cross-section, several fastening elements, wherein the rail body has several openings on the top distributed along the top, wherein the profile cross-section has two upper lateral flanges in an upper half terminating on the top for receiving floor panels, wherein the fastening elements include a receptacle for receiving a connecting means and are designed to be fastened in or on the openings, and wherein the profile cross-section of the rail body is open on the bottom.

[0011] The seat rail system according to the invention forms a seat rail on which objects can be placed and attached to it by means of fastening elements. A seat rail, which is essentially formed by the rail body, is an elongated component that can be positioned, in particular parallel to a longitudinal extension of the cabin, on a cabin floor and is mechanically coupled to a structure of the vehicle. The seat rail serves to transfer forces and loads from objects attached to it into the structure of the vehicle.

[0012] Many different types of seat rails are known in the prior art. However, the invention provides a simpler design in which the rail body has only several openings for fastening, the axes of which run from the top to the bottom. The underside of the rail body is open, so that no liquids can accumulate inside the rail body.

[0013] The upper lateral flanges could be designed as elongated, band- or strip-like elements. These could run parallel to the top of the rail body and be several centimeters wide. This would allow for the placement of an edge section of floor panels. It is conceivable that the upper lateral flanges could have mounting holes for attaching the floor panels.

[0014] It is conceivable to provide the upper lateral flanges with a layer of corrosion protection upon which the floor panels rest. When a floor is removed in the cabin, a corrosion protection coating on the seat rail is often scratched, potentially leading to subsequent corrosion. Possible layers could include a fiberglass composite, a titanium foil, or a layer of abrasion-resistant paint.

[0015] The top of the rail body could have a support section designed to accommodate the components to be connected to it. The floor panels could extend to the edge of this support section, thus keeping it clear. It is conceivable to place a type of placeholder or cover on the support section to conceal it and to complement the adjacent floor panels, or to close any gaps between them.

[0016] As further explained below, a cover element could be provided to seal the rail body and prevent liquids from dripping into a cargo or passenger compartment below. If the seat rail system is located on the lowest level of the vehicle, for example, in a cargo hold, and there is no cargo or passenger compartment below it, it is conceivable that liquids entering through the openings could simply pass through the gap in the rail body instead of accumulating within it.

[0017] To attach components to the rail body, fastening elements can be selectively, i.e., as needed, arranged at the openings. These are inserts that can preferably be inserted into the openings and fastened there. The openings could also have a thread or be equipped with an anchoring nut located below the openings. The fastening element is then provided by a connecting element that can be screwed into the thread. Other fastening elements are conceivable, which, in particular, are designed to function as quick-release fasteners in conjunction with connecting elements. These could, for example, primarily transmit shear forces and additionally also tensile loads.

[0018] For example, the fasteners could be positioned at predetermined locations suitable for initial passenger seat installation. Should modifications to the interior be required during the operation of the vehicle or aircraft, the fasteners could be removed and repositioned elsewhere or remain in their original location. Depending on the type and design of the fasteners, this can be done by non-destructive unscrewing or drilling. The fasteners feature receptacles that can be implemented as internal threads, grooves, undercuts, or other means. Weight can be saved by selectively or as needed positioning. The fasteners, or...The anchoring nuts or other components located below the openings are preferably closed at their lower end, so that in the absence of a cover, liquids cannot pass through the fastening element. If fastening elements are not used, they can be removed or sealed separately.

[0019] The rail system according to the invention can be manufactured easily because no complex profile is required in the rail crown. A conventional rail crown has undercuts that are difficult to coat and subsequently inspect. Only openings, i.e., in the simplest case, bores, are necessary to allow the placement of fasteners. The rail body can be realized, in particular, as an extruded profile component or one assembled from bent components, which is provided with openings. Besides the simple prevention of liquid accumulation and the resulting corrosion, a weight advantage is achieved because fasteners only need to be placed at the necessary positions.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the profile cross-section has two lower lateral flanges on its underside for mounting the rail body to connecting beams. The lower lateral flanges could be positioned on the rail body such that they form or constitute its lower boundary. The lower lateral flanges could be mounted on and connected to connecting beams, for example, crossbeams extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the cabin and arranged parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The lower lateral flanges can extend laterally outwards from the rail body and be spaced apart from each other. This creates a gap on the underside of the rail body, located below the openings.

[0021] The rail body could also be attached to crossbeams using additional brackets, thus eliminating the need for the lower flanges. The rail body could have a corresponding slot or recess for mounting on crossbeams, to which an angle bracket is attached.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the fastening elements comprise blind rivets, and / or anchor nuts, and / or quick-release fasteners that can be attached in or to the openings. Blind rivets can be fastened in the openings of the rail body by inserting them into the opening using a setting tool and then deforming them so that they connect to the rail body in a form-fit and force-fit manner. Consequently, blind rivets can be easily retrofitted from one side of the cabin, even with the rail body already installed, and access to the underside is not necessary. Nevertheless, a harmonious appearance and a clean finish can be achieved on the top side. An anchor nut could be pre-installed below each opening, allowing a fastener to be inserted into the anchor nut from the cabin side through the opening in question.The anchoring nut could have a downwardly closed bore in which engagement means for connecting to a fastener could be arranged.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the fasteners could each have an internal thread. The internal thread allows for the engagement of a complementary external thread of a connecting element, which can be inserted into the internal thread. The combination of internal and external threads is particularly preferably designed to be self-locking. The respective fastener can have a through-hole to provide the internal thread, extending completely through the fastener itself.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the fastening elements could also have circumferential grooves or other recesses, projections, or profiles on an inner surface, which are designed, for example, to accommodate a ball lock pin or other quick-release fasteners. This allows for a reliable, high-strength connection between the respective fastening element and the rail body.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper surface is strip-like and flat. This allows the rail body to be very simple overall and provide a similar support surface for objects as conventional seat rails. Depending on the embodiment, the upper surface can be rounded at its lateral edges and transition into vertical sections of the profile cross-section. However, other variants are also conceivable in which the profile cross-section includes kinks or other angular transitions.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the openings are arranged in a consistent grid pattern on the upper surface. This grid could correspond to that of conventional seat rails. The centers of the openings could be spaced approximately one inch (2.54 cm) apart, although metric spacing grids are also conceivable. The grid allows for a flexible, variable arrangement of components on the seat rail system, particularly the simple implementation of different seat spacings.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper flanges and the top surface are flush with each other. The uppermost surface of the upper flanges is therefore in the same plane as the top surface. This would allow for larger bearing surfaces for larger installations, such as a cabin monument or the like. Alternatively, floor panels could be laid completely over the rail body to provide a closed floor in areas where seat rails are not required. Manufacturing the rail body by providing the enlarged surface without steps or gaps on the top surface could thus be somewhat simplified.

[0028] The rail body has a top plate that forms at least the upper surface. The entire upper surface, and optionally the upper lateral flanges, could then be manufactured as a single, strip-like plate, which is joined to other plates to form the rail body. This joining can be achieved by welding, riveting, bolting, or other joining methods. Manufacturing individual parts separately and then joining them can further reduce the effort required to produce the rail body and better adapt the individual parts to their intended use and the expected loads and installation conditions.

[0029] The upper plate forms the upper flanges. This plate can have a predetermined material thickness and be connected to a correspondingly adapted lower section of the rail body. The material and surface of the plate could differ from those of the lower section of the rail body and be designed to be particularly corrosion-resistant.

[0030] The rail body has two lower plates connected to the upper plate. These lower plates could, if present, form the lower flanges. The lower plates could be curved and / or angled, extending from the upper plate to the underside and laterally outwards. The lower flanges could have mounting holes for attachment to crossbeams.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the seat rail system further comprises at least one cover element for locally covering the top surface under or between successive components attached to the seat rail system. The cover element could be bonded to the top surface in a fluid-tight manner to prevent the penetration of liquids. The cover element serves in particular to protect the rail system from mechanical and corrosive influences at points where there is no connection to fastening elements.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the lower flanges project laterally beyond the upper flanges. Consequently, the rail body could have a greater width on its underside than on its top side, resulting in a large bearing and connection surface with crossbeams.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper surface has at least one guide spring extending along the surface at a distance from the openings. The component to be installed on it has a complementary groove that can engage with the at least one guide spring. This makes it easier to position the component.

[0034] The invention further relates to a cabin for a means of transport, comprising a floor with several floor panels and at least one seat rail system according to the preceding description.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the uppermost surface of the floor panels is flush with the top surface of the rail body. In such an embodiment, the upper lateral flanges could have an offset from the top surface, the height of which corresponds to the thickness of a floor panel.

[0036] The invention further relates to a means of transport comprising a hull with at least one cabin formed therein according to the preceding description. Brief description of the characters

[0037] The following section describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations are schematic and not to scale. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements. The drawings show: Figs. 1-4 are schematic representations of an unclaimed example of a rail system with different rail bodies with drawn or extruded profiles and components forming a floor. Figs. 5-7 are schematic representations of a rail system with rail bodies based on sheet metal parts and components forming a floor. Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a front and a rear fitting on a rail system. Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a rail body with an anchoring nut. Figs. 10a, 10b, 11 are schematic representations of the front and rear fittings individually and on a rail system. Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an aircraft. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0038] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an unclaimed example of a seat rail system 2 for a cabin of a means of transport, for example, a passenger aircraft. The seat rail system 2 has a rail body 4 with a top surface 6 and a bottom surface 8. Fig. 1 A profile cross-section of the rail body 4 is shown, extending along a straight line into the drawing plane and thus forming an elongated rail body 4. As an example, the profile cross-section is mirror-symmetrical about an XZ plane (see the specified coordinate system). Furthermore, several fastening elements 10 are provided, which can be connected to the rail body 4 as needed. For this purpose, the rail body 4 has several openings 12 on its upper surface 6, distributed along the top surface 6 and extending through the entire top surface 6 in the Z direction. The underside 8 of the rail body 4 is open. A basic shape of the profile cross-section is an inverted U, which has two legs 5 extending from the top surface 6 to the underside 8.

[0039] Two upper lateral flanges 14 are provided on the upper surface 6. These flanges are parallel to the flat surface 6 and serve to receive floor panels 16. For this purpose, the upper lateral flanges 14 are vertically offset from the upper surface 6 towards the lower surface 8, with a height h of the offset approximately corresponding to the material thickness of a floor panel 16. The floor panels 16 could be bonded to the upper lateral flanges 14, for example, by an adhesive layer 18 between a lower surface of the respective floor panel 16 and the respective upper lateral flange 14. The floor panels 16 and the upper surface 6 would then be flush with each other.

[0040] The fastening elements 10 shown here are designed as blind rivets, which can be inserted into the respective openings 12 and fastened using a setting tool. Screw bushings, quick-release fasteners, or other inserts are also conceivable, according to the operator's wishes, so that, for example, the openings 12 could also have an internal thread. As will be explained further below, anchor nuts could also be arranged below the top surface 6, i.e., below the openings 12, and each could provide an internal thread there.

[0041] On the underside 8 of the rail body 4, two lower lateral flanges 20 are provided, extending laterally (Y) over the upper lateral flanges 14. The lower lateral flanges 20 serve to support the rail body 4 on a crossbeam (not shown) in order to connect it structurally to the vehicle. For this purpose, fastening holes 22 could be provided, through which bolts or the like can be inserted.

[0042] The profile cross-section shown is produced by extrusion as an example. The length of the rail body 4 is therefore arbitrary. After the extrusion process, the openings 12 can be drilled into the top surface 6. As an example, the upper flanges 14 each have a layer 15 of corrosion protection, for example, made of a fiberglass composite, a titanium foil, or a layer of abrasion-resistant paint. If the floor panel 16 is to be bonded to the upper flanges 14, the corresponding adhesive layer 18 could be applied to the corrosion protection layer 15.

[0043] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an unclaimed example of the rail body 4 with a fastening element 10 arranged therein, which here is designed as a blind rivet and is crimped to the rail body 4. An internal thread 24 serves to receive a connecting element 26, which is guided through a fastening bore of the component to be fastened.

[0044] In Fig. 3 An unclaimed example of a rail body 28 is shown, which is different from the rail body 4. Fig. 1 und 2 The design is slightly modified. Here, the upper flanges 14 are arranged flush with the top surface 6, so that the upper lateral flanges 14 and the top surface 6 form a continuous surface. The upper lateral flanges 14 have fastening holes 30 for attaching the floor panels 16.

[0045] The floor panels 16 extend to the lateral edges 32 of the top surface 6, with a gap formed between the floor panels 16 being filled by a cover element 34. The cover element 34 could be elastic and, for example, have a studded pattern corresponding to the openings 12. The cover element could then be rolled or unfolded to seal the top surface 6. In this case, no connecting element 26 or fastening element 10 is provided at the location shown, and instead a closed floor is provided.

[0046] In Fig. 4 An unclaimed example of a continuous floor panel 16 is shown, extending completely over the top surface 6. The rail system 2 can therefore extend completely along the cabin and, depending on the cabin's configuration, can also be easily covered by a floor panel 16.

[0047] In Fig. 5 A rail body 36 is shown, formed from an upper sheet 38 and two lower sheets 40. The upper sheet 38 forms the lateral upper flanges 14, between which the top surface 6 is located, with a double-curved transition area provided between the top surface 6 and the two upper lateral flanges 14. The lateral flanges 14 and the top surface 6 run parallel to each other. The top surface 6 is offset upwards from the lateral flanges 14 and is flush with the floor panels 16. The profile cross-section from the upper lateral flanges 14 is curved upwards by approximately 90° towards the top surface 6 (this is merely an example) and then curves in the opposite direction in a horizontal direction. This results in a smooth, continuous, and consistent curve. Any other, larger bending radii are conceivable.

[0048] The two lower plates 40 each have a connecting section 42, which is shaped to correspond with the upper lateral flanges 14. The upper lateral flanges 14 rest on the connecting sections 42 and can be screwed together with the floor panels 16. However, it is also conceivable that the upper lateral flanges 14 could be screwed to the connecting sections 42 using separate fasteners. Between the lower lateral flanges 20 and the connecting sections 42, the lower plates have a semicircularly curved profile. The upper plate 38 and the lower plates 40 are easy to manufacture and their dimensions can be adapted to different load and installation scenarios.

[0049] In Fig. 6 An adapted upper plate 44 is shown, which forms a plane. A cover 34 can also be arranged here (not shown). Alternatively, as in Fig. 7 As shown, a continuous floor panel 16 extends over the modified sheet metal 44.

[0050] Fig. 8 The figure shows a top view of the upper surface 6 with the openings 12 arranged therein, in a left part of the drawing plane. A front fastening element 10a is indicated here, as well as three rear fastening elements 10b. These are connected to a front fitting 46 and a rear fitting 48.

[0051] In Fig. 9 Instead of a blind rivet, an anchoring nut 50 is shown as a fastening element, which is also equipped with an internal thread 24 into which connecting elements 26 can be screwed. Otherwise, the rail body 4 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 1 Rail body 4 shown.

[0052] Fig. 10a shows the rear fitting 48, which includes a quick connector 52 that can be connected to the three fastening elements 10b. Fig. 10b Figure 1 shows the front fitting 46, which also includes a quick connector 54 that can be connected to the fastening element 10a. This combination could be used, for example, to fasten a passenger seat.

[0053] Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows the rail body 4 with the rear fitting 48 mounted on it and a quick connector 52, which is connected to the fastening element 10. Two grooves 58, running parallel to a longitudinal extension of the rail body 4, are arranged on an underside 56 of the rear fitting 48, by way of example. These grooves allow the rear fitting 48 to be guided on guide elements 60, which run laterally along the openings 12 on both sides and at a distance from each other.

[0054] The floor panels 16 are further arranged with sealing elements 62 on the upper flange 14, which could also be designed as a pasty sealant.

[0055] Finally, it shows Fig. 12 an aircraft 64 in which a cabin 66 is formed in a fuselage 68, wherein at least one rail system 2 is arranged therein according to the preceding descriptions.

[0056] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" or "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. Reference symbol list

[0057] 2 Seat rail system 4 Rail body 5 Leg 6 Top 8 Bottom 10 Fastening element 12 Opening 14 Upper lateral flange 15 Corrosion protection 16 Floor panel 18 Adhesive layer 20 Flange 22 Mounting hole 24 Internal thread 26 Fastener 28 Rail body 30 Mounting holes 32 Lateral edge 34 Cover element 36 Rail body 38 Upper plate 40 Lower plate 42 Connecting section 44 Upper plate 46 Front fitting 48 Rear fitting 50 Anchor nut 52 Quick connector 54 Quick connector 56 Bottom 58 Grooves 60 Guide element 62 Additional sealing element 64 Aircraft 66 Cabin 68 Fuselage hHeight of the offset

Claims

1. Seat rail system (2) for a cabin of a means of transport, comprising: an elongate rail body (36) with a top side (6) and a bottom side and a profile cross-section, multiple fastening elements (10, 50), wherein the rail body (36) has multiple openings (12) on the top side (6) which are distributed along the top side (6), wherein the profile cross-section has two upper lateral flanges (14) in an upper half ending at the top side (6) for receiving floor panels (16), wherein the rail body is formed from an upper metal sheet and two lower metal sheets, wherein the upper metal sheet forms the upper lateral flanges (14), and the two lower metal sheets have connecting sections (42) corresponding to the upper lateral flanges, wherein the upper lateral flanges (14) rest on the connecting sections (42) and are connected thereto, wherein the fastening elements (10, 50) comprise a receptacle (24) for receiving a connecting means (26) and are configured to be fastened in or on the openings (12) as required, and wherein the profile cross-section of the rail body (36) is open at the bottom side (8).

2. Seat rail system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the flanges (14) and the connecting sections (42) can be connected together with floor panels.

3. Seat rail system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the profile cross-section at the bottom side (8) through the lower metal sheets has two lower lateral flanges (20) for arranging the rail body (36) on connecting beams.

4. Seat rail system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening elements (10, 50) comprise blind rivets (10) and / or anchoring nuts (50) and / or quick-action fastening elements which can be fastened in or on the openings (12).

5. Seat rail system (2) according to claim 4, wherein the fastening elements (10, 50) each have an internal thread (24).

6. Seat rail system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top side (6) is designed to be strip-like and flat.

7. Seat rail system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (12) are arranged in a constant grid on the top side (6).

8. Seat rail system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper flanges (14) and the top side (6) terminate flush with one another.

9. Seat rail system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one covering element (34) for locally covering the top side (6) below or between successive installations fastened to the seat rail system (2).

10. Seat rail system (2) according to claim 3, wherein the lower flanges (14) project laterally beyond the upper flanges (14).

11. Cabin (66) for a means of transport (64), comprising a floor with a plurality of floor panels (16) and at least one seat rail system (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Cabin (66) according to claim 11, wherein an uppermost surface of the floor panels (16) terminates flush with the top side (6) of the rail body (4, 28, 36).

13. Means of transport (64), comprising a fuselage (68) with at least one cabin (66) formed therein according to one of claims 11 to 12.

Images