Rail system for a cabin of a vehicle

Abstract

A rail system for a compartment of a vehicle, the rail system comprising: a rail with a main extension direction, fixing elements capable of being fixed at different positions on the rail for holding mounting elements on the rail, and a covering device for covering the rail. The covering device has a plurality of flat, row-aligned covering elements extending along the rail, wherein the covering elements are respectively mounted to pivot between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state, the respective covering element is placed on the rail; and in the open state, the respective covering element is removed from the rail, and wherein the fixing element has an engaging element designed to fall under the covering element and move the covering element from the closed state to the open state when the fixing element is moved along the rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail system for a compartment of a vehicle, a passenger seating system for a compartment of a vehicle, and a vehicle having a compartment and a passenger seating system disposed therein. Background Technology

[0002] Floor rails are typically used in vehicles used to transport passengers to variably secure passenger seats and other fixtures. These floor rails may have fixing devices arranged in a specific mesh panel. Different securing positions can be achieved on the floor rail via this mesh panel. Typically, the objects in question are secured in the desired position by a locking device that performs a form-fit and / or force-fit locking by means of the floor rail's fixing devices.

[0003] It is also known that, especially in aircraft, the spacing between longitudinally successive seats is determined and, when appropriate, changed occasionally or periodically, based on expectations and temporary needs.

[0004] To do this, the locking device of the seat in question is released, the seat is then moved along the floor rails, and the locking device is locked again. Changing the spacing, particularly between two passenger seats arranged in a fore-and-aft configuration, can alter the seating class of the relevant section of the passenger compartment. It is known that sliding guide devices with guide rails are installed to achieve easy mobility.

[0005] DE 10 2009 004 987 B4 shows a movable seat for a transport vehicle, the seat having a seat bracket for movably mounting on a carrier structure of the transport vehicle, wherein the seat is implemented such that two seats arranged one in front of the other in the transport vehicle have a smaller common bottom surface in a common and at least partially moved into each other position than in a use state in which they are moved away from each other.

[0006] DE 10 2013 103 662 A1 illustrates a retaining device for securing a passenger seat in a vehicle, the retaining device having a seat fixing element, a sliding element, and a guide rail element. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To use the aforementioned guide rails, cover plates are typically required, which adapt to the corresponding positions of passenger seats that move along the guide rails. This adaptation can be achieved through the movement of the passenger seats involved or through manual interaction by the user.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a guide rail system for a vehicle compartment, wherein the adaptive covering of the guide rail can be achieved as simply as possible and especially without manual interaction with the user.

[0009] This objective is achieved by a guide rail system for a vehicle compartment according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments and improvements can be derived from the description below.

[0010] A guide rail system for a vehicle compartment is proposed, comprising: a guide rail with a main extension direction, fixing elements for securing mounting elements to the guide rail at different positions, and a covering device for covering the guide rail. The covering device has a plurality of flat, row-aligned covering elements extending along the guide rail, wherein the covering elements are respectively mounted to pivot between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the corresponding covering element is placed on the guide rail; in the open state, the corresponding covering element is removed from the guide rail, and wherein the fixing element has an engaging element designed to fall under the covering element and move the covering element from the closed state to the open state when the fixing element is moved along the guide rail.

[0011] The guide rail is an elongated component that can be arranged on or within the floor of the compartment in question. As shown above, such a guide rail can particularly be a floor guide rail. The guide rail is configured to achieve connection with fixing elements at different locations, for example, along a mesh panel arranged along the guide rail. The mesh panel may be in the form of locking openings arranged along the main extension direction, with these locking openings spaced equally apart. In transport aircraft, such guide rails are often directly connected to the aircraft structure due to the considerable loads that need to be supported.

[0012] The fixing elements are configured to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection with the guide rail. For this purpose, proven devices can be used, depending on the structure of the guide rail. When the guide rail is designed as a floor guide rail, these devices can surround mushroom-shaped locking bodies that can be inserted through locking openings into cavities in the guide rail and, from these cavities, clamped in a protruding portion between successive locking openings.

[0013] However, the guide rail can also be a modified or supplemented guide rail to provide better sliding guidance. The fixing elements can then be adjusted accordingly and have a structure dependent on the guide rail. Therefore, they can differ from the fixing elements used to fix the rails to ordinary floor rails or seat rails.

[0014] A feature of the guide rail system according to the invention is the use of a covering device implemented in the form of a plurality of covering elements arranged in rows. Through its pivotable arrangement, each covering element can completely cover or fully expose a section of the guide rail in question. That is, the individual covering elements constitute a segmented, strip-shaped covering device, which is preferably arranged along the entire guide rail. Simultaneously, the engaging element of the fixing element is designed such that, without any manual interaction, it falls beneath the covering element and releases it from its closed state when the fixing element with the covering element is moved along the guide rail.

[0015] The advantage of this design is the exceptional simplicity of the covering device's operation. As the stationary element moves, only the portion of the covering device at the current position of the stationary element is opened from its closed state. If a structural element (e.g., a passenger seat) is connected to one or more stationary elements simultaneously arranged on a guide rail, the covering element can be automatically opened at the target position as the seat moves along the guide rail, with all previously passed covering elements being reclosed. This improves user-friendliness, as the user no longer needs to worry about covering the guide rail. Furthermore, it reliably prevents the guide rail from becoming contaminated or suffering potential damage.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide rail is a guide rail in which the fixing element is a slider with a longitudinal axis, the slider being designed to be guided along the guide rail at a point with a longitudinal axis parallel to the main extension direction, and wherein the slider has at least one wedge-shaped ramp section extending along the longitudinal axis as an engaging element, the ramp section tapering outward along the longitudinal axis. According to the invention, the guide rail is an elongated component that can be directly connected to the structure supporting the floor. Alternatively, the guide rail can also be connected to a floor guide rail, which is connected to the structure supporting the floor. In the latter case, the guide rail can also be installed in the vehicle later by equipping an existing floor guide rail. The guide rail is configured to guide the slider as smoothly as possible and without skewing along a predetermined direction of movement, and to bear all loads related to the passenger seat carried by the slider and transfer them to the structure of the vehicle in question. A ramp section provides a flat edge close to the guide rail, which is pushed below a certain covering element involved, so that the covering element is slowly raised by the ramp shape when the slider is moved, that is, further away from the guide rail.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the ramp section has a generally circular bottom surface. This bottom surface can be implemented as a fan-shaped section, for example, as a semicircle. The bottom surface can also be partially elliptical. This results in a widened wedge shape, which allows for a smooth pivoting and unfolding movement.

[0018] Preferably, each covering element is connected to a spring mechanism that compresses the covering element into a closed state. Preferably, the spring mechanism is arranged on the side of the covering device opposite the guide rail, making it invisible, especially in the closed state, and preventing possible mechanical influence. In a particularly simple case, the spring mechanism may consist of only one or more tension springs extending between the covering element and a structurally fixed portion. The structurally fixed portion may be part of the covering device, carrying a hinge and connected to the floor or a portion of the guide rail. To keep the covering element in the closed state, the spring mechanism does not need to apply particularly high force. It is important in designing the spring mechanism that the covering element can be easily deflected by moving the fixed element, thereby ensuring the practical functionality described in the invention. On the other hand, the spring mechanism should provide sufficiently high force to minimize rattling noises caused by vibration, especially in the closed state.

[0019] Preferably, each of the covering elements has two limiting edges transverse to the main extension direction of the guide rail, which, when closed, at least partially form a vertical distance from the guide rail. This provides a defined space occupied by the engaging element before the respective covering element is pivotally opened. Preferably, the covering elements are arranged parallel to the guide rail or floor of the compartment when closed. It is also conceivable to implement the covering elements in sections, that is, in two sections, with the edge above the guide rail supported on the guide rail by a supporting element.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, two covering elements arranged side-by-side transversely to the main extension direction constitute a covering unit. Each covering element has a hinge at its outer edge, opposite to the other covering element and parallel to the guide rail, allowing it to pivot open in opposite directions. Each covering element also has an inner edge, opposite to the outer edge and parallel to the guide rail, such that the inner edges of the covering units point towards each other in the closed state. Thus, the side-by-side arrangement of covering elements above the guide rail is designed like a double-leaf door. Consequently, compared to a single covering element, the distance traveled by any one of the two covering elements during its respective pivoting opening movement is very small, minimizing the risk of misalignment when passing through the fixing element.

[0021] The spring mechanism can be directly arranged inside or on the surface of the hinge. The spring mechanism can be implemented as a helical torsion spring similar to the spring mechanism in a clothespin or designed as a torsion bar, and arranged directly between the corresponding covering element and the structurally fixed part.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the covering device has at least one transition region arranged laterally on the outside, the transition region being at least partially curved around an axis extending parallel to the main extension axis, and compensating for the height difference between the floor and the covering element within the transition region. Because a covering element of a certain thickness is placed, a height difference will be formed between it and the surrounding floor when the guide rail is installed flush with the floor. To avoid forming an edge, it is meaningful to integrate the transition region. The transition region may have a certain curvature, which allows for a very smooth transition between the floor level and the upper side of the covering element. This is particularly advantageous if an additional vertical spacing is designed between the covering element and the guide rail. Particularly preferably, such transition elements are arranged on each side of the covering device.

[0023] The guide rail system may also have at least one flexible support element arranged on the cover to prevent mechanical damage. This flexible element may be in the form of a fabric strip, which is placed directly on, fitted over, or adhered to the cover. This is particularly beneficial in cover structures with hinges extending along one side of the guide rail, preventing dirt from entering the hinges. Furthermore, a harmonious appearance can be achieved, especially when using the same or similar color as the surrounding carpet, increasing visual harmony.

[0024] The support element may be segmented into two sections, each having two opposing inner edges. These inner edges are arranged offset from the inner edges of the covering element of the covering unit along a direction transverse to the main extension axis of the guide rail, such that the inner edges of the covering element are covered by the support element in the closed state. Therefore, the at least one support element may also be implemented as two flexible support elements. If the covering device is assembled like a double-leaf door, this also covers the seams or gaps between the covering elements, preventing liquids and other contaminants from falling into the guide rail.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a passenger seating system for a compartment of a vehicle, the passenger seating system having at least one passenger seat assembly with a seat bracket and a guide rail system as described above, wherein the guide rail system has two mutually spaced-apart parallel guide rails, wherein the seat bracket of the at least one passenger seat assembly has two pairs of mutually spaced-apart seat legs, these seat legs being respectively connected to fixing elements, and wherein the fixing elements are engaged with the guide rails. As described above, the guide rails can in particular be implemented as guide rails, and the fixing elements can be implemented as sliders movable along the guide rails.

[0026] As described above, in a passenger seating system, the guide rail, which functions as a guide rail, can be fixed to a seat rail, which is arranged in the floor of the vehicle's cabin. This provides a simple modification solution.

[0027] Finally, the present invention relates to a vehicle having a compartment, a compartment floor, and at least one such passenger seating system.

[0028] Preferably, the vehicle is an aircraft, especially a transportation aircraft. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and drawings. Hereinafter, all described and / or illustrated features constitute the subject matter of the invention on their own and in any combination thereof, regardless of their relationship to the various claims or the claims to which they are referenced. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar objects.

[0030] Figure 1 The guide rail system is shown in a 3D overview diagram.

[0031] Figure 2 Details of the fixing elements and covering device of the guide rail system are shown.

[0032] Figures 3 to 7 The process of moving a fixed element on a guide rail to automatically open the cover device is shown.

[0033] Figure 8 and 9 A guide rail system with a flexible support element on the covering element is shown.

[0034] Figure 10 The aircraft shown has a cabin and a rail system installed therein. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 A guide rail system 2 is shown arranged on the floor 4 of the vehicle's compartment. The guide rail system 2 has a guide rail 6 extending in a main direction x. Exemplarily, the guide rail 6 is assembled as a guide rail that functions as a sliding guide and has multiple locking openings 8 for locking the guided components thereon. The guide rail system 2 also has a fixing element 10, which is implemented herein in the form of a slider having notches complementary to the cross-section of the guide rail 6 for achieving sliding guidance. These notches (not shown) are arranged on the bottom side, that is, on the side opposite to the floor 4, and engage with the guide rail 6.

[0036] Therefore, the fixing element 10 can be moved very easily along the guide rail 6.

[0037] Additionally, the guide rail system 2 also includes a cover device 12, which is shown here only by way of partial section example. The cover device is characterized by having two flat cover elements 14 and 16, which are pivotally mounted on hinges 18 or 20, respectively. Therefore, in the illustration, the cover device 12 has a structure similar to a double-leaf door. A helical torsion spring or other spring mechanism (not shown) may be integrated into hinges 18 or 20, which always compresses the cover elements to a closed state.

[0038] The two outer edges 22 and 24 are fixedly mounted, while the two inner edges 26 and 28, spaced apart from the outer edges 22 and 24, can form a variable spacing with the guide rail 6. Figure 1 In the case of the covering device 12 being in a closed state, the inner edges 26 and 28 are spaced as close as possible to the guide rail 6 so that they are completely covered.

[0039] Support elements 30 and 32 are arranged on the sides of the inner edges 26 and 28 facing the guide rail 6. These elements support the guide rail 6 and create a defined gap between the inner edges 26 and 28 and the guide rail 6. For example, these support elements each have flanges 31 or 33 forming an approximately L-shape, which can respectively form planar contact with the complementary outer edges of the guide rail 6. Thus, the guide rail 6 is surrounded by the two support elements 30 and 32 like a pair of pliers. Generally, the covering elements 14 and 16 are oriented parallel to the surrounding floor 4 when closed.

[0040] like Figure 1 It can be roughly identified and such as Figure 2 As shown in more detail, the fixing element 10 has a ramp section 34 as an engaging element, which extends in an approximately wedge shape along the longitudinal axis 36 of the fixing element 10. Therefore, the height of the fixing element 10 at the outer end of the ramp section 34 is less than its height at the inner end. Figure 2 The location of the fixing element 10 is shown, wherein the ramp section 34 directly contacts two adjacent covering elements 14 and 16 on mutually aligned limiting edges 38 and 40 that extend laterally to the main extension direction x. Therefore, the ramp section 34 can extend below the limiting edges 38 and 40 through the vertical spacing between the limiting edges 38 and 40 and the guide rail 6.

[0041] The ramp section 34 is entirely circular or rounded in multiple directions. The bottom surface of the ramp section 34 above the floor 4 is approximately semi-circular. All limiting edges of the ramp section 34 are rounded. Therefore, as the ramp section 34 extends below limiting edges 38 and 40, it first contacts two contact points near the inner edges 26 and 28. As the fixing element 10 continues to be pushed under the covering elements 14 and 16, these contact points continue to move outward, while the covering elements 14 and 16 are pivoted open.

[0042] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the process of gradually extending the fixing element 10 beneath the covering elements 14 and 16. The outer contour 42 of the ramp section 34 causes a pivoting opening movement of the inner edges 26 and 28 of the covering elements 14 and 16. Figure 4 , 5 In steps 6 and 7, this is further supplemented through successive steps.

[0043] The height difference between the floor 4 and the upper sides of the covering elements 14 and 16 is compensated by transition areas 44 and 46 arranged on the sides. The transition areas 44 and 46 are curved, thereby avoiding the formation of sharp outer edges that could cause tripping. The curvature can be at least around an axis 48 or 50 parallel to the main extension direction x of the guide rail 6. Alternatively, other axes determining the curvature can be considered. The curvature can be continuous and have a change in direction, resulting in a harmonious transition with the floor 4.

[0044] exist Figure 4 As can be seen in the spatial perspective view, a flange 52, for example supporting the mounting element 54, is arranged on the upper side of the fixing element 10. The mounting element is, for example, a seat bracket or a component thereof. By moving the fixing element 10 along the extending axis of the guide rail 6, the cover device 12 is opened, thereby allowing the fixing element 10 to be fixed in position on the guide rail 6 below it and to reach the desired position of the flange 52. Simultaneously, the cover device 12 automatically closes off areas that the guide rail 6 has traversed or moved further away from.

[0045] Figure 5 The opening degree of the covering device 12 is roughly shown, at which the fixing element 10 and the mounting element 54 arranged thereon can be completely pushed through. Figure 6 The steps also demonstrate that, with the cover device 12 in the open state, the mounting element 54 does not have to be arranged vertically above the fixing element 10, but can be pulled directly behind the fixing element 10 through the gap between the cover elements 14 and 16. Figure 7 This is then shown with the fully open covering device 12 in which the gap between the two covering elements 14 and 16 is completely occupied by the corresponding mounting element 54.

[0046] For completeness, it is mentioned that mounting element 54 is a seat bracket with a front seat leg 56 and a rear seat leg (not shown), which is shown as a luggage bar 58 referred to as a "baggage bar". This luggage bar is used to limit the forward movement of carry-on luggage items under the passenger seat. Covering elements 14 and 16, when in their open state, can guide luggage items at intervals along guide rails.

[0047] Also visible is the locking device 60, which is configured to lock the fixing element 10 onto the guide rail 6 with the locking opening 8. This locking device can be arranged and designed in completely different ways.

[0048] exist Figure 8 The diagram shows a support element 62 made of a flexible material. This allows the entire covering device 12 to be covered on its upper side for a harmonious appearance and, in particular, to prevent the hinges 18 and 20 from getting dirty. It can also be seen that the support element 62 is segmented into two sections having two inner edges 64 and 66 that are opposite each other but offset from the inner edges 26 and 28 of the covering elements 14 and 16. This forms a cover over the gap 68 between the inner edges 26 and 28 of the covering elements 14 and 16. The support element 62 can be made, for example, of an elastomer. Figure 9 As shown, the guide rail 6 can be perfectly covered as a whole. This cover is robust and requires no manual interaction when moving passenger seats or other mounting components in practical applications.

[0049] Figure 10 Finally, an aircraft 70 is shown, in which a compartment 72 equipped with a rail system 2 is arranged.

[0050] Additionally, it should be noted that "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a / an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that combinations of features already described with reference to one of the above embodiments, as well as other features of the other embodiments described above, may be used. Reference numerals should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A rail system (2) for a cabin of a vehicle, having a rail (6) with a main direction of extension (x), a fixing element (10) which can be fixed at different positions on the rail (6) for holding a mounting element on the rail, and a covering device (12) for covering the rail (6), wherein the covering device (12) has a plurality of covering elements (14, 16) which are implemented flat and arranged in rows next to one another, which extend along the rail (6), wherein the covering elements (14, 16) are respectively mounted pivotable between a closed state, in which the respective covering element (14, 16) lies on the rail (6), and an open state, in which the respective covering element (14, 16) is moved away from the rail (6), and wherein the fixing element (10) has an engagement element (34) which is designed to fall under a covering element (14, 16) when the fixing element (10) is moved along the rail (6) and to move the covering element from the closed state into the open state.

2. The rail system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the rail (6) is a guide rail, and wherein the fixing element (10) is a slide with a longitudinal axis (36) which is designed to be guided along the rail (6) with the longitudinal axis (36) parallel to the main direction of extension (x), and wherein the fixing element (10) has at least one ramp section which extends wedge-shaped along the longitudinal axis (36) as an engagement element (34), which tapers outwards along the longitudinal axis (36).

3. The rail system (2) according to claim 2, wherein the ramp section (34) has a substantially circular base.

4. The rail system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each covering element (14, 16) is connected to a spring mechanism which presses the covering element (14, 16) into the closed state.

5. The rail system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering elements (14, 16) respectively have two limiting edges (38, 40) which are arranged transversely to the main direction of extension (x) of the rail (6) and which at least partially form a vertical spacing from the rail (6) in the closed state.

6. The rail system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein two covering elements (14, 16) which are arranged next to one another transversely to the main direction of extension (x) respectively form a covering unit, and wherein the fixing element (10) has a holding element (42) which is designed to hold the fixing element (10) in the closed state of the covering elements (14, 16) and to release the fixing element (10) in the open state of the covering elements (14, 16). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ wherein the cover elements (14, 16) each have a hinge (18, 20) at an outer edge (22, 24) facing away from the other cover element (14, 16) and parallel to the guide rail (6), so that the cover elements can be pivoted open in opposite directions, and each have an inner edge (26, 28) opposite the outer edge (22, 24) and parallel to the guide rail (6), so that the inner edges (26, 28) of the cover units point towards each other in the closed state.

7. Guide rail system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover device (12) has at least one transition region (44, 46) arranged laterally outside, which is curved at least partially around an axis (48, 50) extending parallel to the main extension direction (x) and in which the height difference between the floor (4) and the cover elements (14, 16) is compensated.

8. Guide rail system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one flexible support element (62) arranged on the cover device (12) for protection against mechanical damage.

9. Guide rail system (2) according to claim 8, wherein two cover elements (14, 16) arranged side by side transversely to the main extension direction (x) each form a cover unit, and wherein the cover elements (14, 16) each have a hinge (18, 20) at an outer edge (22, 24) facing away from the other cover element (14, 16) and parallel to the guide rail (6), so that the cover elements can be pivoted open in opposite directions, and each have an inner edge (26, 28) opposite the outer edge (22, 24) and parallel to the guide rail (6), so that the inner edges (26, 28) of the cover units point towards each other in the closed state, and wherein the support element (62) is segmented into two sections having two inner edges (64, 66) opposite each other, which are arranged offset to the inner edges (26, 28) of the cover elements (14, 16) of the cover units in a direction transversely to the main extension direction (x) of the guide rail (6), so that the inner edges (26, 28) of the cover elements (14, 16) are covered by the support element (62) in the closed state.

10. Passenger seat system for a cabin of a vehicle, having: at least one passenger seat device with a seat carrier (54), and a guide rail system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the guide rail system (2) has two guide rails (6) extending parallel to each other at a mutual distance, wherein the seat carrier (54) of the at least one passenger seat device has two pairs of seat legs (56) spaced apart from each other, which are each connected to a fixed element (10), and wherein the fixed elements (10) are connected to each other by means of the guide rail system (2). wherein the fixing element (10) is in engagement with the guide rail (6).

11. A vehicle (70) with a cabin (72), a cabin floor (4) and at least one passenger seat system according to claim 10.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle is a transport aircraft.

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