Aircraft cabin floor arrangement and air distribution

Abstract

The invention relates to aircraft cabin floor arrangement and air distribution, and to air supply in an aircraft. In order to provide an efficient and space-saving way of supplying air within a cabin region, an aircraft cabin floor arrangement (10) with air distribution is provided. The device comprises a plurality of floor panels (12) and at least one air supply (14). The at least one air supply is configured to be arranged in a longitudinal direction (16) of the aircraft. The plurality of floor panels are configured to be arranged in a spanwise direction (18) transverse to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The plurality of floor panels each include a plurality of elongated cavities (20) aligned with a spanwise direction of the floor panel. At least one air supply is fluidly connected to at least a portion of the elongated cavities of the floor panel for supplying air from the at least one air supply to the elongated cavities. A fluidly connected elongate cavity provides supplied air to a passenger seating area in an aircraft cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to air supply in an aircraft. In particular, the invention relates to an aircraft cabin floor device with air distribution, a floor system for an aircraft cabin, an aircraft, and a method for supplying air to an aircraft cabin. Background Art

[0002] In the aircraft cabin area, an air supply can be provided in order to provide processed air, such as cooled or heated air or humidified air, to the passenger area. Air ducts from a central air handling device can be arranged along the aircraft for supply purposes. The area of ​​the air supply ducts is the ceiling area above the cabin space. Another area within the fuselage is below the cabin floor. However, these spaces are also used for electrical and other installation purposes. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide an efficient and space-saving way of supplying air within a cabin region of an aircraft.

[0004] The object of the invention is solved by the subject matter of the main aspect of the invention; further embodiments are incorporated into the subsidiary aspects of the invention. It should be noted that the aspects of the invention described below also apply to an aircraft cabin floor device with air distribution, a floor system for an aircraft cabin, an aircraft, and a method for supplying air to an aircraft cabin.

[0005] According to the present invention, an aircraft cabin floor device with air distribution is provided. The floor device includes a plurality of floor panels and at least one air supplier. The at least one air supplier is configured to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The plurality of floor panels are configured to be arranged in a wingspan direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The plurality of floor panels each include a plurality of elongated cavities aligned with the wingspan direction of the floor panels. At least one air supplier is fluidically connected to at least a portion of the elongated cavities of the floor panels for supplying air from the at least one air supplier to the elongated cavities. The fluidly connected elongated cavities provide supplied air to the passenger seat area in the aircraft cabin.

[0006] Thus, an efficient and highly integrated way of air distribution is provided. Integration in the floor panel allows for relatively small individual air ducts, but overall a sufficiently large diameter is provided for the air flow, since a plurality of such smaller channels can be distributed over the entire dimension of the floor panel in the transverse direction of the aircraft.

[0007] As an advantage, additional space for system installation is achieved below the floor panel; or the diameter of the aircraft can even be reduced, which directly improves the performance of the aircraft, since the installation of the air supply can be arranged in a space-saving manner by integrating the air distribution in the actual floor panel.

[0008] According to an example, a floor panel of the plurality of floor panels is arranged as a sandwich panel comprising a top layer and a bottom layer separated by a central layer. The elongated cavity is provided by the central layer.

[0009] According to an example, the central layer comprises a corrugated or folded sheet-like structure which is alternately fixed to the top layer and the bottom layer to form a plurality of elongated cavities through the sheet-like structure.

[0010] According to an example, the first part of the elongated cavity is arranged as an air supply cavity for air supply, and the second part of the elongated cavity is arranged as an insulating cavity for providing thermal insulation to insulate the air supply cavity. The air supply cavity and the insulating cavity are arranged in an alternating manner. The air supply cavity is arranged to be accessible from below.

[0011] According to an example, the corrugated or folded sheet-like structure is fixed at least to the underlying layer via mounting points, which mounting points are provided as connecting joints for further mounting to a floor panel.

[0012] According to an example, at least one air supplier is attached to the plurality of floor panels from below.A plurality of air supply passages are provided in the lower side of the floor panels for providing supply connections from the at least one air supplier to the plurality of elongated cavities.

[0013] According to an example, at least one air supplier is mounted to at least a portion of the mounting points which are provided as connection joints.

[0014] According to an example, at least one air supplier is provided as a longitudinal air duct which forms an air distribution unit below the floor panel.

[0015] According to an example, the at least one air supplier is provided by a flexible sheet-like structure attached to the floor panel.Alternatively, the flexible sheet-like structure is provided as a fabric or a foil.

[0016] According to an example, the attachment of the flexible sheet-like structure is provided with a failure capability for a determined threshold pressure difference event under rapid decompression.

[0017] According to an example, the floor panel is provided with an air outlet opening in one edge region.The air outlet opening is fluidly connected to at least a part of the elongated cavity.

[0018] According to the present invention, a floor system for an aircraft cabin is also provided. The floor system comprises a supporting structure. The supporting structure comprises a first row of vertical supporting members and a second row of vertical supporting members for resting on a fuselage structure. The first row of vertical supporting members and the second row of vertical supporting members are spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The supporting structure also comprises a supporting device carried by the vertical supporting members and forming a plurality of floor supports. The floor supports are arranged in the longitudinal direction along both sides to form a main central section between the floor supports. The floor system also comprises an aircraft cabin floor device according to one of the aforementioned examples. A plurality of floor panels are carried by the floor supports to span the main central section.

[0019] According to the present invention, an aircraft is also provided. The aircraft comprises a fuselage, a wing device attached to the fuselage, and a propulsion device attached to at least one of the group consisting of the fuselage and the wing device. A cabin floor is provided in the fuselage for the cabin area, and the cabin floor comprises at least one aircraft cabin floor device according to one of the above examples or a floor system for an aircraft cabin according to one of the above examples.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for supplying air to an aircraft cabin. The method comprises the following steps:

[0021] - supplying air using at least one air supplier arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft;

[0022] - supplying air to a plurality of elongated cavities provided in a plurality of floor panels, the panels being arranged in a spanwise direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft; the elongated cavities being aligned with the spanwise direction of the floor panels; and

[0023] - Supplying air from the elongated cavity to the passenger seating area in the aircraft cabin.

[0024] According to one aspect, the floor panel is provided as a floor beam panel made of laterally oriented folded or corrugated profiles.

[0025] According to one aspect, the internal structure of the floor panel is arranged to support bearing capacity, for example in the spanwise direction, and at the same time also enable air flow in the spanwise direction for air distribution purposes. Air supply lines are arranged transversely to connect the air channels in the panel with an air source.

[0026] According to one aspect, a flexurally rigid floor panel capable of withstanding loads from carts and rapid decompression is provided as a continuous beam of easy support allowing continuous air distribution from below. A closed fabric layer from below enables closed airtight cargo compartmentation and easy handling of rapid decompression. For example, a hole pattern inside the thermoplastic bottom layer allows continuous introduction of air between the air supply cargo ceiling and the corrugated floor panel. The holes in the bottom layer can also be used for further mounting via mounting joints when required, for example for attaching a fabric air supply ceiling from below. The attachment can fail under rapid decompression.

[0027] According to one aspect, the ducting function is integrated into the cabin floor, ie the cargo ceiling. This eliminates the need to arrange the air ducts into the triangle of the so-called floor support, thereby alleviating space problems in this area and allowing convenient routing of cables etc. in this space.

[0028] According to one aspect, it is provided that the floor panels and cross beams are replaced by a corrugated or folded floor panel structure which also acts as an air distributor. This means a significant reduction in components, costs and weight.

[0029] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 An example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement with air distribution is schematically shown.

[0032] Figure 2 An example of a floor system for an aircraft cabin is schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A cross section of an example of an aircraft is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 The basic steps of an example of a method for supplying air to an aircraft cabin are shown.

[0035] Figure 5 Another example of a floor system is shown in a vertical cross section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0036] Figure 6 Another example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement with air distribution is shown in a vertical cross section along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0037] Figure 7Another example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement with air distribution is shown in a vertical cross section along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0038] Figure 8 Another example of an aircraft cabin floor device with air distribution is shown in a vertical cross section transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0039] Fig. 9 Another example of a floor system is shown in a vertical cross section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0040] Fig.10 A cross section of an aircraft is shown with an example floor system.

[0041] Fig.11 A cross section of an aircraft is shown with another example floor system.

[0042] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 Some more detailed cross sections of the air supply for the cabin floor installation.

[0043] Fig.13 Another example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement with an insulating cavity is shown.

[0044] Fig.14 Another example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement is shown.

[0045] Fig.15a and Fig.15b Two assembly steps of a workflow for installing an aircraft cabin floor device are shown.

[0046] Fig.16 The connection of an aircraft cabin floor device to an exemplary support structure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Certain embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The contents defined in the specification, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to help fully understand the exemplary embodiments. In addition, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail because they would make the embodiments unclear due to unnecessary details. In addition, expressions such as "at least one of..." when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements rather than modifying the individual elements of the list.

[0048] Figure 1An example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement 10 with air distribution is schematically shown. The aircraft cabin floor arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of floor panels 12 and at least one air supplier 14. The at least one air supplier 14 is configured to be arranged along a longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft. The plurality of floor panels 12 are configured to be arranged along a spanwise direction 18 transverse to the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft. The floor panels 12 each comprise a plurality of elongated cavities 20 aligned with the spanwise direction 18 of the floor panels 12. At least one air supplier 14 is fluidly connected to at least a portion of the elongated cavities 20 of the floor panels 12 for supplying air from the at least one air supplier 14 to the elongated cavities 20. The fluidly connected elongated cavities 20 provide supplied air to passenger seat areas in the aircraft cabin.

[0049] The first arrow 22 indicates the air flow supplied to the at least one air supplier 14. Furthermore, the second arrow 24 indicates the air flow inside the elongated cavity 20.

[0050] In the installed state, the elongated cavity 20 of the floor panel 12 extends parallel to the span direction 18 , ie transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0051] The floor panel 12 is configured to span between two lateral support structures. In the example, the floor panel 12 is configured to span from one edge to the opposite edge.

[0052] The floor panel 12 may also be referred to as a ventilation floor panel or an air supply floor panel or an air duct floor panel or a floor air duct panel.

[0053] The cabin floor device 10, ie the floor panel, with the air supplier provides central air distribution. The floor panel 12 may also be referred to as a floor beam panel.

[0054] Figure 2 An example of a floor system 100 for an aircraft cabin is schematically shown. The floor system 100 comprises a support structure 102 comprising a first row of vertical support members 104 and a second row of vertical support members 104 for resting on a fuselage structure (see also FIG. Fig.10 ). The first row of vertical support members and the second row of vertical support members are spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft. The support structure 102 further comprises a support device 106 carried by the vertical support members 104 and forming a plurality of floor supports 108. The floor supports 108 are arranged along both sides along the longitudinal direction 16 to form a main central section 110 between the floor supports 108. The floor system 100 comprises an example of an aircraft cabin floor device 10 according to one of the aforementioned examples. A plurality of floor panels are carried by the floor supports to span the main central section 110.

[0055] The first row of vertical support members 104 and the second row of vertical support members 104 extend along the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft. The vertical support members 104 may also be referred to as vertical columns or vertical struts.

[0056] In an example, the main support device 106 includes two longitudinal horizontal support members carried by the vertical support members 104. The longitudinal horizontal support members may also be referred to as beams or main grid members.

[0057] In an example, the longitudinal horizontal supporting members extend in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft on two lateral sides spaced apart from each other.

[0058] In the example, the floor panel 12 provides structural load transfer in the floor plane for strengthening the fuselage structure.

[0059] Alternatively, the floor panel 12 is part of the primary or primary structure of the aircraft, ie, structure that is considered essential to the aircraft and that cannot be changed or altered during use of the aircraft.

[0060] In the example, the floor panel 12 is supported between triangles provided by the support structure.

[0061] In an alternative, the floor support is configured as a swivel floor support or a swivel joint.

[0062] exist Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the support structure 102 comprises a cantilevered triangular structure 111 mounted to a vertical support member 104. The triangular structure 111 is disposed on an outer lateral side and an inner side facing the main central section 110.

[0063] Alternatively, the plurality of floor supports 108 further include floor supports forming first lateral sections 112 and second lateral sections 114 on either side of the main central section 110. Alternatively, the floor system 100 includes a secondary floor panel 116 at least partially along the first lateral sections 112 and the second lateral sections 114. Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the subfloor panels 116 each comprise a plurality of elongated passages 117 aligned in the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft, these elongated passages 117 being intended to receive electrical supply lines for the passenger seats.

[0064] exist Figure 2 A coordinate system is shown in the following figures, wherein the X-axis indicates the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft, wherein the Y-axis indicates the horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft, and the Z-axis indicates the vertical direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 16 and transverse to the horizontal transverse direction of the aircraft. Figure 2 , only the Z axis and the X axis are shown.

[0065] The secondary floor panel 116 forms an outer longitudinal floor portion. In the example, the secondary floor panel 116 is arranged similarly or identically to the air supply floor panel 12 arranged in the main central section 110, but has a transversely oriented cavity structure. For example, an elongated passage is arranged as an elongated cavity.

[0066] The supply lines may include data connections and power supplies for the passenger seats. For example, the flight infotainment equipment installed in the passenger seats is supplied by these supply lines. Or the signal from the emergency button arranged at the passenger seat is communicated via the supply lines. Or the control motor of the seat is supplied and controlled via the supply lines. The supply lines may also be called cables.

[0067] In the example, the sub-floor panel 116 is provided with a supply line. For example, the supply line is an integrated conductor that can be connected as required by a screw-in connection.

[0068] In another example, the sub-floor panel 116 is disposed at least partially along an outer longitudinal floor portion.

[0069] In the alternative, the floor panel 12 is provided with a drop-down or flush-mounted engagement member (see also Fig.15a and Fig.15b ).

[0070] In an alternative, the at least one air supplier 14 is arranged as a longitudinal air duct which forms an air distribution unit below the floor panel 12 .

[0071] Figure 3 An example of an aircraft 200 is shown in cross section. The aircraft 200 comprises a fuselage 202, a wing device 204 attached to the fuselage 202, and a propulsion device 206 attached to at least one of the group consisting of the fuselage 202 and the wing device 206. A cabin floor 208 is arranged in the fuselage 202 for the cabin area. The cabin floor 208 comprises at least one example of an aircraft cabin floor device 10 according to one of the examples described above and below or an example of a floor system 100 for an aircraft cabin according to the examples described above and below.

[0072] Figure 4 The basic steps of an example of a method 300 for supplying air to an aircraft cabin are shown. The method 300 comprises the following steps:

[0073] In a first step 302 , air is supplied using at least one air supplier arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0074] In a second step 304, air is supplied to a plurality of elongated cavities provided in a plurality of floor panels, the panels being arranged in a spanwise direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, wherein the elongated cavities are aligned with the spanwise direction of the floor panels.

[0075] - In a third step 306 , air is supplied from the elongated cavity to the passenger seating area in the aircraft cabin.

[0076] Figure 5 Another example of a floor system 10 is shown in a vertical cross section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. As an option, a passenger seat arrangement 26 is schematically shown in dashed lines. To hold the passenger seat arrangement 26, a seat support 28 can be fixed to a seat track 30 arranged in the floor plane. The seat track 30 can be supported by a floor support 108 or other support interface of the support structure 102.

[0077] In further reference Figure 5 Previously, I also referred to Figure 6 Come on, also Figure 5 An example of a floor panel 12 is provided for explanation.

[0078] Figure 6 An example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement 10 with air distribution is shown in a vertical cross section along the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft. Optionally, a floor panel 12 of the plurality of floor panels is provided as a sandwich panel 32 comprising a top layer 34 and a bottom layer 36 separated by a central layer 38. The elongated cavity 20 is provided by the central layer 38.

[0079] The top layer 34 is the side of the floor panel 12 that faces the cabin in the installed state. The bottom layer 36 is the side of the floor panel 12 that faces away from the cabin in the installed state, for example, the side that faces a cargo area arranged in the fuselage below the cabin area.

[0080] As an example, the central layer 38 includes a shaped sheet structure 40 that is alternately secured to the top layer 34 and the bottom layer 36 to form a plurality of elongated cavities 20 .

[0081] In an example, the sheet-like structure 40 is provided as a corrugated sheet.For example, the floor panel 12 is provided as a corrugated floor panel.

[0082] Another example of a sheet-like structure 40 is a folded sheet, a trapezoidal sheet, a channeled sheet, or a contoured sheet.

[0083] exist Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 4 , the sheet-like structure 40 is a combination of a folded sheet and trapezoidal segments.

[0084] Alternatively, a corrugated floor panel oriented in the Y direction or a floor panel reinforced in another way replaces the cross beam and the floor panel. The corrugated floor panel is used as an air duct. Thus, the floor panel is provided as a multifunctional or multi-purpose panel.

[0085] In the example, a floor surface layer is arranged on the top layer. The floor surface layer can be provided as a carpet 41 .

[0086] The sheet-like structure 40 is fixed to at least the base layer 36 via mounting points 42, which are provided as connecting joints 44 for further mounting to the floor panel 12. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the upper mounting point 42 is provided as a simple connection, while the lower mounting point 42 is provided as a more complex joint 44 that allows attachment of additional components such as air ducts. For example, a connection opening 46 is provided to allow installation of equipment or components from below.

[0087] In an option, at least one air supplier 14 is mounted to at least a portion of the mounting points 42 that are configured as connection joints.

[0088] Alternatively, further connection openings 47 may be provided to allow installation of devices or components from above.

[0089] The via is configured as a through hole. For example, the via is a connecting hole in the bottom layer.

[0090] In an option, some of the connection joints are provided with a central opening.

[0091] The mounting points are provided as connecting joints for additional mounting to the floor panel from below.

[0092] In an example, the corrugated sheet structure is at least partially fixed to the top layer by means of mounting points which are provided as connecting joints for further mounting to a floor panel from the top.

[0093] Main arrows 48 indicate the air supply flow through the air supply 14 .

[0094] Alternatively, at least one air supply 14 is attached to the plurality of floor panels 12 from below, such as Figure 6 A plurality of air supply passages 50 are provided in the lower side of the floor panel 12 for providing supply connections from at least one air supplier 14 to the plurality of elongated cavities 20 .

[0095] Further arrows 52 indicate the air supply flow through the air supply passage 50 .

[0096] Figure 7Another example of an aircraft cabin floor device 10 with air distribution is shown in a vertical cross section along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. In addition to or instead of the air supply passages 50, a perforated integral structure 54 can be provided in the bottom layer 36 of the panel to allow the air to flow in the form of a plurality of smaller flow portions, such as in Figure 7 As indicated by arrow 56 in FIG.

[0097] As an alternative, Figure 5 It is shown that at least one air supplier 14 is provided by a flexible sheet structure 60 attached to the floor panel.

[0098] In an option, the flexible sheet structure 60 is provided as a fabric or a foil.

[0099] The flexible sheet structure can also provide thermal insulation.

[0100] At least one air supplier is provided as a longitudinal fabric duct serving as an air channel.

[0101] In an example, the flexible sheet structure 60 is arranged to comprise a mesh structure.

[0102] In an example, the flexible sheet structure 60 comprises a tensile load absorbing element.

[0103] For example, the flexible sheet structure 60 is configured to withstand a pressure difference of 0.1 bar to 1 bar.

[0104] In an alternative example not shown in detail, at least one air supply is provided by a duct attached to the floor panel.The duct may be provided by a rigid structure, for example made of plastic or even of a thin metal sheet.

[0105] As an example, at least some of the attachments of the flexible sheet structure 60 are provided with a failure capability for a determined threshold pressure differential event under rapid decompression.

[0106] This provides the option of hermetically sealing the cabin floor in normal operating mode, but allowing decompression in emergency situations where hermetic sealing is no longer required and rapid decompression is desired.

[0107] Alternatively, the material of the air supplier itself fails under rapid decompression, for example being designed with a zipper-like tearing function that opens under a certain decompression pressure or with controlled tearing of the fabric material at a defined line / point.

[0108] The fabric seal also allows other systems to be installed from below.

[0109] Figure 8A further example of an aircraft cabin floor device 10 with air distribution is shown in a vertical cross section transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft.

[0110] Arrows 62 indicate the airflow inside the floor panel transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft.

[0111] Fig. 9 Another example of a floor system is shown in a vertical cross section transversely to the longitudinal direction 16 of the aircraft. Alternatively, further infrastructure mountings 63 may be provided below the panel 12 if required.

[0112] Fig.10 A cross section of an aircraft with an exemplary floor system is shown. For example, a fabric cargo ceiling panel forms a channel, ie forms at least one air supply 14 .

[0113] In the installed state, at least one air supply consisting of a flexible structure is arranged as a soft air duct 64 below the panel 12. In the case where the area below the cabin area, i.e. the area below the cabin floor, is used as a cargo area, the flexible structure offers the advantage that the air duct cannot be damaged by cargo 66 that comes into contact with the air duct structure. The flexible structure is only temporarily deformed and will reach its initial state again.

[0114] Fig.11 A cross section of an aircraft with another example floor system is shown. As an example, a flexible air duct 68 is arranged to supply the panel 12 .

[0115] Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 Some more detailed cross-sections of the air supply for the cabin floor installation. Fig.12 In the upper part of the flexible air duct 68 is provided with an outlet 70 for other supply functions. Fig.12 In the lower portion of the floor panel 12 , an opening 74 directs air flow 76 into the floor panel 12 .

[0116] Fig.13 Another example of an aircraft cabin floor installation with an insulated cavity is shown. Flexible air ducts 68 are supplying air. Larger openings 78 provide airflow to the floor panel. In the alternative, as Fig.13 As shown, the first part of the elongated cavity 20 is configured as an air supply cavity 82 for air supply, and the second part of the elongated cavity is configured as an insulating cavity 84 for providing thermal insulation to insulate the air supply cavity. Alternatively, the air supply cavity 82 and the insulating cavity 84 are arranged in an alternating manner. The air supply cavity 82 is arranged to be accessible from below.

[0117] Fig.14Another example of an aircraft cabin floor arrangement is shown. Further openings 86 are provided in the lower or bottom layer 36 for airflow into the floor panel, which airflow is indicated by arrows 88. Alternatively, further openings 90 are provided in the sheet structure 40 to allow airflow into a further cavity provided by the sheet structure 40, which airflow is indicated by smaller arrows 92.

[0118] Fig.15a and Fig.15b Two assembly steps are shown of a workflow for installing an aircraft cabin floor arrangement 10 . The floor panel 12 is shown with a plurality of smaller openings 98 on the underside for connecting the air supply 14 to the cavity inside the panel 12 .

[0119] The floor panel 12 is provided at one lateral end with a mounting bracket 99. A complementary receiving portion 97 is provided to receive the connecting protrusion 95 in the slot-like receiving portion 93. Alternatively, the receiving portion 97 is attached to the rail-like supporting profile 91. The mounting direction arrow 89 indicates a downwardly directed mounting movement for mounting the panel 12.

[0120] In also Fig.15a and Fig.15b In the option indicated in , the floor panel 12 is provided in one edge region with air outlet openings 87 which are fluidically connected to at least a portion of the elongated cavities.

[0121] Fig.16 The aircraft cabin floor arrangement is shown in connection with an exemplary support structure 102 which is indicated with vertical support members 104 and a plurality of cantilevers 118 projecting towards the main central section 110 and providing floor supports 108. To these floor supports 108 the floor panels 12 are mounted.

[0122] It must be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to apparatus type claims. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art from the above description and the following description that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features related to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed by the present application. However, all features can be combined to provide synergistic effects that exceed the simple superposition of features.

[0123] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0124] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An aircraft cabin floor device (10) with air distribution, the aircraft cabin floor device (10) comprising: a plurality of floor panels (12); as well as at least one air supply (14), wherein the at least one air supplier is configured to be arranged along a longitudinal direction (16) of the aircraft; wherein a plurality of the floor panels are configured to be arranged along a span direction (18) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, wherein each of the plurality of floor panels comprises a plurality of elongated cavities (20), and the elongated cavities (20) are aligned with the span direction of the floor panel; wherein the at least one air supplier is fluidly connected to at least a portion of the elongated cavities of the floor panel for supplying air from the at least one air supplier to the elongated cavities; and Therein, the fluidly connected elongated cavities provide supply air to a passenger seating area in an aircraft cabin.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: A floor panel of a plurality of the floor panels is configured as a sandwich panel (32) comprising a top layer (34) and a bottom layer (36) separated by a central layer (38); and Wherein, the elongated cavity is provided by the central layer.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The central layer comprises a corrugated or folded sheet-like structure (40) which is alternately fixed to the top layer and the bottom layer to form a plurality of the elongated cavities.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The first portion of the elongated cavity is configured as an air supply cavity (82) for air supply, and the second portion of the elongated cavity is configured as an insulating cavity (84) for providing thermal insulation to insulate the air supply cavity; wherein the air supply chambers and the isolation chambers are arranged in an alternating manner; and Wherein, the air supply cavity is arranged to be accessible from below.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The sheet-like structure is fixed at least to the substrate by means of mounting points (42), which are provided as connecting joints for further mounting to the floor panel.

6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one air supplier being attached to a plurality of said floor panels from below; and A plurality of air supply passages (50) are provided in the lower side of the floor panel, and the plurality of air supply passages (50) are used to provide supply connections from the at least one air supplier to the plurality of the elongated cavities.

7. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one air supplier is mounted to at least a portion of the mounting points that is provided as a connection joint.

8. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one air supplier is arranged as a longitudinal air duct which forms an air distribution unit below the floor panel.

9. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one air supplier is provided by a flexible sheet structure (60) attached to the floor panel; and Therein, the flexible sheet-like structure is configured as a fabric or a foil.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: At least some of the attachments of the flexible sheet structure are provided with a failure capability for a determined threshold pressure differential event under rapid decompression.

11. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The floor panel is provided with an air outlet opening (87) in one edge region, the air outlet opening being fluidly connected to at least a portion of the elongated cavities.

12. A floor system (100) for an aircraft cabin, the floor system (100) comprising: A support structure (102), the support structure (102) comprising: a first row of vertical support members and a second row of vertical support members (104) for resting on the fuselage structure; wherein the first row of vertical support members and the second row of vertical support members are spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft; and Support means (106) carried by the vertical support members and forming a plurality of floor supports (108); wherein the floor supports are arranged along the longitudinal direction along both sides to form a main central section (110) between the floor supports; and Aircraft cabin floor device according to one of the preceding claims; wherein a plurality of said floor panels are carried by said floor support member to span across said main central section.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The plurality of floor supports also include floor supports forming a first lateral section (112) and a second lateral section (114) located on either side of the main central section; wherein the floor system includes a sub-floor panel (116) at least partially along the first lateral segment and the second lateral segment; and The sub-floor panels each include a plurality of elongated passages (117) aligned along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft and used to receive power supply wires for passenger seats.

14. An aircraft (200), comprising: Body (202); a wing assembly (204), the wing assembly (204) being attached to the fuselage; as well as a propulsion device (206) attached to at least one of the group consisting of the fuselage and the wing device; wherein a cabin floor (208) is provided in the fuselage for the cabin area; and Therein, the cabin floor comprises at least one aircraft cabin floor device according to one of claims 1 to 11 or a floor system for an aircraft cabin according to claim 12 or 13.

15. A method (300) for supplying air to an aircraft cabin, the method (300) comprising the following steps: supplying air using at least one air supplier arranged along a longitudinal direction of the aircraft (302); supplying the air to a plurality of elongated cavities provided in a plurality of floor panels arranged along a span direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, wherein the elongated cavities are aligned with the span direction of the floor panels (304); and The air is supplied from the elongated cavity to a passenger seating area (306) in the aircraft cabin.

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