Seat track and seat mounting system for aircraft, and aircraft

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seat track (100) for an aircraft (1), a seat mounting system (10) and an aircraft (1), the seat mounting system having a seat track (100) and a seat fitting (200), where the seat track (100) has an upper flange (120) having a plurality of heads (125) on the upper flange. The seat fitting (200) includes a body having a void configured to receive the upper flange (120) and at least some of the plurality of heads (125).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a seat track and a seat mounting system for an aircraft and an aircraft equipped with such a device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a seat track having an upper flange with a plurality of heads located on the upper flange, and the present disclosure also relates to a seat mounting system having such a seat track and a seat fitting having a void configured to receive the plurality of heads and the upper flange. Background Art

[0002] A conventional seat track comprises a longitudinal recess which is accessible via a plurality of openings in the top surface of the seat track. The plurality of openings are arranged in a regular pattern, such as one opening per inch, with the longitudinal recess extending continuously underneath. For example, a fitting for mounting a seat to the seat track has corresponding feet which can be inserted into some of the plurality of openings. Thereafter, the fitting is moved relative to the seat track in the longitudinal recess so that the feet overlap a portion of the seat track forming the opening, and the fitting can be securely fixed in the opening.

[0003] Other forms of seat rails have a flush upper surface in which a plurality of through holes are arranged. The associated fitting has at least one pin which is introduced into one of the through holes and is fixed in the through hole.

[0004] However, such seat rails are often installed in vehicles, where they cannot be protected from contact with liquids. For example, a passenger may spill a drink, which may flow through the openings or through-holes into an inner portion of the seat rail or underneath the seat rail. Likewise, when cleaning the vehicle, liquids may be used and may also reach parts of the seat rail. For example, in the case of longitudinal recesses in the seat rail, liquids may accumulate in the recesses, where they are difficult to remove.

[0005] Thus, conventional seat tracks may be affected by corrosion due to the accumulated fluid. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a seat track having increased durability.

[0007] This purpose is solved by the technical solution disclosed in the present invention.

[0008] According to a first aspect, to better understand the present disclosure, a seat track for an aircraft includes: a floor mounting portion configured to mount the floor of the aircraft to the floor mounting portion; and an upper flange extending upward from the floor mounting portion and having an upper edge. The floor of the aircraft may be a topmost floor structure and / or carpet, etc. This allows the seat track to be disposed in an upper region of the floor of the aircraft, for example substantially flush with the walking surface of the floor.

[0009] The seat rail further includes a plurality of heads at the upper edge of the upper flange. The plurality of heads are regularly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper flange. In other words, the upper flange extends in the longitudinal direction and protrudes upward from the floor mounting portion in the cross section of the seat rail. The plurality of heads form a "mushroom-shaped head" or a small roof-shaped portion on the top of the flange.

[0010] The seat rail thus comprises no recesses or similar voids in which liquids could accumulate and from which it is difficult to remove the liquid. The area between the floor mounting and the flange can be open on at least two sides, i.e. in at least two directions, which ensures good accessibility and avoids sealed spaces.

[0011] By way of example only, when the seat track is installed in a vehicle, the upper flange may extend from the floor mounting portion in a generally vertical direction. Likewise, the floor mounting portion may be illustratively arranged generally horizontally. As another example, the floor mounting portion may have an inclined or sloped upper surface to allow any liquid to flow out of the floor mounting portion and in particular away from the upper flange.

[0012] In the present disclosure, terms such as "upper", "top", "bottom", "lower", "vertical" and "horizontal" should be understood as referring to the seat track when installed in a vehicle, particularly in a conventional horizontally arranged floor of a vehicle.

[0013] In a variation of the implementation, the plurality of heads have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or a triangular shape. In addition, each of the plurality of heads is larger than the width of the upper flange, that is, the size of the plurality of heads in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upper flange may be larger than the width of the upper flange in the same direction. Therefore, the plurality of heads extend from the upper edge of the upper flange. In addition, at least some of the plurality of heads may extend from the upper edge of the upper flange only in one transverse direction, or in opposite transverse directions, or in two transverse directions. The transverse direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In another embodiment variant, the seat rail may further comprise a main web which is arranged below the upper flange or in which the upper flange is integrated. The main web provides the main component of the seat rail arranged in the vertical direction. This provides high rigidity and structural stability of the seat rail, in particular in the longitudinal direction. The upper flange may form part of this main web or extend the main web upwards.

[0015] Since the seat track is intended to have at least one seat mounted thereon, such a seat will introduce forces into the seat track which will act relative to the longitudinal direction of the seat track, including lifting a portion of the seat track and introducing moments in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the event of acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle, the moments act on the mounted seat and thus on the seat track). The main web can be designed to withstand these forces and moments. Likewise, the upper flange and the head are designed to withstand the forces transmitted from the seat and are designed to introduce these forces and moments into the main web.

[0016] In another implementation variant, the seat track may further include a mounting flange configured to mount the seat track. For example, the seat track may be mounted to a related structure of a floor structure of a vehicle, such as a longitudinal beam or the like.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the floor mounting portion may extend over at least one side of the main web and / or at least one side of the upper flange. By way of example only, the floor mounting portion may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the main web and / or the upper flange. The floor mounting portion may be of sufficient size to accommodate any fasteners or other means of attaching the floor structure to the floor mounting portion.

[0018] According to a second aspect, for better understanding of the present disclosure, a seat mounting system includes the seat track of the first aspect or one or more variations of the seat track.

[0019] In addition, the seat mounting system includes a seat fitting configured to be coupled to a seat track. The seat fitting includes a body having a longitudinally extending void having a cross-section including a horizontal slit and a vertical slit connecting the horizontal slit with a bottom surface of the body. The horizontal slit (void portion) is sized to receive at least some of the plurality of heads of the seat track. Likewise, the vertical slit (void portion) is sized to receive an upper flange of the seat track.

[0020] In addition, the body has at least one opening connecting the horizontal slot with the bottom surface of the body, and each of the at least one opening is configured to receive one of the plurality of heads of the seat track, and the vertical slot is configured to receive an upper flange of the seat track.

[0021] Therefore, the seat fitting can be placed on top of the seat rail in a state where at least one opening in the seat fitting and one of the heads of the seat rail are in an overlapping manner, and the seat fitting is moved relative to the seat rail until the head of the seat rail abuts against the top of the horizontal slit (gap portion) of the seat fitting. In this state, the seat fitting can slide along the seat rail because the multiple heads of the seat rail can be received in the horizontal slit (gap portion) of the seat fitting, and the upper flange of the seat rail can be received in the vertical slit (gap portion) of the seat fitting. It will be understood that the horizontal slit and the vertical slit have a certain range along the longitudinal direction of the seat fitting to allow sliding movement.

[0022] In a variant implementation, the seat mounting system may further include a locking device configured to lock the seat fitting to the seat track when some of the plurality of heads of the seat track are arranged in a horizontal slit of the seat fitting in a manner that does not completely overlap with at least one opening in the seat fitting. In other words, a portion of the seat fitting that forms the bottom surface is arranged in a manner that overlaps with one or more of the heads of the seat track. This position may be achieved by placing the seat fitting on the seat track, wherein the head of the seat track is received in at least one opening of the seat fitting, and sliding the seat fitting along the seat track a distance less than the head spacing, i.e., to a position between two adjacent heads.

[0023] It will be understood that if the seat fitting comprises more than one opening, the spacing of the openings, ie the distance between two adjacent openings, corresponds to the spacing of the heads. This allows the seat fitting to be placed on the seat track with a corresponding number of heads being received in a corresponding number of openings.

[0024] The overlapping state of the bottom part of the seat fitting and the head of the seat rail prevents the seat fitting from being lifted, i.e. pulled upwards away from the seat rail, when the seat fitting abuts against the lower surface of the corresponding head. It is therefore sufficient that the locking device prevents the seat fitting from sliding on the seat rail, i.e. from moving in the longitudinal direction of the seat rail. As described above, the seat fitting in this locked position cannot be pulled away from the seat rail and can also transfer any force acting downwards on the seat fitting into the corresponding head by abutting against the upper surface of the head.

[0025] As an example only, the locking device can be arranged at one or both longitudinal ends of the seat fitting and can be configured to block the longitudinal movement of the seat fitting. For example, the locking device can be coupled to the seat track, for example, at the upper flange and / or the head, in such a way that the seat fitting abuts against the locking device.

[0026] In another implementation variant, the seat fitting may include at least one through hole in the body that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal slit. The at least one through hole may reach from the upper surface of the body downwards to the horizontal slit. Thus, a void is created in the seat fitting that extends from the upper surface of the body in a vertical direction, wherein the void merges with the void of the horizontal slit.

[0027] As an example only, at least one through hole may be provided at an upper portion of the body of the seat fitting, corresponding to at least one opening provided at a bottom portion of the body. In other words, in a plan view, one through hole of the at least one through hole may overlap or coincide with one of the at least one opening. For example, at least one through hole and at least one opening associated with the at least one through hole may overlap with each other.

[0028] Thus, the at least one opening together with the associated through hole may form a through hole through the entire body and substantially perpendicular to the horizontal slit.

[0029] The locking device may be configured to fit into one of the at least one through hole in the seat fitting and to lock the seat fitting to the seat track.Therefore, the locking device may be arranged in an area adjacent to the upper flange of the seat track.

[0030] Merely as an example, if the locking device is placed into at least one through hole, the locking device may abut against the circumferential edge of the head of the seat rail when the seat fitting is separated along the seat rail. It will be understood that, depending on the size of the through hole and / or the size of the locking device, the locking device may already abut against the circumferential edge of the head of the seat rail when the locking device is introduced into the through hole. For example, the locking device may be dimensioned to abut against the circumferential edge of each of two adjacent heads of the seat rail.

[0031] In another implementation variation, the locking device may include at least one pin configured to fit into a portion of one of the at least one through hole in the seat fitting, adjacent to the upper flange of the seat track. Specifically, since the through hole may have a size corresponding to the head, the through hole will expose the upper edge of the upper flange, so that the locking device will fit on one of the side portions of the upper flange.

[0032] It will be appreciated that at least one through hole may be sized and formed so as not to expose the upper edge of the upper flange, i.e. at least one through hole is provided primarily in the upper surface of the body of the seat fitting and has a smaller area than the opening at the bottom surface of the body. This allows the opening at the bottom side to be large enough to receive the head, while the through hole on the upper side of the body is large enough to receive a locking device, such as a locking pin.

[0033] As another example, the seat fitting may include two through holes at the upper surface of the body, both of which are associated with an opening at the corresponding bottom surface of the body. Thus, the upper surface of the body has two through holes and a bridge arranged between the two through holes. Such a bridge may be positioned above and aligned with the upper edge of the upper flange of the seat track. This increases the structural stability of the seat fitting.

[0034] In yet another implementation variant, at least one pin may be fitted into the portion of the through hole in a force-fitting manner. Specifically, the force-fitting of at least one pin may include at least one pin acting on the inner periphery of the through hole of the seat fitting and / or on the upper flange and / or head of the seat track and / or any portion of the floor mounting. Thus, the movement of the seat fitting along the longitudinal direction of the seat track is blocked by the force-fitting pin.

[0035] Merely by way of example, at least one pin may be configured to expand in a through hole to achieve a force-fit connection with the seat track and the seat fitting. For example, at least one pin may include a fastener that squeezes an elastic portion of the pin (e.g., in a vertical direction) such that this portion of the pin expands in a substantially horizontal direction. The expanded portion of the pin may then press or abut against an upper flange and / or head of the seat track and / or a floor mount and an inner surface of a body of the seat fitting in which a void is formed and / or an inner periphery of at least one through hole. In particular, pressing the expanded portion against the head of the seat track allows the seat fitting to be securely blocked from moving in the longitudinal direction of the seat track.

[0036] In another implementation variation, the seat fitting may include a seat mounting portion configured to mount the seat to the seat mounting portion. As an example only, the seat mounting portion may extend from the upper surface of the body of the seat fitting, and in particular may extend upward from the body.

[0037] Such a seat mounting portion may have at least a portion corresponding to a conventional seat mounting portion. Thus, the disclosed seat track and seat mounting system may be used with any existing seat and conventional seat mounting measures.

[0038] It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to seats to be mounted to seat tracks. As is known, seat tracks can be used to mount any device that requires fixing, such as containers, beds, buildings, etc., in a simple and fast manner.

[0039] In yet another implementation variant, the seat mounting system may further include at least one filler configured to fill a gap between the upper flange of the seat track and one side of the floor. In other words, the filler is disposed at the top of the seat track where no seat fitting is disposed. A gap between the upper flange and the side of the floor generally exists because the floor does not extend to the upper flange, so that the seat fitting can be easily placed on top of the seat track and moved longitudinally relative to the seat track.

[0040] In another implementation variant, the filler can be configured to cover a plurality of heads of the seat track. Thus, the upper flange and the head are protected from damage by any object that strikes the seat track.

[0041] According to a third aspect, for a better understanding of the present disclosure, an aircraft comprises at least one seat track of the first aspect or one or more variations of the seat track. Alternatively or additionally, an aircraft comprises at least one seat mounting system of the second aspect or one or more variations of the seat mounting system.

[0042] The present disclosure is not limited to the aspects and variations of the described form and order. Specifically, the description of various aspects and variations should not be understood as a specific restrictive grouping of features. It will be understood that the present disclosure also encompasses the combination of various aspects and variations. Therefore, each variation or optional feature can be combined with any other aspect, variation, optional feature or even combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In the following, the present disclosure will be further described with reference to exemplary implementations illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary seat mounting system;

[0045] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross section through a seat mounting system and a floor;

[0046] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates Figure 2 Cross-sectional view AA, cross-sectional view BB, cross-sectional view CC;

[0047] Figure 4 The seat fitting is schematically illustrated from two angles;

[0048] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a locking device relative to a seat mounting system;

[0049] Figure 6 Two further exemplary seat rail cross-sections are schematically illustrated;

[0050] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an exemplary seat track; and

[0051] Figure 8 An aircraft including a seat mounting system is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation but not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced in other implementations that depart from these specific details.

[0053] Figure 1 An exemplary seat mounting system 10 is schematically illustrated and includes a seat track 100 and a seat fitting 200 placed on the seat track 100 .

[0054] The seat track 100 includes a floor mounting portion 110 configured to allow the floor 5 ( Figure 2 ) mounted to the floor mounting portion 110; and an upper flange 120 extending upwardly from the floor mounting portion 110. The seat track 100 also includes a mounting flange 140 configured to mount the seat track 100. By way of example only, fasteners 145 may be used to mount the seat track 100 to an aircraft structure (not shown).

[0055] Between the floor mounting portion 110 and the mounting flange 140 may be a main web 130 ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ). The main web 130 may be disposed below the upper flange 120. The upper flange 120 may be integrated into the main web 130. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific illustrated cross-sectional form of the seat track 100.

[0056] The upper flange 120 has an upper edge 122 at which a plurality of heads 125 are arranged. By way of example only, the heads 125 may be integrated into the upper flange 120, ie formed from the same material. This shaping may be produced, for example, by milling or otherwise machining the original rail (not shown).

[0057] The plurality of heads 125 are regularly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper flange 120. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the seat track 100. For example, the distance between two adjacent heads may be half an inch, 1 inch, 2 inches, etc. It will be understood that the distance between two adjacent heads does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. However, a common spacing determined by the seat installation possibility is 1 inch.

[0058] The seat fitting 200 can be placed on top of the seat track 100, particularly on top of the upper flange 120 and the head 125, as will be described with reference to FIG. Figures 2 to 5 Describe in more detail.

[0059] The seat fitting 200 is configured to be coupled with the seat track 100 and includes a body 210 having a longitudinally extending void 220. The void 220 starts at one longitudinal end of the body 210 of the seat fitting 200 and has a length in the longitudinal direction that is less than or equal to the longitudinal length of the body 210. Therefore, the void 220 may completely extend through the body 210 in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] The void 220 has a cross section including a horizontal slit 225 disposed inside the cross section of the body 210. In other words, the horizontal slit 225 does not penetrate the lateral side of the body 210. The cross section of the void 220 also includes a vertical slit 221 connecting the horizontal slit 225 with the bottom surface 212 of the body 210. Therefore, the cross section of the void 220 may have a T-shape located inside the cross section of the body 210, except for the bottom area of ​​the vertical slit 221 penetrating the bottom surface 212.

[0061] The gap 220 is configured to receive the upper flange 120 and the head 125 of the seat track 100. By way of example only, as can be seen from Figure 2 and Figure 4 It follows that if the longitudinal ends of the upper flange 120 are accessible, the seat fitting 200 can be "threaded" onto the upper flange 120 and the head 125. Since the seat track 100 typically extends over a long portion of the vehicle, such "threading" of the seat fitting 200 onto the seat track 100 would be cumbersome.

[0062] Thus, the body of the seat fitting 200 has at least one opening 227 connecting the horizontal slot 225 with the bottom surface 212 of the body 210. Each opening 227 of the at least one opening 227 is configured to receive one of the plurality of heads 125 of the seat track 100. For example only, Figure 4 Four openings 227 are illustrated at the bottom surface 212. It will be appreciated that any number of openings 227 may be provided in the seat fitting 200, including one opening 227 and more than four openings 227.

[0063] The spacing of the openings 227 corresponds to the spacing of the heads 125. This allows the seat fitting 200 to be placed on the seat track 100 in such a way that each of the at least one opening 227 receives one of the multiple heads. This can be performed until the head 125 abuts against the upper top of the horizontal slit 225. The vertical slit 221 is configured to receive the upper flange 120 of the seat track 100, in particular, to receive the upper flange 120 of the seat track 100 when the head 125 is arranged in the horizontal slit 225. In this configuration, the seat fitting 200 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the seat track because the head 125 can slide in the horizontal slit 225 and the upper flange 120 can slide in the vertical slit 221 (and also in the at least one opening 227).

[0064] It will be appreciated that if the upper flange 120 and the head 125 have different cross-sectional shapes, the cross-section of the void 220 may have a shape other than a T. To allow sliding movement of the seat fitting 200, the cross-section of the void 220 and the cross-section of the upper flange 120 and the head 125 should correspond.

[0065] The bottom surface 212 of the body 210 includes areas between the openings 227 and adjacent to the vertical slits 221, which overlap with the head 125 if the seat fitting 200 is separated along the seat track 100. This overlapping state can be particularly seen from Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this state in which the parts of the bottom of the body 210 overlap the lower side of the head 125, the seat fitting 200 cannot be removed (lifted) from the seat track 100. Therefore, the seat fitting 200 can be used to mount any component, such as a seat, a bed, a container, a building, etc., to the seat track 100. To this end, the seat fitting 200 may include a seat mounting portion 290. Such a seat mounting portion 290, in particular its upper end portion, may be formed in a conventional manner.

[0066] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates Figure 2 2. Cross-sectional (plan) view AA, cross-sectional (plan) view BB, cross-sectional (plan) view CC. Specifically, in cross-sectional view AA, the top of the gap 220, in particular the horizontal slit 225, can be seen between the lateral side portions of the body 210. The top is open at the through hole 226, and the locking device 255 can be inserted through the through hole 226, as will be referred to in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The head 125 of the seat track 100 is in a position where it does not overlap the through hole 226. For example, the head 125 may abut against the top of the horizontal slit 225.

[0067] The cross section BB also shows the lateral side parts of the body 210 and the inside of the void 220 in the body, ie the bottom of the horizontal slot 225. As can be seen, the upper flange 120 of the seat rail 100 is arranged to be positioned flush in the vertical slot 221 and the opening 227.

[0068] Cross section CC illustrates the bottom surface 212 of the body 210 and the underside of the locking device 255. The upper flange 120 is also cut away and visible, similar to cross section BB.

[0069] In order to prevent the seat fitting 200 from sliding along the seat track 100 , in particular in the overlapped state, a locking device 250 may be provided, which blocks the seat fitting 200 relative to the seat track 100 .

[0070] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the seat fitting 200 may include at least one through hole 226 in the body 210, particularly in the upper surface 213 of the body 210. The at least one through hole 226 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal slit 225 and passes through the upper portion of the body 210 into the horizontal slit 225. Merely as an example, the at least one through hole 226 may be arranged in a manner corresponding to the opening 227 at the bottom portion of the body 210, so that the hole 226 and the opening 227 together form a through hole passing through the entire body 210 in the vertical direction.

[0071] Figure 4 A plurality of through holes 226 are shown, and the plurality of through holes 226 have a spacing in the longitudinal direction of the seat fitting 200 corresponding to the spacing of the openings 227 at the bottom of the seat fitting 200. In addition, an exemplary bridge portion 228 may be formed in the longitudinal direction between two through holes 226. The present disclosure is not limited to the presence of such a bridge portion 228. However, the bridge portion 228 increases the structural stability of the seat fitting 200, especially in the longitudinal direction, and also facilitates locking the seat fitting 200, as will be described with reference to Figure 5 Described.

[0072] In order to prevent the seat fitting 200 from sliding along the seat track 100 , in particular in the overlapped state, a locking device 250 may be provided, which blocks the seat fitting 200 relative to the seat track 100 .

[0073] If you can Figure 5 As can be seen, a locking device 250 can be provided, which is configured to be fitted into at least one through hole 226 in the seat fitting 200. The illustrated locking device 250 is suitable for Figure 4The configuration of the seat fitting 200 of , that is, the configuration having the bridge portion 228. Therefore, the locking device 250 can have two pins 255 and a cover 252, wherein each pin 255 is configured to be fitted into one through hole 226.

[0074] When the seat fitting 200 is in a state of overlapping with the seat track 100, the through hole 226 (and the corresponding opening 227) does not (completely) overlap with the head 125 of the seat track 100. Therefore, inserting the locking device 250, i.e. the pin 255, into the through hole 226 causes the pin 255 to be located adjacent to the upper flange 120 between two adjacent heads 125. This can be seen from Figure 3 In this configuration, the seat fitting 200 cannot slide along the seat track 100 because the seat fitting 200 abuts against the locking pin 255 and the locking pin 255 abuts against the head 125 .

[0075] Return to reference Figure 3 , which schematically illustrates Figure 2 2. Cross-sectional (plan) view AA, cross-sectional (plan) view BB, cross-sectional (plan) view CC. Specifically, in cross-sectional view AA, the gap 220, in particular the top of the horizontal slit 225, can be seen between the lateral side portions of the body 210. The top is open at the through hole 226, and the locking device 255 can be inserted through the through hole 226. The head 125 of the seat rail 100 is in a position that does not overlap with the through hole 226. For example, the head 125 can abut against the top of the horizontal slit 225.

[0076] The cross section BB also shows the lateral side parts of the body 210 and the inside of the void 220 in the body, ie the bottom of the horizontal slot 225. As can be seen, the upper flange 120 of the seat rail 100 is arranged to be positioned flush in the vertical slot 221 and the opening 227.

[0077] Cross section CC illustrates the bottom surface 212 of the body 210 and the underside of the locking device 255. The upper flange 120 is also cut away and visible, similar to cross section BB.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the locking pin 255 may extend into the opening 227 and even reach through the bottom portion of the body 210 of the seat fitting 200, as shown. Figure 2 Thus, the locking pin 255 extends beyond the bottom surface 212 of the body 210 when viewed from top to bottom.

[0079] In order to additionally fix the locking device in the through hole 226, the locking device 250, in particular at least one of the pins 255 of the locking device 250, can be configured to fit into the through hole 226 (and the opening 227) in a force-fitting manner. In addition, at least one of the pins 255 can be configured to expand, such as Figure 5 256 in the double arrow 256. This expansion of at least one part of the pin 255 squeezes the material of the pin 255 into the gap 220 and into the space around the upper flange 120 and the head 125. Therefore, any sliding of the seat fitting 200 can be reliably avoided, and the locking device 250 cannot be pulled out of the through hole 226. The expansion can be achieved by arranging a fastener inside the pin, which raises the bottom of the pin towards the cover 252 when tightened (such as rotating). This squeezes the (elastic) material of the pin 255 and fills the gap 220. Instead of elastic squeezing, the pin can also be plastically deformed.

[0080] Alternatively, instead of expansion of at least one pin 255, the pin 255 may include one or more elements (not shown) that can be placed in a protruding state, wherein the one or more elements protrude substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the pin 255. For example, one or more spherical portions may be provided on the biasing element, which protrude at the lateral sides of the pin 255 in such a way that they prevent the pin 255 from being pulled out of the through hole 226. The pin 255 can be pulled out of the through hole 226 only if the pulling force exceeds a certain threshold that presses the one or more elements into the interior of the pin 255.

[0081] Refer again Figure 2 , it can be concluded that the vertical extent of the upper flange 120 (and the head 125) can correspond to the floor 5, which is installed adjacent to the seat track 100 and mounted to the floor mounting portion 110. Therefore, the seat track 100 can be adapted to the floor 5, and the seat track 100 should be spatially integrated in the floor 5.

[0082] The seat track 100 may be protected by an additional layer (also referred to as floor panel flange) on top of the floor mounting portion 110. The additional layer may be a glass layer, a sealing tape, a titanium foil and / or an abrasive coating. Thus, additional protection of the material of the seat track 100 may be provided.

[0083] Likewise, a sliding pad 172 may be disposed on the top of the head 125 and / or on the upper edge 122. For example, the sliding pad 172 may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other materials that can reduce wear on the surface of the seat track 100.

[0084] Figure 2Also illustrated is an exemplary clamp 180 configured to couple the floor panel 5 to the floor mounting portion 110. It will be appreciated that a similar clamp 180 may be provided on the opposite side, but for reasons of clarity, such a similar clamp 180 has been omitted from the drawings.

[0085] Figure 6 Two cross sections of further exemplary seat rails 100 are schematically illustrated. The left seat rail 100 is made of two U-shaped rails 161 and a main web 162, which are arranged with their open ends facing opposite lateral sides of the seat rail 100. This particular main web 162 incorporates the upper flange 120. In other words, Figure 2 Compared to the seat track 100 of FIG. 1 , the main web 162 combines the main web 130 and the upper flange 120 into one piece. The head 125 can be added to or incorporated into the main web 162. The U-shaped track 161 and the main web 162 can be mounted together by fasteners 163. Alternatively, these seat track components can be welded or bonded to each other.

[0086] Figure 6 The right seat track 100 in FIG. 1 is made of four L-shaped tracks 164, wherein one flange of all L-shaped tracks 164 is placed in an overlapping manner. These overlapping flanges are fastened to each other, for example, by fasteners 165 or by welding or gluing. Figure 6 (not explicitly shown) may be arranged on top of four such L-shaped rails 164 mounted together. Alternatively, as Figure 6 As shown, you can use Figure 6 The main web 162 in the left example is the same as the main web 162. In this case, the main web 162 can be arranged between two pairs of two L-shaped rails 164, as shown.

[0087] Figure 7 An exemplary seat track 100 is schematically illustrated. Figure 6 , but any seat track 100 configuration may be used. The seat mounting system 10 may also include a filler 300 configured to fill a gap between the upper flange 120 of the seat track 100 and the lateral side of the floor 5. Thus, one filler 300 may be arranged on each side of the upper flange 120, or in other words, the upper flange 120 separates the gap between the two floor portions 5, and the two gap portions are each filled with one filler 300a, 300b. Alternatively, the filler 300 also covers the upper surface of the head 125, i.e., spans the upper flange 120 and the head 125 (this configuration is not shown).

[0088] Figure 8Schematically illustrated is an aircraft 1 comprising at least one seat mounting system 10. The seat tracks 100 of the seat mounting system 10 may extend over a majority of the aircraft 1 in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft 1 .

[0089] It will be appreciated that a plurality of seat tracks 100 may be provided in the aircraft 1. By way of example only, two seat tracks 100 may be installed parallel to each other for each row of seats (not shown) to be installed in the aircraft 1 .

[0090] It should be believed that the advantages of the technology proposed herein will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes can be made to the form, construction and arrangement of the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure or sacrificing all the beneficial effects of the present disclosure. Because the technology proposed herein can be varied in many ways, it will be recognized that the present disclosure should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seat track (100) for an aircraft (1), the seat track (100) comprising: a floor mounting portion (110) configured to allow a floor (5) of the aircraft (1) to be mounted thereto; an upper flange (120) extending upward from the floor mounting portion (110) and having an upper edge (122); as well as A plurality of heads (125) are located at the upper edge (122) of the upper flange (120), and the plurality of heads (125) are regularly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the upper flange (120).

2. The seat track (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of heads (125) have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape or a triangular shape, and wherein each of the plurality of heads (125) is larger than a width of the upper flange (120).

3. The seat track (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a main web (130) arranged below the upper flange (120) or such that the upper flange (120) is integrated into the main web (130); and / or a mounting flange (140) configured to mount the seat track (100), and / or Wherein, the floor mounting portion (110) extends on at least one side of the main web (130) and / or at least one side of the upper flange (120).

4. A seat mounting system (10), comprising: The seat rail (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3; as well as A seat fitting (200) configured to be coupled to the seat track (100), The seat fitting (200) comprises a main body (210), the main body (210) having a longitudinally extending gap (220), the cross section of the gap (220) comprising a horizontal slit (225) and a vertical slit (221), the vertical slit (221) connecting the horizontal slit (225) with a bottom surface (212) of the main body (210), wherein the body (210) has at least one opening (227), the at least one opening (227) connecting the horizontal slit (225) with the bottom surface (212) of the body (210), and wherein each of the at least one opening (227) is configured to receive one of the plurality of heads (125) of the seat track (100), and the vertical slit (221) is configured to receive the upper flange (120) of the seat track (100).

5. The seat mounting system (10) of claim 4, further comprising: A locking device (250) is configured to lock the seat fitting (200) to the seat track (100) when some of the plurality of heads (125) of the seat track (100) are arranged in the horizontal slit (225) of the seat fitting (200) in a manner that does not completely overlap with the at least one opening (227) in the seat fitting (200).

6. The seat mounting system (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The seat fitting includes at least one through hole (226) in the body (210), the at least one through hole (226) being substantially perpendicular to the horizontal slit (225), and The locking device (250) is configured to be fitted into one of the at least one through hole (226) in the seat fitting (200) and lock the seat fitting (200) to the seat track (100).

7. The seat mounting system (10) of claim 6, wherein: The locking device (250) includes at least one pin (255) configured to fit into a portion of the at least one through hole (226) in the seat fitting (200) and at least into the horizontal slot (225) adjacent to the upper flange (120) of the seat track (100).

8. The seat mounting system (10) of claim 7, wherein: The at least one pin (255) is fitted into the portion of the at least one through hole (226) in a force-fitting manner.

9. The seat mounting system (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one pin (255) is configured to expand to achieve a force-fit connection with the seat track (100) and the seat fitting (200).

10. The seat mounting system (10) according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein: The seat fitting (200) includes a seat mounting portion (290) configured to have a seat mounted thereto.

11. The seat mounting system (10) according to one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising: At least one filler (300) is configured to fill a gap between the upper flange (120) of the seat track (100) and a side portion of a floor (5).

12. The seat mounting system (10) of claim 11, wherein: The filler (300) is configured to cover the plurality of heads (125) of the seat track (100).

13. An aircraft (1), comprising: at least one seat rail (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, and / or At least one seat mounting system (10) according to one of claims 4 to 12.

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