Position detector, passenger supply channel and vehicle area for determining the position of a passenger supply unit

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a position detector for detecting the position of a passenger supply unit in the longitudinal direction of a passenger supply channel, as well as to a passenger supply channel and vehicle area with a corresponding position detector or passenger supply channel. In particular, the present invention relates to a position detector, passenger supply channel, and vehicle area with a sensor rail having a plurality of sensors and a position marker attached to a passenger supply unit, which is detected by one of the sensors.

[0002] In means of transport, particularly in airplanes, buses or trains, rows of passenger seats are arranged essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the means of transport. Depending on the level of comfort offered, for example in the form of one or more booking classes, the distance between two rows of seats - viewed in the longitudinal direction of the means of transport - can vary. Many vehicle operators desire a flexible design of the vehicle interior, in particular the option of being able to quickly and flexibly change the number of passenger seats in the vehicle. For this purpose, entire rows of seats can be detached from a fastening, particularly moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and reattached to provide space for additional rows of seats, or vice versa, to allow for greater seat pitch.

[0003] Passenger supply units are usually located above passenger seats, providing features such as reading lights and fresh air vents for each individual passenger. Whenever the layout of the passenger seats is changed, the position and number of these passenger supply units must also be adjusted. Additional work steps are required if the passenger supply units need to be coordinated with the corresponding passenger seats.

[0004] Furthermore, US 2014 / 152088 A1 relates to electrical and electronic devices that are arranged on overhead luggage compartments and whose position can be determined within a cabin layout. For this purpose, a plurality of primary magnetic elements are provided on a component that is fixedly arranged in the vehicle, such as an overhead luggage compartment. A secondary magnetic element is provided on a component that can be variably mounted in the vehicle, such as a passenger service unit (PSU). A measuring unit can detect an electrical value originating from one of the primary magnetic elements, wherein the electrical value indicates an overlap status of the primary magnetic element by a secondary magnetic element. Based on this information, the absolute position of the secondary magnetic element and thus of the PSU can be determined.

[0005] DE 10 2006 061 455 A1 concerns the power supply of passenger service units (PSUs). For this purpose, at least one (electrical) conductor is arranged on a vehicle-side rail, while the PSU has at least one current collector. The current collector(s) can be designed as sliding or spring contacts and are pressed into positive contact with a conductor.

[0006] US 2011 / 024560 A1 relates to the fastening of a passenger service unit (PSU) in a vehicle, wherein the PSU comprises a position detection device. This position detection device can be implemented in the form of an elastic element with a tab or lug, wherein the tab or lug can engage from the inside of a vehicle-side rail into a groove or notch in the rail. The rail has a plurality of grooves or notches. The tab or lug can thus indicate the position of the PSU visually and audibly (with a clicking sound) from an inside of the rail through the groove or notch.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of enabling a vehicle to be divided up for different numbers of passengers and to do so quickly.

[0008] This object is achieved by a position detector having the features according to claim 1, by a passenger supply channel having the features according to claim 7 and by a vehicle region having the features according to claim 9.

[0009] According to a first aspect for a better understanding of the present disclosure, a position detector for a passenger supply unit mountable in a passenger supply channel comprises a sensor rail having a plurality of sensors. The sensor rail can be mounted in the longitudinal direction of the passenger supply channel. Furthermore, the position detector comprises a position marker configured to be attached to the passenger supply unit and to trigger a sensor signal at one of the plurality of sensors.

[0010] This allows the position of the passenger supply unit along the passenger supply channel (viewed in its longitudinal direction) to be determined and / or read using the plurality of sensors. Of course, a plurality of passenger supply units with a respective position marker can each trigger a sensor signal and thus be detected in the passenger supply channel, and their respective positions can be determined and / or read.

[0011] For example, the plurality of sensors can be arranged in a line, preferably along a longitudinal direction of the sensor rail. To limit the number of sensors, there can be a predetermined distance between two adjacent sensors. For example, the predetermined distance between two adjacent sensors can be the same for all of the plurality of sensors. As a result, a precise position of a position marker and thus of a passenger supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail can be determined based on consecutive numbering of the sensors. By way of example only, the distance between two adjacent sensors can be 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm or 10 cm or 1 inch, 2 inches or 5 inches.

[0012] Alternatively, there can be any distance between sensors, whereby in order to determine the position of a position marker and thus of a passenger supply unit, it is necessary to know the position of each individual sensor in relation to a reference point.

[0013] Each sensor is configured to emit a corresponding sensor signal when a position marker activates the sensor, for example, when it interacts with the sensor. This makes it possible to very quickly determine where a passenger supply unit is installed along the passenger supply channel. In particular, it is possible to very quickly determine whether a corresponding passenger supply unit is installed in the correct location for each row of seats (or for each individual passenger seat).

[0014] For example, in addition to reading lights and fresh air vents, aircraft must also be provided with oxygen masks. These are usually also installed in the passenger supply duct. In order to comply with legal and / or regulatory requirements, (grid) plans for an aircraft were previously created and officially certified, showing the position of passenger seats and the position of the associated oxygen masks in the aircraft. This had to be done again each time the arrangement of the passenger seats in the aircraft was changed. Using the position detector described here, the position of the oxygen masks in a passenger supply duct can be determined quickly and easily. In addition, it is possible to retrieve and check a predetermined position of all oxygen masks in the passenger supply duct at once.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of sensors is a pressure sensor, and the position marker comprises a protruding element and a spring element, wherein the spring element is configured to press the protruding element toward the plurality of sensors. The pressure sensor is configured to output an electrical sensor signal upon contact by the protruding element of the position marker or to change the signal due to a pressure force exerted by the protruding element of the position marker.

[0016] The protruding element may be a pin, a ball, or the like that is operatively connected to the spring element. For example, the protruding element may be attached to or coupled to one side of the spring element, wherein the spring element exerts a force on the protruding element that acts in the direction of the sensor rail when the passenger service unit with the position marker is installed in the passenger service channel.

[0017] When the passenger service unit is moved with the position marker in the longitudinal direction of the passenger service channel, the protruding element of the position marker can press against one of the plurality of sensors as soon as the position of the position marker (viewed in the longitudinal direction of the passenger service channel) coincides with that of the sensor. For example, as the passenger service unit is moved, one sensor at a time can output a corresponding signal when the position marker is at the level of the respective sensor, activating the sensor. This allows the position along the passenger service channel to be checked during installation of the passenger service unit.

[0018] If the position marker has a pin or a ball, the pin or ball can slide or roll along the sensor rail and touch the respective sensor one after the other, thereby activating it.

[0019] In a further implementation variant, the sensor rail can have a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail. The position marker can slide or roll in this groove while the passenger supply unit is moved in the passenger supply channel along its longitudinal direction. The plurality of sensors can be arranged in the groove.

[0020] Optionally, the groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail can further comprise a plurality of recesses, with each of the plurality of sensors being arranged in a corresponding recess. This is particularly advantageous for a position marker with a spring element, since the position marker engages at least slightly in the respective recess, thus providing haptic feedback. Furthermore, activation of the sensor located in the recess is enabled when the position marker and sensor precisely match each other.

[0021] In another implementation variant, at least one of the plurality of sensors can be an electrically conductive element. The position marker can be connected to an electrical voltage source or an electrical ground line (grounding) and can be configured to contact one of the plurality of sensors. In other words, the position marker can be designed as a touch element. For example, the position marker can also comprise a protruding element and a spring element, as is the case with the implementation variant described above. The touch element can be designed to be electrically conductive and interact with the electrically conductive sensor. As soon as there is contact between the two elements, an electrical current can flow and thus the position of the position marker can be determined.This allows the plurality of sensors to be queried at a desired time, while the position detector (for example the position marker or the sensor) is de-energized the rest of the time.

[0022] In a variant not falling within the scope of the claims, at least one of the plurality of sensors can be a magnetic sensor, and the position marker can comprise a magnet. This also enables contactless detection of the position of the position marker along the sensor rail.

[0023] In a further implementation variant, at least one of the plurality of sensors can be a membrane potentiometer. The membrane potentiometer can be configured to have a resistance value that depends on a position of a touch (pressure) of the membrane potentiometer. Thus, the membrane potentiometer can function together with a touch position marker, as provided in the implementation variants described above.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the diaphragm potentiometer can be configured to have a resistance value that depends on the position of a magnetic field. In particular, the resistance value of the diaphragm potentiometer can change if a magnet is located in the immediate vicinity of the diaphragm potentiometer. "Immediate proximity" here refers to a distance of a magnet from the diaphragm potentiometer of approximately 1 mm to 5 cm, preferably approximately 5 mm to 3 cm. Of course, the magnet can also be in contact with the diaphragm potentiometer, i.e., touching it.

[0025] Since a diaphragm potentiometer only allows for a small number of measurement points, a plurality of diaphragm potentiometers can be arranged along the sensor rail, each of which can output one or more corresponding sensor signals in the form of a specific resistance value. By knowing the position of each individual diaphragm potentiometer along the sensor rail (relative to a fixed reference point), the positions of a plurality of position markers can be determined.

[0026] In yet another implementation variant, the sensor rail can comprise a plurality of indication elements. For example, each of the plurality of indication elements can be arranged on or next to a corresponding one of the plurality of sensors. For non-point sensors, such as a membrane potentiometer, the plurality of indication elements can be arranged at a predetermined spacing (grid) along the sensor rail.

[0027] Each of the multitude of indication elements can fulfill different functions. For example, an indication element can output or display a specific color that changes depending on the position of a position marker. For example, an indication element can be a lamp or an LED (light-emitting diode) that is assigned to a specific sensor of the multitude of sensors. If this sensor outputs a sensor signal, i.e. it is activated by a correspondingly positioned position marker, the associated indication element can indicate this in color. For example, when the sensor is activated, the associated indication element can light up green, while when the sensor is not activated it lights up red. This makes it possible to display and / or check the correct position during installation or at a later time, for example of passenger supply units with a position marker.

[0028] An optional power supply for the indication element can be provided via the sensor or the indication element can be electrically coupled to the sensor so that when a current flows from the position marker through the sensor, the indication element is also activated.

[0029] Alternatively, the indicator elements can also be activated, corresponding to a particular sensor where a position marker (and thus a passenger supply unit) must be positioned. This allows the location of passenger supply units to be indicated before their installation, facilitating installation.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the plurality of indication elements can be a mechanically, magnetically, and / or thermally actuated indication element. For example, the indication element can be coupled to the associated sensor so that when the sensor is touched (when pressure is applied to the sensor), the indication element is moved, the movement being visible. For example, the indication element can be moved to a window in the sensor rail. Likewise, the indication element can undergo a visible change in response to a magnetic field or a temperature change (in particular heating, for example, due to current flow in the sensor). In particular, the indication element can change its color due to the magnetic field or depending on its temperature.

[0031] In another implementation variant, the position detector can further comprise a controller connected to the plurality of sensors and configured to detect and evaluate at which of the plurality of sensors a position marker is arranged. The controller can, in particular, be configured to receive and evaluate a sensor signal from each of the plurality of sensors. In particular, the controller can send an electrical signal to the plurality of sensors and receive a corresponding electrical signal depending on an activation or deactivation of the respective sensor.

[0032] Furthermore, the controller can also be configured to evaluate one or more sensors as a group, with the controller storing a position of the group relative to a reference point. For example, the position of a group of pressure sensors or magnetic sensors or one or more membrane potentiometers relative to a reference point (origin or zero point) can be stored in the controller. This allows the precise location of an activated sensor or a contact point or magnetically activated point on the sensor rail to be determined.

[0033] According to a second aspect for better understanding of the present disclosure, a passenger supply channel may comprise a mounting rail arranged along a longitudinal direction of the passenger supply channel and at least one passenger supply unit configured to be attached to the mounting rail. For example, the passenger supply channel may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, while one or more passenger supply units in the passenger supply channel are attached to the mounting rail.

[0034] Furthermore, the passenger supply channel can comprise a position detector according to the first aspect, wherein the at least one passenger supply unit comprises the position marker of the position detector. In particular, each passenger supply unit can comprise at least one position marker. This allows the position detector to determine and verify the position of each individual passenger supply unit in the passenger supply channel.

[0035] In one implementation variant, the position marker of the position detector can be attached to or integrated into a housing or bracket of the passenger supply unit. The passenger supply unit can thus be adapted to the position detector and interact with its sensor rail.

[0036] In a further implementation variant, the sensor rail of the position detector can be attached to the mounting rail or integrated therein and extend along a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail. In particular, the plurality of sensors can be mounted or integrated in the mounting rail, so that the mounting rail and the sensor rail are one and the same component.

[0037] According to a third aspect for a better understanding of the present disclosure, a vehicle area may comprise a passenger supply channel according to the second aspect. The vehicle area may be a section of the vehicle that comprises at least one passenger seat, in particular at least one row of seats. Furthermore, the vehicle area may have the passenger supply channel above the passenger seat (above the row of seats), so that at least one passenger supply unit can be installed above the at least one passenger seat, the position of which can be detected and checked using the position detector from the first aspect.

[0038] In one implementation variant, the vehicle region may further comprise a seat rail arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle region and having a plurality of seat detectors, wherein each of the plurality of seat detectors is configured to detect whether a passenger seat is mounted in the seat rail on or next to the sensor. The plurality of seat detectors may be of the same or similar construction as the position detector according to the first aspect. A position marker may be provided on the passenger seat, which can mark the position of the passenger seat along the seat rail. Furthermore, the vehicle region may comprise a controller connected to the plurality of seat detectors and configured to evaluate whether a position marker associated in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle region with a passenger seat mounted in the seat rail is detected in the passenger supply channel.In other words, the controller can check or at least evaluate whether a passenger supply unit with an associated position marker is arranged and installed above a passenger seat detected by a seat detector in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle area.

[0039] This means that a vehicle area can be equipped with passenger seats and passenger supply units without having to create and certify plans of the layout of the seats and supply units beforehand. With the help of the controller, the respective position and relative position of the passenger seats and passenger supply units can be called up and checked during installation and / or after installation. As an example only, the controller can store multiple layouts of seats and supply units, each of which can be called up for checking. Thus, by making the appropriate settings on the controller (e.g. selecting a saved layout), it can be checked whether position markers are present in the passenger supply channel and corresponding seat detectors in the seat rail at the corresponding positions.Furthermore, the aspects and implementation variants described above can of course be combined without this being explicitly described, provided this falls within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is therefore not limited to the individual embodiments and implementation variants in the described order or to a specific combination of the aspects and implementation variants.

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a view of a vehicle area with a partially equipped passenger supply channel; Figure 2 schematically shows a detail of a passenger supply channel from Figure 1Figure 3 schematically shows a position marker; Figure 4 schematically shows a position detector; Figure 5 schematically shows another variant of a position detector; and Figure 6 schematically shows a position detector together with a seat rail and seat detectors of a vehicle area.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle area 1 with a partially equipped passenger supply channel 60. For example, the vehicle area 1 can comprise an overhead luggage compartment 10, on the Figure 1 A passenger supply channel 60 is arranged on the underside shown, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (X-axis). The passenger supply channel 60 has at least one mounting rail 65 arranged along a longitudinal direction of the passenger supply channel 60 (also X-axis).

[0042] Various passenger supply units can be installed in the passenger supply duct 60. For example, a reading light and information panel 30 or an air shower panel 35 can be installed in the passenger supply duct 60, which contain an individual reading light or individual fresh air nozzle for at least one passenger. Furthermore, a holder 50 for oxygen masks can be installed in the passenger supply duct 60.

[0043] Areas where no passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 is installed can be closed off by simple covers. Likewise, areas (in the Y-axis direction) adjacent to the passenger supply duct 60 can be closed off by appropriate covers, for example, a cover 15 with a handrail and a cover 20 with an air outlet grille.

[0044] Figure 2 shows schematically a Figure 1Dash-dotted detail of the passenger supply channel 60. The supply channel 60 comprises at least one mounting rail 65 which is designed to mount a passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 therein. In the Figure 2 In the variant shown, the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 (here, for example, an oxygen mask unit 50) can be suspended and fastened at a lower end of the mounting rail 65. This can be a conventional fastening of supply units 30, 35, 50, which is therefore not described in detail.

[0045] A sensor rail 110 can be mounted on (or integrated into) the mounting rail 65. The supply unit 30, 35, 50 can also include a position marker 120 associated with the sensor rail 110. For example, the position marker 120 can be attached to (or integrated into) the supply unit 30, 35, 50. The position marker 120 is configured to trigger a sensor signal at one of a plurality of sensors 111 of the sensor rail 110.

[0046] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, which schematically show a position marker 120 and a position detector 100, respectively, the operation of the position detector 100 is explained. The position detector 100 comprises a sensor rail 110 having a plurality of sensors 111. Furthermore, the sensor rail 110 is configured, for example, to be attached in the longitudinal direction of the passenger supply channel 60 or to be integrated therein. The associated position marker 120, which is configured to be attached to the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 or to be integrated therein, can trigger a sensor signal at one of the plurality of sensors 111.

[0047] According to the Figures 3 and 4In the variant of a position detector 100 shown, the sensor rail 110 comprises an optional groove 112 running in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail 110. A plurality of likewise optional recesses 113 are located in the groove 112. The position marker 120 comprises a protruding element 121 and a spring element 122, the latter being configured to press the protruding element 121 toward the sensor rail 110. The position marker 120 further comprises a fixed element 123, which is attached to the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 or is formed by a section of the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50. The spring element 122 now presses the protruding element 121 away from the fixed element 123.The protruding element 121 may be a pin or a ball or the like, whereby a contact as close as possible to a point is achieved between the protruding element 121 and the sensor rail 110.

[0048] In Figure 4 a movement of the position marker 120 in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail 110 is schematically shown, wherein the position marker 120 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow (in Figure 4to the left), which is why the position marker 120 is shown twice. The protruding element 121 can slide or roll along the sensor rail 110, here for example in the groove 112. The protruding element 121 can engage in each of the optional recesses 113. The engagement occurs through a movement of the protruding element 121 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sensor rail 110 (for example in the direction of the Y-axis) caused by the spring element 122. By appropriately selecting a small depth of the recesses 113, it is possible for the protruding element 121 to leave the recess 113 again upon further movement of the position marker 120 along the sensor rail 110. In this case, the protruding element 121 is moved back towards the fixed element 123 against the spring force of the spring element 122.This (intermediate) locking enables haptic feedback during the movement of the position marker 120 or the associated passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50, which has the position marker 120.

[0049] The sensor rail 110 has a plurality of sensors 111. For example, each sensor 111 can be arranged in a recess 113. Of course, the plurality of sensors can also be attached or integrated on or in the sensor rail 110 if no recess 113 and / or no groove 112 is present in the sensor rail 110.

[0050] The sensors 111 include a pressure sensor that is activated by contact or pressure from the position marker 120, in particular its protruding element 121. An exemplary pressure sensor is a piezo element that outputs a current signal upon contact with the position marker 120. Another exemplary pressure sensor can change an electrical signal, for example, its resistance value, depending on a pressure force acting on it.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, a sensor 111 and a position marker 120 can each be an electrically conductive element. For example, a voltage can be applied to the sensor 111, while the position marker 120 can be connected to a ground line (in Figure 3(shown as ground 124). If the position marker 120, in particular its protruding element 121, touches the sensor 111, an electrical circuit is closed, whereby the electrical current flow corresponds to a sensor signal. The voltage can be selected to be so low that it is harmless to the personnel installing the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the associated passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 can be supplied with power via the sensor 111 and the position marker 120. In other words, the sensor 111 and the position marker 120 form a power supply for the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50. This not only allows the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 to be reliably supplied with power, but also allows the (correct) position of the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 to be checked at the same time.

[0053] Of course, conversely, the position marker 120 can also carry a voltage while the sensor is connected to a ground line. For example, the voltage source can be a small battery or a piezo element on the position marker 120 or on the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50.

[0054] There is a predetermined distance Δ between two adjacent sensors 111, whereby, if possible, the same distance Δ is always provided between two adjacent sensors 111 of the plurality of sensors 111. This predetermined grid makes it easy to determine the position of a position marker 120 along the sensor rail 110, and thus along the passenger supply channel 60.

[0055] Also optionally, the sensor rail 110 can comprise a plurality of indication elements 115. For example, each of the plurality of indication elements 115 can be arranged on or next to an associated one of the plurality of sensors 111. An indication element 115 can be configured to output a signal (visual and / or acoustic) when a position marker 120 triggers a sensor signal at the associated sensor 111, i.e., activates the associated sensor 111. Thus, the indication element can indicate whether a position marker 120 and thus a passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 is arranged and installed at the correct location in the passenger supply channel 60. Alternatively or additionally, as in Figure 4shown, the plurality of indication elements 115 can be controlled so that they indicate a desired position of the position marker 120 and thus of a passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 along the sensor rail 110. For example, an indication element can light up green (in Figure 4 dotted), while the adjacent indication elements light up red (in Figure 4 hatched). Thus, when installing the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50, it must be moved along the sensor rail 110 (see dashed arrow in Figure 4 ) that the position of the associated position marker 120 corresponds to the correct (green) indication element 115 and to the associated sensor 111.

[0056] Figure 5schematically shows another variant of a position detector 100, which does not fall within the claimed scope of protection. In this variant, the sensor rail 110 comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors 116, which change a sensor value depending on the strength of a magnetic field, for example, change a resistance value for electrical current. Accordingly, a magnet 125 can be installed on the position marker 120. The magnetic sensor 116 that outputs the largest (or smallest) sensor signal can be determined as the sensor 111 / 116 that corresponds to the position of the position marker 120 (in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail 110). As a result, the position of the position marker 120 and thus of the passenger supply unit 30, 35, 50 along the sensor rail 110, and thus along the passenger supply channel 60, can be determined and evaluated without contact.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor rail 110 may comprise a membrane potentiometer 117. This can assume a specific resistance value for electrical current via pressure and / or a magnetic field at a specific position along the membrane potentiometer 117. Thus, by means of the membrane potentiometer 117 with a (touch) position marker 120 according to Figure 3 or with a magnetic position marker 120 according to Figure 5 The position of the position marker 120 can be determined by touch or contactless.

[0058] Figure 6schematically shows a position detector 100 together with a seat rail 300 and seat detectors 301 of a vehicle region 1. Thus, the position detector 100 and / or the vehicle region 1 can comprise a controller 200, which can receive and evaluate at least one sensor signal from the sensors 111 of the sensor rail 110. As a result, the controller 200 is able to determine a position of at least one position marker 120 along the sensor rail 110 (for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle region 1; see X-axis in Figures 1 and 2 ) to determine.

[0059] Furthermore, the controller 200 can be connected to the seat detectors 301 of the seat rail 300. For example, the controller 200 can receive and evaluate sensor signals from the seat detectors 301. The seat detectors 301 are configured to detect whether a passenger seat 305 (in Figure 6(shown only schematically as a footprint of a seat foot) is mounted in the seat rail 300 on or next to a seat detector 301. In other words, the position of a passenger seat 305 along the seat rail 300 can be determined using the seat detectors 301. This seat rail 300 is preferably also aligned and installed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle region 1 (X-axis).

[0060] The controller 200 can now evaluate whether a position marker 120 corresponding to a passenger seat 305 mounted in the seat rail 300 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle area 1 is present in the passenger supply channel 60. For this purpose, the controller 200 can compare the sensor signals of the sensors 111 and the seat detectors 301, since the controller has stored the corresponding position of the sensors along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle area 1. Furthermore, the controller 200 can comprise an output device (not shown) with which, on the one hand, the position of all position markers 120 along the sensor rail 110 can be shown, for example, on a display. On the other hand, the position of all passenger seats 305 along the seat rail 300 can be shown on the display.Furthermore, the controller 200 can visually or acoustically indicate via the output device whether the position of all passenger supply units 30, 35, 50 (via respective position markers 120) corresponds or does not correspond to the position of an associated passenger seat 305.

[0061] The embodiments and variants described above serve only to illustrate the invention. All examples, variants, and individual details can be combined in any way to form specific embodiments of the invention, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Position detector (100) for a passenger service unit (30, 35, 50) which can be installed in a passenger service channel (60), wherein the position detector (100) comprises: a sensor rail (110) which has a multiplicity of sensors (111) and is configured to be fitted in the longitudinal direction of the passenger service channel (60); and a position marker (120) which is configured to be fastened to the passenger service unit (30, 35, 50), characterized in that the position marker (120) comprises a protruding element (121) and a spring element (122), and wherein the spring element (122) is configured to press the protruding element (121) in the direction of the multiplicity of sensors (111), wherein at least one of the multiplicity of sensors (111) is a pressure sensor which is configured to output an electrical sensor signal when touched by the protruding element (121) of the position marker (120) or to change it due to a compressive force acting by way of the protruding element (121) of the position marker (120).

2. Position detector (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the sensor rail (110) has a groove (112) running in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail (110), and the groove (112) running in the longitudinal direction of the sensor rail (110) comprises a multiplicity of depressions (113), and wherein each of the multiplicity of sensors (111) is arranged in an associated depression (113).

3. Position detector (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the multiplicity of sensors (111) is an electrically conductive element, and wherein the position marker (120) is configured to be connected to an electrical voltage source or to an electrical earth line (124) and to make contact with one of the multiplicity of sensors (111).

4. Position detector (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the multiplicity of sensors (111) is a membrane potentiometer (117).

5. Position detector (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor rail (110) comprises a multiplicity of indication elements (115), and wherein each of the multiplicity of indication elements (115) is associated with one of the multiplicity of sensors (111), is arranged on or beside the associated sensor (111) and uses a signal to indicate that the associated sensor (111) is activated by the position marker (120).

6. Position detector (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, also comprising: a controller (200) which is connected to the multiplicity of sensors (111) and is configured to detect and evaluate at which of the multiplicity of sensors (111) a position marker (120) is arranged.

7. Passenger service channel (60) comprising: an installation rail (65) which is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the passenger service channel (60); at least one passenger service unit (30, 35, 50) which is configured to be fastened to the installation rail (65); and a position detector (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one passenger service unit (30, 35, 50) comprises the position marker (120) of the position detector (100).

8. Passenger service channel (60) according to Claim 7, wherein the sensor rail (110) of the position detector (100) is fastened to the installation rail (65) or is integrated in the latter and extends along a longitudinal direction of the installation rail (65).

9. Vehicle area (1) comprising: a passenger service channel (60) according to Claim 7 or 8.

10. Vehicle area (1) according to Claim 9, also comprising: a seat rail (300) which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle area (1) and has a multiplicity of seat detectors (301), wherein each of the multiplicity of seat detectors (301) is configured to detect whether a passenger seat (305) is installed in the seat rail (300) at or beside the seat detector (301); and a controller (200) which is connected to the multiplicity of seat detectors (301) and is configured to evaluate whether, for a passenger seat (305) installed in the seat rail (300), an associated position marker (120) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle area (1) is detected in the passenger service channel (60).