DE102008043627B4 - Device for the electrical control of a seating group and a method for the electrical control of a seating group - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for electrically actuating a seating group having a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft, comprising: a first seat-to-seat cable (31) and a second seat-to-seat cable (32); conversion means (20) for converting a first AC signal (AC1) transmitted by means of a seat-to-seat cable (31, 32) into a second AC signal (AC2) and / or a DC signal (DC); and data distribution means (40) for distributing data signals (D1-D3) from at least one terminal (51-53) to one of the seat-to-seat cables (31, 32) and / or from one of the seat-to-seat Cable (31, 32) to the at least one terminal (51-53); characterized in that the device (10) manages with two different connector types; wherein the data distribution means (40) comprises an electro-mechanical interface means (60; 60a, 60b) adapted for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cables (31, 32) and which is formed as a first connector type of the two different connector types ; and wherein, within the seating group, the only one type of connector of the two different connector types is used as the only one.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the electrical control of a seating group and a method for the electrical control of a seating group.

Although applicable to arbitrary ranges, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to an airplane or a passenger airplane.

The technical field of the invention relates to the electrical control of a seating group with a certain number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft.

In the US Pat. No. 7,036,889 B2 A method of forming an aircraft seat apparatus having at least one electronic component and a single electronic system that provides signal decoding, signal distribution, data management, built-in test function, and power transformation for each user-accessible electronic component in the aircraft seat apparatus is disclosed. In this case, a single cable with a plurality of conductors, which emanates from a signal and power source, leads into the seat.

The DE 10 2007 003 043 A1 discloses a transformation device for a seat device with at least one transformation unit having at least one entrance and at least one exit, and with a seat control unit.

The electrical control of a seating group with a number of seats in an aircraft conventionally means a complex electrical installation to provide passengers with certain services, such as audio entertainment and video entertainment, laptop power, or electric seat actuation.

This electrical installation is costly, not only because of the initial cost and the installation cost, but also because of indirect costs due to increased fuel consumption due to the weight of the components of the electrical installation. Furthermore fall during operation of the aircraft service costs for these components for the electrical control. Next, the seat electronics is one of the main problems in the aircraft cabin during the service of an aircraft.

In conventional aircraft, the seating groups are arranged in a chaining architecture. The individual seating groups are electrically coupled to separate power supply seat-to-seat cables and separate data seat-to-seat cables. That is, the respective seating group is conventionally coupled with four different cables: at the input and at the output, in each case a power supply cable and a data cable.

In addition shows 1 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a conventional device 10 for electrical control of a seating group.

The four different seat-to-seat cables mentioned above are identified by the reference numerals 31 to 34 designated. The reference number shows 31 an input power seat-to-seat cable and the reference numeral 33 an output power supply seat-to-seat cable. In an analogous manner, reference numeral 32 an input data seat-to-seat cable and reference numerals 34 an output data seat-to-seat cable.

This seat-to-seat cable 31 to 34 are on the seat base of the seating group with a seat interface box 90 coupled to the electromechanical coupling of the seating group. Next has the device 10 next to the seat interface box 90 at least one conversion device 20 for converting one by means of the input power seat-to-seat cable 31 transmitted first AC voltage signal AC1 in a second AC voltage signal AC2 (not shown) and / or in a DC voltage signal DC for powering a data distribution device 40 ,

The data distribution device 40 is for distributing data signals D1-D2 from at least one terminal (not shown) to the respective data-seat-to-seat cable 32 . 34 and / or from the data seat-to-seat cable 32 . 34 to the at least one terminal suitable.

For internal coupling of the seat interface box 90 with the conversion device 20 is to transfer the AC voltage (input and output) a first in-seat cable 81 intended. A second in-seat cable 82 (Entrance) and a third in-seat cable 83 couple the seat interface box 80 with the data distribution device 40 for transmitting the data signals D1-D3.

For transmission of the from the conversion device 20 generated DC signal DC is this with the data distribution device 40 by means of a fourth in-seat cable 84 coupled. About the fourth in-seat cable 84 becomes the data distribution device 40 from the converter 20 supplied with the DC signal DC.

Not specifically in 1 is shown that at the interface of the respective device 20 . 40 . 80 and the cables 31 - 34 respectively. 81 - 84 an interface device or a connector is provided.

A disadvantage of the conventional devices for the electrical control of a seating group - such as in 1 - is that the in-seat architecture has a variety of different cables and connectors or interface devices that disadvantageously increase the overall weight of the aircraft, increase the installation effort and represent a variety of possible causes of faults.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical control of a seating group in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device for the electrical actuation of a seat group having the features of patent claim 1 and by methods for the electrical actuation of a seat group having the features of patent claim 10.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide the data distribution device with an electromechanical interface device, which is set up for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cable.

Accordingly, a device for the electrical control of a seat group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft is proposed which comprises a conversion device for converting a transmitted by a seat-to-seat cable first AC signal into a second AC signal and / or in a DC signal a data distribution device for distributing data signals from at least one terminal to the seat-to-seat cable and / or from the seat-to-seat cable to the at least one terminal, wherein the data distribution device comprises an electromechanical interface device, which for electromechanical coupling is furnished with the seat-to-seat cable.

Furthermore, a method is proposed for electrically driving a seat group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft, which has the following steps:
Providing conversion means for converting a first AC signal transmitted by a seat-to-seat cable into a second AC signal and / or a DC signal;
Providing a data distribution device for distributing data signals from at least one terminal to the seat-to-seat cable and / or from the seat-to-seat cable to the at least one terminal; and
Providing the data distribution device with an electromechanical interface device adapted for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cable.

An advantage of the inventive electrical control of the seating group in the aircraft cabin of an aircraft is that it is weight-reduced compared to the conventional electrical controls. The weight reduction results essentially from the omission of the conventional seat interface box and the provision of the data distribution device with an electromechanical interface device for electromechanical coupling with the respective seat-to-seat cable.

By omitting the conventional seat interface box and the embodiment of the data distribution device according to the invention, the installation is also significantly simplified. Overall, the number of devices to be installed for the device for electrical control is reduced, and thus also reduces the number of possible sources of error.

The weight reduction according to the invention further reduces the fuel costs of the aircraft.

Another advantage is that, due to the new functionality of the electromechanical coupling, the data distribution device according to the invention requires no additional electromechanical interface device, such as a first connector type or first connector. Thus, the volume of the data distribution device according to the invention over the conventional data distribution device without an electromechanical interface device for coupling with the seat-to-seat cable substantially does not increase. The data distribution device according to the invention assumes an additional functionality, namely the electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cable or with the seat-to-seat cables.

In the subclaims there are advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention.

According to a preferred refinement, the electromechanical interface device has a forwarding device which is set up to transmit the first alternating voltage signal of the seat on-the-seat cable to the converter.

According to a further preferred refinement, the conversion device converts the first alternating voltage signal forwarded by the forwarding device of the data distribution device into the DC voltage signal. Further, the conversion means supplies the data distribution means with the DC signal for powering the data distribution means.

According to a further preferred development, the seat-to-seat cable has at least a first number of voltage supply cores for transmitting the first alternating voltage signal and at least a second number of data cores for transmitting the data signals.

In particular, the seat-to-seat cable has the first number of power supply wires for transmitting the first AC signal, the second number of data wires for transmitting the data signals, two ground wires, a control wire for controlling the sockets of the seats, and an AC return cable. Vein.

The seat-to-seat cable is suitable for the electrical coupling of two seats. In contrast, the in-seat cable is suitable for electrical coupling within the seat or the seating group.

According to the invention, a single seat-to-seat cable is used which integrates power supply cores and data cores.

According to a further preferred development, the electromechanical interface device has a first connector which has at least a number of power supply sockets for receiving the first number of power supply wires and a second number of data sockets for receiving the second number of data wires.

According to a further preferred development, the data distribution device and the conversion device each have a second connector. These second connectors are in particular connected by means of an in-seat cable.

According to a further preferred development, the in-seat cable has a third number of voltage supply cores for transmitting the first AC voltage signal from the forwarding device of the data distribution device to the conversion device, a fourth number of DC voltage cores for transmitting the DC voltage signal from the conversion device to the data distribution device and a fifth number of data cores for transmitting the data signals.

The second connector has the third number of power jacks, the fourth number of DC jacks, the fifth number of data jacks, two ground jacks for grounding, control jacks for receiving a control wire for controlling the sockets of the seats, and an AC return jack for receiving an AC return wire.

In accordance with the present invention, the present invention features two different connector types: the first connector for electromechanically coupling the seat assembly to the seat-to-seat cable and the second connector within the seat. Thus, within the seat or seating group, a single type of connector, the second connector, and a single type of cable, the in-seat cable, is used.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the power supply wires are designed for the transmission of currents up to 7.5 A.

According to the invention, the power supply wires, in particular of the seat-to-seat cable, are restricted to currents of up to 7.5A. This makes the cables thinner than conventional cables with power supply wires up to 15A. This also requires narrower and lighter electrical contacts and connectors.

According to a further preferred development, the data distribution device is arranged on a respective seat base of a seat of the seats in the aircraft cabin.

The data distribution device with its electromechanical interface device is advantageously arranged on the seat base of the seat because it is the smallest of the necessary devices for the device for electrical control, in addition to the conversion device, the largest legroom for the passengers due.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawing.

From the figures show:

1 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a conventional apparatus for electrically actuating a seating group;

2 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for the electrical control of a seating group according to the invention;

3 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a first connector according to the invention;

4 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a second connector according to the invention; and

5 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for electrically driving a seating group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical components, unless indicated otherwise.

2 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention 10 for the electrical control of a seating group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft.

The number of seats of the seating group is for example 3 or 4.

The device 10 for electrical control has a conversion device 20 and a data distribution device 40 ,

The conversion device 20 is for converting one using the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 transmitted first AC voltage signal AC1 in a second AC voltage signal AC2 and / or in a DC signal DC suitable.

The data distribution device 40 is for distributing data signals D1-D3 from at least one terminal 51 - 53 to the respective seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 and / or from the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 to the at least one terminal 51 - 53 suitable.

A first terminal 51 is designed for example as a socket. A second terminal 52 is designed, for example, as a video playback device. A third terminal 53 is designed, for example, as an audio playback device.

Furthermore, the data distribution device 40 with an electromechanical interface device 60 ; 60a . 60b equipped for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 is set up. Preferably, the data distribution device 40 arranged on a respective seat base of a seat of the seats in the aircraft cabin.

The conversion device 20 converts this from the forwarding device 61 (please refer 3 ) of the data distribution device 40 forwarded first AC voltage signal AC1 in the DC signal DC and supplies the data distribution device 40 with the DC signal DC to the power supply.

The seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 has at least a first number of voltage supply cores for transmitting the first AC voltage signal AC1 and at least a second number of data cores for transmitting the data signals D1-D3. Furthermore, the data distribution device 40 and the conversion device 20 each with a second connector 71 . 72 fitted. A second connector 71 the data distribution device 40 is with the second connector 72 the conversion device 20 by means of an in-seat cable 80 coupled.

The in-seat cable 80 is suitable for transmitting the data signals D1-D3, the first AC voltage signal AC1 and / or the second AC voltage signal AC2 and the DC voltage signal DC. It is particularly worth mentioning here that the DC voltage signal DC is preferably exclusively from the conversion device 20 to the data distribution device 40 is directed.

Next is the conversion device 20 with the terminals 51 - 53 by means of another second connector 73 - 75 and other in-seat cables 81 - 83 coupled.

Overall, it should be noted that the internal electrical coupling of each device of the device 10 just a single cable type, the in-seat cable 80 - 83 , and a single interface type, a second connector 71 - 75 , needed. Not shown in 1 is that the terminals 51 - 53 may also have such a second connector.

The electromechanical interface device 60a . 60b the data distribution device 40 which is formed, for example, each as a first connector, and the second connector 71 - 75 are in detail in the 3 - 4 explained.

In addition shows 3 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a first connector 60 ; 60a . 60b , Here are the electromechanical interface devices 60a . 60b of the 2 especially like the first connector 60 to 3 educated.

The first connector 60 or first connector type of the present invention has a first number of power supply jacks 61a - 61c for receiving the first number of power supply wires and a second number of data sockets 62a - 62h for receiving the second number of data wires. Without limiting the generality, the first number is equal to 3 and the second number is equal to 8. The first number of power supply sockets 61 - 61c preferably forms the forwarding device 61 the data distribution device 40 out.

For example, about the first number of power supply wires and power supply jacks 61a - 61c 3 · 150 V AC voltage transmitted. About the second number of data wires and the second number of data sockets 62a - 62h For example, 8 · Ethernet is transmitted at a data transfer rate of 1 Gb.

Next has the first connector 60 two ground sockets 63a . 63b for receiving two ground wires of the seat-to-seat cable and a control socket 64 for receiving a control wire of the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 for controlling power sockets and an AC return socket 65 for receiving an AC return wire.

4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a second connector 70 according to the invention. The second connector 71 - 75 of the 2 are preferably like the second connector 70 to 4 educated.

The second connector 70 is designed such that it has the in-seat cable 80 - 83 can record.

The in-seat cable 80 has a third number of power supply wires for transmitting the first AC voltage signal AC1, in particular from the relay device 61 the data distribution device 40 to the converter 20 , a fourth number of DC cores for transmitting the DC signal DC from the converting means 20 to the data distribution device 40 and a fifth number of data cores for transmitting the data signals D1-D3.

Accordingly, the second connector 70 the third number of power supply jacks 71a , the fourth number of DC jacks 72a . 72b , the fifth number of data sockets 73a . 73b , two ground sockets 74a . 74b for receiving two ground wires and a control socket 75 for receiving a control wire of the in-seat cable 80 to control the sockets of the seats and an AC return socket 76 for receiving an AC return wire.

In 5 FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for electrically actuating a seating group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft.

The method according to the invention will be described below with reference to the block diagram in FIG 5 with reference to the block diagrams in the 2 to 4 explained. The inventive method according to 5 has the method steps S1-S3:

Process step S1:

A conversion device 20 will be provided. The conversion device 20 is for converting one by means of a first or a second seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 transmitted AC voltage signal AC1 in a second AC voltage signal AC2 and / or in a DC signal DC suitable.

Step S2:

A data distribution device 40 for distributing data signals D1-D3 from at least one terminal 51 - 53 to the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 and / or from the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 to the at least one terminal 51 - 53 will be provided.

Step S3:

The data distribution device 40 comes with an electromechanical interface device 60 ; 60a . 60b equipped for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cable 31 . 32 is set up.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments herein, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Device for electrical control

20

Umwandelungseinrichtung

31, 32

Seat-to-seat cable

40

Data distribution means

51-53

terminal

60; 60a, 60b

electromechanical interface device, e.g. B. first connector

61

Router

61a-61c

Power sockets

62a-62h

data sockets

63a, 63b

Mass jacks

64

control connector

65

AC Return jack

70; 71-75

second connector

71a

Power socket

72a, 72b

DC jack

73a, 73b

datajack

74a, 74b

Mass socket

75

control connector

76

AC Return jack

80-84

In-seat cable

90

Seat interface box

AC1

first alternating voltage signal

AC2

second alternating voltage signal

DC

DC signal

D1-D3

data signal

S1-S3

step

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 10 ) for electrically actuating a seating group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft, comprising: a first seat-to-seat cable ( 31 ) and a second seat-to-seat cable ( 32 ); a conversion device ( 20 ) for converting one using a seat-to-seat cable ( 31 . 32 ) transmitted first AC signal (AC1) in a second AC voltage signal (AC2) and / or in a DC signal (DC); and a data distribution device ( 40 ) for distributing data signals (D1-D3) from at least one terminal ( 51 - 53 ) to one of the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) and / or one of the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) to the at least one terminal ( 51 - 53 ); characterized in that the device ( 10 ) manages with two different connector types; wherein the data distribution device ( 40 ) an electromechanical interface device ( 60 ; 60a . 60b ) for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) and which is designed as a first connector type of the two different connector types; and wherein, within the seating group, the only one type of connector of the two different connector types is used as the only one. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromechanical interface device ( 60 ; 60a . 60b ) a forwarding device ( 61 ) which is adapted to receive the first AC signal (AC1) of one of the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) to the converter ( 20 ) forward. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the conversion device ( 20 ) that of the forwarding device ( 61 ) of the data distribution device ( 40 ) forwarded first AC signal (AC1) into the DC signal (DC) converts and the data distribution device ( 40 ) with the DC signal (DC) for supplying power to the data distribution device ( 40 ) provided Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) comprise at least a first number of voltage supply cores for transmitting the first AC voltage signal (AC1) and at least a second number of data cores for transmitting the data signals (D1-D3). Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first connector type ( 60 ; 60a . 60b ) at least a first number of power supply jacks ( 61a - 61c ) for receiving the first number of power supply wires and a second number of data sockets ( 62a - 62h ) for receiving the second number of data wires. Device according to Claim 1 or one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the data distribution device ( 40 ) and the conversion device ( 20 ) each have a second connector ( 71 . 72 ) of the second connector type, which by means of an in-seat cable ( 80 ) are connected. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the in-seat cable ( 80 ) a third number of power supply wires for transmitting the first AC voltage signal (AC1) from the relay device ( 60 ; 60a . 60b ) of the data distribution device ( 40 ) to the converter ( 20 ), a fourth number of DC cores for the transmission of the DC signal (DC) from the converter ( 20 ) to the data distribution device ( 40 ) and a fifth number of data cores for transmitting the data signals (D1-D3). Apparatus according to claim 1 or any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the power supply wires are designed for the transmission of currents up to 7.5 A. Device according to Claim 1 or one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the data distribution device ( 40 ) at one respective seat of a seat in the aircraft cabin is arranged. A method for electrically driving a seating group with a number of seats in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft, comprising the steps of: providing a conversion device ( 20 ) for converting one by means of a first or a second seat-to-seat cable ( 31 . 32 ) transmitted first AC signal (AC1) in a second AC voltage signal (AC2) and / or in a DC signal (DC); Provision of a data distribution device ( 40 ) for distributing data signals (D1-D3) from at least one terminal ( 51 - 53 ) to one of the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) and / or one of the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) to the at least one terminal ( 51 - 53 ); characterized by providing the data distribution device ( 40 ) with an electromechanical interface device ( 60 ; 60a . 60b ) for electromechanical coupling with the seat-to-seat cables ( 31 . 32 ) and which is designed as a first connector type of two different connector types; and inserting a second connector type of the two different connector types as a single connector type within the seating group.

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