WO2024160780A1

WO2024160780A1 - Aircraft passenger seat

Info

Publication number: WO2024160780A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/052171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Metin Albert Bopp; Michael Geis
Original assignee: Zim Aircraft Seating Gmbh
Priority date: 2023-02-03
Filing date: 2024-01-30
Publication date: 2024-08-08
Also published as: DE102023102689A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat (2) comprising a structural component, wherein: a data connection point of a wired data connection is present at a surface on the structure component; the wired data connection point comprises contact points; the contact points are electrically connected to one electrical line each; the electrical lines to a voltage supply unit and to an electronic unit for processing data bridge a minimum distance from the contact points in the structural component of the aircraft passenger seat (2), so that a spatial separation is established between the contact points and the voltage supply unit and the electronic unit for processing data by means of the electrical lines in the structural component.

Description

Passenger seat

State of the art:

The invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat according to the preamble of claim 1.

For equipping passenger aircraft, especially long-haul aircraft, passenger seats with one or more seats in a wide variety of designs are state of the art.

A seat, for example, has a seat base and at least a backrest.

It is known to equip passenger seats with a wired data connection, for example a bit-serial data transmission connection such as a USB connection.

For a wired data connection, appropriate installation points must be provided on a passenger seat. Object and advantages of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved passenger seat, in particular with regard to data transmission connections.

This object is achieved by an aircraft passenger seat having the features of claim 1.

Further possible embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on an aircraft passenger seat which comprises a structural component, wherein a data connection point of a wired data connection is present on a surface on the structural component, wherein the data-connected data connection point comprises contact points for a matching counterpart, wherein the contact points are connected to a respective electrical line, wherein at least two line wires are designed to provide a voltage supply and two line wires are designed to provide a data transmission, and wherein the wired data connection comprises an electronic unit.

If necessary, a line wire is used jointly to provide a power supply and to provide data transmission. For example, a total of at least three line wires are provided. For example, in addition to the line wires for the power supply, at least two additional line wires are used to provide data transmission. The essence of the invention is that the electrical lines to a power supply unit and the electronic unit for processing data bridge a minimum distance from the contact points in the structural component of the passenger seat, so that a spatial separation is established between the contact points of the wired data connection and the power supply unit as well as the electronic unit of the wired data connection for processing data via the electrical lines in the structural component. The contact points of the data connection point preferably comprise a housing. In particular, the housing is spatially separated from the electronic unit and, for example, the power supply via the electrical lines.

For example, the contact points include electronic components that cannot be assigned to the electronic unit for processing data. Although the electronic unit for processing data is spatially separated from the contact points, electronic components can still be arranged at the contact points.

Preferably, the wired data connection is a bit-serial or bit-parallel data transmission connection, for example a USB connection. Preferably, no electronic component other than the electrical lines for the contact points is arranged at the data connection point, particularly in the form of a plug-in socket or in the form of a plug. This means that the contact points only provide the electrical contact for any voltage supply and for any data transmission. In particular, no electronic component is present at the data connection point. This has the advantage that the space required for the data connection point is small. The structural component in the area of the data connection point only has to Provide space for the electrical connection and not for any electronic units. The wired data connection is spatially divided into a contact area with contact points of the data connection point and an electronic unit spaced apart from it for processing data.

In a preferred embodiment, the wired data connection is a USB Type C connection. Contact points of this data connection, in particular a socket and/or a plug, are spatially separated from an electronic unit for processing data according to the invention, which are therefore not arranged in the possible socket and/or plug.

A USB connection type B, mini B, micro B or type A is also possible. Interfaces such as Lightning, Thunderbird, FireWire, etc. are also conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, the minimum distance of the data connection point is 3 cm. With this distance, the advantages of the spatial separation of contact points and electronic unit as well as power supply unit can already be utilized.

The minimum distance may be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 cm or even more. The electronics unit and the power supply unit may not be located in the passenger seat where the contact points of the data connection point are, which means that even larger distances have to be bridged for the electrical cables. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a power supply unit is present in the passenger seat. For example, a power supply is provided by a so-called seat power box or a seat power module. These units are connected via the electrical lines to the data connection point, for example a USB connection configuration.

Furthermore, it is preferred if an electronic unit for processing data is present in the passenger seat. The electronic unit is connected to the data connection point, for example to a contact part of the USB port, via the electrical lines. Furthermore, it is preferred if the data connection point comprises a socket housing, preferably it can also be a plug housing. A combination of one socket housing or several socket housings with one plug or several plugs is also conceivable. This provides a variety of options for a user to establish an electrical connection.

For example, the contact points comprise a plurality of socket housings and/or plugs. If necessary, the plurality of socket housings and/or plugs are implemented for different types of USB types. For example, a USB-A socket and a USB-C socket are provided, whereby according to the invention the socket or plug only comprises the contact points and no electronic unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is no power supply for the wired data connection in the passenger seat. A power supply unit is provided elsewhere in the aircraft, for example, and is electrical cables are electrically connected to the wired data connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is no electronic unit for processing data from the wired data connection in the passenger seat. It is conceivable that a corresponding electronic unit for processing data from the wired data connection is provided at another location in the aircraft. This means that the entire wired data connection, for example a USB connection, is "stretched" from the passenger seat to outside the passenger seat. This is because the electronic unit for processing data is not provided in the passenger seat in this embodiment of the invention. An electrical connection to such an electronic unit is preferably implemented by electrical lines with the contact points of the data connection point.

Without a power supply unit or an electronics unit in the passenger seat, the corresponding structural components of the passenger seat can be designed in a reduced size, i.e. without having to provide the corresponding space for such units. This can not only have optical advantages, but also reduce the weight and cost of the passenger seat.

Even if the electronics unit and/or the power supply unit are housed at a distance in the passenger seat, the spatial separation can optimize the accommodation in the passenger seat so that components can be designed in a reduced manner, which can also have a beneficial effect on weight and costs in such a constellation. Character description:

Further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail using schematically shown embodiments.

In detail:

Figure 1: A row of passenger seats in a schematic three-dimensional representation from the side at the front and top,

Figure 2: the passenger seat row according to Figure 1 in a schematic representation from the side at the back and top,

Figure 3: three-dimensional schematic view of a wired data connection with plug-in sockets separated from an electronics box,

Figure 4: In a single passenger seat in a schematic three-dimensional representation with schematically indicated positions for contact points of a wired data connection,

Figure 5: a single passenger seat in three-dimensional representation from the rear with schematically shown positions for contact points of a wired data connection,

Figure 6: a single passenger seat without seat surface in a three-dimensional view from the front above with possible positions for a

Power supply unit and/or electronic unit

Figures 1 and 2 show a passenger seat row 1 with passenger seats 2 to 4. The passenger seats 2 to 4 comprise a frame 5. For example, the frame has seat dividers 6, 7, 8, which are connected to one another by means of bars 9, 10.

For example, an aircraft passenger seat 2 has a seat group 11 and a backrest element 12.

Figure 3 shows a schematic spatial representation of a connection group 13. The connection group 13 comprises an electronics box 14 and connection sockets 15 - 17. The connection sockets preferably have electrical contacts and a shape that corresponds to a predetermined socket type with electrical contacts for a data connection, for example an interface that corresponds to a USB connection standard or another standard. However, there is no switching electronics in the sockets 15 - 17, in particular no switching electronics that are intended for data transmission in the intended connection type, such as USB or Lightning or another connection type. This means that the respective connection socket has the appropriate shape that matches the connection type with corresponding electrical contacts, but no further electronics that are necessary for processing data during data transmission in the respective connection type. The respective connection socket 15 - 17 is electrically connected to an electrical line 18 - 20 in order to electrically connect the respective electrical contacts in the respective connection socket 15 to 17 to an electronic unit. to be able to implement. In the exemplary embodiment, the three sockets 15 - 17 shown are connected to a single electronics box 14 via the electrical lines 18 - 20. However, a different division is also conceivable, in particular that each connection socket, or at least some of the connection sockets, are connected to a separate electronics unit. The electronics box has, for example, a connection line 14a. Since the switching electronics and the connection sockets with electrical contacts are spatially separated from one another, a comparatively larger housing for the connection socket with the electrical contacts can be avoided. This makes it possible to mount the contact points, for example in the form of the connection sockets, at almost any location on a passenger seat 1. Due to the smaller installation space requirement, there are position options for the contact points, in the present example in the form of connection sockets 15 - 17, on a passenger seat 2 - 4 that were previously not technically feasible.

In the following figures 4 - 6, arrows are used to schematically explain where, for example, on a backrest element 12, on a seat divider 6 - 8 contact points for a data connection can be positioned or where on the respective passenger seat 2 - 4 evaluation electronics and/or a power supply unit can be placed.

Preferably, all surfaces on a passenger seat 2 - 4 that are accessible to the passenger when the passenger is sitting on the passenger seat 2 - 4 are suitable. However, the surfaces on a passenger seat 2 to 4 that are accessible to a passenger seat that has the corresponding passenger seat 2 to 4 in front of them are also suitable. Looking at Figure 4, arrows can be seen for possible positions of a data connection, in particular a USB connection, etc. The arrows 21 to 24 refer to a position on a seat divider 6, 7 of a passenger seat, for example passenger seat 4, and the arrows 25 to 27 point to positions on an armrest 29, 30, which is, for example, particularly hinged to the extension of the respective seat divider 6, 7.

On the armrest, the arrows 26 for the left and right armrests each point to a front surface of the elongated armrest 29, 30, which points in the direction of the seat. The arrows 25 and 27 point to positions that are either on the inside, e.g. in the front half of the armrest, or on the outside, e.g. in the front half. In this case, contact points, e.g. sockets 15, 16, 17, can be set up on the left or right armrest in relation to a seat position at position 26 or at positions 25 or 27, either individually or in any combination.

In particular, the front half of the armrest, in particular the front third, are suitable for attaching contact points on the inside of the armrest 29, 30 and/or on the outside and/or on the front.

For each seat divider, contact points can be arranged according to arrows 24 in an area of the seat divider that is above a plane in which a seat surface is located. However, it is also conceivable to attach them at a point or in an area of arrow 21, ie on a respective front side of the seat divider in relation to the direction of the seat. A side surface 6c of a seat divider 6, in particular in the front or rear area, can also be suitable according to arrows 22 and 23 if this Side surface 6c is accessible as an external seat. As already mentioned, only one single data connection point can be implemented, or several data connection points in different combinations.

In Figure 5, arrows 31 - 37 mark locations or areas on a rear side 12a of the backrest element 12 at which contact points, e.g. in the form of a socket or a plug, can be positioned or mounted and/or installed.

On the back 12a of the backrest element 12 is

For example, a folding table 12b and/or a literature pocket 12c are present. In a surrounding area 38 and 39 to the side of the literature pocket or above the literature pocket in the area 40, a data connection point can be provided individually or multiple times at the points marked there or in its areas according to the arrows 31 - 35. Due to the fact that the data connection point according to the invention, for example a USB socket without any electronics, has a comparatively small

If the cushioning element 12d has a different design, i.e. in particular an outer casing with comparatively small dimensions, it can be accommodated at these locations 31 - 35 without disturbing the function of an opposite cushioning area 12d.

The same applies to the locations marked by arrows 36 and 37 on the sides of a folding table. A data connection point can also be accommodated there if these side areas 12e and 12f are comparatively narrow.

Arrows 41 - 44 indicate places or areas on the

Seat dividers 6 and 7 marked, where also in single division or in combination a data connection point can be placed. For example in a raised area 6a or 7a of the seat dividers 6, 7. The same applies to areas 6b or 7b on the respective seat ledge 6 or 7 on the rear-facing surfaces of the respective seat divider 6, 7.

Although the location of a data connection point at the locations marked by arrows 41 - 44 or

Areas on the rear surface of the respective seat divider 6, 7, this section of the seat divider can be designed to be comparatively slim.

In Figure 6, arrows 45 - 47 mark a location or an area on the spars 9 or 10, at or in which a power supply unit and/or an electronics unit can be accommodated. A connection with a data connection point to a position according to arrows 19 - 28 and/or 31 - 37 and/or 41 - 44 can be made by one or more electrical lines (not shown). By spatially separating, for example, a completely "electronics-free" data connection point from the "electronics unit and/or power supply unit", the best possible spatial use of an aircraft passenger seat structure can be achieved, or this procedure provides possible positions for their accommodation, which would not be possible without this spatial separation. List of reference symbols:

1 row of aircraft seats

2 Passenger seat 3 Passenger seat

4 Passenger seat

5 Frame

6 seat plates

6a raised area 6b area

6c side surface

7 seat dividers

7a raised area

7b Area 8 Seat divider

9 bars

10 bars

11 Seating group

11a Seat 12 Backrest element

12a back

12b Folding table

12c Literature Bag

12d Upholstery area 12e Area

12f area

13 Connection group

14 Electronics box

14a Cable 15 Connection socket

16 Connection socket

17 Connection socket

18 electrical cable 19 electrical cable

20 electrical cable

21 Arrow

22 Arrow

23 Arrow

24 Arrow

25 Arrow

26 Arrow

27 Arrow

28 Arrow

29 Armrest

30 Armrest

31 Arrow

32 Arrow

33 Arrow

34 Arrow

35 Arrow

36 Arrow

37 Arrow

38 Surrounding area

39 Surrounding area

40 Area

41 Arrow

42 Arrow

43 Arrow

44 Arrow

45 Arrow

46 Arrow

47 Arrow

48 Arrow

Claims

Expectations

1. Aircraft passenger seat (2, 3, 4) comprising a structural component, wherein a data connection point (15, 16, 17) of a wired data connection is present on a surface on the structural component, wherein the wired data connection point comprises contact points for a matching counterpart, wherein the contact points are electrically connected to a respective electrical line (18, 19, 20), wherein at least two line wires are designed to provide a voltage supply and at least two line wires are designed to provide data transmission, and wherein the wired data connection comprises an electronic unit (14), characterized in that the electrical lines to a voltage supply unit and the electronic unit (14) for processing data bridge a minimum distance from the contact points in the structural component of the aircraft passenger seat (2, 3, 4), so that a spatial separation is established between the contact points and the voltage supply unit and the electronic unit for processing data via the electrical lines in the structural component.

2. Passenger seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the wired data connection comprises a USB Type C connection.

3. Passenger seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum distance is more than 3 cm.

4. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a voltage supply unit is present in the passenger seat.

5. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electronic unit (14) for processing data is present in the passenger seat.

6. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact points comprise a socket housing (15, 16, 17).

7. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact points comprise a plug.

8. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact points comprise several socket housings and/or plugs.

9. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that no voltage supply unit for the wired data connection is present in the passenger seat.

10. Passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is no electronic unit for processing the data from the wired data connection in the passenger seat.