Panel for mounting a passenger supply unit and a passenger supply unit

Abstract

A panel for covering a supply channel in a passenger cabin of a vehicle including a mounting surface facing the passenger cabin while the panel covers the supply channel. The panel is elongated in a longitudinal direction and adapted for mounting passenger supply units. The mounting surface includes spaced openings arranged along a longitudinal direction of the panel, wherein each opening includes a connector assembly for a passenger supply unit. The panel includes a mount securing passenger supply units. The mounting surface comprises extended areas for providing support in opposing lateral directions to passenger supply units mounted to the panel.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 15150128.5 filed Jan. 5, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a panel for covering a supply channel in a passenger cabin of a vehicle. The panel comprises a mounting surface for facing towards the passenger cabin while the panel is mounted for covering a supply channel. The invention further relates to a passenger supply unit and a system comprising a panel for covering a supply channel and a plurality of passenger supply units mounted to the panel.[0003]In passenger cabins of vehicles used in public transport such as passenger aircraft several different apparatuses or supply means are installed overhead the passenger seats. Some of these apparatuses improve the comfort of the passengers while others are provided as safety measures. Examples for apparatuses that improve the comfort of passengers are reading...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a panel that can cover a supply channel in a vehicle and allow for the mounting of passenger supply units overhead. This panel is advantageous in that it provides a single mounting surface that is visible to passengers, reducing the hindrance of views. The panel is also made in one piece or at least less pieces than previous versions, which saves time and reduces the chances of malfunctions. Additionally, the use of a single connector to connect the panel to the vehicle's systems makes the installation easier and allows for quick replacement of malfunctioning parts.

Problems solved by technology

This makes installing the apparatuses cumbersome and time consuming as different parts are required for each apparatus.

However, it has been found that the color of the different panels and their extension in a mounting or vertical direction, i.e., their height, can only be manufactured with limited accuracy due to production tolerances.

Thus, the color of the panels and the height of the apparatuses does usually not exactly match.

In combination with the different lengths of the panels in the longitudinal direction of the supply channel an irregular or non-uniform pattern is created which may reduce a passenger's comfort.

Thus, considerable effort is required each time a different layout is implemented or a layout is modified.

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