Induction charging housing for a seat with a crossbar support device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an induction charging housing for a seat equipped with a transverse restraint device. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in "business class" and "first class" seating units of an aircraft cabin.

[0002] As is typical, such a seating unit comprises a seat and a side console with storage compartments positioned along one side of the seat. In addition, a shell extends at least partially around the seat to create a private space for the passenger. This configuration ensures the passenger's privacy.

[0003] The seat offers the passenger various comfort positions, from a seated position to a reclined position, in which the seat creates a nearly horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also available, such as the "relax" position, in which the seat back is deeply reclined. These intermediate positions are generally achieved by tilting the backrest, which pivots around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the seat's extension axis. The passenger can remain seated during transitions between the different positions. The seat typically consists of a backrest and a seat cushion and may include a leg rest and / or footrest, which can be fixed or linked to the seat's movement.

[0004] Inductive charging of portable electronic devices, typically mobile phones, is increasingly requested by airlines for business class seats. The inductive charger is usually integrated into a horizontal surface on the upper part of the console, forming a table on which the passenger can place personal items, drinks, a meal tray, or anything else they wish to have within easy reach during their flight. However, this type of inductive charger doesn't guarantee that the mobile phone will remain perfectly still for charging. Furthermore, it occupies upper space on the console that could be better used and doesn't automatically provide a direct view of the phone's charging progress from the passenger's seat.

[0005] US9788021 describes a video display system for a passenger seat in a vehicle. The video display system is configured to be mounted on the back of a passenger seat. The display system includes a video display assembly with a display housing configured to be mounted on a structure within the vehicle. A video monitor is housed within the display housing. The video display assembly includes a dependent portion located below the video monitor area capable of displaying computer-generated graphics and / or information.

[0006] Document EP2833501 describes a support device for a portable electronic device comprising a strain plate arranged within a retaining section. The strain plate is pivotally supported at its upper section, while the lower section is inclined towards the mounting surface of a main body housing. Because the lower section of the strain plate is strained towards the mounting surface of the main body housing by means of a spring, the upper part of a mobile phone can be pulled forward and upward when the mobile phone is inserted into the retaining section.

[0007] Document DE102015222685 describes a mounting device for securing at least one rechargeable battery-powered mobile device in a vehicle. The mounting device comprises a support surface on which a mobile device can be placed, and a wireless charging unit for wirelessly charging the mobile device's battery, positioned on the mounting surface. The mounting device is configured so that the mobile device can be secured by moving the mounting surface from one position to another.

[0008] US patent 2014 / 183910 describes a meal tray arrangement comprising a meal tray having a first side and a second side. The tray arrangement also includes a bearing arrangement for the meal tray. The second side includes a retaining device for a mobile device. The bearing arrangement is configured to rotate the tray element about at least one axis that lies in or parallel to a plane of the meal tray.

[0009] Document EP3230162 describes a system for holding a portable electronic device comprising a retractable device holder configured to connect to an entertainment system and to hold the portable electronic device in front of the entertainment system. The retractable device holder may have stowed and extended configurations such that, when stowed, the device holder is at least partially concealed behind the entertainment system; and when extended, the device holder is positioned to hold the portable electronic device for viewing by a user.

[0010] The invention aims to effectively remedy these drawbacks by proposing a seating unit for a transport vehicle comprising a seat including a seat cushion and a backrest, an induction charging housing for a portable electronic device having a vertical orientation, said induction charging housing having a lower face against which an edge of the portable electronic device is intended to rest, a top face, a right side face, a left side face, and a housing bottom, an induction charger capable of generating a magnetic field inside the induction charging housing, and a retaining device for the portable electronic device having a cross arm, said retaining device being configured so that the cross arm keeps the portable electronic device pressed against the bottom of the induction charging housing.

[0011] The invention, by integrating a vertically oriented inductive charging pad, saves space on the console table surface. The retention system ensures inductive charging of the portable electronic device when it is held vertically. Furthermore, this charging pad arrangement allows the passenger to maintain a constant view of the portable electronic device, particularly to monitor the battery charge level.

[0012] The cross arm is located at an intermediate height of the induction charging housing.

[0013] The retaining device is mobile in translation along a direction normal to the bottom of the induction charging housing.

[0014] The retaining device comprises a transverse arm and a guide arm capable of sliding inside a guide cavity made in the bottom of the induction charging housing.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, a return spring is disposed inside the guide cavity.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device is fixed relative to the induction charging housing and comprises a layer of deformable material fixed to a rear face of the transverse arm, said layer of deformable material being intended to be compressed to keep the portable electronic device pressed against the bottom of the induction charging housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable material layer consists of a shape memory foam layer.

[0018] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying figures, presented by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit comprising an induction charging housing according to the present invention; [ Fig. 2a ] ] Fig. 2b] [Fig. 2c ] THE figures 2a , 2b, et 2c are respectively perspective, front, and side views of an unclaimed example of a retaining device for a portable electronic device disposed inside an induction charging housing; Fig. 3a] [Fig. 3b ] ] Fig. 3c ] THE figures 3a, 3b , And 3care respectively perspective, front, and side views of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for retaining a portable electronic device disposed inside an induction charging housing; [ Fig. 4a ] ] Fig. 4b] [Fig. 4c ] THE figures 4a , 4b, et 4c are respectively perspective, front, and side views of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for retaining a portable electronic device disposed inside an induction charging housing.

[0019] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0020] Furthermore, in the following description, relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat in front of which is an induction charging housing according to the invention.

[0021] There figure 1 shows a seating unit 10 comprising a seat 12 associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12.

[0022] More specifically, seat 12 comprises a seat cushion 12.1 and a backrest 12.2. Seat 12 has an extension axis X1 defined by the intersection between a horizontal plane and a vertical median plane of seat 12 corresponding to a plane of symmetry of seat 12. The extension axis X1 of seat 12 may form a non-zero angle with respect to a direction parallel to or coinciding with a central axis of the aircraft X2. In this case, seat 12 is oriented towards axis X2. Alternatively, seat 12 may be oriented in a direction opposite to axis X2. Alternatively, the axis X1 of seat 12 extends parallel to the central axis of the aircraft X2.

[0023] The seat 12 is advantageously equipped with a mechanism allowing it to move between a "seated" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a passenger's seating position, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat 12.1 and the backrest 12.2 define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously almost horizontal. Intermediate comfort positions are also offered, such as the "relax" position in which one backrest of the seat 12 is significantly reclined.

[0024] A privacy screen 14 extends at least partially around the seat 12 to create a space around the passenger. The privacy screen 14 is made, for example, of a composite material. This configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in seat 12.

[0025] A 16-inch video screen of a multimedia or IFE (Inflight Entertainment System) system can be installed on a rear part of the privacy shell 14 so that it can be used by a rear passenger.

[0026] The console 13 may include an upper panel 17 forming a table on which the passenger can place items, as well as a storage compartment 18 containing one or more items such as a bookcase, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage options is configurable according to the airline's requirements. The console 13 may also include a reading light 19 designed to direct light towards seat 12.

[0027] A cavity 21 is located beneath the upper wall 17. The cavity 21 is open laterally towards the seat 12. In addition, a horizontal face 22 of the console 13 serves as an armrest. For this purpose, the horizontal face 22 may locally have a curved cuff shape 23 conforming to the shape of part of the passenger's arm.

[0028] The console 13 also includes a control unit 25 for seat 12 and its ancillary components (called a "PCU" for "Passenger Control Unit"). The control unit 25 allows the passenger to select a seat 12 position and to control ancillary components, such as a video system, a heating system, an ambient lighting system, or any other ancillary component that can be integrated into seat 12.

[0029] To allow the passenger to lie down, the console 13 may include a hollow space 27 seen through the transparent figure 1 in which is arranged an ottoman 28. The ottoman 28 has a horizontal face forming a footrest on which a rear passenger can place their feet when the seat 12 is in the "reclined" position.

[0030] The seat unit 10 can also conventionally include a mobile meal tray 26 between a stored position (corresponding to that shown on the figure 1 ) in which the meal tray 26 is located inside a housing provided in the console 13 and a deployed position in which the meal tray 26 is located outside the housing to allow the passenger to place a meal tray on it.

[0031] The seat unit 10 also includes an inductive charging slot 30 for a portable electronic device 31. This portable electronic device 31 can be a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop. The following description refers to a mobile phone as an example, but it is understood that this mobile phone could be replaced by any other portable electronic device capable of being charged inductively.

[0032] The induction charging housing 30 is located at the rear of the backrest 12.2. In this case, the induction charging housing 30 is made in the rear face of the privacy shell 14. Alternatively, the induction charging housing 30 can be made in the rear face of the backrest 12.2.

[0033] The inductive charging housing 30 comprises a lower face 32 against which an edge of the mobile phone 31 is intended to rest, an upper face 33, a right side face 34, a left side face 35, and a housing base 36. The base 36 is located in relief from the rear face of the privacy case 14 or, where applicable, the backrest 12.2. The faces 32, 33, 34, 35 extend perpendicularly with respect to the base 36.

[0034] The induction load housing 30 has a vertical orientation, such that the bottom 36 of the induction load housing 30 extends in a vertical plane P. The induction load housing 30 is thus open outwards in a horizontal direction. Advantageously, the induction load housing 30 has a longitudinal extension D1 extending vertically. Alternatively, the longitudinal extension D1 can extend horizontally.

[0035] An induction charger 38 is capable of generating a magnetic field inside the induction charging slot 30. The action of this magnetic field causes a charging current to flow to a battery inside the mobile phone 31, which is equipped with a coil for this purpose. The induction charger 38 is advantageously located behind the base 36 of the induction charging slot 30. Alternatively, the induction charger 38 constitutes at least a portion, or even the entirety, of the base 36. Thus, when the mobile phone 31 is placed against the base 36 of the slot 30, the battery of the mobile phone 31 can be recharged without contact via the induction charger 38.

[0036] A retaining device 41 for the portable electronic device 31 includes a transverse arm 42. The retaining device 41 is configured so that the transverse arm 42 keeps the portable electronic device 31 pressed against the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30 behind which the induction charger 38 is located.

[0037] For this purpose, the transverse arm 42 has a longitudinal extension direction D2 extending parallel to the bottom 36 of the induction load housing 30. Advantageously, the transverse arm 42 has a longitudinal extension direction D2 extending horizontally. In the example shown, the transverse arm 42 has a longitudinal extension direction D2 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal elongation direction D1 of the induction load housing 30. Alternatively, the transverse arm 42 has a longitudinal extension direction extending vertically.

[0038] Advantageously, the cross arm 42 extends along at least a portion of a width L1 of the induction charging housing 30, in particular along at least 30%, in particular at least 50% of the total width of the induction charging housing 30. Preferably, the cross arm 42 is configured to extend along at least 80% of the width L1 of the mobile phone 31 and preferably along the entire width of the mobile phone 31.

[0039] The transverse arm 42 is located at an intermediate height L2 of the induction charging housing 30 to ensure uniform support on the portable electronic device 31. The intermediate height L2 is between 20% and 80%, preferably between 20% and 50%, of the total height L3 of the induction charging housing 30. The heights L2 and L3 are measured vertically with respect to the lower face 32 of the induction charging housing 30.

[0040] In the unclaimed example illustrated in figures 2a , 2b, et 2c , the retaining device 41 is mobile in rotation around a spring hinge 44 having a horizontal axis X3.

[0041] More specifically, the retaining device 41 comprises two lateral arms 45, 46 extending on either side of the transverse arm 42. Each lateral arm 45, 46 has a free end connected to the spring hinge 44. The movable part thus has an inverted U shape so as to be able to support the mobile phone 31 in its central part without hiding the lower and lateral parts of the mobile phone 31.

[0042] The spring hinge 44 is positioned below or at the level of the lower face 32 of the induction charging housing 30. The spring hinge 44 can be located in the plane of the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30. Alternatively, the spring hinge 44 can be offset rearward relative to the plane of the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30.

[0043] The retaining device 41 is movable between an open position in which the retaining device 41 is away from the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30 to allow insertion of the mobile phone 31 into the space extending between the transverse arm 42 and the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30 and a closed position in which the retaining device 41 comes to rest, via the transverse arm 42, against the front face of the mobile phone 31 to press said mobile phone 31 against the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30.

[0044] In the open position, the gap between the retaining device 41 and the base 36 of the housing is approximately 10 mm to facilitate the positioning of the mobile phone 31. When no mobile phone 31 is placed behind the cross arm 42, the cross arm 42 is pressed against the base 36 of the inductive charging housing 30 or has a very small gap, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm, with respect to the base 36 of the inductive charging housing 30. Such a range of motion of the retaining device 41 thus makes it easy to adapt to mobile phones 31 of varying thickness from one model to another.

[0045] In order to install his mobile phone 31 inside the charging compartment, the passenger pulls the retaining device 41 towards him, so as to pivot it around the spring hinge 44 along the arrow F1 to move the transverse arm 42 away from the bottom 36 and thus move the retaining device 41 into the open position. The passenger can then position their mobile phone 31 between the base 36 of the inductive charging compartment 30 and the transverse arm 42. By releasing the retaining device 41, the transverse arm 42 automatically presses the mobile phone 31 against the base 36 of the inductive charging compartment 30 and therefore against the inductive charger 38 due to the action of the hinge spring 44. When the retaining device 41 is pressed against the mobile phone 31, the angle formed by the lateral arms 45, 46 with respect to a vertical direction depends on the thickness of the mobile phone 31.

[0046] In the method of implementation of figures 3a, 3b , 3c , the retaining device 41 is mobile in translation along a direction D3 normal to the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30.

[0047] The retaining device 41 comprises the transverse arm 42 and a guide arm 49 adapted to slide within a guide cavity 50 formed in the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30. The guide arm 49 can be located on the right side 34 or the left side 35 of the induction charging housing 30. The retaining device 41 thus has an L-shape. The space delimited by the retaining device 41 and the bottom 36 of the housing is open on the side opposite the guide arm 49.

[0048] A return spring 51 is disposed inside the guide cavity 50. The return spring 51 tends to apply a return force on the retaining device 41 towards the bottom 36 of the induction load housing 30.

[0049] The retaining device 41 is movable between an open position in which the retaining device 41 is away from the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30 to allow insertion of the mobile phone 31 into the space extending between the transverse arm 42 and the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30 and a closed position in which the retaining device 41 comes to rest, via the transverse arm 42, against the front face of the mobile phone 31 to press said mobile phone 31 against the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30.

[0050] In the open position, the gap between the retaining device 41 and the base 36 of the housing is approximately 10 mm to facilitate the positioning of the mobile phone 31. When no phone is placed behind the cross arm 42, the cross arm 42 is pressed against the base 36 of the inductive charging housing 30 or has a very small gap, in particular between 1 and 5 mm, with respect to the base 36 of the inductive charging housing 30. Such a range of motion of the retaining device 41 thus makes it easy to adapt to mobile phones of varying thickness from one model to another.

[0051] To install their mobile phone 31 inside the inductive charging compartment 30, the passenger pulls the retaining device 41 towards them, thus moving the transverse arm 42 away from the base 36 and into the open position. The passenger can then position their phone between the base 36 and the transverse arm 42. Upon releasing the retaining device 41, the transverse arm 42 automatically presses the phone against the base 36 of the inductive charging compartment 30, and therefore against the inductive charger 38, due to the action of the return spring 51.

[0052] In the method of implementation of figures 4a , 4b, et 4cThe retaining device 41, in particular the arm 42, is fixed relative to the induction charging housing 30. A layer 52 of deformable material is fixed to a rear face of said transverse arm 42, located opposite the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30. The deformable material layer 52 can be fixed by bonding, overmolding, or any other fastening technique suitable for the application. The deformable material layer 52 is preferably made of a shape memory foam layer. Alternatively, any other deformable material suitable for the application may be used.

[0053] The deformable material layer 52 is intended to be compressed to hold the mobile phone 31 against the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30.

[0054] The transverse arm 42 can be connected to the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing 30 via a connecting arm 53 located at one end of the transverse arm 42. The connecting arm 53 can be located on the right side 34 or the left side 35 of the induction charging housing 30. The free end of the transverse arm 42 can be mechanically connected to the side opposite to the side on which the connecting arm 53 is located. Alternatively, the transverse arm 42 can be connected directly to the right side 34 or left side 35 of the induction charging housing 30. The transverse arm 42 then extends from the left or right transverse face transversely inside the induction charging housing 30. Alternatively, connecting arms 53 located on either side of the transverse arm 42 are mechanically connected to the bottom 36 of the induction charging housing. 30.

[0055] In the absence of a phone, the foam layer 52 is not crushed, i.e., compressed. There is therefore a small gap, for example between 3 mm and 7 mm, and preferably 5 mm, between the bottom 36 of the storage compartment and the foam layer 52. This gap is designed to be less than the thickness of the mobile phone 31.

[0056] When the mobile phone 31 is inserted behind the transverse arm 42, between the foam layer 52 and the base 36 of the inductive charging housing 30, the foam layer 52 compresses between the mobile phone 31 and the fixed arm 42, holding the mobile phone 31 in position inside the inductive charging housing 30. When the foam layer 52 is compressed, the gap between the foam and the base 36 of the inductive charging housing 30 corresponds to the thickness of the phone. This gap is, for example, between 8 mm and 10 mm. The compression of the foam layer 52 caused by inserting the mobile phone 31 ensures that the mobile phone 31 is held firmly against the inductive charger 38 while preventing lateral movement of the mobile phone 31.

[0057] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they fall within the scope of the annexed claims.

[0058] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variants that a person skilled in the art might consider within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seat unit (10) for a transport vehicle comprising: - a seat comprising a seat pan and a backrest (12.2), and - an induction charging housing (30) for a portable electronic device (31), - said induction charging housing (30) having a vertical orientation, - said induction charging housing (30) comprising a lower face (32) against which an edge of the portable electronic device (31) is intended to rest, an upper face (33), a right side face (34), a left side face (35), and a housing bottom (36) , - an induction charger (38) capable of generating a magnetic field inside the induction charging housing (30), - a retaining device (41) for the portable electronic device (31) including a transverse arm (42) located at an intermediate height (L2) of the induction charging housing (30), - the retaining device (41) being configured so that the transversal arm (42) presses the portable electronic device (31) against the bottom (36) of the induction charging housing (30), - the retaining device (41) being mobile in translation in a normal direction relative to the bottom (6) of the induction charging housing (30), characterized in that the retaining device (41) includes the transversal arm (42) and a guiding arm that is able to slide in a guiding cavity (50) made in the bottom (33) of the induction charging housing (30).

2. The seat unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a return spring (51) is arranged inside the guiding cavity (50).