SECURITY DEVICE

The containment device with integrated detection and pressure management systems addresses the challenge of monitoring and controlling battery deterioration and combustion risks, ensuring early detection and controlled gas release, thereby enhancing safety in confined spaces.

FR3170685A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-26JULES VANESSA

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
JULES VANESSA
Filing Date
2024-12-23
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing solutions for securing electronic devices with batteries do not effectively monitor or control incidents such as battery deterioration or combustion, which can lead to safety risks and damage, particularly in confined spaces like aircraft, often requiring restrictive storage policies.

Method used

A containment device with a housing having detection means to identify risks early and a pressure regulator to manage pressure, along with thermal and mechanical protection, limits the release of heat, smoke, and toxic gases until risks are detected, and includes communication means for centralized monitoring.

Benefits of technology

The device effectively contains and monitors potential hazards from deteriorating batteries, allowing early detection and controlled release of gases, enhancing safety by reducing the risk of uncontrolled incidents and enabling timely crew intervention.

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Abstract

A containment device for at least one element which, in a deteriorated state, presents safety hazards, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas and / or explosion, the device comprising a housing (10) having walls, detection means (42, 44, 45) configured to detect at least one of said hazards and access means configured to have an open position allowing the storage of said at least one element in the housing (10) and to have a closed position so as to form, with said walls of the housing (10), at least one enclosure confining said at least one element in such a way as to limit the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until the detection of one of said hazards. [Fig.1]
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Description

Title of the invention: SAFETY DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to the securing of objects, such as electronic devices equipped with a battery whose components present risks to the safety of users and people and / or surrounding installations, in the event of damage and / or combustion of these objects, and more particularly to a device enabling the management of incidents related to such objects, particularly in air transport.

[0002] Many electronic devices, such as mobile phones and electronic cigarettes, typically contain a battery that can deteriorate depending on usage conditions, such as improper connection of the battery to other device components or charging the battery with an unsuitable charger. These usage conditions present a risk of battery overcharging, leading to deterioration or even combustion of the battery, particularly through thermal runaway. Deterioration and combustion generally cause incidents that compromise the safety of people near the device and can lead to damage or even destruction of homes and vehicles, such as airplanes.

[0003] Battery deterioration generally results in a runaway chemical reaction that can generate smoke without the battery actually burning. A common example is the deterioration of lithium-ion batteries, which can occur when the battery voltage exceeds a certain threshold, at which point it begins to generate smoke containing hazardous chemical components. In particular, these chemical components can produce toxic gases when they react with air or water and are highly flammable.

[0004] Battery combustion occurs beyond a certain temperature and can lead to a fire or, in some cases, an explosion which is more difficult to control than a fire.

[0005] Such incidents therefore lead to dramatic consequences, at least for people nearby, particularly in the context of air transport where these incidents are difficult to control.

[0006] In this context, the storage of such devices is subject to restrictions which typically prevent their storage in the hold and prohibit the transport in the cabin of batteries exceeding a certain power (160 Watt hours according to the general conditions of carriage of the airline "Air France" dated September 19, 2024 for example) or of a certain quantity.

[0007] Solutions exist for securing these devices by storing them in fireproof bags, which delay the occurrence of the aforementioned incidents by limiting the risk of fire. These solutions do not allow for monitoring the occurrence of these incidents, which can then only be detected at an advanced stage of battery deterioration or combustion, during the release of toxic gas and deflagrations.

[0008] It may then be too late to control the incident and to allow time for the cabin crew to put in place contingency solutions to preserve passenger safety. Description of the invention

[0009] It is therefore one of the aims of this application to offer a solution to limit the consequences of incidents related to the deterioration and / or combustion of an electronic device, particularly in confined spaces such as aircraft.

[0010] The stated purpose above is achieved by a box designed to limit at least for a certain period the consequences of a defective object and comprising detection means to detect a defective operation as early as possible.

[0011] The present invention then relates to a device for containing at least one element which, in a deteriorated state, presents risks to safety, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas and / or an explosion, the device comprising a housing having walls, detection means configured to detect at least one of said risks and access means configured to have an open position allowing to store said at least one element in the housing and to have a closed position so as to form, with said walls of the housing, at least one enclosure trapping said at least one element so as to limit the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until the detection of one of said risks.

[0012] Preferably, the walls of the housing comprise a first material configured to ensure the mechanical strength of said housing under the effect of the pressure of the gases generated by said element in a deteriorated state and a second material to ensure thermal insulation so as to limit heating of the external surface of said housing by the heat generated by the device in a deteriorated state at least until the detection of one of said risks by the detection means.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing includes a compartment configured to store said detection means and a protective element configured to limit the propagation of heat between said enclosure and said compartment.

[0014] According to an additional feature, the detection means comprise a hydrogen fluoride detector.

[0015] According to another additional feature, the detection means include a smoke detector.

[0016] According to an additional feature, the detection means comprise a humidity sensor.

[0017] According to an additional feature, the detection means include a thermal sensor.

[0018] Most advantageously, the housing includes a pressure regulator configured to maintain the pressure of the enclosure below a maximum tolerated pressure corresponding to an enclosure pressure beyond which said enclosure is no longer sealed.

[0019] The pressure regulator may advantageously include a pressure sensor configured to detect when the pressure in the housing exceeds a threshold, a pressure relief valve configured to, in the event of detection of exceeding this threshold, reduce the pressure in the enclosure at least below said threshold, said valve advantageously including an absorbing element configured to limit the release of toxic gas from the reduction in pressure.

[0020] The housing may include connection means configured to connect said at least one element to a display device external to the device so as to allow data exchange between said at least one element and the display device.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a management system comprising - at least one containment device according to the invention, - a centralization device configured to identify the position of each containment device for which a risk has been detected.

[0022] The present invention also relates to an aircraft seat comprising a seat and a backrest and a containment device according to the invention, said device being disposed under the seat and mounted under the seat so as to be configured to be accessible to the passenger seated in the seat located behind said seat, said containment device being advantageously mounted to slide under said seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0023] The following description will be better understood with the aid of the attached drawings, in which: [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an example of a containment device according to the invention, [Fig.2] is a detailed representation of the compartment containing the detection means, [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of an example of an integrated aircraft management system, [Fig. 4A] and [Fig.4B] are schematic representations of an armchair comprising the containment device in a stowed position and in an extended position respectively, [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of another example of a containment device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION METHODS

[0024] Figure 1 schematically represents an example of a containment device for at least one element which, in a deteriorated state, presents safety risks, particularly to any persons or equipment located near said at least one element. This element is typically an electronic device such as a cell phone, an electronic cigarette, or an external battery, which are devices that can be transported on an airplane and for which transport restrictions apply.

[0025] Indeed, such devices typically include a battery (not shown) which presents risks when damaged, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas, and / or explosion. A fire ignited by a lithium-ion battery is typically a Class B fire, exhibiting instability due to the flash point of the components in this type of battery being located over a relatively wide temperature range.

[0026] In particular, explosions and the spread of smoke or toxic gas occur during an advanced stage of deterioration and combustion. "Advanced stage" means that the chemical reactions produced during the battery's deterioration have generated a quantity of gas or smoke that could be fatal if inhaled and / or could produce explosions upon contact with a flame. The "advanced stage" of combustion may differ from that of battery deterioration and corresponds to a flame spread that is difficult to control, i.e., one that requires intervention by qualified personnel and equipment such as fire extinguishers designed to extinguish a Class B fire, which may be present only in limited quantities in modes of transport such as aircraft.

[0027] The DISP device comprises a case 1, also referred to as the "case," in which one or more electronic devices 3, such as a cell phone and an external battery, can be stored, as shown in [Fig. 1]. The case 1 has walls forming the body of the case 10, an opening 9 in this example at the top of the body of the case allowing access to the inside of the case, and means of closing the opening, such as a cover 11 which also includes one or more walls according to an example of an embodiment.

[0028] The walls advantageously comprise several layers of materials which are distinguishable in the cross-sectional plane of [Fig.1].

[0029] Advantageously, the walls of the housing 1 comprise a layer of a first material 100 configured to ensure the mechanical strength of the housing 1 under the effect of the pressure of the gases generated by said at least one element in a deteriorated state.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first material 100 is a ceramic fiber composite which typically exhibits interesting thermomechanical properties for the containment of highly flammable gases, i.e. resistance to pressure and also to deflagrations caused by a battery explosion.

[0031] The walls of the housing 1 also include a layer of a second material 101 configured to provide thermal insulation so as to limit heating of the outer surface of said housing by the heat generated by the device in a deteriorated state.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the second material is silica aerogel which makes it possible to thermally insulate said enclosure E so as to limit the propagation of heat to the outside of the housing, in particular that produced by the deflagration caused by the combustion of the battery.

[0033] Advantageously, the walls also include a layer of polyetherimide or “PEI” which has high heat resistance and can be easily molded.

[0034] The silica aerogel layer is arranged between the ceramic fiber composite layer 100 and the polyetherimide layer 102 so as to limit thermal conduction between these two layers.

[0035] First and second materials different from those described above may be considered in other embodiments. The first material 100, according to another example, is silicon carbide with the chemical formula SiC, and more particularly a sintered silicon carbide ceramic which is typically manufactured by conventional sintering techniques that densify the silicon carbide. The second material 101, according to another example, is phenolic foam which advantageously possesses thermosetting properties that increase its mechanical strength as the temperature of the enclosure E increases.

[0036] Furthermore, a case whose walls are made of a single material allowing to ensure both mechanical, thermal strength and thermal insulation does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

[0037] The walls of the housing thus form a robust and heat-resistant structure that limits the spread of heat, smoke or toxic gas to the outside of the housing.

[0038] Advantageously, the housing comprises a layer of hydrophobic material on the outer surface of the ceramic fiber composite layer 100 or, alternatively, the outer surface of layer 100 has undergone a hydrophobic treatment. This hydrophobic layer reduces the risk of damage to the housing by a corrosive liquid.

[0039] The cover is configured to have an open position allowing access to the inside of the case to store said at least one element in the case and to have a closed position so as to form, with said walls of the case, an enclosure E.

[0040] Advantageously, the cover 11 includes seals 104.1 around its perimeter, intended to rest on the housing body 10, so as to improve the gas tightness of the device when the cover 11 is in the closed position. The seals are, for example, heat-resistant silicone seals 104.1. Alternatively, the seals are made of polytetrafluoroethylene "PTFE," more commonly known as "Teflon®." The cover 11 advantageously includes compressible foam seals 104.2, preferably arranged around the seals 104.1, so as to improve the liquid tightness of the device when the cover 11 is in the closed position. Those skilled in the art will be able to select the materials to be used for the seals 104.1 and 104.2, which are materials whose sealing properties are inherently known.

[0041] Preferably, the cover 11 also includes the walls as described above so as to limit the risk of propagation of heat, smoke or toxic gas outside the enclosure E when the cover 11 is in the closed position.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, the housing 1 includes locking means 110 for manually locking the housing, thereby securing the cover to the housing to ensure a seal between the cover and the housing. This is, for example, a bracket system or a latch system. Alternatively, the locking means are of the zipper type, for example, a watertight zipper such as the "aquaseal" zipper marketed by YKK.

[0043] These locking means can be operated by the passenger or by the crew.

[0044] Alternatively, the locking means are remotely controlled, for example they are configured to block access to the inside of the housing, for example by locking the opening of the cover 11, for a predetermined period which may correspond for example to the duration of an air flight.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing 1 includes a pressure regulator 5, shown in more detail in [Fig. 2], configured to maintain the pressure of the enclosure E below a maximum permissible pressure corresponding to a pressure in the enclosure beyond which said enclosure E is no longer leak-proof. The maximum permissible pressure corresponds to a threshold that can be estimated from the properties of the walls, in particular during testing phases of the housing's resistance to mechanical stresses due to overpressure.

[0046] The pressure regulator 5 makes it possible to reduce the pressure in the enclosure, in particular when the deterioration of the battery leads to its explosion, so that the casing does not deteriorate and release gas or smoke.

[0047] The pressure regulator 5 includes a pressure sensor 46 and a pressure relief valve 50. The pressure sensor 46 is configured to detect when the pressure in the housing 1 exceeds the pressure threshold and allows monitoring of the pressure evolution in the enclosure E. The pressure relief valve 50 is configured to reduce the pressure in the enclosure to at least below said threshold when it is detected to exceed this threshold. More specifically, the pressure relief valve 50 includes a conduit that has an inlet 501 connected to the enclosure E and an outlet 502 connected to the outside of the housing 1, and allows for the conventional operation of the pressure relief valve. Preferably, the pressure relief valve is a "non-automatically compensating" type valve configured to limit leakage of toxic gas and fumes outside the enclosure E.

[0048] The valve also includes an absorbent element 51 configured to limit the release of toxic gas from the pressure reduction. The absorbent element 51 is configured to absorb one or more chemical compounds when a gas passes through it. The absorbent element 51 comprises an absorbent synthetic copolymer such as that marketed by Chemizorb, enabling the absorption of hydrogen fluoride when the gas passes through the duct of the pressure relief valve.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing comprises a compartment C and a protective element 105 configured to limit the propagation of heat between said enclosure E and said compartment C. In particular, the housing comprises an opening in the walls so that compartment C communicates with enclosure E.

[0050] Said element 105 is a membrane sealing the opening between the compartment and the enclosure. The membrane 105 has advantageous thermal insulation properties and allows gas and / or smoke to pass into compartment C. Preferably, the membrane 105 is configured to limit the passage of liquid between enclosure E and compartment C. The membrane 105 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, acronym "PTFE", or includes a multilayer filter, for example.

[0051] Figure [Fig.2] schematically represents compartment C in more detail.

[0052] The DISP device includes detection means 4 configured to detect at least one of said risks, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas, and / or an explosion. In a preferred embodiment, compartment C is configured to store said detection means 4 so that they are protected by membrane 105. Of course, the housing may provide other locations in which the detection means 4 can be housed without these detection means being housed in a compartment. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing does not include any membrane between compartment C and enclosure E, and the detection means 4 are configured to be resistant to thermal and mechanical shocks.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment, the detection means 4 comprise detectors configured to detect the presence of at least one gas that could be released by the battery of the electronic devices 3 when the battery is in a deteriorated state. Preferably, the detection means 4 comprise a hydrogen fluoride detector 42, of chemical formula HF, configured to detect the presence of hydrogen fluoride. By way of example, the detector used is the "X-am 5100" model marketed by Dräger.

[0054] Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless gas generated during the combustion of lithium which can be fatal to humans if inhaled and is also highly flammable.

[0055] The type of detector to be used can be determined according to the chemical components of the battery and, in particular, the gases that can be generated during the deterioration of this battery.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the detection means 4 comprise a so-called "multi-gas" detector configured to detect several gases. Thus, the device is compatible with lithium-ion battery storage but is also compatible with other types of batteries depending on the gas detectors used.

[0057] The detection means 4 advantageously comprise a smoke detector 43, such as an optical detector, enabling detection when smoke is generated during battery deterioration.

[0058] The detection means 4 advantageously comprise a humidity sensor 44 configured to measure the humidity level in the enclosure E. Indeed, it may be desirable to determine whether the air contained in the enclosure, particularly when The lid 11 in the closed position is likely to promote reactions generating toxic and flammable gases, such as hydrogen fluoride.

[0059] The detection means 4 advantageously include a thermal sensor 45 configured to measure the temperature in enclosure E. The thermal sensor makes it possible to monitor the temperature evolution of the enclosure and to detect when the temperature exceeds a threshold beyond which the battery is considered to be damaged, for example. The threshold can be determined according to requirements and can include a margin allowing the onboard personnel to take the necessary measures to prevent the risk of battery combustion.

[0060] The detection means as described above are advantageously arranged in compartment C so as to be protected by the walls of the housing.

[0061] Such detection means 4 make it possible to detect at least one of the risks such as a release of heat, smoke, toxic gas and / or an explosion inside the casing 1, in particular before the deterioration and / or combustion is at an advanced stage.

[0062] The enclosure is also configured to limit the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until one of said risks is detected.

[0063] In this regard, a person skilled in the art will be able to dimension the enclosure, in particular the thickness of the wall layers 100, 101, and 102, so as to contain the heat, smoke, and toxic gas within the enclosure E until detection, or even for a longer period. More specifically, a person skilled in the art will be able to select suitable materials according to the characteristics of the battery to be contained within the enclosure 1, and to dimension the first material layer 100 so that the alteration of this layer by mechanical and thermal shocks, which may be caused by overpressure and / or battery explosions, does not lead to rupture or leakage before the risks are detected. An estimate of this time before rupture can be made during the test phases carried out under different conditions, taking into account the sensitivities of the detectors and sensors.The alternatives for the materials used for the walls, in particular the first material and the second material, are known in themselves and will not all be considered in this application.

[0064] Furthermore, the detection means 4 comprise a control circuit 40, such as an electronic board, connected to the detectors and sensors as described above. The control circuit 40 is configured to receive and process data from the various detectors and sensors.

[0065] Preferably, the control circuit 40 includes a memory 400 configured to store data from the various detectors and sensors as described above. The control circuit 40 also includes means for Communication 401, such as a Bluetooth module, for example the reference module "nRF52832" marketed by Nordic Semiconductor, configured to perform wireless communication with other devices. This example module allows data exchange with other devices using the Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, designated by the acronym "BLE," which is a communication protocol tolerated in environments such as aircraft where safety standards related to the communication method are strict. Alternatively, the communication means of the control circuit 40 are configured to exchange data using another communication protocol such as Wi-Fi.

[0066] The device advantageously comprises power supply means configured to power the control circuit 40 and the detectors 42, 43 and the sensors 44, 45. According to one embodiment, the power supply means include an electrical connection 6 (shown in [Fig. 1]) from outside the housing 1 that can be connected to the control unit 40 and supply it with power from an electrical source such as an aircraft's electrical network. Alternatively, the power supply means include a battery 41 located in compartment C and connected to the control circuit 40. The aforementioned sensors and detectors can be powered by the control circuit 40.

[0067] The pressure relief valve 50 and the pressure sensor 46 are advantageously connected to the control circuit 40 which allows the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor 46 to be processed and the valve to be controlled automatically.

[0068] Fig. 3 schematically represents an example of an integrated aircraft management system such as an airplane.

[0069] The aircraft 7 includes a cabin space 70 which includes several rows of seats 72, a space dedicated to the flight crew 71 and a cockpit 73 as well as a management system which includes the containment devices as described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

[0070] Each containment device is associated with each seat 72, it being understood that a containment device can be associated with more than one seat, for example when passengers share the same containment device to store their electronic devices. The memory 401 of the control units of each containment device is configured to store information enabling the containment device to be located, such as a position or the seat number 72.

[0071] The management system also includes a centralization device 710 configured to identify the position of each containment device for which a risk has been detected. The centralization device is, for example, located in the space dedicated to cabin crew 71, thus enabling them to locate containment devices more easily.

[0072] The containment devices are connected to the central control unit in such a way as to allow data exchange between the containment devices and the central control unit, in particular via the 401 communication means of the containment devices. Communication between the containment devices and the central control unit is preferably a secure wireless communication using data encryption / decryption programs that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art. It is also possible to connect the control circuit of the containment devices to a pre-existing network such as the data bus conforming to the ARINC 429 standard, which is commonly used for data transmission by aircraft computers.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the centralized system is a tablet provided to the cabin crew, enabling them to receive information while allowing them to move around the aircraft. The tablet is advantageously configured to run software compatible with iOS and Android operating systems, allowing a real-time notification to be displayed on the tablet screen indicating when a risk has been detected in the containment systems. The notification also indicates the level of risk, for example, using a color code determined based on data transmitted by sensors that alert the crew to the degree of danger of the detected risk, for example, if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.

[0074] Alternatively, the centralized system includes a control unit 710, such as a computer designed during the outfitting of the cabin and the crew area and powered by the aircraft's electrical system, and a display 711 connected to the control unit 710 configured to show the position of the containment devices and, optionally, data from sensors and detectors. This alternative has the advantage of using means that are powered securely and are already provided in some aircraft.

[0075] Alternatively or in combination, the centralisation device is carried by the aircraft instrument panel 731 or flight instruments, so that the pilot can be informed of the risks detected.

[0076] Each containment device may also include signaling means configured to emit an audible or visual signal in the event of detection of risks as described above. These signaling means thus make it possible to warn the crew even in the event of a failure of the central monitoring device or a communication error with it.

[0077] The management system can also be used to remotely control the locking means for the housings and thus control their unlocking at the end of flight, for example when the aircraft lands, and to control the locking just before takeoff. The locking means comprise an electromagnetic lock, which typically includes a solenoid configured to be powered, for example, by the electrical connection 6 or the battery 41, and a magnet configured to cooperate with the solenoid so as to lock the housing 1. The power supply to the solenoid is advantageously controlled remotely by the central control device so as to control the locking or unlocking. In addition, and advantageously, the locking means include a control for manually unlocking the magnetic lock independently of the other magnetic locks.

[0078] In addition, advantageously, a mechanical lock allowing manual locking as described above, such as a stirrup system or a latch system, for example. The mechanical lock allows the enclosure to be locked and unlocked in the event of a malfunction of the electromagnetic lock. For example, the electromagnetic lock is the "Rotary Door Lock RL" marketed by Kendrion.

[0079] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for installation in an aircraft

[0080] Figures 4A and 4B show an example of mounting a device according to the invention in an aircraft.

[0081] The aircraft conventionally comprises rows of seats 72 arranged one behind the other, most of each seat being located behind a seat in the row in front.

[0082] Each seat is fixed to the floor of the aircraft.

[0083] Each chair includes a backrest 74, a seat 76 and a support frame 78 allowing the chair to be fixed to the floor and ensuring that the seat is at a sufficient height.

[0084] The support chassis 78 has at least two lateral feet 80 spaced apart from each other and providing a space between them under the seat, for example for storing luggage and / or life jackets and / or any other safety equipment.

[0085] The box is mounted to slide under the seat of the chair so as to be accessible to the passenger occupying the chair located behind the chair containing the box.

[0086] For example, the frame is provided with two rails 80, each rail 80 being fixed to a leg and extending parallel to the seat 76, and the box has two slides 82, each fixed to one of two parallel lateral faces of the box. The slides 82 They are mounted to slide within the rails so that the cabinet can move parallel to the seat. Alternatively, the rails are fixed to the floor.

[0087] Advantageously, the housing is immobilized under the seat when access to it is not required. For example, push-pull type locking means for the housing's position are implemented between the housing and the support frame. This type of locking means is well known to those skilled in the art. The housing is unlocked by applying pressure in the direction of arrow F. Pulling can then be applied to the housing in the direction of arrow F' to extract it, at least partially, from under the seat and allow it to be opened. Locking is achieved by pushing the housing under the seat in the direction of arrow F until it reaches its stop under the seat, causing the push-pull type means to lock. The housing then moves slightly in the direction of arrow F. The housing is thus locked in translation under the seat and cannot move freely, particularly when the aircraft experiences turbulence.

[0088] Other means of locking the position of the box are conceivable, for example by means of a bolt.

[0089] Advantageously, means for detecting when the storage compartment under the seat is locked are implemented. For example, an electrical circuit is closed when the drawer is effectively locked under the seat. Current flow is detected in the electrical circuit. Advantageously, this information is relayed to the flight crew, for example, to the central monitoring system.

[0090] Sliding the box so as to extract it from under the chair is sufficient to allow the lid to be opened with a large amplitude.

[0091] Advantageously a handle 13 is provided to allow the compartment to be extracted from under the seat, for example it is a strap fixed on the face of the compartment facing the passenger.

[0092] When the box is pulled out from under the chair, the lid can be unlocked in order to place objects in it or to retrieve objects.

[0093] The housing is connected to the aircraft's electrical and communication network by means of wired connections. The mounting and sliding mechanism of the housing relative to the seat are designed to ensure this connection without risk of damage. For example, the electrical connection is made via rails and slides.

[0094] Very advantageously the assembly of the box is such that it can be easily and quickly removed from under the seat, in particular by the flight crew, especially when the detection means indicate abnormal activity of the object(s) stored in the box, in order to carry out the operations planned for this purpose, for example to store the box in a secure place.

[0095] In another embodiment, the box is not movable horizontally but vertically or diagonally depending on the available space.

[0096] Preferably, the size of the box is such that it allows a space to be maintained between the seat and the box for safety / rescue equipment, such as the safety vest 8 as shown schematically in figures 4A and 4B.

[0097] It is possible to consider that the box be mounted to slide under the seat occupied by the passenger who can use the box. In this case, the box slides forward from the seat occupied by the user's access to the box.

[0098] It will be understood that the box can be mounted sliding under a train or bus seat.

[0099] In an advantageous embodiment, the seat 72 includes an ECR display device such as a touchscreen configured to implement functionalities such as video playback, ordering via an in-flight catering service, or real-time tracking of the aircraft's movement. Such an ECR display device is typically installed on the seats 72 during cabin outfitting and can advantageously be connected to the central device for data exchange or include an electronic circuit enabling autonomous operation of the display device. According to this advantageous embodiment, the containment device includes connection means configured to connect the electronic devices stored in the housing 1 to the ECR display device so as to allow the passenger to use the data from the electronic device via the display device.The connection means include, for example, USB ports configured to allow data exchange between the electronic device and the electronic circuit 40 and, advantageously, to power the electronic device. In one variant, the communication means of the electronic circuit 40 are also configured to allow data exchange between the electronic device and the electronic circuit via a wireless connection.

[0100] The display device and the means of connection thus allow passengers to access the content of their electronic devices such as telephones while allowing these devices to be stored securely.

[0101] Figure 5 schematically represents another example of a containment device according to the invention. The containment device differs from the containment device as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 in that the walls of the device and the access means form a first enclosure E1 and a second enclosure E2. The first enclosure E1 and the second enclosure E2 are configured to separately enclose electronic devices in such a way as to limit the release of heat, smoke, and toxic gases outside of each of the enclosures El and E2 at least until one of the aforementioned risks is detected in each of the enclosures. Detection is carried out in particular by means of the detection means 4 which are preferably provided in each of the enclosures El or E2 or in a compartment (not shown) located between the two enclosures and communicating with both enclosures.

[0102] Storing the electronic devices separately in two enclosures El, E2 helps to limit the risk of an incident spreading from one of the electronic devices to the other electronic devices stored in the enclosure.

Claims

Demands

1. Containment device for at least one item (3) which, in a deteriorated state, presents safety hazards, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas and / or explosion, the device comprising a housing (10) having walls, detection means (44, 44, 45) configured to detect at least one of said hazards and access means configured to have an open position allowing the storage of said at least one item (3) in the housing and to have a closed position so as to form, with said walls of the housing (10), at least one enclosure confining said at least one item (3) so as to limit the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until the detection of one of said hazards.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the walls of the housing comprise a first material configured to ensure the mechanical strength of said housing (10) under the effect of the pressure of the gases generated by said element in a deteriorated state and a second material to ensure thermal insulation so as to limit heating of the outer surface of said housing (10) by the heat generated by the device in a deteriorated state at least until the detection of one of said risks by the detection means.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing (10) includes a compartment configured to store said detection means and a protective element configured to limit the propagation of heat between said housing and said compartment.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detection means comprise a hydrogen fluoride detector (42).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detection means comprise a smoke detector.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means include a humidity sensor (44).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means include a thermal sensor (45).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) includes a pressure regulator configured to maintain the pressure of the enclosure below a maximum permissible pressure corresponding to an enclosure pressure beyond which said enclosure is no longer leak-proof.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the pressure regulator includes a pressure sensor (46) configured to detect when the pressure in the housing exceeds a threshold, a pressure relief valve (50) configured to, in the event of detection of exceeding this threshold, reduce the pressure in the enclosure at least below said threshold, said valve (50) advantageously comprising an absorbing element configured to limit the release of toxic gas from the reduction in pressure.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) includes connection means configured to connect said at least one element to a display device external to the device so as to permit data exchange between said at least one element and the display device.

11. Management system comprising: - at least one containment device as defined in any of the preceding claims, - a centralization device configured to identify the position of each containment device for which a risk has been detected.

12. Aircraft seat comprising a seat (76) and a backrest (74) and a containment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said device being disposed under the seat (76) and being mounted under the seat (76) so as to be configured to be accessible to the passenger seated in the seat located behind said seat, said containment device being advantageously mounted to slide under said seat (76).