CN1158681A - airplane phone - Google Patents

Abstract

The telephone (20) is designed to be installed in the armrest (22) of a standard second-class aircraft seat (24). The telephone (20) preferably has a microphone and speaker, a standard 12-key keypad (32), and a credit card reader (46). The telephone (20) is sized to fit within a holder (26) installed in the armrest (22), such that the telephone (20) protrudes no more than approximately 0.5 inches from the side of the armrest (22). Each passenger is provided with their own telephone (20) installed in their individual seat armrest (22) for their own use. The mobile phone (20) includes other functions such as an onboard attendant call button (104); an onboard attendant call cancel button (106); a light switch (108); radio/television controls, such as channel control (110), channel display (112), and volume control (114), which can be integrated into the mobile phone (20) to facilitate the use of these buttons on the armrest (22). Further functions may include video game console controls, namely directional control (124), game selection keys (126), and a shoot key (128).

Description

airplane phone

Related application

This application is a continuation-in-part of a pending application filed April 21, 1994, entitled "Aircraft Telephone Headset Design." background of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of telephone devices for use by passengers of commercial aircraft.

As most commercial jet travelers know, space is at a premium on a commercial plane as airlines must maximize the number of passengers per plane. It is important that the ancillary facilities used to provide special services on the aircraft do not interfere with the space available on the aircraft to accommodate passengers.

An increasingly popular service offered on board aircraft is the availability of telephones wirelessly linked to standard ground long-distance services. As passengers become more accustomed to using phones on board, it would be ideal to provide more phones in the cabin without taking up any more passenger space.

In the prior art, the telephone device is usually installed on the back of the aircraft seat and on the bulkhead near the front and rear of the aircraft. Both positions avoid critical passenger space. However, this is achieved at the expense of passenger convenience.

In the case of bulkhead mounted telephones, there are usually only one or two telephones for an entire group of passengers. Therefore, when a passenger needs to use the telephone, he stands up and walks to the place where the telephone device is provided, which will inevitably disturb the passengers in the same row as him. In addition, every time a passenger wants to use the phone, the passenger seated next to the phone device is disturbed.

In the case of seat-back mounted telephones, it is common to provide one telephone unit for the entire row or group of passengers. Therefore, passengers who do not have a telephone set in front of them will inevitably disturb the passengers who are close to the telephone if they want to get the telephone to make their calls.

Even if a telephone unit is provided for each passenger behind adjacent rows of seats, using a telephone is somewhat inconvenient. In order to remove the telephone from the back of the seat, the user may interfere with the passengers seated on the seat on which the telephone is installed. In addition, since the telephone is connected by a cord to its socket, the cord extends between the two rows of seats when the telephone is used. Therefore, other passengers cannot walk past the seat of the person sitting there while the telephone is being used. Therefore, it would be desirable to find another location for the telephone unit, however, in most aircraft there is no room to spare the telephone unit.

Since size is not a major constraint when placing a telephone set on the back of an aircraft seat, aircraft telephone sets vary in size in the prior art. The only important limitation in mounting the phone behind the seat is the width of the seat, ie it should be ensured that the phone unit does not exceed the width of the seat. Conventional telephone devices mounted behind seats or on bulkheads of aircraft are of such dimensions that there are few alternative locations on the aircraft where such telephone devices could otherwise be located.

Therefore, it is desirable to design a kind of telephone device that can be arranged on a certain very small position on the aircraft, so that every passenger can use the telephone device and do not affect other passengers when using the telephone device.

Another issue related to the installation of features on aircraft that provide passengers with special services is maintenance. In order for an airline to operate profitably, it is necessary to minimize the downtime of aircraft. With the addition of facilities for passenger comfort, so has the difficulty of maintenance. This is because every new system installed at every passenger seat has the potential to fail. When a considerable number of failures occur, the aircraft must be taken out of service long enough to be repaired.

The facilities that make passengers feel comfortable are generally arranged in several positions around the passenger seats. The flight attendant call button is often located on the cabin roof together with the light switch and reading light. The telephone is generally arranged on the back of the seat, and it is also installed on the back of the seat in the case of a television display screen. Audio controls such as volume controls and channel controls are often located on the armrest, while lighting controls and flight attendant call buttons are sometimes located on the armrest as well. When a video game console controller is fitted, it is often mounted on the armrest as well. This configuration of components, each a potential source of failure, adds to the complexity of maintaining the aircraft and thus increases the cost to the airline. Since most of these system repairs require the removal and replacement of the failed unit in order to enable it to be repaired without delaying the flight, the removal of several different systems in several different locations will require the airline to stockpile The number of replacement parts increases, as does the cost for airlines to train personnel to remove and repair each type of part.

It would therefore be beneficial to have a common controller/telephone unit that can be easily replaced by untrained personnel and that can control as many passenger comfort features as possible.

Summary of the invention

A preferred embodiment of the passenger telephone of the present invention is a telephone unit designed to allow the receiver to be mounted in the armrest of a common second class or economy class seat. Of course, this is the part of the plane where space is most precious and where airlines must accommodate as many passengers as possible.

A preferred embodiment of an aircraft passenger telephone device includes: a standard airliner passenger seat having a retractable armrest on at least one side thereof; a cradle box for forming an open cavity and having fasteners; and a telephone handset, Installs in the open cavity of the bracket box. The size of the telephone handset assembled in the cradle box mounted on the armrest is preferably such that the telephone handset protrudes no more than about 0.5 inches from the side of the armrest. This will ensure that the passenger's seating area is not restricted. The overall dimensions of the bracket box mounted on the side of the armrest are preferably less than 8.25 inches by 2.25 inches by 1.0 inches. The telephone handset has overall overall dimensions of less than 7.25 inches by 2.0 inches by 1.5 inches and has a member cooperating with a fastener for retaining the receiver within the cradle case. The mobile phone preferably includes: a 12-key keypad for entering the number to be dialed; a microphone located near one end of the mobile phone; a loudspeaker located near the other end of the mobile phone; Wire.

Since cell phones can fit in the armrests of regular second-class seats on planes, it's a good idea to have each passenger's own phone in the armrest of their seat. This allows passengers to make calls without disturbing passengers on the same plane.

Since each passenger is provided with a mobile phone in his armrest, other functions that each passenger may require can also be incorporated in the mobile phone. For example, commonly used functions associated with the Digital Passenger Control Unit (DPCU), such as an on-board attendant call button, an on-board attendant call cancel button, and personal lighting controls for turning on and off passenger reading lights, etc. Passengers easily use these buttons on their armrests. Other functions of the DPCU include radio or TV control, such as channel control, channel display, volume control, etc., which can also be incorporated in the mobile phone. In addition, it may also include a set of video game console control switches, such as cursor control switches, game selection switches, arrow keys and shooting control buttons, etc. may also be incorporated in the mobile phone.

The mobile phone is connected to the take-up wheel through a multi-core cable. The connection to the cable should be sufficiently difficult to disconnect, preferably designed so that the handset cannot be easily removed from the aircraft by passengers, but can still be removed by aircraft maintenance personnel with minimal training without the use of special equipment. This enables such personnel to replace virtually all components that can be controlled by the passenger in a simple manner, so that faulty switches and components can be repaired without delaying the aircraft. Since virtually all controls are housed in a single handset, airlines need only stock one such control to repair most failures of passenger-specific controls.

The above and other features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully in the accompanying drawings and the following description.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of the telephone handset of the first embodiment installed in the bracket box of the ordinary second-class aircraft seat.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment after the phone handset is taken out of the cradle box.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the telephone handset of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the telephone handset of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a right side view of the telephone handset of the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a left side view of the telephone handset of the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the mobile phone connected to the cord wheel in the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the passenger seat showing the position of the cord reel connected to the mobile phone of the first embodiment when the cord reel is installed under the seat.

Figure 9 is a more detailed exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the handset, cradle box and flexible electrical conduit surrounding the telephone connection line shown in Figure 8.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the passenger seat showing the position of the cord reel connected to the mobile phone of the fourth embodiment when the cord reel is installed in the armrest.

Figure 11 is a top view of a second embodiment cell phone including digital passenger controls therein.

Figure 12 is a top surface view of a fourth embodiment cell phone including digital passenger control functions and video game console controls therein.

Figure 13 is a top surface view of a third embodiment handset including video game console controls.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of the telephone device of the present invention includes a telephone handset 20 mountable in a standard second class passenger seat 24 having a retractable armrest 22 on at least one side of the seat 24 . The size of the phone handset 20 mounted on the side of the armrest is preferably such that the phone handset 20 protrudes no more than about 0.5 inches from the cradle box 26 in the armrest 22 to avoid affecting the passenger's legroom.

Because the size of the passenger seat 24 of the second-class cabin or economy class is different with the manufacturer, so the mobile phone 20 should be designed to be able to be assembled on the armrest 22 of the second-class cabin seat 24 that most seat manufacturers of the airline make Inside. The smallest armrest 22 structure that can fit into the telephone handset 20 of the present invention without modifying the dimensions of the armrest 22 is a second class seat manufactured by PTC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BE Aerospace Industries. The dimensions of the cradle box 26 capable of being contained within the armrest 22 of a common second class seat 24 are preferably no greater than 8.25 inches (length) x 2.25 inches (height) x 1.0 inches (width). The size of the telephone handset 20 that can be contained in the cradle box 26 in the armrest 22 of the ordinary second class seat 24 is preferably less than 7.25 inches (length) x 2.0 inches (height) x 1.5 inches (width). The preferred dimensions of the cradle box 26, which substantially fit within the armrest 22 of a conventional second class seat 24, are approximately 8.205 inches (length) x 2.1 inches (width) x 0.97 inches (height). The preferred dimensions of the telephone handset 20, which essentially fits in the cradle box 26 in the armrest 22 of an ordinary second class seat 24, are about 7.1 inches (length) x 1.76 inches (width) x 1.29 inches (height) . With the better size of the cradle box 26 and the size of the better phone handset 20, as long as the phone handset 20 does not exceed the height of the cradle box 26 in the armrest 22 by more than about 0.32 inches, it is basically possible to hold the phone Mobile phone 20 is contained in the bracket box 26.

Those skilled in the art of telephony will recognize at a glance that the dimensions of the handset 20 given above are in many respects much smaller than the best standard ergonomic configuration of a telephone handset. First, the length of the aircraft handset 20, which defines the distance between the microphone pickup and the earphone speaker, is substantially shorter than the optimum distance for a typical telephone handset. Furthermore, the width of the aircraft phone handset 20, which determines the width of the phone keypad, is substantially less than the optimum keypad width of a typical phone handset. To overcome these structural constraints while providing a telephone handset with appropriate functionality, new interpretations must be made of many standard features of telephone handset construction.

As shown in Figures 2-6, the first embodiment of mobile phone 20 preferably has the following feature parts of a typical telephone handset: microphone 28, earphone 30, 12-key telephone keypad 32, and volume control with loudspeaker inside 34. In addition, the handset includes a number of function control buttons 36, such as an on/off control button to start and end a series of calls charged to a caller, a caller to enable a caller to initiate a new phone call charged to the same credit card number A new call button, and a function key to allow the use of upgraded features that may be added to the phone set in the future. The phone handset also includes an LED display panel 38 for displaying the call status of the phone. This LED display panel 38 can have following display characteristics, promptly be used for the 1st display 40 that sends indication when channel is dialed through, the 2nd display 42 that is used for sending indication when dialing order takes place error, and when the user is in The 3rd display 44 that sends indication when must wait before starting next step dialing process. Finally, the mobile phone also has a credit card reading device 46 . The credit card reader 46 provides passengers with a convenient method of payment when they make a phone call; however, the space required by the credit card reader 46 also reduces the space available for the above-listed telephone functions.

The credit card reader 46 includes a receiving slot 48 having a magnetic card reader 50 therein, disposed within a side 52 of the telephone handset 20 . Insert the credit card in the receiving slot 48 and swipe it longitudinally along the receiving slot 48 so that the magnetic stripe of the credit card passes through the magnetic card reader 50 . The width of the receiving slot 48 is determined by the location of the magnetic stripe of a typical credit card; therefore, the receiving slot 48 must have this minimum width in order to perform its function. The required receiving slot width will reduce the area within the telephone handset available for telephone electronics. In addition, structural, electrical and magnetic isolation should be provided to prevent magnetic strips from interfering with the telephone electronics within handset 20. Except that the magnetic card reader 50 itself must extend into the receiving slot 48 in order to read the magnetic stripe on the credit card, the receiving slot 48 should be shielded from the rest of the electronics in the handset.

Due to the reduced space available within the telephone handset 20, the keypad 32 of the handset 20 has to be greatly reduced in size, but still be able to perform the necessary functions. The center-to-center distance between the keys 54 on the keypad 32 used in the handset 20 is much smaller in size than a conventional telephone keypad; that is, the keys are located closer to each other than a conventional telephone keypad. Additionally, the physical dimensions of the keys 54 on the keypad 32 of the handset 20 are smaller than those of a standard telephone. The key 54 is preferably formed with conductive silicon rubber, and is matched with the keyboard connector PCB (printed circuit board) located under the keyboard 32. When the key 54 is pressed, the conductive silicon rubber key forms an electrical connection with the keyboard PCB matrix. Indicates to the telephone electronics when a key is next pressed. In addition, the silicone rubber key 54, although extremely small, is designed to provide the necessary tactile sensation to let the operator know when the key has been depressed and has made contact with the key switch diaphragm mounted beneath the silicone rubber key 54.

In addition, for commercial aircraft that may fly at night, there is a need for a keypad 32 that provides backlighting to allow passengers to use the phone handset 20 in a darkened cabin. The silicone rubber key 54 is preferably translucent so that a light source positioned behind the key 54 can illuminate the key 54 . An opaque covering is provided around each key so that each key 54 can be individually illuminated and easily distinguished from adjacent keys 54 . Key identifiers, such as numbers, letters and/or symbols, are printed on the top surface of keys 54 in opaque ink. When the key 54 is illuminated, the opaque identifier 56 will be easily discernible on the illuminated key 54 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile phone 20 of the first embodiment is connected to one end 58 of a multi-core cord 60 which is wound and held in a cord reel housing 62 when not being pulled out during use. The size of the cord reel housing 62 is determined according to the installation location and the cord length to be preserved. Ideally, the diameter of the cord wheel 62 of the first embodiment is preferably 3.5 inches, and the cord 60 of 60 inches can be stored. The cord reel 62 of the second embodiment has a diameter of 2.5 inches and can hold a cord 60 of 40 inches. As the cord 60 is pulled from the cord reel 62, it is preferably threaded within the flexible conduit 68. The other end of the multi-core flexible wire 60 in the cord wheel housing 62 is connected to the main telephone electronic circuit control system part for controlling the work of the telephone handset 20 in the aircraft by an electrical connector 64. The main telephone electronics section is preferably located under one of the seats (Fig. 1) in the group of seats; therefore, the electrical connection from the cord wheel 62 to the main telephone electronics section under the seat 64 connection is not complicated. The cord wheel 62 provides a convenient storage means for a very long multicore cord 60, allowing the user to lift the telephone handset 20 from the armrest (FIG. 1) and extend it to the ear. In addition, the cord reel 62 provides a convenient storage device for a sufficiently long multi-core cord 60, so that the cord reel 62 can be installed in any different position close to the armrest, but still provides the user with the ability to carry the mobile phone close to the armrest. Any different position of the armrest is of sufficient length for the cord 60 to remain in the desired position without any resistance when the mobile phone 20 is pulled. In addition, because the passenger can control the length of the cord 60 pulled out from the cord wheel 62, the cord 60 will not have excess length to hang down from the mobile phone 20 and be between the seat, between the mobile phone and the bracket box. occasionally, or accidentally tripped over the armrest.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the cord wheel 62 is preferably designed so that when the handset 20 is pulled out from the cradle box 26 of the armrest 22 , the cord 60 extends as the user lifts the handset 20 . Once the user pulls the mobile phone 20 to a desired position and stops, the locking mechanism of the cord wheel 62 engages and temporarily fixes the electrical connection cord 60 to the user's optimal connection length. When the user wants to put the mobile phone 20 back into the bracket box 26 or wants to change the length of the cord, the user can pull the mobile phone 20 outwards from the bracket box 26, which will make the locking mechanism on the cord wheel 62 Disengaged, the length of cord 60 can then be extended or retracted. If the user pulls the handset 20 outwardly from the cradle case 26, this will stretch the cord 60 again. If the user no longer continues to pull the mobile phone 20 outwards from the bracket box 26, once the locking mechanism is disengaged from the engagement state, the multi-core cord 60 is retracted into the bracket box 26 along with the mobile phone 20 being pulled back. Inside the cord wheel 62. This locking mechanism on the cord wheel 62 is superior to other cord length control methods on prior art handsets. In the prior art, a constant retraction force is provided to the cord 60 so that there is always a tendency to pull the handset back from the user's hand when the user attempts to make a call.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the cord reel 62 of the first embodiment for storing the cord 60 below 60 inches is installed under the seat cushion 66 of the passenger seat 24 and is located in the armrest 22 The mobile phone 20 of the first embodiment is connected. In seat structures with particularly small armrests 22, it is advantageous to adopt the under-seat installation of the cord wheel 62, which allows the mobile phone 20 to be arranged in the armrest 22, but there is no extra space in the armrest 22 Cord wheel 62 was installed. The cord wheel 62 is mounted on a bracket 67 fixed to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 66 of the seat 24 . The cord 60 pulled from the cord reel 62 is preferably routed within the flexible conduit 68 to prevent the cord 60 from becoming snagged in the armrest 22 or under the seat 24 when pulled out or retracted. The electrical conduit 68 extends from the seat cushion 66 of the seat 24 into the armrest 22 where the mobile phone 20 is stored along one side of the backrest 70 . When the mobile phone 20 is taken out from the armrest 22 and moved around, the cord wheel 62 unclamps the cord 60, and sends it out from the opening 72 on the bracket box 26 through the cord tube 68, providing a place for ensuring the free movement of the mobile phone 20. The length of the multi-core cord 60 required. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the second embodiment of the cord wheel 62 can be arranged at any other suitable position close to the armrest 22 familiar to those skilled in the art, so that the mobile phone of the present invention, such as A third embodiment of the handset 130 is mounted in the armrest 22 of the second class cabin seat 24 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the cradle box 26 is a 5-sided box 74 that can be completely stowed within the armrest 22 of the aircraft seat 24 . The sixth side 76 of the cradle box 26 is open to the side 78 of the armrest 22 ( FIG. 8 ) so that the telephone handset 20 can be inserted and secured within the cradle box 26 . When inserting the phone handset 20 into the cradle box 26, the first end 80 of the phone handset 20 is preferably inserted into the opening at the first end 82 of the cradle box 26. The second end 84 of the cradle box 26 includes a coupling member or fastener 86 having a flange 88 extending orthogonally into the opening 76 of the cradle box 26 for holding the handset 20 in the cradle. Inside box 26. The receiving slot 90 on the second end 92 of the handset 20 cooperates with the lip 88 of the coupling member 86 to retain the handset 20 in the cradle case 26 . The coupling member 86 is preferably integrally formed with the cradle box 26 . Linkage member 86 is cantilevered from bracket box 26 with upper end 85 movable due to gaps 87 separating the sides of member 86 from adjacent structures. The coupling member 86 tends to self-bias to the locked position, but it is movable; that is, the handset 20 can be released by pushing the structural web 89 outward. Web 89 is preferably disposed along the edge of bracket box 26 below securing member 86 and serves to stabilize the configuration of second end 84 of bracket box 26 adjacent coupling member 86 . The stroke limiter 91 is mounted on the back of the coupling member, and is used to limit the action of the coupling member 86 in the opposite direction when it is normally loosened, so as to protect the coupling member 86 from being damaged by excessive pressure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any type of other coupling member may be used to securely retain the handset within the cradle box 26 when the handset 20 is not in use.

In order to take out the mobile phone 20 from the bracket box 26, the user can press the coupling member 86 on the bracket box 26, and after pressing, the coupling flange 88 withdraws from the receiving groove 90 on the mobile phone 20, so that the mobile phone 20 is removed from the bracket box 26. The shelf box 26 is disengaged. A spring-loaded push button 94 is also provided on the bottom surface 96 of the bracket box 26 to provide a push force to the mobile phone 20 to push the mobile phone 20 out of the bracket box 26 . When the mobile phone 20 is held in place by the coupling member 86 on the cradle box 26, the spring of the push button 94 is compressed, and its spring force is contained by the coupling member 86 that keeps the mobile phone 20 in the cradle box 26. Once the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the handset 20 , the spring force of the push button 94 pushes the handset 20 out of the cradle box 26 .

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the cord pulley 62 of the second embodiment is disposed inside the armrest 22 . The armrest installation method of cord wheel 62 is applicable to the seat that has the excess space that cord wheel 62 can be loaded down in armrest 22. When electric cord wheel 62, bracket box 26, and telephone handset 20 can all be arranged on a position on the aircraft, the armrest installation mode is the most desirable; The length of cord 60 preferably extends from cord reel 62 to cradle box 26 . As mentioned above, the telephone electronics control system part is installed under one of the seats of a group of seats; The underlying electronics are connected.

Since the mobile phone 20 can be contained in the armrest 22 of the common second-class seat 24, it is preferable to install a telephone handset 20 for their own use in each passenger's seat armrest 22, so that the passenger does not need to make a phone call. Passengers on the same flight will be affected. In addition, because the telephone handset 20 is located in the armrest 22, the cord 60 connected with the handset 20 will not stretch into the space of other passengers or become an obstacle to other passengers like the telephone handset system behind the seats of the prior art.

Since each passenger has a telephone handset 20 in his armrest 22, other functions that each passenger may require are preferably incorporated in the handset 20. As shown in FIG. 11 , the mobile phone 100 of the second embodiment includes the function of a digital passenger control unit (DPCU) 102 . For example, the following functions of the digital passenger control unit (DPCU) 102 can be incorporated into the handset 100 so that each passenger can easily use these buttons on their armrest 22: flight attendant call button 104, flight attendant Call cancel button 106, and light switch 108. Other functions of DPCU 102 include the control of radio or television, such as channel control 110, channel display 112, volume control 114, and television power switch 116 can also be incorporated in the mobile phone. The function of DPCU102 is preferably realized by using the plastic film type switch button. In a membrane switch key, the upper membrane is flexible and is used to actuate a normal push-button switch beneath the membrane.

As shown in Figure 13, a third embodiment of the telephone handset includes video game console controls. Video game console controls include cursor control switches and game selection switches. For example, some video game console control switches 122 such as cursor position adjustment device 124, game selection key 126, and shooting key 128 can be incorporated into mobile phone 120. Video game functions, such as the game selection key 126 and the shooting key 128, are preferably performed using hard cap keys with rubber actuated spring mechanisms. All video game console controls 122 preferably comply with the Nintendo Super NES video game console standard. As shown in FIG. 12, the telephone handset 130 of the fourth embodiment includes the functions of the digital passenger control unit 102 and the video game console control 122 as described above.

It is most convenient that the mobile phone is designed to incorporate a variety of control functions in the mobile phone in addition to the functions of ordinary telephone handsets. Depending on the type of aircraft on which the mobile phone is installed, some or all of the above-discussed auxiliary functions may be incorporated into the mobile phone without occupying additional space on the aircraft. By combining certain functions of the DPCU with the telephone handset, the part of the space previously reserved for the functions of the DPCU for each passenger can now be used for other purposes. Therefore, the telephone handset of the present invention only needs a minimal auxiliary space on the aircraft, and can be used to vacate other spaces usually reserved for the above-mentioned auxiliary functions, so that when providing auxiliary services for passengers on the airline, it can be used There is a net increase in available space on the aircraft.

Another function incorporated into the telephone set of the present invention is a data connection port for fax and/or modem switching. Referring to Figure 9, the cradle box 26 includes an RJ-11 connector 140 located on the bottom 96 of the cradle box 26, the user can connect a fax machine or modem device with a matching connector, from the aircraft Send fax and modem data to a receiving point on the ground. The RJ-11 connector 140 is preferably directly connected with the telephone control electronic circuit located under the row of seats; connect.

As discussed above, another problem associated with the installation of passenger service facilities on an aircraft is maintenance. In order for an airline to operate profitably, it is necessary to minimize the downtime of aircraft. The telephone handset of the present invention is designed for rapid maintenance by dividing the telephone unit into field-replaceable units for ease of maintenance. Preferably, the telephone unit is divided into 3 field replaceable units, namely the handset, cradle box, and cord reel. As explained in conjunction with Fig. 9 above, the mobile phone 20 is easy to take out from the bracket box 26, and this only needs to disengage the coupling member or the fastener 86; but the cord 60 connected to the end of the mobile phone 20 remains Connected to the cord wheel mechanism 62. The cord 60 terminates at an electrical connector 142 that connects to a mating connector (not shown) on the handset 20 . The terminals of the electrical connector 142 are within the mounting box 146 . The mounting box 146 preferably includes a first extension pin 148 that fits into a slot 150 (see FIG. 3 ) in the handset 20 for connecting and securing the first end of the cord 60 to the handset 20 . In order to separate the mobile phone 20 from the cord 60 and the cord wheel mechanism 62, the installation box 146 can be disengaged from the mobile phone 20, so that the first end connected to the mobile phone 20 is exposed. The electrical connector 142 on the end 58 of the cord 60 is detached from a mating connector (not shown) on the handset 20 . As long as the cord 60 is detached from the handset 20, the handset 20 can be easily replaced with another handset unit.

After the cord 60 is detached from the handset 20 , the conduit 68 through which the cord 60 passes remains connected to the cradle box 26 . In order to remove the bracket box 26 or the cord reel 62, the electrical conduit 68 must be disconnected from the bracket box 26. The electrical conduit 68 is preferably connected to the bracket box 26 by a plug-in connector 152 . The plug-in connector 152 is fitted into the socket 72 . As long as the plug-in connector 152 is removed from the receiving port 72 on the bracket box 26, the bracket box 26 or the cord reel 62 can be easily replaced. As shown in Figure 10, preferably at 2 places of the first end 82 of the bracket box 26 and the second end 84 of the bracket box 26, the bracket box 26 is installed on the bracket box 26 with a rotating bolt and a pawl assembly (not shown). The thin metal plate of the armrest 22. For the bracket box 26 is pulled down, the bolt can be turned counterclockwise to disengage the contact between the ratchet and the handrail 22 . Another bracket box 26 can be inserted in the reverse order of the above.

The cord pulley 62 is mounted in the armrest 22 or under the seat 24 and can be easily replaced as a single unit. The only complicated step when replacing the cord wheel 62 is to send the flexible electrical conduit 68 for passing the multi-core cord 60 through the armrest 22 and/or from under the seat 24 to the tray to which the flexible electrical conduit 68 is connected. rack box 26. The multicore cord 60 is then connected to the mating connector on the handset 20 as described above. At the same time, the installation box 146 on the cord 60 is installed on the mobile phone 20 in place. Advantageously, the telephone device of the present invention provides easy replaceability should any part of the system fail. Therefore, the delay time caused by the failure of the telephone system can be minimized.

Amenities that generally make passengers comfortable are generally located in several locations around the passenger seat 24 . The flight attendant call button is often located on the cabin roof together with the light switch and reading light. The telephone is generally arranged on the back of the seat, and it is also installed on the back of the seat in the case of a television display screen. Audio controls such as volume controls and channel controls are often located on the armrest, while lighting controls and flight attendant call buttons are sometimes located on the armrest as well. When a video game console controller is fitted, it is often mounted on the armrest as well. This configuration of components, each a potential source of failure, adds to the complexity of maintaining the aircraft and thus increases the cost to the airline. Since most of these system repairs require the removal and replacement of the failed unit in order to enable it to be repaired without delaying the flight, the removal of several different systems in several different locations will require the airline to stockpile The number of replacement parts increases, as does the cost for airlines to train personnel to remove and repair each type of part. Advantageously, the handset of the present invention incorporates many of the functions of the digital passenger controls and the above-mentioned passenger comfort features, such as video and video game controls, etc., together with a telephone handset, into one device that can be easily operated by untrained personnel. Easily replaceable within a universal controller/telephone unit. By reducing the number of replaceable units and making the replacement procedure as simple as possible for untrained personnel, the universal controller/telephone arrangement of the present invention improves the overall reliability of the aircraft and reduces the need for repairs related to the above functions The required downtime.

The present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its gist and main features. The described embodiments are considered in all respects, but are only illustrative without any limitation attached. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. birdman's phone, it comprises:

Standard second saloon passenger seat has the extendible handrail in its at least one side;

The carriage box forms open cavity and also has securing member, and the total overall dimension of above-mentioned carriage box that is installed in above-mentioned handrail side is less than 8.25 * 2.25 * 1.0 (inches); And

Telephone bandset is installed in the above-mentioned open cavity of above-mentioned carriage box, and total overall dimension of above-mentioned receiver is less than 7.25 * 2.0 * 1.5 (inches), and has a member that cooperates with above-mentioned securing member, is used for above-mentioned receiver is remained in the above-mentioned carriage box;

Above-mentioned mobile phone comprises:

Be used to import the keyboard of 12 keys of called-number;

Be located at transmitter near above-mentioned mobile phone one end;

Be located at loud speaker near the above-mentioned mobile phone other end; And

Enter the oversensitive flexible cord of above-mentioned handrail by above-mentioned carriage box from above-mentioned receiver.

2. birdman's phone according to claim 1 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the individual who the is used for switch passenger reading lamp control of throwing light on; And cabin attendant's call button.

3. birdman's phone according to claim 2 is characterized in that above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the cabin attendant calls cancel button.

4. birdman's phone according to claim 3 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: volume control; And channel control.

5. birdman's phone and control device, it comprises:

Standard second saloon passenger seat has the extendible handrail in its at least one side;

The carriage box forms open cavity and has securing member; Above-mentioned carriage box is installed in the side of above-mentioned handrail;

Composite type phone receiver mobile phone and control device are installed in the above-mentioned open cavity of above-mentioned carriage box, and above-mentioned mobile phone and control device have a member that cooperates with above-mentioned securing member, are used for above-mentioned mobile phone and control device are remained in the above-mentioned carriage box;

Above-mentioned mobile phone and control device comprise:

Be used to import the keyboard of 12 keys of called-number;

Be located at transmitter near above-mentioned mobile phone one end;

Be located at loud speaker near the above-mentioned mobile phone other end;

The individual who the is used for switch passenger reading lamp control of throwing light on;

Cabin attendant's call button; And

Enter the oversensitive flexible cord of above-mentioned handrail by above-mentioned carriage box from above-mentioned receiver.

6. birdman's phone according to claim 5 is characterized in that above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the cabin attendant calls cancel button.

7. birdman's phone according to claim 6 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: volume control; And channel control.

8. birdman's phone and video game machine control device, it comprises:

Standard second saloon passenger seat has the extendible handrail in its at least one side;

The carriage box forms open cavity and has securing member; Above-mentioned carriage box is installed in the side of above-mentioned handrail;

Composite type phone receiver mobile phone and video game machine control device, be installed in the above-mentioned open cavity of above-mentioned carriage box, above-mentioned mobile phone and video game machine control device have a member that cooperates with above-mentioned securing member, are used for above-mentioned mobile phone and video game machine control device are remained in the above-mentioned carriage box;

Above-mentioned mobile phone and video game machine control device comprise:

Be used to import the keyboard of 12 keys of called-number;

Be located at transmitter near above-mentioned mobile phone one end;

Be located at loud speaker near the above-mentioned mobile phone other end;

One group of video game machine control switch comprises cursor control switch and selector switch;

Enter the oversensitive flexible cord of above-mentioned handrail by above-mentioned carriage box from above-mentioned receiver.

9. birdman's phone according to claim 8 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the individual who the is used for switch passenger reading lamp control of throwing light on; And cabin attendant's call button.

10. birdman's phone according to claim 9 is characterized in that above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the cabin attendant calls cancel button.

11. birdman's phone according to claim 10 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: volume control; And channel control.

12. birdman's phone and control device, it comprises:

Standard second saloon passenger seat has chair cushion and at the extendible handrail of its at least one side;

The carriage box forms open cavity and has securing member; Above-mentioned carriage box is installed in the side of above-mentioned handrail;

Be arranged on the line wheel in the above-mentioned chair cushion;

The telephone receiver mobile phone is installed in the above-mentioned open cavity of above-mentioned carriage box, and above-mentioned mobile phone has a member that cooperates with above-mentioned securing member, is used for above-mentioned mobile phone and control device are remained in the above-mentioned carriage box;

Above-mentioned mobile phone comprises:

Be used to import the keyboard of 12 keys of called-number;

Be located at transmitter near above-mentioned mobile phone one end;

Be located at loud speaker near the above-mentioned mobile phone other end; And

Enter the oversensitive flexible cord of above-mentioned line wheel by above-mentioned handrail and above-mentioned carriage box from above-mentioned receiver.

13. birdman's phone according to claim 12 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the individual who the is used for switch passenger reading lamp control of throwing light on; And cabin attendant's call button.

14. birdman's phone according to claim 13 is characterized in that above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: the cabin attendant calls cancel button.

15. birdman's phone according to claim 14 is characterized in that, above-mentioned mobile phone also comprises: volume control; And channel control.

16. a telephone bandset, it comprises:

Be used to import the keyboard of 12 keys of called-number;

Be located at transmitter near above-mentioned mobile phone one end;

Be located at loud speaker near the above-mentioned mobile phone other end; And

One group of video game machine control switch comprises cursor control switch and selector switch.

17. a telephone bandset, it comprises:

Be used to import the keyboard of 12 keys of called-number;

Be located at transmitter near above-mentioned mobile phone one end;

Be located at loud speaker near the above-mentioned mobile phone other end;

Illumination control; And

Cabin attendant's call up switch.

Images