WO2025176324A1

WO2025176324A1 - Air moving system for a vehicle, vehicle seat with an air moving system as well as vehicle with an air moving system

Info

Publication number: WO2025176324A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/054712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timon Nicolas DOLDER; Cedric Alvaro ERNST; Stefan Hasler; John Arnold; Thomas Hertig; Melanie KLOTZ; Christian FURTNER
Original assignee: Caynova Ag
Current assignee: Caynova Ag
Priority date: 2024-02-23
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2025-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-23

Abstract

The present application relates to an air moving system for use in a vehicle, especially in an aircraft. The air moving system comprises a fan element and a coupling element. The fan element includes a first housing with a first opening, a second opening, an electric fan arranged between the first opening and the second opening, as well as at least one electrical connection on an outside surface of the first housing for supplying power to the electric fan. The electric fan may induce an air flow between the first opening and the second opening. The coupling element comprises a second housing, a third opening and a fourth opening. The third opening has a shape which substantially matches a shape of the first opening or of the second opening of the first housing. The first housing of the fan element comprises at least one magnetic or magnetisable first connection element located in the area of the first opening or in the area of the second opening. The second housing of the coupling element comprises at least one magnetic second connection element located in the area of the third opening. The first connection element and the second connection element form a releasable magnetic connection when the third opening is placed on the first opening or on the second opening. The present application also relates to a vehicle seat comprising at least one air moving system as well as a vehicle with at least one air moving system.

Description

Air moving system for a vehicle, vehicle seat with an air moving system as well as vehicle with an air moving system

Technical Field

The invention relates to an air moving system for a vehicle, preferably for an aircraft, which allows for an easy installation and maintenance thereof within a vehicle or vehicle seat. Further, the present invention also relates to a vehicle seat, preferably to an aircraft seat, comprising such an air moving system as well as to a vehicle, preferably an aircraft, with such an air moving system.

Background Art

Vehicle seats are currently equipped with a lot of different comfort functions, such as adaptable hardness of the seat pan or the backrest, adjustable seat trims, massage functions, heating and cooling capabilities and the like.

One convenient solution to provide at least some of these functions is to integrate pneumatic cushions, pneumatic seat trim bags or ventilation openings into a vehicle seat. In order to operate such elements, a source of air or a source for an airflow has to be integrated within the vehicle or the seat itself. Especially in the aviation field, it is beneficial to provide seats allowing for an individual adaptation of every comfort function, i.e. every comfort function has to be controllable for each seat separately. In this case, it is necessary to provide a source of air or a source for an airflow for each seat individually. As space within a vehicle, especially an aircraft, is limited and passengers should have as much room available as possible, any additional component of a seat, especially a source of air or a source for an airflow is usually arranged at a location where it does not or only slightly limit the room available for passengers. For example, such a source of air or source for an airflow will typically be installed below a seat pan. At this location, the source will not be readily visible for passengers and only marginally limit the space available to passengers. However, the mounting, removal or servicing of a source in such a location is difficult, as accessibility to the source by any service personnel is very restricted. Hence, installation of such a source as well as connection of a source to any further element, like a pneumatic seat cushion, a pneumatic seat trim bag or the like is difficult.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore the object of the invention to create an air moving system for a vehicle, especially for an aircraft, which provides for an easy installation and maintenance thereof.

The solution of the invention is specified by the features of claim 1. According to the invention an air moving system for use in a vehicle, especially in an aircraft, comprises a fan element and a coupling element. The fan element includes a first housing with a first opening, a second opening, an electric fan arranged between the first opening and the second opening, as well as at least one electrical connection on an outside surface of the first housing for supplying power to the electric fan. The electric fan may induce an air flow between the first opening and the second opening. The coupling element comprises a second housing, a third opening and a fourth opening. The third opening has a shape which substantially matches a shape of the first opening or of the second opening of the first housing. The first housing of the fan element comprises at least one magnetic or magnetisable first connection element located in the area of the first opening or in the area of the second opening. The second housing of the coupling element comprises at least one magnetic second connection element located in the area of the third opening. The first connection element and the second connection element form a releasable magnetic connection when the third opening is placed on the first opening or on the second opening.

With this configuration of the air moving system it is possible to easily assemble and disassemble the fan element and the coupling element. The coupling element may thereby be used to connect the air moving system to further components which need to be provided with an air flow. The use of a magnetic connection thereby greatly simplifies the assembly, as the coupling element simply has to be brought into close contact with the fan element to enable a connection. Also, for disassembly, the coupling element may only be pulled away from the fan element. Hence, there is no need to introduce or remove any fastener, such as a screw or pin, into or out of a bore or to operate any snap fastener. This is especially beneficial in cases where the air moving system is located in a position which is not readily accessible and/or visible. Further, a magnetic connection also does not include any element which may break or be damaged by the application of too much force or application of a force from a wrong direction. Further, a magnetic connection does not use any connection element which may wear out over time or which may be damaged by material degradation.

The vehicle is preferably an aircraft. However, the air moving system according to the present invention may be used in any type of vehicle, such as, for example, in an automobile, a bus, a coach, a ship, a train carriage or the like. For the purposes of the present invention, the term aircraft is understood to comprise both fixed wing aircraft as well as rotary-wing aircraft.

The air moving system according to the present invention is preferably used in a vehicle seat, especially in an aircraft seat. However, the air moving system may also be used in other components of the vehicle, such as in or on a partition wall, on the underside of an overhead bin, in or on a panelling of the vehicle cabin or the like. Hence, an air moving system according to the present invention may be used to provide ventilation or a flow of air in various areas of the vehicle, for example in a personal suite provided within the cabin of a vehicle, such as a personal suite in an aircraft cabin, a lavatory compartment, a galley, a cockpit, a driver's cab or any other area or compartment of a vehicle.

It is important to note that the third opening of the coupling element may be arranged either on the first opening or the second opening of the first housing of the fan element. As the electric fan induces an air flow between the first opening and the second opening, it is possible to either draw air through the third opening or to push air through the third air opening by means of the air flow induced by the electric fan, depending on whether the third opening is placed on the first opening or on the second opening of the first housing of the fan element. Hence, with this configuration, the air moving system according to the present invention is very versatile and may be used in a lot of different applications. In the case that the third opening is arranged on the second opening, the first opening is preferably configured to be open towards a cabin of the vehicle, i.e. the electric fan uses air from within the cabin to induce the flow of air rather than air drawn from outside of the cabin. This means that when the air moving system is used in an aircraft, the air moving system does not need to be connected to the bleed air system of the aircraft, in contrast to the Gasper fans usually provided on board of an aircraft. This greatly reduces the complexity of integrating the air moving system according to the present invention into a vehicle, especially an aircraft, as no connection to a supply of air from outside of the vehicle is necessary. Therefore, the air moving system according to the present invention may more or less be freely used anywhere within a vehicle and also be retrofitted to older vehicles.

Likewise, in the case that the third opening is placed on the first opening, the second opening is preferably configured to release air towards a cabin of the vehicle. Again, as no connection is needed to an air exhaust system of the vehicle, the air moving system may be freely used anywhere within a vehicle.

The first housing of the fan element preferably comprises at least one wall element enclosing an inner space. Within said space, the first housing comprises at least one air duct connecting the first opening preferably directly to the second opening. Alternatively, the fan element may comprise an adaptor fixedly coupled to the first housing. In this case, the second opening is located on the adaptor and is in fluid connection with a second aperture of the adaptor. The second aperture of the adaptor is located on a first aperture of the first housing. Hence, when the adaptor is fixedly connected to the housing it forms an integral part thereof and provides the second opening. Hence, in this case the first housing comprises at least one further air duct connecting the second aperture to the second opening, this at least one further air duct being provided in the adaptor. Preferably, the adaptor is fixedly connected to the first housing by means of a snap-fit connection or by means of at least one fastener, such as a screw, bolt, or the like. Alternatively, the adaptor may also be connected to the first housing by means of a magnetic connection, preferably a magnetic connection similar or identical to the magnetic connection between the fan element and the coupling element. If the second opening is provided on the adaptor, the at least one first connection element is located in the area of the second opening, i.e. on the adaptor. The at least one further air duct of the adaptor preferably comprises a bend, such as for example of 90° which allows to deflect the flow of air induced by the electric fan into another direction. It is to be noted that when the adaptor is not connected to the first housing, the first aperture of the first housing may be used as second opening thereof. Hence, the possibility to optionally use an adaptor greatly increases the versatility of the air moving system according to the present invention.

The electric fan is positioned within the first housing such as to induce the flow of air through the air duct. Preferably, the electric fan is positioned within the at least one air duct. Thereby, the at least one air duct preferably includes sufficient space to accommodate the blades of the electric fan. This means that no additional receptacle for the blades of the electric fan needs to be provided in the first housing, but that the at least one air duct itself provides enough room to accommodate the blades of the electric fan. Alternatively, the first housing may comprise a first air duct connecting the first opening to an inlet opening of a receptacle in which the electric fan is arranged, as well as a second air duct connecting an outlet opening of the receptacle to the second opening (or in the case that an adaptor is fixedly connected to the first housing the second air duct connects the outlet opening of the receptacle to the first aperture and a third air duct connects the second aperture to the second opening on the adaptor).

The first housing of the fan element is preferably made of a polymer material. The polymer material may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. Preferably, the polymer material is a thermoplastic polymer. Preferably, the polymer material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Alternatively, the first housing of the fan element may also be made of a fibre reinforced polymer material.

The air duct may have a substantially straight configuration, i.e. the first opening and the second opening may be arranged in a straight line relative to another. Preferably, however, the air duct comprises at least one bend, such that the first opening and the second opening are located at an angle relative to each other, preferably at an angle of 90°. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one wall element of the first housing is shaped such that the inner space is shaped to correspond to the at least one air duct The electric fan preferably is an electric fan with an adaptable speed, such that the air flow induced by the electric fan may be varied. While the fan element preferably comprises one electric fan, the fan element may also comprise more than one electric fan, such as two, three or more electric fans.

The electric fan comprises a multitude of blades which are driven in rotation around a rotation axis by an electric motor as is known in the art. The electric fan may be an axial- flow fan. However, the electric fan preferably is a centrifugal fan. Centrifugal fans are known in the art and are configured to draw in air in a direction which is parallel to the rotation axis of the blades through an inlet and to exhaust air in a direction which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the blades through an outlet. The blades of a centrifugal fan are usually referred to as impellers and are arranged in a rotatable impeller wheel.

In the case that the electric fan is a centrifugal fan, the first opening is preferably connected to the inlet of the electric fan and the second opening to the outlet of the electric fan.

The electric fan is preferably completely arranged within the first housing. Alternatively, only the blades of the fan are arranged within the first housing, while the electric motor of the electric fan is arranged on the first housing. In this case, the electric fan comprises a shaft to which the blades are mounted and which allows to transmit torque from the electric motor to the blades through a wall of the first housing.

The at least one electrical connection may be in the form of at least one cable, at least one wire, at least one socket or at least one connection surface. In the case that the at least one electrical connection is in the form of a cable, said cable including at least two stranded wires. The at least one electrical connection is electrically connected to the electric fan. Provision of at least one electrical connection allows to supply electricity as well as preferably control signals to the electric fan. Preferably, the electrical connection is in the form of a cable having a connector. Preferably, the connector is thereby configured to be plugged into an interface device, the interface device being preferably configured to link the air moving system to a bus system of the vehicle. In order to allow a connection of the third opening of the coupling element to both the first opening and the second opening of the fan element the first housing preferably comprises a magnetic or magnetisable first connection element in the area of both the first opening and the second opening. Thereby, the first and second opening preferably have the same shape and the respective first connection element is located at the same position relative to the first and second opening. Alternatively, the first housing only comprises at least one first connection element either in the area of the first opening or the second opening.

The third opening and the fourth opening of the second housing of the coupling element are in fluid communication with each other by means of an air passage. As such, air may flow from the third opening towards the fourth opening or vice versa.

The second housing of the coupling element preferably comprises at least one wall element and is preferably made of a polymer material. Preferably, the polymer material of which the second housing is made of is the same material the first housing is made of. Alternatively, however, the second housing may also be made of a different polymeric material.

In the present application, the term magnetic is understood to encompass any connection element which is permanently magnetic, i.e. has a permanent magnetic field. Contrary thereto, the term magnetisable encompasses any connection element which becomes magnetic under the influence of an external magnetic field.

Magnetic first connection elements and/or magnetic second connection elements preferably are or comprise ceramic magnets, AINiCo magnets or rare earth magnets.

In the case that the at least one first connection element is itself magnetic, the at least one first connection element should be positioned in the area of the first and/or second opening such that a pole of the at least one first connection element oriented away of the first housing is of the opposite type to the pole of the at least one second connection element which is oriented away of the second housing, such that the at least one first connection element is magnetically attracted to the at least one second connection element. The first opening, second opening, third opening and fourth opening may be of any suitable shape, such as in the form of a rectangle, a polygon, a circle, an oval, a stadium, a rectangle with chamfered corners or the like.

The third opening always has the same shape as the first or second opening. In the case that the first and the second opening have the same shape, the third opening will therefore also have the same shape as the first and the second opening.

The at least one first connection element is located in the area of the first and/or second opening. This means that the at least one first connection element is located adjacent to an edge of the respective opening. The same applies for the at least one second connection element, which is located in the area of the third opening, i.e. which is located adjacent to an edge of the third opening. While the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element are preferably located on the first and second housing, respectively, it is also possible that the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element are located on a protrusion of the first housing and second housing, respectively, which protruded into the first and/or second opening as well as the third opening. In a further alternative, the at least one first connection element and/or the at least one second connection element may be located within the first opening, second opening or third opening, next to an edge thereof.

The at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element are preferably located at the same position along an edge of the first and/or second opening and the third opening, such as when the third opening is placed on the first or second opening, the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element are in contact with each other while the third opening is congruent with the first or second opening.

Preferably, the at least one first connection element and the at least second connection element have the same shape and dimensions. Preferably, the at least one connection element and the at least one second connection element are configured as cylindrical or rectangular magnets, which are preferably received in corresponding receptacles provide on the first housing and the second housing, respectively. In the case that the first connection element is magnetisable, however, the at least one first connection element may have a different shape and/or different dimensions as the at least one second connection element. In this case, the at least one first connection element may e.g. span along a substantial part of a circumference of the first and/or second opening, e.g. be configured as plate, profiled bar, especially a rectangular profiled bar, or the like, while the at least one second connection element may be configured as cylindrical or rectangular magnet.

Preferably, the first housing of the fan element and the second housing of the coupling element each comprise a first form-fit element and a second form-fit element, respectively, the first form-fit element and the second form-fit element being shaped to be engagable with each other only when the first housing and the second housing are in a defined position relative to each other, the first form-fit element and the second form-fit element being positioned on the first housing and the second housing, respectively, such that the third opening is positioned on the first opening or on the second opening when the second housing is in the defined position relative to the first housing.

Provision of the first and second form-fit element allows to ensure that the first housing and the second housing may be magnetically coupled together in a single orientation only. The first form fit-element and the second form-fit element comprise a complementary shape. Preferably, the first form-fit element is configured as a groove, notch, bore or the like and the second form-fit element as sliding block, protrusion, pin or the like, or vice versa.

Alternatively, in the case that the at least one first connection element is magnetic, it is also possible to provide two at least one first connection elements in the area of the first or second opening and two second connection elements in the area of the third opening, the two first connection elements and the two second connection element being oriented such that each of the two first connection elements and each of the two second connection elements has a different pole facing away of the first housing and second housing, respectively. Of course, the first connection element and the second connection element facing each other when the third opening is placed on the first or second opening are each oriented such that they magnetically attract each other. In this way, it is possible to provide a configuration of the air moving system where the third opening may be placed on the first or second opening in a single orientation only without the need to provide any form-fit element.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one first connection element is made of a magnetisable metal. This means that the at least one first connection element is made of or comprises a material which may be magnetised, i.e. become magnetic in the presence of an external magnetic field. In other words, the at least one first connection element is made of or comprises a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material, such as, for example, iron, steel, nickel or cobalt. Hence, when the at least one magnetic second connection element is brought into proximity of the at least one magnetisable first connection element, said at least one magnetisable first connection element will become magnetic itself under the influence of the magnetic field of the at least one second connection element.

Alternatively, however, the at least one first connection element may be made of or comprise a magnetic material.

Preferably, the at least one second connection element is a Neodymium magnet, preferably a NdFeB magnet.

Preferably, the first opening or the second opening comprises a first circumferential wall protruding from the first housing and the at least one first connection element is configured in the form of a bracket made of a magnetisable metal which is affixed on an outside surface of the first circumferential wall.

By means of the first circumferential wall, the first opening and/or the second opening generally has the form of a socket. Provision of the at least one first connection element in the form of a bracket simplifies the manufacturing of the first housing, as the bracket may simply be put on the first circumferential wall.

Preferably, the bracket is securely affixed on the first circumferential wall, for example by means of an adhesive, a fastener, such as a screw, rivet, bolt or the like. Alternatively, the bracket may be securely affixed on the first circumferential wall by means of a form-fit connection, such as a snap-fit connection. The bracket preferably spans along a substantial length of the circumference of the first circumferential wall.

The bracket may be made of a diamagnetic or ferromagnetic metal, preferably steel. The bracket preferably is in the form of a plate or a bar profile which is bent to match the outer circumference of the first circumferential wall.

Preferably, the third opening comprises a second circumferential wall protruding from the second housing, the second circumferential wall being shaped and dimensioned to fit into the first opening or the second opening.

Hence, the second circumferential wall forms a kind of plug which may be inserted into the first or second opening. This increases the reliability of the connection between the first housing and the second housing, as the second circumferential wall mechanically secures the first housing and the second housing in the defined position when the second circumferential wall is inserted into the first or second opening, such that the first housing may not be shifted relative to one another.

In the case that the first or second opening comprises a first circumferential wall, the second circumferential wall may be configured such that an outer surface thereof snugly fits an inner surface of the first circumferential wall.

Preferably, the second housing comprises two second connection elements, which are electrically connected with each other, preferably by means of a cable, wherein the first housing comprises two first connection elements, one of said first connection elements being connected to an electrical source and the other first connection element being connected to a detection unit which is configured to detect a voltage applied to said other first connection element.

With this configuration, an electric current flows from the electrical source to the detection unit when both first connection elements are in contact with a respective second connection unit. Hence, if the detection unit detects a voltage the first and second housing are in the defined position and each of the first connection elements is magnetically coupled to one of the second connection elements. The detection unit preferably is connected to the at least one electrical connection of the first housing, such as an according signal may be transmitted to a remote controller, e.g. a central computing unit of the vehicle. As such, the at least one electrical connection is preferably configured to be connected to an interface device, the interface device preferably being configured to be connected to a bus system of a vehicle.

Preferably, the second housing comprises connection means to connect the coupling element to a further element in a defined position, a fifth opening of the further element being arranged on the fourth opening when the further element is arranged on the coupling element in the defined position.

The connection means may be of any suitable type, such as a form fit or friction fit connection. The further element thereby preferably comprises second connection means which may interact with the connection means to form a preferably releasable connection.

For example, the connection means may be in the form of a clamping element, an adhesive or the like. If the further element comprises a second connection means, the first and second connection means may be a hook and loop connection, a push button, a snap-fit fastener or the like. Alternatively, the first and second connection means may also be bores, through which a fastening element may be inserted, or a magnet connected to an outside of the second housing.

Preferably, the further element is a seat trim bag, a ventilation duct or a pneumatic seat cushion.

The seat trim bag is preferably a pouch with one open edge, said open edge acting as fifth opening. The seat trim bag preferably is airtight. Alternatively, the seat trim bag may comprise at least one hole through which air may flow, such as to e.g. provide an airflow to a seat trim of a vehicle seat.

If the further element is a ventilation duct, said ventilation duct may be connected at a first end with the coupling element and to a second further element, such as a louver or air outlet opening located remotely to the air moving system, e.g. in or on a partition wall located in the cabin of a vehicle. Preferably, the fan element comprises a heating and/or cooling device for heating and or cooling the air flow induced between the first opening and the second opening by the electric fan.

This allows to provide a flow of cooled or heated air by means of the air moving system. Preferably, a Peltier element is used as heating and/or cooling device for the flow of air. By using an appropriate controller, it is possible to use the same Peltier element to either cool or heat the flow of air. Alternatively, the flow of air may also be heated by using heating rods or the like.

Preferably, the air moving system comprises a fragrance dispenser and a connection port for at least one fragrance container, the connection port being in fluid communication with the fragrance dispenser and the fragrance dispenser being arranged within or on the first housing or on the further element such that at least one fragrance or humidity may be added to the air flow induced by the electric fan by the fragrance dispenser.

This allows to add a fragrance and/or humidity to the air flow induced by the electric fan. The fragrance container contains a fragrance, a perfume either in liquid, gaseous or solid form or it may also contain water. Therefore, the at least one fragrance container preferably contains an essential oil, perfume, water, a scent pad or the like.

Preferably, the fragrance dispenser comprises at least one piece of an absorbent fabric arranged to span across the air flow as well as a liquid dispensing unit which is in fluid communication with the at least one fragrance container and which is configured to dispense a defined amount of a liquid filled in the at least one fragrance container at defined time intervals. The dispensed liquid is absorbed by the at least one piece of absorbent fabric and evaporates into the flow of air, thereby adding a fragrance or humidity to the latter.

Alternatively, the fragrance dispenser may be in the form of a fragrance sprayer which is configured to spray a defined amount of nebulized liquid from the at least one fragrance container into the air flow at defined intervals. Preferably, the connection port comprises at least one inlet, to which a fragrance container is realisably connected. Alternatively preferably, the connection port comprises more than one inlet, such as two, three, four or more inlets, wherein a fragrance container with a different content may be realisably connected to each of the inlets. This allows to provide an air moving system which is able to deliver a flow of air with different fragrances.

The present application further relates to a vehicle seat, preferably to an aircraft seat, comprising at least one air moving system as described above.

This allows to add a ventilation or comfort functionality to the vehicle seat. It is to be noted that the air moving system may be easily retrofitted to a vehicle already in use, as no connection of the air moving system to any air supply or air exhaust system of the vehicle is necessary for its operation.

The at least one air moving system may be arrange on any part of the seat, such as for example a seat pan, a backrest, a headrest and/or a leg rest. Preferably, the at least one air moving system is arranged underneath a seat pan of the vehicle seat. With this arrangement, the air moving system is not visible to any passenger of the vehicle while still being accessible for repairs and/or maintenance. In this case, the at least one air moving system comprises a further unit with an air duct which allows routing of the flow of air induced by the electric fan to any part of the seat, such as e.g. a seat pan, a backrest, a headrest and/or a leg rest. In this case, the further element preferably comprises an air outlet arranged on an end of the air duct of the further element, which is not connected to the coupling element. Further, this air duct is preferably integrated within a part of the seat such as to be invisible to a passenger of the vehicle and such as not to restrict the space available for the passenger. For example, the at least one air moving system may be arranged on the underside of a seat pan of a vehicle seat and an air duct of the further element is integrated in a backrest of the vehicle seat and extends from the underside of the seat pan to an upper end of the backrest. In this case, an air outlet arranged on an end of the air duct is preferably integrated in a back or front cover of the backrest, such that an air flow may be delivered from the seat back to a passenger sitting in a seat behind the seat with the at least one air moving system or to a neck or shoulder part of a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat. Alternatively, the at least one air moving system may be arranged beneath a seat pan of the vehicle seat and comprise a further element with an air duct being integrated in the seat pan, the air duct delivering a flow of air to a cover of the seat pan, such as to deliver a flow of air through the cover of a seat pan to a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat. Of course, in a variant of this embodiment, the air duct may also be integrated into the backrest and be configured such that a flow of air is delivered to a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat through a cover of the backrest. In a further variant, the air duct may be integrated into a trim element of the vehicle seat and be configured to deliver a flow of air to a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat through a cover of the trim element. In the embodiments disclosed in this paragraph, the further element preferably comprises a bag, i.e. a pouch which is connected to the air duct, the bag having at least one, preferably a multiplicity of openings through which air may escape. Alternatively, the further element may be in the form of a bag as disclosed above, which is directly coupled to the coupling element. In this case, the at least one air moving system is not arranged beneath a seat pan, but rather integrated into the respective part of the vehicle seat, such as seat pan, backrest, leg rest and/or trim element. In this case, the first opening or the second opening is preferably connected to an air duct with an air inlet opening at one end, said air inlet opening being arranged on a side of the respective part of the vehicle seat, such as to allow the intake of air from the cabin of the vehicle.

Preferably, the vehicle seat comprises an entertainment unit with at least one screen, at least one input unit and an electronic unit being connected with the at least one screen, the at least one input unit and the at least one air moving system.

Entertainment units are known in the art, especially in aviation, and allow a passenger of the vehicle to view movies, listen to music, play games or browse information on the at least one screen. The at least one control unit is thereby used by a passenger to control the entertainment unit by allowing for inputs of the passenger to reach the electronic unit. The at least one control unit preferably comprises at least one button or key or at least one touch-screen element to allow a passenger of the vehicle to input data or the generate control signals to be transmitted to the electronic unit. As such, the input unit may allow a passenger using the entertainment unit to move a cursor, to input text into an input box or the like. The at least one control unit is preferably connected to the electronic unit by means of at least one cable. Alternatively, the at least one control unit may be connected to the electronic unit by means of a wireless connection, such as e.g. infrared, Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi.

The at least one screen preferably is a TFT screen, an LCD screen, a resistive or capacitive touchscreen which is connected to the vehicle seat itself, e.g. by means of a swivel table, foldable tray or the like. Alternatively, the at least one screen may be arranged on the backside of a vehicle seat arranged in front of the vehicle seat which comprises the entertainment unit. The at least one screen preferably is connected to the electronic unit by means of a cable.

The electronic unit preferably comprises at least one loudspeaker or a headphone jack in order to allow a passenger using the entertainment unit to listen to music, movie sounds or game sounds. Alternatively, the electronic unit may also comprise a wireless module, such as a Bluetooth® module which allows to couple wireless headphones to the entertainment unit.

The electronic unit preferably comprises at least one non-volatile memory and preferably at least one volatile memory as well as a central processing unit as known in the art. Preferably, the electronic unit is preferably connected to a server unit of the vehicle. For example, the server unit may comprise a large non-volatile memory on which music files, movie files and game files are stored. If a user of the entertainment unit selects a specific piece of music, a specific movie or game the control unit may either download the appropriate file from the server unit or initiate a data stream between the server unit and the control unit so that the specific piece of music may be played or the specific movie or specific game may be displayed on the at least one screen.

The at least one air moving system is preferably connected to the electronic unit of the entertainment unit by means of at least one cable. Alternatively, the at least one air moving system may be connected to the electronic unit by a wireless connection, such as e.g. infrared, Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. By means of this connection between the at least one air moving system and the entertainment unit the flow of air induced by the electric fan of the at least one air moving system may be directly controlled by the entertainment unit, for example by inputs from the control unit.

The vehicle seat preferably further comprises at least one pneumatic seat cushion, e.g. located in the seat pan or in the backrest. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic seat cushion is airtight. If the vehicle seat comprises at least one pneumatic seat cushion, the vehicle seat further comprises at least one valve and at least one air pump, which are both in fluid communication with the at least one pneumatic seat cushion and in electric communication with the electronic unit. Hence, it is possible to increase the hardness of a specific part of the vehicle seat by providing air to the at least one pneumatic seat cushion by means of the at least one air pump. In order to decrease the hardness of the at least one pneumatic seat cushion, air must be released, e.g. by means of the at least one valve or alternatively by reverting the direction of the at least one air pump. Both the at least one air valve and the at least one air pump are thereby controlled by the electronic unit.

Preferably, the electronic unit is configured to play music, to display a movie on the at least one screen or to enable a user to play a game with the at least one input unit, wherein the electronic control unit is further configured to control the at least one air moving system in dependence of at least one parameter of the music, the movie or the game.

This allows to generate a more immersive experience for the user, i.e. a passenger of the vehicle being seated on the vehicle seat. For example, the at least one air moving system may be used to simulate wind when playing a movie or when the user plays a game. Further, if the at least one air moving system comprises a heating and/or cooling unit, elements a heating or cooling flow of air may be generated in at least one part of the seat, e.g. a seat pan depending on a scene of the movie or game being played. Further, in the event that the at least one air moving system comprises and/or a further element thereof comprises a fragrance dispenser, a specific fragrance may be dispensed with the flow of air, for example a fragrance matching a style of music being played or corresponding with a scene of a movie or game being displayed on the at least one screen. In order to generate an appropriate flow of air the control unit preferably comprises data or is able to download data from a server unit of the vehicle which comprise information what kind of air flow has to be induced at which specific time point for every piece of music, every movie and every game stored on a non-volatile memory of the control unit and/or a server unit of the vehicle. Alternatively, the control unit may comprise an artificial intelligence module which has been trained to determine an appropriate flow of air to be induced by the air moving system based on the music played or a scene of a movie or game displayed on the at least one screen.

Further, if the vehicle seat further comprises at least one pneumatic seat cushion, the hardness of the at least one pneumatic seat cushion may also be adapted in dependence of the music being played or in dependence of a scene of the movie or game being displayed. Further, in such a case, the at least one pneumatic seat cushion may be periodically inflated and deflated to administer a massage to a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat, the periodicity of the inflation and deflation preferably being controlled by the electronic unit in dependence of the music being played or in dependence of a scene of the movie or game being displayed.

The present application further relates to a vehicle, preferably an aircraft, with a cabin and at least one air moving system according to the description above.

The at least one air moving system is preferably arranged on a component of the cabin of the vehicle, such as for example in or on a partition wall, on the underside of an overhead bin, in or on a panelling of the vehicle cabin or the like. Hence, an air moving system according to the present invention may be used to provide ventilation or a flow of air in various areas of the vehicle, for example in a personal suite provided within the cabin of a vehicle, such as a personal suite in an aircraft cabin, a lavatory compartment, a galley, a cockpit, a driver's cab or any other area or compartment of a vehicle.

In this embodiment, the air moving system preferably comprises a further element in the form of an air duct which is connected to the coupling element at a first end thereof and which includes a nozzle at its second end. The air duct may be either arranged on a surface of the vehicle seat or a component thereof, or be integrated into the vehicle seat or a component thereof, such as e.g. a padding of the seat pan or backrest. Depending on the location of the nozzle and the intended air flow to be delivered by said nozzle, the nozzle may be of any suitable type, such as e.g. an air outlet grille, a swirl diffuser, a louvre, and of any suitable shape, such as e.g. round, rectangular or any other polygonal or circular shape.

Other advantageous embodiments and combinations of features come out from the detailed description below and the entirety of the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

Fig. 1 a first embodiment of an air moving system according to the present invention as a schematic drawing;

Fig. 2 the coupling element of the embodiment of the air moving system shown in

Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 the embodiment of the air moving system according to Fig. 1 in a state where the coupling element is magnetically coupled to the fan element;

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of an air moving system according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 5 the embodiment of the air moving system according to Fig. 4 without the further element and in a disassembled state;

Fig. 6 the embodiment of the air moving system according to the embodiment as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 in a state where the coupling element is magnetically attached to the fan element;

Figs. 7 and 8 the coupling element of the embodiment of the air moving system according to the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 6 in a detailed views; Fig. 9 a third embodiment of an air moving system according to the present invention in a state where the coupling unit is magnetically connected to the fan unit;

Fig. 10 the adaptor according to the third embodiment of the air moving system as shown on Fig. 9 in more detail;

Fig. 1 1 the third embodiment of the air moving system according to the third embodiment as shown on Figs. 9 and 10 with a further element connected to the coupling element;

Fig. 12 a fifth embodiment of an air moving device according to the present invention, where the coupling element is connected to the first opening of the first housing;

Fig. 13 an alternative embodiment of a coupling element;

Fig. 14 a first embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the present invention in a schematic representation;

Fig. 15 a second embodiment of inventive vehicle seats according to the present invention;

Fig. 16 a third embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the present invention in a cut-view;

Fig. 17 a partial view of a vehicle comprising at least one air moving system;

Fig. 18 a schematic representation of an air moving system according to the present invention;

Fig. 19 a further embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the present invention;

Figs. 20a - 20c show different configurations of the at least one first connection element or the at least one second connection element. In the figures, the same components are given the same reference symbols.

Preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an air moving system 1 according to the present invention as a schematic drawing. The air moving system 1 includes a fan element 2 and a coupling element 10, which are releasably connectable to each other by means of a magnetic connection as described below.

The fan element 2 comprises a first housing 3 which is exemplarily represented as a cube in the embodiment shown. The first housing 3 includes an electric fan 7 schematically represented as a cube in the drawing. A person having skill in the art however understands that the electric fan comprises several blades which are driven in rotation by means of an electric motor (both not shown). Further, the first housing comprises a first opening 4 which is open to the surrounding environment in the embodiment shown. The first opening 4 is in fluid connection with the electric fan, e.g. by means of a first air duct 8.1 (represented in dashed lines). Further, the second housing comprises a second opening 5 which is in fluid connection with the electric fan 7 by means of a second air duct 8.2 (also represented in dashed lines). Typically, the first opening 4 is connected to an air inlet side of the electric fan 7 and the second opening 5 to an air outlet side of the electric fan 7. However, in other embodiments, the first opening 4 may be connected to an air outlet side of the electric fan 7 and the second opening 5 to an air inlet side of the electric fan 7. A flow of air may be induced by the electric fan 7 between the first opening 4 and the second opening 5 or vice versa. This means that air is sucked in through the first opening 4, drawn through the electric fan 7 and pushed out of the second opening 5, or vice versa, when the electric fan 7 is in operation.

The first housing 3 further comprises an electrical connection 9 which is configured as socket in the embodiment shown. The electrical connection 9 is electrically connected to the electric fan 7, e.g. by means of wires 29. A plug of an electric cable may be inserted into the socket in order to provide electricity to the electric fan 7, which allows to operate the electric fan 7. The first housing 3 also comprises two first connection elements 6.1, 6.2 which are located next to the second opening 5 in the embodiment shown. The two first connection elements 6.1 , 6.2 are either made of a magnetisable material or are magnets.

The coupling element 10 comprises a second housing 1 1 with a third opening 12 which is in fluid connection with a fourth opening 13. The second housing 1 1 includes two second connection elements 14.1 , 1 .2 (see Fig. 2) which are arranged next to the third opening 12. The two second connection elements 14.1 , 14.2 are magnetic and may form a magnetic connection with the two first connection elements 6.1 , 6.2 comprised on the first housing 3. The coupling element 10 may be releasably coupled to the fan element 2 by means of this magnetic connection.

The second opening 5 and the third opening 12 have substantially matching shapes and sizes. Further, the two first connection elements 6.1 , 6.2 and the two second connection elements 14.1, 14.2 are arranged next to the second opening 5 and the third opening 12, respectively, such that the third opening 13 is arranged on the second opening 5 when the first connection elements 6.1, 6.2 and the second connection elements 14.1 , 14.2 are magnetically connected with each other. Hence, a flow of air induced by the electric fan 7 flows through the second opening 5, the third opening 12 and the third opening 13, or vice versa. The second housing 1 1 includes a connection means 15 which may be used to connect the coupling element 10 with a further element (see Fig. 4). In the embodiment shown, the connection means 15 are configured as a piece of a hook and loop fastener.

Fig. 2 shows the coupling element 10 of the embodiment of the air moving system 1 shown in Fig. 1 from the other side. In this figure, the two second connection elements 14.1 , 14.2 located next to the third opening 12 are readily visible.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of the air moving system 1 according to Fig. 1 in a state where the coupling element 10 is magnetically coupled to the fan element 2. In the coupled state, the second opening 12 is arranged on the second opening 5.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of an air moving system 1 according to the present invention in a perspective view. In this figure, the coupling element 10 is connected with a further element 17, which is configured as a seat trim bag. The further element 17 is connected to the coupling element 10 by means of connection means 15 provided on the second housing 1 1. The further element 17 comprises a fifth opening which is in fluid communication with the fourth opening 13 of the coupling element 10. Hence, a flow of air (schematically represented as arrows) induced by the electric fan 7 of the fan element 2 flows through the fifth opening of the further element 17, the fourth opening 13, the third opening 12, the second opening 5 through the electric fan 7 and out of the first opening 4. The further element 17 shown as a seat trim bag in this embodiment comprises several ventilation holes 18 through which air may enter into the seat trim bag. Therefore, the air flow induced by the electric fan 7 will cause air to enter into the further element 17 configured as seat trim bag through the ventilation holes 18 thus providing a cooling air flow to a passenger sitting on a vehicle seat in which the air moving system 1 as shown in the figure is arranged.

It is to be noted that the electrical connection 9 in this embodiment is configured as a cable with a connector 9.1 at one end. The connector 9.1 may be used to connect the air moving system 1 to an electrical supply or bus system of a vehicle.

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of the air moving system 1 according to Fig. 4 without the further element 17 and in a disassembled state, i.e. the coupling element 10 is not magnetically connected to the fan element 2.

As may be seen on this figure, the second opening 5 comprises a first circumferential wall 27 protruding from the first housing 3 around the second opening 5. Further, the first housing 3 comprises first form fit structure 19 in the form of a circumferential element protruding above the second opening 5. In the embodiment shown, the first form fit structure 19 is a part of the wall of the first housing 3 encasing the blades of the electric fan 7. The first housing 3 further comprises a bracket 16 on which two first connection elements 6.1 , 6.2 are arranged. The bracket 16 has the general shape of the letter U and is placed on the first circumferential wall 27 and secured to the latter by a friction or force fit.

The second housing 1 1 of the coupling element 10 comprises a second circumferential wall 28 arranged around the third opening 12. The second circumferential wall is shaped and dimensioned such as to be inserteable into the aperture formed by the first circumferential wall 27 and the second opening 5. In the embodiment shown, the second circumferential wall 28 includes an indentation which serves as second form fit element 20. The second form fit element 28 is complementary to the first form fit element 19 of the first housing and ensures that the coupling element 10 may only be coupled to the fan element 2 in a single orientation.

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of the air moving system 1 according to the embodiment as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 in a state where the coupling element 10 is magnetically attached to the fan element 2. In this figure, it is well recognizable how the first form fit element 19 and the second form fit element 20 are in engagement with each other. Provision of the first form fit element 19 and of the second form fit element 20 further ensures that the second opening 5 and the third opening 13 are placed onto each other, i.e. that the second opening 5 and the third opening 13 are congruent with each other in the assembled state.

Figs. 7 and 8 show the coupling element 10 of the embodiment of the air moving system 1 according to the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 6 in a detailed view. Fig. 7 is a front view of the coupling element 10 while Fig. 8 is a view from the top. The second form fit element 20 as well as the clamp 16 are well recognizable on Fig. 8.

Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment of an air moving system 1 according to the present invention in a state where the coupling unit 10 is magnetically connected to the fan unit 2. In this embodiment, the first housing 3 of the fan element 2 comprises an adaptor 21 which comprises a bend of 90°. Compared to the embodiment as shown in Fig. 4 to 8, the adaptor 21 allows to deflect the flow of air by 90°. The adaptor 21 is fixedly attached to the first housing 2 and thereby forms an integral part thereof. The adaptor 21 comprises the second opening 5 as well as a second aperture 23 which is connected to a first aperture of the first housing 3. It is to be noted that when the fan element 2 does not comprise an adaptor 21, the first aperture of the first housing 3 serves as second opening 5. Hence, the adaptor 21 adds versatility to the air moving system 1, as the second housing 3 may be provided in a configuration where the second opening 5 has a different orientation compared to an air moving system 1 without an adaptor 21. According to this configuration, the first connection elements 6.1 , 6.2 are provided next to the second opening 5 on the adaptor.

Fig. 10 shows the adaptor 21 according to the third embodiment of the air moving system 1 as shown on Fig. 9 in more detail. As already mentioned, the adaptor 21 comprises the second aperture 23 and the second opening 5, which are in fluid connection with each other. The second aperture 23 and the second opening 5 are thereby arranged at an angle of 90° relative to each other. Further, the adaptor 21 comprises the first circumferential wall 27 surrounding the second opening 5. A bracket 16 with two magnetisable or magnetic first connection elements 16 is arranged on the first circumferential wall 27. The snap-fit elements 22.1 , 22.2 which serve to fixedly attach the adaptor 21 to the first housing 2 are well visible on Fig. 10. The snap-fit elements 22.1 , 22.2 latch onto corresponding elements provided on an outside of the first housing 3.

The adaptor further includes a first second form fit element 20.1. As well as a second first form fit element 19.1. The first second form fit element 20.1 matches a first form fit element 19.1 of the first housing 3 and the second first form fit element 19.3 matches a second form fit element of the second housing 1 1 of the coupling element 10.

Fig. 1 1 shows the third embodiment of the air moving system 1 according to the third embodiment as shown on Figs. 9 and 10 with a further element 17 connected to the coupling element 10. The further element 17 is again in the form of a seat trim bag analogous to the one shown on Fig. 4. The only difference to the second embodiment of the air moving system 1 as shown on Fig. 4 is that the fan element 2 comprises the adaptor 21 fixedly coupled to the first housing 3. As such, contrary to the embodiment as shown on Fig. 4, the fan element 2 of the air moving system 1 according to the third embodiment as shown on Fig. 1 1 is oriented at a right angle relative to the further element 17.

Fig. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of an air moving device 1 ' according to the present invention, where the coupling element 10' is connected to the first opening 4 of the first housing 3. In this case, the magnetisable or magnetic first coupling elements 6 are located next to the first opening 4. Otherwise, the air moving system 1 ' is configured identically to the second and third embodiments as described above.

Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a coupling element 10". In this embodiment, the coupling element 10" does not comprise magnetic second connection elements. Rather, the connection between the coupling element 10" to the first housing 3 of the fan element 2 is enabled with form fit connectors 24.1, 24.2, 24.3 which engage respective elements arranged next to or on the first opening 4. Further, the second housing 1 1" comprises a second circumferential wall 28" which is shaped and dimensioned such as to fit over the first circumferential wall 27 of the first housing 3. As may be recognized on Fig. 13, the second housing 1 1" according to this embodiment is made of two shells 25.1 , 25.2 assembled together and connected with each other by means of a fastener 26, such as e.g. a screw or bolt. As a person having skill in the art is able to recognize, it is possible to replace the form fit connectors 24.1 , 24.2, 24.3 with magnetic second connection elements 6 as described above.

Fig. 14 shows a first embodiment of a vehicle seat 30 according to the present invention in a schematic representation. The vehicle seat 30 comprises a seat pan 31 as well as a seatback 32 which is arranged at an angle relative to the seat pan 31 as known in the art. Preferably, the vehicle seat 30 comprises means (not shown) to adapt the angle of the seatback 32 relative to the seat pan 31. The seat pan 31 and seatback 32 comprise cushions and seat covers as known in the art. Further, it is noted that no mounting element to secure the vehicle seat 30 to a floor of a cabin of a vehicle is shown in Fig. 14. However, as a person having skill in the art readily understands, the vehicle seat 30 is provided with appropriate mounting elements as known in the art.

The vehicle seat 30 comprises an air moving system 1 according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the air moving system 1 is located beneath the seat pan 1. Hence, in order to visualize the location of the air moving system 1 , its outlines are represented by dashed lines. The air moving system 1 includes a coupling element connected to the first opening. The second opening does not comprise a coupling element and is open to the surrounding environment, such that air from inside of the cabin of the vehicle may be drawn in through the second opening. The coupling element itself is connected to a tube 34 which constitutes a further element of the air moving system 1 as described above. The tube is configured to extend along the underside of the seat pan 31 and subsequently span along the backrest 32 within the latter. Hence, the tube 34 is hidden inside the backrest 32 and is hence largely invisible for passengers of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat 30 is arranged. In an area at the upper end of the backrest 32, the tube 34 includes a bifurcation and leads to two air outlets 33.1 , 33.2 located in this area on a front side of the backrest 32, i.e. on the side of the backrest which is in contact with a passenger (not shown) sitting on the vehicle seat 30. This allows to deliver a flow of air to the shoulder and neck area of a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat 30.

Fig. 15 shows a second embodiment of inventive vehicle seats 30.1 ', 30.2' according to the present invention. In Fig. 15 two seats 30.1 ', 30.2' arranged one behind the other are shown. In analogy to the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, both vehicle seats 30.1 ', 30.2' comprise an air moving system 1.1, 1.2 arranged below the respective seat pan 31.1 ', 31.2'. Again, a coupling element is connected on the first opening of the respective air moving system 1.1, 1.2, each coupling element being in turn coupled to a tube 34.1 ', 34.2' to lead a flow of air from the air moving system 1.1 ', 1.2' to a respective air outlet 33.1 ', 33.2'. The air outlets 33.1 ', 33.2' are located in an area at the upper end of the respective backrest 32.1 ', 32.2' on a backside of the latter. Hence, each air outlet 33.1 ', 33.2' may deliver a flow of air to a passenger (not shown) sitting on a vehicle seat 30. 1 ', 30.2' behind the vehicle seat 30.1 ', 30.2' comprising the respective air outlet 33.1 ', 33.2'.

Fig. 16 shows a third embodiment of a vehicle seat 30" according to the present invention in a cut-view. Again, the vehicle seat 30" comprises an air moving system 1 according to the present invention located beneath the seat pan 31". The coupling element 10 is connected to the second opening of the first housing 3 while the first opening 4 does not comprise a coupling element and is hence open to the surrounding environment. Hence, air may be pushed out of the first opening into the cabin of vehicle in which the vehicle seat 30" is arranged. A further element 17 in the form of a bag is connected to the fourth opening of the coupling element 10. In analogy to the seat trim bags shown on Figs. 4 and 1 1, the bag according to the embodiment as shown comprises a multitude of ventilation holes. Air is sucked through these holes by the air flow induced by the electric fan of the air moving system 1 , thereby generating a cooling effect to a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat 30". The further element 17 is hidden from view by a seat cover 37 arranged on the seat pan 31 ". Of course, the seat cover 37 is configured to be air permeable.

Fig. 17 shows a partial view of a vehicle comprising at least one air moving system 1 ', 1". In the embodiment shown, the vehicle is an aircraft comprising a personal suite 40 as is known in the art. Personal suites 40 are usually provide in premium classes of aircraft and comprise a vehicle seat 30, i.e. an aircraft seat. The vehicle seat 30 may be a vehicle seat 30 according to the present invention or any other suitable vehicle seat. The personal suite 40 further comprises side walls 42.1 , 42.2 as well as partition walls 41 to provide some privacy to a passenger (not shown) sitting on the vehicle seat 30 of the personal suite 40. The personal suite 40 as shown is arranged next to a fuselage 42 of the aircraft next to a window 44. A first air moving system 1 ' is located within a partition wall 41 and configured to deliver a flow of air to a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat 30. A second air moving system 1" is arranged in a first side wall 42.1. The second air moving system 1" is also configured to deliver a flow of air to a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat 30.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of an air moving system 1 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, one of the first magnetisable or magnetic connection elements 6.1 is connected to a source of electricity 50 by means of a first cable 50.1. The two second connection elements 14.1 , 14.2 of the coupling element 10 are electrically connected together by means of a second cable 50.2. A second first connection element 6.2 is electrically connected to a detection unit 52 by means of a third cable 50.3. The detection unit 52 is configured to detect a voltage. Hence, when the coupling element 10 is correctly magnetically connected to the fan element 2, i.e. both second connection elements 14.1 , 14.2 are magnetically engaged with the first two connection elements 6.1 , 6.2, an electric current will flow from the electrical source 50 to the detection unit 52. Detection of a voltage by the detection unit 52 therefore indicates that the coupling unit 10 is correctly connected to the fan unit 2. The electrical source 50 preferably is connected to the electrical connection 9 of the first housing 3. Hence, the electrical source 50 may be provided with electricity via the electrical connection 9. Further, the detection unit 52 may also be connected to the electrical connection 9, such that a signal generated by the detection unit 52 may be relied to a device at a remote location.

Fig. 19 shows a further embodiment of a vehicle seat 30 according to the present invention. The vehicle seat 30 comprises an air moving system 1 and two air outlets 33.1 , 33.2 located on a front side of the backrest in an area of an upper end thereof, analogous to the embodiment as shown on Fig. 14. However, the vehicle seat 30 according to the embodiment as shown on Fig. 19 comprises an entertainment system with a screen 60, a control unit 61 and an electronic unit 62. The screen 60, the control unit 61 as well as the air moving system 1 are electrically connected to the electronic unit 62. The electronic unit 62 may further be connected to a central server of the vehicle. The electronic unit 62 comprises at least one processor as well as at least one volatile and at least one nonvolatile memory. The electronic unit 62 may be controlled by means of the control unit 61 by a passenger (not shown) sitting on the vehicle seat 30. As such, the control unit 61 comprises input means, such as buttons or the like, such as to allow the passenger to input information which is relayed to the electronic unit 62. Depending on the input of the passenger, the electronic unit 62 may display information, play a movie or show a game on the screen 60. Further, the electronic unit 62 may comprise or be connected to a headphone jack (not shown) which allows a passenger to connect headphones to the electronic unit 62. Alternatively, the electronic unit 62 may comprise a wireless module, such as a Bluetooth® module, which allows a passenger to wirelessly couple headphones with the electronic unit 62. As such, the electronic unit 62 may also be controlled by the passenger to play music. The electronic unit 62 is further configured to control the air moving system 1, e.g. in order to generate a flow of air in dependence of a piece of music played, a scene of a movie or game displayed on the display 60.

Figs. 20a, 20b and 20c show different configurations of the at least one first connection element 6.1 , 6.2 or the at least one second connection element 14.1 , 14.2. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 20a, the first connection elements 6.1 , 6.2 and/or the second connection elements 14.1, 14.2 are cylindrical magnets or cylindrical pieces of magnetisable material, respectively, which are affixed to an inside of the first, second or third opening, for example by means of glue. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 20b the at least one first connection element 6 is configured as piece of magnetisable metal which comprises a series of bends, such as the W shape shown, which is located inside of the first opening or the second opening. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 20c the first connection elements 6.1, 6.2 and/or the second connection elements 14.1, 14.2 are cuboid magnets or pieces of magnetisable material attached to the inside of the first, second or third opening, for example glued to the first or second housing.

Claims

1 . An air moving system for use in a vehicle, preferably in an aircraft, comprising: a) a fan element with a first housing comprising a first opening, a second opening, an electric fan arranged between the first opening and the second opening to induce an air flow between the first opening and the second opening, as well as at least one electrical connection on an outside surface of the first housing for supplying power to the electric fan, b) a coupling element with a second housing comprising a third opening and a fourth opening, the third opening having a shape substantially matching a shape of the first opening and/or of the second opening of the first housing, the third opening being in fluid connection with the fourth opening; characterized in that the first housing of the fan element comprises at least one magnetic or magnetisable first connection element located in the area of the first opening and/or in the area of the second opening, and in that the second housing of the coupling element comprises at least one magnetic second connection element located in the area of the third opening, the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element forming a releasable magnetic connection when the third opening is placed on the first opening or on the second opening.

2. The air moving system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first housing of the fan element and the second housing of the coupling element each comprise a first form-fit element and a second form-fit element, respectively, the first form-fit element and the second form-fit element being shaped to be engagable with each other only when the first housing and the second housing are in a defined position relative to each other, the first form-fit element and the second form-fit element being positioned on the first housing and the second housing, respectively, such that the third opening is positioned on the first opening or on the second opening when the second housing is in the defined position relative to the first housing.

3. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the at least one first connection element is made of a magnetisable metal.

4. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one second connection element is a Neodymium magnet, preferably a NdFeB magnet.

5. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first opening or the second opening comprises a first circumferential wall protruding from the first housing and in that the at least one first connection element is configured in the form of a bracket made of a magnetisable metal which is affixed on an outside surface of the first circumferential wall.

6. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third opening comprises a second circumferential wall protruding from the second housing, the second circumferential wall being shaped and dimensioned to fit into the first opening or the second opening.

7. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second housing comprises two second connection elements, which are electrically connected with each other, preferably by means of a cable, wherein the first housing comprises two first connection elements, one of said first connection elements being connected to an electrical source and the other first connection element being connected to a detection unit which is configured to detect a voltage applied to said other first connection element.

8. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second housing comprises connection means to connect the coupling element to a further element in a defined position, a fifth opening of the further element being arranged on the fourth opening when the further element is arranged on the coupling element in the defined position.

9. The air moving system according to claim 8, characterized in that the further element is a seat trim bag, a ventilation duct or a pneumatic seat cushion.

10. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fan element comprises a heating and/or cooling device for heating and or cooling the air flow induced between the first opening and the second opening by the electric fan.

1 1. The air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the air moving system comprises a fragrance dispenser and a connection port for a fragrance container, the connection port being in fluid communication with the fragrance dispenser and the fragrance dispenser being arranged within or on the first housing or on the further element such that at least one fragrance or humidity may be added into the air flow induced by the electric fan by the fragrance dispenser.

12. A vehicle seat, preferably aircraft seat, comprising at least one air moving system according to any of claims 1 to 1 1 .

13. The vehicle seat according to claim 12, characterized in that the vehicle seat comprises an entertainment unit with at least one screen, at least one input unit and an electronic unit being connected with the at least one screen, the at least one input unit and the at least one air moving system.

14. The vehicle seat according to claim 13, characterized in that the electronic unit is configured to play music, to display a movie on the at least one screen or to enable a user to play a game with the at least one input unit, wherein the electronic control unit is further configured to control the at least one air moving system in dependence of at least one parameter of the music, the movie or the game.

15. A vehicle, preferably an aircraft, with a cabin and at least one air moving system according to claims 1 to 1 1 .