Patent Description:
Moving objects such as an eVTOL (electronic Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) that carries passengers are known. <CIT> discloses an eVTOL interior.

A more suitable moving object is desired.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem.

A first aspect of the present invention is a moving object including a passenger cabin, wherein the passenger cabin is defined by a first side wall positioned on one side with respect to a center line of the moving object and a second side wall positioned on another side with respect to the center line, the center line extending in a front-rear direction, a doorway through which a passenger enters and exits the passenger cabin is formed in the first side wall, wherein the moving object further includes: a first seat, a second seat , a third seat and a fourth seat as defined in claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, a more suitable moving object is provided.

The above and other objects features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

The eVTOL according to <CIT> is provided with a plurality of passenger seats. The plurality of passenger seats are densely arranged. In this case, the passengers' eyes are likely to meet with each other. As a result, the passengers may feel some other passenger watching her/him, and may not be able to get relaxed sufficiently.

With the above situation in mind, an embodiment is described below.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a moving object <NUM> according to the present embodiment. Note that <FIG> shows a front-rear direction Z (Z1, Z2), a vertical direction Y (Y1, Y2), and a widthwise direction X. The front-rear direction Z, the vertical direction Y, and the widthwise direction X are orthogonal to each other. The downward direction Y2 indicates the gravity direction.

The moving object <NUM> is a vehicle that carries passengers. In the present embodiment, a case where the moving object <NUM> is an eVTOL will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Note that the eVTOL belongs to an aircraft.

The moving object <NUM> includes a fuselage (body) <NUM>. The moving object <NUM>, which is an eVTOL, may further include a main wing <NUM>, which is a fixed wing, a front wing <NUM> disposed forward of the main wing <NUM>, and a plurality of electric rotary wings <NUM>, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A doorway (entrance/exit) <NUM> is formed in the fuselage <NUM>. The doorway <NUM> is an opening formed such that passengers and crews can get on and off the moving object <NUM>. The number of the doorways <NUM> formed in the fuselage <NUM> is preferably one, but is not limited thereto. By minimizing the number of the doorways <NUM>, the weight of the moving object <NUM> can be suppressed.

The doorway <NUM> is provided with a doorway door <NUM> so as to be openable and closable. When the doorway door <NUM> is in an open state, passengers are allowed to get on and off the moving object <NUM> via the doorway <NUM>. When the doorway door <NUM> is in a closed state, passengers are prohibited from getting on and off the moving object <NUM> via the doorway <NUM>. The doorway door <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in a closed state. The doorway door <NUM> is opened and closed by sliding in the front-rear direction Z, for example, but is not limited thereto. The doorway door <NUM> may be a single swing door or a double swing door.

The fuselage <NUM> further includes a passenger cabin <NUM> and a cockpit <NUM>. The passenger cabin <NUM> and the cockpit <NUM> are formed inside the fuselage <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view looking down on the passenger cabin <NUM> and the cockpit <NUM>. <FIG> is a view showing a shielding device <NUM> provided in the passenger cabin <NUM>.

The fuselage <NUM> has a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM>. The first side wall <NUM> is a side wall positioned on one side with respect to the center line LA of the fuselage <NUM> (the moving object <NUM>). The second side wall <NUM> is a side wall located on the other side with respect to the center line LA. The first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> define the passenger cabin <NUM> provided in the moving object <NUM>. Although not shown, one or more windows may be provided in the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> as appropriate. The center line LA is parallel to the front-rear direction Z (see also <FIG>).

The doorway <NUM> described above is formed in the first side wall <NUM> of the fuselage <NUM>. Passengers can get on the moving object <NUM> through the doorway <NUM> to enter the passenger cabin <NUM>.

The cockpit <NUM> is located in front of the passenger cabin <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The cockpit <NUM> includes, for example, a pilot's seat <NUM> and an operation panel <NUM>. A crew who operates the moving object <NUM> sits on the pilot's seat <NUM>. The operation panel <NUM> is operated to operate the moving object <NUM>.

The cockpit <NUM> and the passenger cabin <NUM> communicate with each other via a communication passage <NUM>. The crew can move between the cockpit <NUM> and the passenger cabin <NUM> through the communication passage <NUM>. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a doorway dedicated for the crew, separately from the above-described doorway <NUM>. A door may be provided for the communication passage <NUM>.

The communication passage <NUM> is preferably located between a center aisle <NUM> described later and the first side wall <NUM> or between the center aisle <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>. The reason for this will be described later. In the present embodiment, the communication passage <NUM> is located between the center aisle <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>.

The passenger cabin <NUM> is provided with a first seat <NUM>, a second seat <NUM>, a third seat <NUM>, and a fourth seat <NUM>. The first seat <NUM> is a seat on which a first passenger sits. The second seat <NUM> is a seat on which a second passenger sits. The third seat <NUM> is a seat on which a third passenger sits. The fourth seat <NUM> is a seat on which a fourth passenger sits. A power machine room (not shown) can be provided behind the passenger cabin <NUM>. The power machine room can include equipment for driving the moving object <NUM>. The equipment may include, for example, an engine, a motor for power generation, a battery, and the like.

The passenger cabin <NUM> also has the center aisle <NUM>. The center aisle <NUM> extends along the center line LA. In the present embodiment, the center line of the center aisle <NUM> and the center line LA coincide with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The crew can pass through the center aisle <NUM> to reach the communication passage <NUM> described above.

When the communication passage <NUM> is located between the center aisle <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM> or between the center aisle <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>, the position of the communication passage <NUM> in the widthwise direction X is different from the position of the center aisle <NUM> in the widthwise direction X. Accordingly, a part of the flow line FL of the crew moving from the doorway <NUM> to the cockpit <NUM> deviates from the center aisle <NUM> (see also <FIG>). With this configuration, the crew cannot reach the cockpit <NUM> by simply moving in the forward direction Z1 along the center aisle <NUM>. As a result, the possibility that the passengers may stray into the cockpit <NUM> is reduced.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the communication passage <NUM> is located between the center line LA and the second side wall <NUM>. A space <NUM> may be formed between the communication passage <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM>.

The space <NUM> may be used as a machine room <NUM>. The machine room <NUM> is provided with, for example, a control computer for controlling the moving object <NUM>. The space <NUM> may be used as a storage space for storing luggage of passengers. A door <NUM> for the space <NUM> (machine room <NUM>) may be provided in the cockpit <NUM>, for example, but is not limited thereto.

The first seat <NUM> and the second seat <NUM> are located between the center line LA and the second side wall <NUM>. More specifically, the first seat <NUM> and the second seat <NUM> are located between the center aisle <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM>. The first seat <NUM> is arranged to face forward. The second seat <NUM> is disposed rearwardly of the first seat <NUM> to face rearward.

With this configuration, the first passenger seated on the first seat <NUM> and the second passenger seated on the second seat <NUM> do not face each other. Therefore, the first passenger's eyes and the second passenger's eyes are unlikely to meet. Note that an arrow A1 indicating the orientation of the first seat <NUM> and an arrow A2 indicating the orientation of the second seat <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The orientation of the first seat <NUM> can be specified by the orientation of a backrest 38b of the first seat <NUM>. The orientation of the second seat <NUM> can be specified by the orientation of a backrest 40b of the second seat <NUM>.

At least a part of the first seat <NUM> overlaps the doorway <NUM> in a side view. At least a part of the second seat <NUM> also overlaps the doorway <NUM> in the side view.

With this configuration, the first passenger and the second passenger can enter and exit the passenger cabin <NUM> via the doorway <NUM> without caring about each other's eyes. That is, the doorway <NUM> and the first seat <NUM> are separated from each other in the widthwise direction X and overlap each other in a side view. With this configuration, the doorway <NUM> is easily in the blind spot of the first passenger seated on the first seat <NUM>. Thus, when the first passenger is seated in the first seat <NUM>, the second passenger can enter and exit the passenger cabin <NUM> through the doorway <NUM> without caring about the first passenger's eyes. The doorway <NUM> and the second seat <NUM> are separated from each other in the widthwise direction X and overlap each other in a side view. With this configuration, the doorway <NUM> is easily in the blind spot of the second passenger seated on the second seat <NUM>. Thus, when the second passenger is seated in the second seat <NUM>, the first passenger can enter and exit the passenger cabin <NUM> through the doorway <NUM> without caring about the second passenger's eyes.

The third seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM> are located between the center line LA and the first side wall <NUM>. More specifically, the third seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM> are located between the center aisle <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM>. The third seat <NUM> is positioned on the front side of the doorway <NUM>. On the other hand, the fourth seat <NUM> is positioned on the rear side of the doorway <NUM>.

The orientation of the third seat <NUM> in the top view is obliquely rearward. On the other hand, the orientation of the fourth seat <NUM> in the top view is obliquely forward. Note that an arrow A3 indicating the orientation of the third seat <NUM> and an arrow A4 indicating the orientation of the fourth seat <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The orientation of the third seat <NUM> can be specified by the orientation of a backrest 42b of the third seat <NUM>. The orientation of the fourth seat <NUM> can be specified by the orientation of a backrest 44b of the fourth seat <NUM>. The position of the third seat <NUM> in the widthwise direction X is the same as the position of the fourth seat <NUM> in the widthwise direction X.

With this configuration, the third passenger seated on the third seat <NUM> and the fourth passenger seated on the fourth seat <NUM> are unlikely to face each other. Therefore, the third passenger' eyes and the fourth passenger's eyes are unlikely to meet.

In accordance with claim <NUM>, one of the third seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM> is inclined toward the first side wall <NUM> in a top view, and the other of the third seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM> is inclined toward the second side wall <NUM> in the top view.

With this configuration, the legs of the third passenger seated on the third seat <NUM> and the legs of the fourth passenger seated on the fourth seat <NUM> are less likely to interfere with each other. <FIG> shows the third seat <NUM> inclined toward the first side wall <NUM> in a top view and the fourth seat <NUM> inclined toward the second side wall <NUM> in the top view.

As mentioned above, the center aisle <NUM> is located between the first seat <NUM> and the third seat <NUM>. Therefore, the distance between the first seat <NUM> and the third seat <NUM> in the widthwise direction X is at least equal to or larger than the width W46 of the center aisle <NUM>.

Thus, the third passenger seated in the third seat <NUM> is less likely to be in the field of view of the first passenger seated in the first seat <NUM>. Similarly, the first passenger seated in the first seat <NUM> is less likely to be in the field of view of the third passenger seated in the third seat <NUM>. Therefore, the first passenger's eyes and the third passenger's eyes are less likely to meet.

It is more preferable that at least a part of the first seat <NUM> and at least a part of the third seat <NUM> overlap each other in a side view. This makes it easier for the third passenger to be in the blind spot of the first passenger, and makes it easier for the first passenger to be in the blind spot of the third passenger. As a result, the possibility that the first passenger's eyes and the third passenger's eyes may meet is further reduced.

As described above, the third seat <NUM> is positioned in front of the doorway <NUM> and faces obliquely rearward. Therefore, the third passenger who has entered the passenger cabin <NUM> through the doorway <NUM> can sit on the third seat <NUM> without going around to the front of the third seat <NUM>. In other words, the third passenger can sit in the third seat <NUM> without passing by the first seat <NUM>.

In this way, the third passenger is less likely to be in the field of view of the first passenger seated in the first seat <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the center aisle <NUM> is located between the second seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM>. Therefore, the distance between the second seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM> in the widthwise direction X is at least equal to or greater than the width of the center aisle <NUM>.

In this way, the fourth passenger seated on the fourth seat <NUM> is less likely to be in the field of view of the second passenger seated on the second seat <NUM>. Similarly, the second passenger seated in the second seat <NUM> is less likely to be in the field of view of the fourth passenger seated in the fourth seat <NUM>. Therefore, the second passenger's eyes and the fourth passenger's eyes are less likely to meet.

It is more preferable that at least a part of the second seat <NUM> and at least a part of the fourth seat <NUM> overlap each other in the side view. This makes it easier for the fourth passenger to be in the blind spot of the second passenger, and makes it easier for the second passenger to be in the blind spot of the fourth passenger. As a result, the possibility that the second passenger's eyes and the fourth passenger's eyes may meet is further reduced.

As described above, the fourth seat <NUM> is positioned rearward of the doorway <NUM> and faces obliquely forward. Therefore, the fourth passenger who has entered the passenger cabin <NUM> through the doorway <NUM> can sit on the fourth seat <NUM> without going around to the rear of the fourth seat <NUM>. In other words, the fourth passenger can sit on the fourth seat <NUM> without passing by the second seat <NUM>.

In this way, the fourth passenger is less likely to be in the field of view of the second passenger seated in the second seat <NUM>.

Moreover, since the third passenger does not need to go around to the front of the third seat <NUM> when sitting on the third seat <NUM>, it is not necessary to add a passage between the third seat <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM>. Similarly, since the fourth passenger does not need to go around to the rear of the fourth seat <NUM> when sitting on the fourth seat <NUM>, it is not necessary to add a passage between the fourth seat <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the dimension of the fuselage <NUM> in the widthwise direction X due to the addition of the passage.

<FIG> is a view showing a shielding device <NUM> provided in the passenger cabin <NUM>.

The moving object <NUM> further includes a shielding device <NUM>. The shielding device <NUM> includes a first partition <NUM>, a second partition <NUM>, and a main body <NUM>. The first partition <NUM> is a partition for shielding between the first seat <NUM> and the third seat <NUM>. The second partition <NUM> is a partition for shielding between the second seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM>. The first partition <NUM> and the second partition <NUM> can be retracted in the main body <NUM>. <FIG> shows the shielding device <NUM> with the first partition <NUM> and the second partition <NUM> retracted in the main body <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> includes a housing capable of accommodating the first partition <NUM> and the second partition <NUM>, and an actuator (not shown). The actuator deploys (projects) the first partition <NUM>. That is, the first partition <NUM> accommodated in the main body <NUM> moves in the front direction Z1 in response to the driving of the actuator.

As a result, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first partition <NUM> shields between the first seat <NUM> and the third seat <NUM>. As a result, the possibility that the first passenger's eyes and the third passenger's eyes may meet is further reduced. The first partition <NUM> positioned between the first seat <NUM> and the third seat <NUM> can be accommodated in the main body <NUM> again by moving in the rearward direction Z2 in response to the driving of the actuator.

The second partition <NUM> is also deployed (projected) by an actuator (not shown) provided in the main body <NUM>. That is, the second partition <NUM> accommodated in the main body <NUM> moves in the rearward direction Z2 in response to the driving of the actuator.

As a result, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second partition <NUM> shields between the second seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM>. As a result, the possibility that the second passenger's eyes and the fourth passenger's eyes may meet is further reduced. The second partition <NUM> positioned between the second seat <NUM> and the fourth seat <NUM> can be accommodated in the main body <NUM> again by moving in the front direction Z1 in response to the driving of the actuator.

The actuator provided in the main body <NUM> includes, for example, a motor, but is not limited thereto. The actuator can be controlled by a computer (not shown). The computer (not shown) may be provided in the moving object <NUM>. The actuator may be driven in response to operation of a switch appropriately disposed around the first seat <NUM> or the second seat <NUM>. A first actuator for moving the first partition <NUM> and a second actuator for moving the second partition <NUM> may be provided in the main body <NUM>. In addition, one of the first partition <NUM> and the second partition <NUM> may be omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, the moving object <NUM> further includes a first table <NUM>, a second table <NUM>, a third table <NUM>, and a fourth table <NUM>. Each of the first table <NUM> and the second table <NUM> is, for example, a rectangular table, but is not limited thereto. Each of the third table <NUM> and the fourth table <NUM> is a circular table, but is not limited thereto. At least one of the first table <NUM>, the second table <NUM>, the third table <NUM>, or the fourth table <NUM> may be omitted.

The first table <NUM> is a table used by the first passenger. The second table <NUM> is a table used by the second passenger. Each of the first table <NUM> and the second table <NUM> is, for example, a folding table that can be accommodated in the second side wall <NUM>.

The second side wall <NUM> is provided with an accommodation portion (first accommodation portion) (not shown) capable of accommodating the first table <NUM>. The first accommodation portion is, for example, a concave portion capable of accommodating the folded first table <NUM>.

The second side wall <NUM> is provided with an accommodation portion (second accommodation portion) (not shown) capable of accommodating the second table <NUM>. The second accommodation portion is, for example, a concave portion capable of accommodating the folded second table <NUM>.

The third table <NUM> is a table used by the third passenger. The fourth table <NUM> is a table used by the fourth passenger. Each of the third table <NUM> and the fourth table <NUM> is, for example, a folding table that can be accommodated in the doorway door <NUM>.

The doorway door <NUM> or the first side wall <NUM> is provided with an accommodation portion (third accommodation portion) (not shown) capable of accommodating the third table <NUM>. The third accommodation portion is, for example, a concave portion capable of accommodating the folded third table <NUM>.

Further, the doorway door <NUM> or the first side wall <NUM> is provided with an accommodation portion (fourth accommodation portion) (not shown) capable of accommodating the fourth table <NUM>. The fourth accommodation portion is, for example, a concave portion capable of accommodating the folded fourth table <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A moving object (<NUM>) comprising a passenger cabin (<NUM>), wherein
the passenger cabin is defined by a first side wall (<NUM>) positioned on one side with respect to a center line (LA) of the moving object and a second side wall (<NUM>) positioned on another side with respect to the center line, the center line extending in a front-rear direction (Z),
a doorway (<NUM>) through which a passenger enters and exits the passenger cabin is formed in the first side wall,
wherein the moving object further comprises:
a first seat (<NUM>) positioned between the center line and the second side wall and disposed to face forward; and
a second seat (<NUM>) positioned between the center line and the second side wall, and rearward of the first seat, the second seat being disposed to face rearward;
a third seat (<NUM>) disposed between the center line and the first side wall, and on a front side of the doorway; and
a fourth seat (<NUM>) disposed between the center line and the first side wall, and on a rear side of the doorway, and
wherein
at least a part of the first seat and at least a part of the second seat overlap the doorway in a side view,
the third seat faces obliquely rearward in a top view, and the fourth seat faces obliquely forward in the top view,
one of the third seat and the fourth seat is inclined toward the first side wall in the top view, and
another of the third seat and the fourth seat is inclined toward the second side wall in the top view.