WO2023242544A1 - Ensemble siège passager pour aéronef - Google Patents

Ensemble siège passager pour aéronef Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023242544A1
WO2023242544A1 PCT/GB2023/051523 GB2023051523W WO2023242544A1 WO 2023242544 A1 WO2023242544 A1 WO 2023242544A1 GB 2023051523 W GB2023051523 W GB 2023051523W WO 2023242544 A1 WO2023242544 A1 WO 2023242544A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
lumbar support
carriage
seat pan
pan
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2023/051523
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Hacker
Sam JANSENNS
James BOWKER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unum Aircraft Seating Ltd
Original Assignee
Unum Aircraft Seating Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unum Aircraft Seating Ltd filed Critical Unum Aircraft Seating Ltd
Publication of WO2023242544A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023242544A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/0641—Seats convertible into beds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/02246—Electric motors therefor
    • B60N2/02253—Electric motors therefor characterised by the transmission between the electric motor and the seat or seat parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/10—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable tiltable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
    • B60N2/2222—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable the back-rest having two or more parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/32—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use
    • B60N2/34—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles convertible for other use into a bed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/90—Details or parts not otherwise provided for
    • B60N2/995—Lower-leg-rests, e.g. calf-rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/064—Adjustable inclination or position of seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/0643—Adjustable foot or leg rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0648—Lower frame constructions

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns passenger seat assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a passenger seat assembly having a seat carriage with a curved rail. The invention also concerns a seating arrangement in the cabin of an aircraft.
  • herringbone layout which comprises columns of adjacent seat assemblies, all orientated at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin.
  • Outboard facing herringbone arrangements and inboard facing herringbone arrangements are known.
  • Outboard facing herringbone arrangements are those in which the seats accommodate a passenger such that in the seating position the passenger faces towards the closest wall (side) of the aircraft (i.e. they look outwardly from the aircraft).
  • Herringbone layouts tend to enable relatively high-density arrangements.
  • Business class seat assemblies are typically configurable between a seating configuration and a sleeping configuration in which a planar lie-flat sleeping surface is provided. Some business class seat assemblies are also able to adopt an intermediate configuration in which there is a recline of the seat’s backrest. Having multiple different configurations of the seat is desirable, but it is also desirable for the seat assembly to consistently provide a high level of comfort in of all these different configurations. It is desirable to provide these features without negatively impacting on other design-critical features such as the space occupancy, weight, complexity and/or serviceability of the seat assembly.
  • DE102012108351A1 shows an example of a seat unit which is configurable between a seating configuration, an intermediate configuration and a bed configuration. The seat assembly in DE102012108351A1 comprises a curved rail for effecting the movement between these configurations.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved seat assembly.
  • a seat assembly for an aircraft, the seat assembly being configurable between a seating configuration and a flat-bed configuration.
  • the seat assembly comprises; a base for connection to the floor of the aircraft; a seat carriage comprising a curved rail; a backrest attached to the seat carriage; a lumbar support pivotally attached to the seat carriage at a first pivot; and a seat pan pivotally attached to the seat carriage at a second pivot.
  • the seat carriage may be supported by the base.
  • the curved rail of the seat carriage may be moveable relative to the base, preferably thereby moving the seat carriage along an arc defined by the curvature of the curved rail.
  • the seat pan and the lumbar support may be arranged such that articulation of the seat pan about the second pivot causes articulation of the lumbar support about the first pivot between a lumbar-supporting configuration and a flat configuration.
  • the lumbar support and the backrest may be angled with respect to one another.
  • the backrest and lumbar support are preferably substantially coplanar.
  • This aspect of the present invention recognises that by linking the configuration of the lumbar support with the position of the seat pan, an arrangement may be provided in which there is lumbar support for a passenger when the seat assembly is in a seating configuration (typically created by the formation of an uneven or convex surface), but when the seat assembly is in a flat-bed configuration, there is no such uneven or convex surface (because the lumbar support is co-planar with the backrest and seat pan).
  • references to relative orientations of the seat pan, lumber support and backrest are made with reference to their respective support surfaces (e.g. the surface formed by the cushion for contacting the passenger, or a datum thereof).
  • the seat pan and the lumbar support are arranged such that articulation of the seat pan about the second pivot causes articulation of the lumbar support about the first pivot between the lumbar-supporting configuration and the flat configuration.
  • the articulation of the lumbar support is preferably indirectly actuated by actuation of the seat pan.
  • the seat assembly may not necessarily, therefore, require a lumbar support actuation assembly and/or actuator. This may enable a relatively simple and/or lightweight arrangement.
  • the lumbar support In the lumbar-supporting configuration the lumbar support preferably forms a lumbar supporting surface for a passenger.
  • the surface may be formed by the backrest and lumbar support forming an angle with one another.
  • the backrest and the lumbar support In the lumbar- supporting configuration, the backrest and the lumbar support may form a convex support surface.
  • the backrest and the lumbar support In the lumbar-supporting configuration, the backrest and the lumbar support may be non-co-planar.
  • the seat assembly may be configured such that when the seat assembly is in the seating configuration, the lumbar support is in the lumbar-supporting configuration.
  • the seat assembly may be configured such that when the seat assembly is in the flat-bed configuration, the lumbar support is in the flat configuration.
  • the lumbar support may have a first end, proximate to the backrest.
  • the lumbar support may have a second end, proximate to the seat pan.
  • the lumbar pivot may be located at the first end.
  • the second end of the lumbar support may occupy a position further towards the seat carriage when in the lumbar-supporting configuration than when in the flat configuration.
  • Such an arrangement may, for example, result in the formation of a relatively convex surface in the lumbar-supporting configuration, compared to the planar surface in the flat configuration.
  • the backrest may be fixedly attached to the seat carriage.
  • the backrest is preferably fixedly attached to the seat carriage such that movement of the seat carriage results in corresponding movement of the backrest.
  • Such an arrangement has been found to be beneficial because the backrest may follow the path (for example the arcuate path) of the curved rail.
  • the passenger seat assembly may comprise a headrest.
  • the headrest may be fixedly attached to the seat carriage.
  • the headrest may be co- planar with the backrest but in other embodiments, the headrest may be non-coplanar with the backrest. In the latter case, a pillow may be provided on top of the head rest when the seat assembly is in flat-bed configuration.
  • the seat assembly is preferably arranged such that when the seat pan is coplanar with the backrest, the lumbar support is in the flat configuration. Such an arrangement may thereby ensure that by articulating the seat pan to a position that is co-planar with the backrest, an entire planar sleeping surface is provided (the lumbar support being positioned between the backrest and the seat pan).
  • the seat pan and lumbar support may be connected by a guide and a follower.
  • One of the seat pan and the lumbar support may be associated with the guide and the other of the lumbar support or the seat pan may be associated with the follower arranged to be moveable within the guide.
  • the seat pan may comprise the guide and the lumbar support may comprise the follower.
  • Embodiments comprising a guide and follower arrangement have been found to be effective in transferring movement of one component (e.g. the seat pan) into movement of another component (e.g. the lumbar support).
  • the guide may form a substantially constant radius curve.
  • the seat pan may comprise an extension, such as an arm, in which a guide groove is located.
  • the lumbar support may comprise an extension, such as an arm, having a follower extending therefrom and arranged to move within the guide groove.
  • the guide is preferably shaped to provide movement of the lumbar support between the lumbar-supporting configuration and the flat configuration.
  • the base may comprise a carriage actuation assembly.
  • the carriage actuation assembly may be configured to move the carriage relative to the base.
  • the carriage actuation assembly may comprises a rack, a pinion and an actuator.
  • the rack may be curved and the curved rail of the carriage may comprises the curved rack.
  • the base may comprise the pinion. Rotation of the pinion may be effected by the actuator.
  • the rack and the pinion may intermesh such that rotation of the pinion results in movement of the carriage along an arcuate path defined by the curved rail.
  • a rack and pinion arrangement has been found to be especially effective, particularly in enabling movement of the backrest to a wide variety of positions within the movement range defined by the curved rail.
  • the seat assembly may comprises a seat pan actuator for effecting movement of the seat pan.
  • the seat pan actuator may comprise an actuator, for example a linear actuator.
  • the actuator may be connected at one end to the seat carriage and at its opposing end to the seat pan.
  • the seat assembly may be arranged such that retraction of the seat pan actuator causes (via pivoting of the seat pan) the lumbar support to adopt the flat configuration.
  • the seat assembly may be arranged such that extension of the seat pan actuator causes (via pivoting of the seat pan) the lumbar support to adopt the lumbar-supporting configuration.
  • the seat pan movement relative to the seat carriage, and the curved rail movement relative to the base, are preferably independent movements. Those independent movement are preferably controlled by the seat pan actuator and the carriage actuation assembly respectively. Having independent movement of the seat pan and the backrest has also been found to readily enable a large variety of seating positions to be adopted by the passenger, thereby ensuring a passenger can seek a configuration of the backrest and the seat pan orientation that best suit them.
  • the arrangement of the seat pan on the seat carriage may beneficially reduce the power/torque required for the seat pan to adopt certain positions.
  • the carriage actuation assembly may be configured to provide a greater force/power to affect actuation than the linear actuator.
  • the seat assembly may be configurable into an intermediate configuration.
  • the curved rail In the intermediate configuration, the curved rail may be moved part-way between its relative positions in the seating configuration and the flat-bed configuration.
  • the backrest In the intermediate configuration the backrest may be at a reclined angle (relative to the seating configuration).
  • the root end of the seat pan (the end closest to the carriage and/or lumbar support) may be lowered relative to the front end of the seat pan (i.e. the free edge at the front of the seat pan).
  • the orientation of the seat pan in the intermediate configuration may be such that the hips of a passenger occupying the seat, are lowered relative to their upper legs.
  • the intermediate position may therefore facilitate a ‘zero-g’ or Tazy-Z’ position, which is recognised as being an especially comfortable position for a passenger.
  • Embodiments of the invention comprising the seat carriage having a curved rail have been found to be especially beneficial in enabling this configuration. This is because the curved rail enables movement of the backrest and seat pan in a way that lowers the passenger’s hip position as the seat assembly moves from the seating configuration towards the flat-bed configuration.
  • the seat assembly may be arranged such that in the intermediate position, the lumbar support may be in the lumbar supporting configuration. Such an arrangement is especially beneficial because it provides lumbar support to the passenger in this intermediate position (whilst still enabling the lumbar support to adopt the flat configuration, for example when the seat assembly is in the flat-bed configuration).
  • the seat assembly may further comprises a leg rest.
  • the leg rest may be pivotally attached to the seat pan.
  • the leg rest may be rotatable relative to the seat pan between a stowed position (for example in which the leg rest is at an angle to the seat pan, such as downwards or below the seat pan), to a bed position, in which the leg rest is substantially co-planar with the seat pan.
  • the seat assembly may be arranged such that the leg rest is in the bed position when the seat assembly is in the flat-bed configuration. In the bed position the leg rest may form a continuous surface with the seat pan.
  • the leg rest may be moveable by means of an actuator, for example a linear actuator, attached at one end to the seat pan and at the other end to the leg rest.
  • a passenger seat assembly for an aircraft, wherein the passenger seat assembly comprises a base and a carriage.
  • the base may comprise a toothed wheel
  • the seat carriage may comprise a curved toothed rack, the curved toothed rack and the toothed wheel being arranged to interface such that rotation of the toothed wheel moves the curved rack along an arcuate path relative to the base.
  • the arcuate path is preferably defined by the curvature of the rack.
  • the seat assembly may further comprise a backrest, a lumbar support and seat pan attached to the curved rail.
  • the seat assembly may be arranged to be configurable between: an upright position in which the backrest, lumbar support and seat pan are positioned in a seating position to provide an upright seating surface; a zero-g reclined position in which the backrest, lumbar support and seat pan are positioned in a reclined position such that a rearmost portion of the seat pan is lowered relative to a foremost portion of the seat pan; and a flat-bed configuration in which the backrest, lumbar support and the seat pan are substantially coplanar.
  • the backrest and the lumbar support may maintain substantially similar relative positions. In these positions, the backrest and the lumbar support may form a convex surface (for example they may be non-co-planar).
  • the seat assembly may comprise an actuator for rotating the pinion.
  • a kit of parts for forming a seat assembly comprising: a base, preferably comprising a pinion; and a seat carriage comprising a curved rail, preferably having a curved toothed rack; and a backrest, a lumbar support and a seat pan, the backrest, a lumbar support and a seat pan being configurable to attach to the seat carriage.
  • a seating arrangement in the cabin of a passenger aircraft comprising a column of the seat assemblies described herein.
  • the seat assemblies may be arranged in a herringbone formation in which consecutive seat assemblies in the column are orientation at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin.
  • the seat assemblies may be adjacent a sidewall of the aircraft and face outwardly towards the sidewall. Embodiments of the invention have been found to be especially beneficial in this type of layout.
  • the seat assembly of the second aspect may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the seat assembly of the first aspect and vice versa.
  • Figure 1 shows a side view of a seat assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 4a to 4h show side views of a part of seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a base of the seat assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6 shows a front view of a base of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a seat carriage, backrest and headrest of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 8 shows a rear view of the seat carriage, backrest and headrest of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9 shows a close-up rear view of the seat carriage, backrest and headrest of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 shows a close-up perspective view of the base and seat carriage of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the seat carriage of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 12 shows a side view of the seat carriage of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 13 shows a front view of the seat carriage of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 14 shows a side view of a seat pan of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the seat pan of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 16 shows a side view of a lumbar support of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the lumbar support of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the lumbar support and the seat pan of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the lumbar support, a seat pan actuator and the seat pan of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 20 shows a rear view of part of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 21 shows a perspective view of part of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 22 shows a side view of part of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 23 shows a rear perspective view of part of the seat assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 24 shows a layout of passenger accommodations (LOP A) according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 25 shows a layout of passenger accommodations (LOP A) according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 26 shows a perspective view of a seat assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 27 shows a perspective view of a seat assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 28 shows a perspective view of a seat assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 29a to 29h show side views of a part of seat assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 30 shows a perspective view of the lumbar support and the seat pan of the seat assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the lumbar support, a seat pan actuator and the seat pan of the seat assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 32 shows a rear view of part of the seat assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • a seat assembly for a business class seat unit.
  • the seat assembly has a seat carriage which has a curved rail at one (rear) edge.
  • the curved rail is moveable through a base, which has an actuator for moving the curved rail of the seat carriage through an arc movement.
  • the other face (the front face, i.e. the passenger facing side) of the seat carriage has a backrest fixedly attached thereto, and a lumbar support and a seat pan pivotally attached thereto.
  • the seat assembly moves between an upright configuration suitable for sitting in, one or more intermediate configurations suitable for lounging in, and a lie-flat (i.e. flat-bed) configuration suitable for sleeping in.
  • the seat pan is actuated separately to the actuation of the curved rail by the actuator in the base.
  • the seat pan actuator moves the seat pan about its pivotal connection to the seat carriage such that the seat pan moves between a configuration suitable for sitting, to a configuration where it is substantially coplanar with the backrest (suitable for sleeping).
  • the seat pan is linked (connected via a linkage) to the lumbar support, and the linkage which connects them is arranged such that when the seat pan/seat assembly is in the seating configuration, the lumbar support is configured to provide (in conjunction with the backrest) lumbar support to a passenger sitting in the seat.
  • the seat pan As the seat pan is actuated into the intermediate configuration, the seat pan forms a slightly larger angle to the backrest, and the lumbar support continues to provide at least some lumbar supporting configuration. However, as the seat pan is actuated into the lie-flat configuration, the lumbar support moves into a flat configuration where it is substantially coplanar with the seat pan and the backrest. Details of the way in which the linkage moves, and the seat pan and lumbar support interact, are provided below.
  • FIGS 1 to 3 show a seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the seat assembly 100 has a base 101, a seat carriage 103, a seat pan 105, a lumbar support 107, and a backrest 109.
  • the seat assembly 100 also has a headrest 102 attached to the seat carriage 103 and a leg rest 160 pivotally attached to the seat pan 105.
  • the backrest 109 is fixedly attached to the seat carriage 103.
  • the seat carriage 103 has a curved rail 111.
  • the curved rail 111 sits within the base 101 and the radius of the curve of the curved rail defines an arcuate path through which the curved rail passes when it is moved through rollers/guide wheels 113 in the base 101.
  • the curved rail 111 of the seat carriage 103 passes through the rollers 113 of the base 101 to adopt different configurations.
  • the configuration shown in Figure 1 is a seating configuration in which the seat assembly 100 is arranged for a passenger to sit in it upright, for example during Taxi, Take-Off and Landing (TTOL), food service, or regular use of the seat.
  • Figure 2 shows the seat in a flat-bed configuration, in which (in comparison to Figure 1) the curved rail 111 has passed through the rollers 113 of the base 101, such that the backrest 109 is in a near horizontal position, and the lumbar support 107 and the seat pan 105 are substantially coplanar with each other and the backrest 109.
  • the flat-bed configuration is suitable for a passenger to sleep on.
  • Figure 3 shows an intermediate “Zero-G” configuration, which the seat assembly 100 is in when the curved rail 111 is held part-way through the base 101.
  • the curved rail 111 When the curved rail 111 is in this intermediate position it is between the position it occupies while the seat assembly 100 is in the seating configuration and the position it occupies when the seat is in the flat-bed configuration.
  • the backrest 109 and the lumbar support 107 form a convex surface (the surface which faces outwardly, towards the back of a passenger).
  • the seat’s convex shape supports the passenger’s back in the lumbar region of the spine.
  • the convex relationship between the backrest 109 and the lumbar support 107 is shown by dashed line 115.
  • the relationship between the backrest 109 and the lumbar support is convex and provides support similarly to the first position, whilst the seat is in a recline position.
  • the convex relationship between the backrest 109 and the lumbar support 107 is still present (albeit marginally less pronounced in comparison to the seating configuration), when the seat is in the “Zero-G” configuration.
  • the extent of the lumbar support’s 107 convex deflection from the backrest 109 is defined by the relative position of the seat pan 105 and the lumbar support 107, as discussed further below.
  • the seat pan 105 When the seat is in the flat-bed configuration, shown in Figure 2, the seat pan 105 is substantially coplanar with the lumbar support 107 and the backrest 109. In this configuration there is substantially no convex relationship between the backrest 109 and the lumbar support 107, and the backrest 109, lumbar support 107 and seat pan 105 form part of a substantially horizontal flat-bed surface.
  • the backrest 109 is fixedly attached to the seat carriage 103 by attachments 110 at the two ends of the backrest.
  • the lumbar support 107 is pivotally attached to the seat carriage 103 at pivot attachment 108 (lumbar pivot 108).
  • the lumbar support 107 has a first end, proximate to the backrest, and a second end, proximate to the seat pan, and the lumbar support pivot 108 is located at the first end of the lumbar support.
  • the seat pan is pivotally attached to the seat carriage 103 at pivot attachment 106 (seat pan pivot 106).
  • the curvature of the seat carriage is such that the centre of curvature of the rail is a position forward of, and above (when the seat unit is in the flat-bed configuration), the seat unit.
  • This enables the movement shown in Figures 1-3, wherein when the seat assembly moves from the seating configuration to the intermediate “Lazy Z/Zero G” configuration, the rear portion of the seat pan 105 (i.e. where the passenger’s hips would be located if occupying the seat) is lowered relative to the position in the seating configuration and relative to the front portion of the seat pan 105. The rear portion of the seat pan 105 is then raised as the seat assembly moves into the flat-bed configuration.
  • the seat assembly of the first embodiment is configurable into three configurations. It has been recognised that a lumbar support is desirable in the seating and lazy Z configurations, but is undesirable in a flat bed.
  • the seat assembly is configured to ensure the lumbar support forms a coplanar surface in the bed configuration, as will now be described with reference to Figures 4a-4h.
  • Figures 4a-4h show the interaction between the seat pan 105 and the lumbar support 107.
  • the lumbar support 105 has an arm 117 with a follower pin 119 extending laterally from it.
  • the seat pan 105 has an arm 121 with a guide groove 123 formed within it. As shown in more detail in Figures 17 and 18, the follower pin 119 of the lumbar support arm 117 is received within the guide groove 123.
  • the figures 4a-4h in alphabetical order, show the interaction between the lumbar support 107, the arm 117 and follower pin 119, and the seat pan 105, the arm 121 and the guide 123 during movement of the seat pan about the seat pan pivot 106.
  • the follower pin 119 travels along the guide 123.
  • the shape of the guide groove 123 is a constant radius. The movement of the seat assembly into the lazy-Z configuration is such that there is relatively little relative rotation between the backrest and the seat pan; because there is relatively little movement of the seat pan (relative to the backrest) it does not create significant changes to the orientation of the lumbar support (relative to the backrest).
  • the interaction between the seat pan 105 and the lumbar support 107 is such that the lumbar support 107 is in a lumbar supporting configuration.
  • the lumbar support 107 also pivots into a position where the lumbar support 107 forms a less convex relationship with the backrest 109.
  • the lumbar support 107 is correspondingly pivoted (by the interaction between the guide 123 and the follower pin 119 of the seat pan 105 and the lumbar support 107 respectively) such that the lumbar support 107 adopts a flat configuration.
  • the backrest 109, lumbar support 107 and the seat pan 105 move between a seating position with lumbar support, to a flat-bed position with coplanar cushions, without requiring an additional actuator to actuate the lumbar support 107 directly (as this is indirectly actuated by an actuator actuating the seat pan).
  • FIGS. 5 to 23 show parts, and groups of parts, of the seat assembly described above, in detail:
  • Figures 5 and 6 shows the base 101 of the seat assembly 100.
  • the base comprises a frame 133 to which is mounted an actuator (motor) 130 for driving a pinion 151 which engages with a rack (part of curved rail 111, shown in detail in figures 8 and 9) of the seat carriage 103 (not shown in Figures 5 and 6) and guide wheels 113 for guiding the curved rail 111 of the seat carriage 103.
  • an actuator motor 130 for driving a pinion 151 which engages with a rack (part of curved rail 111, shown in detail in figures 8 and 9) of the seat carriage 103 (not shown in Figures 5 and 6) and guide wheels 113 for guiding the curved rail 111 of the seat carriage 103.
  • FIG. 7 shows the seat carriage 103 with the backrest 109 and the headrest 102 fixedly attached to it.
  • the seat carriage 103 further comprises a seat pan mount 104 which comprises the seat pan pivot 106 to which the seat pan 105 is pivotally attached and around which the seat pan 105 pivots.
  • Figure 8 shows a rear view of the seat carriage 103 as shown in figure 7, which shows the profile of the curved rail 111.
  • the curved rail 111 has inner 112 and outer 114 lips.
  • Figure 9 shows a close up rear view of the base 101 with the seat carriage 103 in-situ.
  • the outer lips 114 of the seat carriage 103 curved rail 111 rest in and are guided by guide wheels 113.
  • Figure 10 shows a perspective front view of the base 101 with the seat carriage 103 in-situ.
  • the upper surface of the outer lips 114 of the seat carriage 103 curved rail 111 are also guided by guide wheels 113.
  • FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the seat carriage 103 of figure 7, without the backrest 109 or the headrest 102 in place, and shows the shape of the seat carriage behind the backrest 109 and the headrest 102.
  • Figure 12 shows a side view of the seat carriage 103, and shows the profile of the seat carriage 103.
  • Figure 13 shows a front view of the seat carriage 103 and also shows the profile of the inner 112 and outer 114 lips of the curved rail.
  • Figure 14 shows the seat pan 105 in side view.
  • the seat pan has a cushion 128, leg rest attachment point 127, arm 121 and the arm comprises a guide 123, which is curved.
  • Figure 15 shows the seat pan 105 from a different perspective, and shows that there are two arms 121 with guides 123.
  • the seat pan 105 also comprises an actuator attachment point 129, disposed between the arms 121 and substantially centrally within the seat pan 105.
  • the seat pan 105 also comprises a seat pan pivot attachment 126, which attaches pivotally to the seat carriage 103.
  • the seat pan pivot attachment is located in a rear portion of the seat pan 105.
  • the leg rest attachment point 127 is arranged at the front of the seat pan 105 and is suitable for a pivotal connection to a leg rest 160.
  • FIGS 16 and 17 show the lumbar support 107 in isolation.
  • the lumbar support has a lumbar cushion 131, a lumbar support attachment point 116, an arm 117 and a follower pin 119.
  • the lumbar support attachment point is suitable for pivotal connection to the seat carriage 103.
  • Figure 18 shows the seat pan 105 and the lumbar support 107 together.
  • the arm 121 of the seat pan 105 sits within the width of the arm 117 of the lumbar support 107.
  • the follower pin 119 of the lumbar support 107 runs through the arms of both the lumbar support 117 and the seat pan 121. This arrangement could be inverted such that the seat pan had an arm with the features of the lumbar support arm, and vice versa.
  • Figure 19 shows a similar view to figure 18, but also shows a seat pan actuator 142 which can retract and extend the actuator rod 141 relative to the actuator body 140.
  • the seat pan actuator 142 shown in Figure 19 is a linear actuator.
  • the end of the actuator rod 141 is connected to the actuator attachment point 129, and the actuator body is connected to the seat carriage 103, as shown in Figure 20.
  • Figure 20 shows a rear view of the seat assembly 100 with the seat pan actuator 142 in place and connected to the seat pan 105.
  • the seat pan 105 is rotated when the rod 141 of the actuator 142 is moved relative to the actuator body 140.
  • the actuator would be at a position of maximum (or near maximum) extension in figure 4a, and through the movement shown in Figures 4a-4h the actuator rod retracts to a point of maximum (or near maximum) retraction at the position of the seat pan shown in Figure 4h.
  • the actuator 142 extends.
  • Figures 21 to 23 show the seat assembly 100 without the base 101.
  • FIG 24 shows a layout of passenger accommodations (LOP A) which this seat assembly 100 is suitable for use in.
  • the LOPA comprises the seat assemblies 100 arranged in an outboard facing herringbone.
  • Figure 25 also shows a LOPA in a second embodiment.
  • the seat assemblies 100 are in a mixed inboard-facing/outboard-facing herringbone.
  • the same seat assemblies 100 may be used between the two different layouts.
  • the outboard column (that is, the column adjacent the windows of an aircraft) is an outboard-facing herringbone.
  • the seat assemblies may be used on a narrow body aircraft having two outboard columns as shown in Figures 24 and 25, with no central column of seats.
  • the seat assembly is surrounded by seat furniture so as to form a seat unit.
  • the seat assembly 200 comprises all of the same features as the seat assembly 100 of the first embodiment.
  • like reference numerals (separated by 100, e.g. reference numeral 127 of the first embodiment becomes 227 in the third embodiment) of the first embodiment correspond to the same features of the third embodiment which might not be shown in the figures depicting the third embodiment.
  • the leg rest 260 is pivotable around the leg rest attachment point 227.
  • the leg rest is actuated relative to the seat pan by an actuator (not shown).
  • the actuator could be a linear actuator, or a rotary actuator or any device suitable for pivoting the leg rest relative to the seat pan 205 about the leg rest attachment point 227.
  • Figure 26 shows the seat assembly 200 in the seating configuration, wherein the leg rest is tucked under the seat pan 205.
  • Figure 27 shows the seat assembly 200 in the flat-bed configuration, wherein the leg rest 260 forms a flat surface with the seat pan 205, lumbar support 207 and the backrest 209.
  • Figure 28 shows the seat assembly 200 in a “Zero-G” or “Lazy Z” configuration which is between the seating configuration and the flat-bed configuration.
  • the seat assemblies of the first and/or third embodiments can be used in the LOPA shown in Figure 24 as part of the first embodiment, or the LOPA shown in Figure 25 (the second embodiment).
  • the lumbar support is alternatively arranged, wherein the linkage arms 117/119 of the first embodiment are positioned towards the centre of the lumbar support/ seat pan, and the arm of the seat pan is arranged to be sandwiched between a split in the arm of the lumbar support, as discussed below:
  • Figures 29a-29h show the interaction between the seat pan 405 and the lumbar support 407.
  • the lumbar support 407 has an arm 417, which is split into two sides with a follower pin 419 extending laterally from it and between the two sides of the arm 417.
  • the seat pan 405 has an arm 421 with a guide groove 423 formed within it. As shown in more detail in Figures 30 and 31, the lumbar support arm 417 is split such that it can receive the seat pan arm 421 between the two sides of the arm 417, with the follower pin 419 extending through the guide groove 423.
  • the figures 29a-29h in alphabetical order show the interaction between the lumbar support 407, the arm 417 and follower pin 419, and the seat pan 405, the arm 421 and the guide 423 during movement of the seat pan about the seat pan pivot 406.
  • the follower pin 419 travels along the guide 423.
  • the shape of the guide groove is a constant radius car.
  • the movement of the seat assembly into the lazy-Z configuration is such that there is relatively little relative rotation between the backrest and the seat pan.
  • Figure 31 shows a similar view to figure 30, but also shows a seat pan actuator 442 which can retract and extend the actuator rod 441 relative to the actuator body 440.
  • the seat pan actuator 442 shown in Figure 31 is a linear actuator.
  • the end of the actuator rod 441 is connected to the actuator attachment point 429, and the actuator body is connected to the seat carriage 403, as shown in Figure 32.
  • Figure 32 shows a rear view of the seat assembly 400 with the seat pan actuator 442 in place and connected to the seat pan 405.
  • the seat pan 405 is rotated when the rod 441 of the actuator 442 is moved relative to the actuator body 440.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble siège passager (100) pour un aéronef qui peut être configuré entre une configuration d'assise et une configuration allongée. L'ensemble siège (100) comprend : une base (101) destinée à être reliée au plancher de l'aéronef ; et un support de siège (103) comprenant un rail incurvé ; un dossier (109) fixé au support de siège (103) ; un appui lombaire (107) fixé en pivotement au support de siège (103) au niveau d'un premier pivot ; et une assise de siège (105) fixée en pivotement au support de siège au niveau d'un second pivot. Le support de siège (103) est supporté par la base et le rail incurvé du support de siège est mobile par rapport à la base (101), déplaçant ainsi le support de siège (103) le long d'un arc défini par la courbure du rail incurvé (111). L'assise de siège (105) et l'appui lombaire (107) sont agencés de sorte que l'articulation de l'assise de siège (105) autour du second pivot conduit à l'articulation de l'appui lombaire (107) autour du premier pivot entre une configuration permettant un appui lombaire dans laquelle l'appui lombaire (107) et le dossier (109) sont inclinés l'un par rapport à l'autre ; et une configuration plate dans laquelle le dossier (109) et l'appui lombaire (107) sont sensiblement coplanaires.
PCT/GB2023/051523 2022-06-13 2023-06-12 Ensemble siège passager pour aéronef Ceased WO2023242544A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2208658.1 2022-06-13
GB2208658.1A GB2619723A (en) 2022-06-13 2022-06-13 Passenger seat assembly for an aircraft

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023242544A1 true WO2023242544A1 (fr) 2023-12-21

Family

ID=82496496

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2023/051523 Ceased WO2023242544A1 (fr) 2022-06-13 2023-06-12 Ensemble siège passager pour aéronef

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2619723A (fr)
WO (1) WO2023242544A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102012108351A1 (de) 2012-09-07 2014-03-13 Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg Fahrzeugsitzführungsvorrichtung
US20170015423A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2017-01-19 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft seat with segmented seatback for achieving in-bed lounge sitting position
EP3197711B1 (fr) * 2014-09-26 2020-04-15 Bombardier Inc. Siège d'avion
US20210276716A1 (en) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-09 Acumen Design Associates Ltd. Outboard facing herringbone seating arrangement

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2433432A (en) * 2005-12-23 2007-06-27 Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd Movable seat assembly for a vehicle
US11401038B1 (en) * 2021-06-07 2022-08-02 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft seat

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102012108351A1 (de) 2012-09-07 2014-03-13 Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg Fahrzeugsitzführungsvorrichtung
US20170015423A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2017-01-19 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft seat with segmented seatback for achieving in-bed lounge sitting position
EP3197711B1 (fr) * 2014-09-26 2020-04-15 Bombardier Inc. Siège d'avion
US20210276716A1 (en) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-09 Acumen Design Associates Ltd. Outboard facing herringbone seating arrangement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202208658D0 (en) 2022-07-27
GB2619723A (en) 2023-12-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3519243B1 (fr) Ensemble de siège passager d'aéronef comprenant un appareil d'inclinaison de dossier
EP3122632B1 (fr) Siège d'avion doté d'un dossier de siège segmenté pour obtenir une position assise dans le salon
US11021255B2 (en) Work-and-dine aircraft seat with tilt and shift articulation
EP2275345B1 (fr) Système de couchette
EP3231706B1 (fr) Mécanisme d'inclinaison de siège de passager d'avion
CN107205551B (zh) 可调节家具
CA2902891C (fr) Siege d'aeronef employant deux actionneurs de translation de siege et d'inclinaison de siege
CN111572780B (zh) 多位置可调节头枕组件
EP3126236B1 (fr) Mécanisme d'inclinaison de berceau pour siège d'aéronef à coque fixe
US20160325837A1 (en) Aircraft seat
US20030111888A1 (en) Vehicle passenger seat
JP2017100721A (ja) 移動する背もたれリンケージ枢動軸を備える航空機用座席
EP4037971B1 (fr) Mécanisme cinématique et d'inclinaison à intrusion nulle pour sièges d'avion commerciaux
EP3512771B1 (fr) Siège d'aéronef
EP3715255B1 (fr) Siège, en particulier un siège d'aéronef
WO2023242544A1 (fr) Ensemble siège passager pour aéronef
EP4163150A1 (fr) Siège inclinable à configurations multiples

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23733419

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 23733419

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1