Vehicle seat with enhanced storage space and related vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat (22) of a vehicle (10) comprising a seat bottom (26), a backrest (28) fixed to the seat bottom (26), and at least one leg (32) supporting the seat bottom (26), the leg (32) comprising at least three segments (44, 46, 48) comprising a first segment (44) fastened to a lower surface (40) of the seat bottom (26), a second segment (46) fastened to a floor (20, 21) of the vehicle (10), and a third segment (48) connecting the first segment (44) and the second segment (46), the third segment (48) being arranged such that the leg (32) can define a housing (50) between the seat bottom (26) and the floor (20, 21), the housing (50) being able to accommodate at least one piece of hand luggage (52) such that it projects by no more than 100 mm relative to a front edge (34) or a rear edge (36) of the seat bottom (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle seat, comprising:

[0002] -The bottom of the seat has a front edge and a rear edge that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and define the bottom surface of the seat, and an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction;

[0003] - The backrest, which is fixed to the bottom of the seat near its rear edge; and

[0004] - At least one support leg supporting the bottom of the seat. Background Technology

[0005] It is known to place seats in the passenger compartments of a means of transport to allow passengers to sit down and thus make their journey more comfortable. This is especially true for means of transport used for medium- or long-distance travel (e.g., rail or road transport) and for sea or air transport.

[0006] The design of passenger cabins needs to take into account the space occupied by passenger seats and the area for storing passengers' luggage during the journey.

[0007] Luggage is generally divided into two categories: large luggage that requires a specific storage area and smaller carry-on luggage that is stored near the passenger.

[0008] In particular, luggage racks are known to be provided above the seats for accommodating passengers' carry-on luggage.

[0009] However, these luggage storage areas can still be improved.

[0010] In reality, these overhead luggage racks often interfere with standing passengers. Additionally, it can be difficult to store very heavy luggage in the overhead racks. Furthermore, such luggage may fall and endanger passengers.

[0011] Finally, in vehicles with two or more floors, the height under the canopy is limited, making it difficult to place luggage racks above passenger seats. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a baggage storage area that minimizes the space occupied in the cabin, makes access simpler and safer, and is compatible with double-decker vehicles.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention relates to a seat of the aforementioned type, wherein the support leg comprises at least three segments, including:

[0014] - The first segment extends substantially in the longitudinal direction and is fastened to the lower surface of the seat bottom;

[0015] - The second segment, which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction for fastening to the vehicle cabin floor and is spaced apart from the first segment in the vertical direction; and

[0016] - The third segment extends substantially vertically and connects the first and second segments. The third segment is configured such that the support leg, together with the floor, defines a receiving portion extending between the lower surface of the seat bottom and the floor. The receiving portion is capable of accommodating at least one piece of carry-on luggage, such that the carry-on luggage protrudes no more than 100 mm in the longitudinal direction relative to the front or rear edge of the seat bottom.

[0017] Such seats can have a storage area underneath the seat suitable for receiving a piece of carry-on luggage without obstructing the seat occupant or their neighbor. Furthermore, luggage stored in this way is easy to access and poses no risk of falling. Finally, storing luggage in this way frees up space under the roof by eliminating the need for overhead luggage racks, making it particularly suitable for multi-level vehicles.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the seat according to the invention includes one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0019] - The third segment extends at a distance greater than or equal to 350 mm from the front or rear edge of the seat bottom, the distance being measured in the longitudinal direction in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and vertical directions, and the third segment advantageously has a length greater than or equal to 250 mm measured in the vertical direction.

[0020] - The segments of the outriggers are configured to form a C-shaped profile in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and vertical directions;

[0021] - The seat includes a single support leg disposed in the lateral direction near a first side edge of the seat bottom, the seat being configured to be fastened to the body of the vehicle near a second side edge of the seat bottom, the first side edge and the second side edge connecting the front edge and the rear edge on both sides of the seat bottom surface;

[0022] - The seating is limited to at least two seats, each capable of accommodating seated passengers;

[0023] - The compartment can accommodate at least as many carry-on bags as the number of passengers the seats can accommodate, with each piece of carry-on baggage having a length of less than or equal to 550 mm, a width of less than or equal to 350 mm, and a height of less than or equal to 250 mm.

[0024] - The compartment is capable of receiving at least one piece of luggage oriented vertically and at least another piece of luggage oriented horizontally;

[0025] - The cross-sectional area of ​​the third segment of the outrigger in the horizontal plane increases from the first segment to the second segment; and

[0026] - The legs are made of a composite material containing carbon fiber.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a means of transportation, particularly a rail vehicle, comprising at least one cabin including a plurality of the aforementioned seats.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment, the vehicle according to the present invention has the following features:

[0029] - The vehicle consists of at least one multi-level carriage, each level of which includes a passenger cabin. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given only as an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] - Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle according to the present invention;

[0032] - Figure 2 This is a side view of two seats according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] - Figure 3 This is a side view of two seats according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] - Figure 4 This is a side view of a seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 The image shows a rail vehicle 10, which includes double-decker carriages 12.

[0036] In the following text, refer to Figure 1 The longitudinal direction X, which is generally along the conventional direction of movement of the vehicle 10, the lateral direction Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and is generally horizontal, and the vertical direction Z, which is generally vertical, are shown.

[0037] Additionally, in the following text, "substantially along a certain direction," "substantially parallel," and "substantially perpendicular" respectively refer to "along a certain direction," "parallel," and "perpendicular" within 10°, especially within 5°.

[0038] The carriage 12 includes a main body 14 that defines a lower level 16 and an upper level 18, which are separated by an intermediate floor 20 of the upper level 18. The main body 14 also defines a lower floor 21 for the lower level 16.

[0039] The lower level 16 and the upper level 18 each include a cabin for accommodating passengers, and each cabin includes a seat 22 for allowing passengers to sit down and travel.

[0040] according to Figure 1 In this implementation, each seat 22 in the cabin defines at least two receiving positions 24 capable of accommodating a seated passenger.

[0041] According to another embodiment, at least one seat 22 defines a single position 24 capable of accommodating a seated passenger, particularly half of the seat 22 contained in the cabin.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, each seat 22 includes a seat base 26 defining the seating surface, a backrest 28, at least one armrest 30, and at least one leg 32.

[0043] The seat bottom 26 extends substantially in a plane XY parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y. The seat bottom 26 has a front edge 34 and a rear edge 36 spaced apart from each other with respect to the longitudinal direction X, two side edges spaced apart from each other with respect to the lateral direction Y, and an upper surface 38 and a lower surface 40 spaced apart from each other with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0044] The backrest 28 is fixed to the seat bottom 26 near its rear edge 36. The backrest 28 is substantially flat and forms an angle with the plane XY of the seat bottom 26, for example, between 75° (inclusive) and 90° (inclusive).

[0045] At least one or each armrest 30 is secured to the backrest 28 and / or the seat bottom 26, and is either fixed or rotatable about an axis parallel to the lateral direction Y. For example, each armrest 30 is positioned near the lateral edge of location 26 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0046] According to the first variant, the seat 22 includes legs 32 near each side edge of the seat bottom 26.

[0047] According to another variation, the seat 22 includes a single leg 32 near one side edge of the seat bottom 26 and is directly fastened to the wall of the body 14 by a fastening member located near the other side edge of the seat bottom 26.

[0048] Each support leg 32 is fixed to the lower surface 40 of the seat bottom 26 and the corresponding floor 20, 21 to support the seat bottom 26.

[0049] The outrigger 32 includes a first segment 44 and a second segment 46 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction X, and a third segment 48 extending substantially in the vertical direction Z.

[0050] The first segment 44 and the second segment 46 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z and are connected to each other by the third segment 48.

[0051] Advantageously, each segment 44, 46, 48 of each leg 32 is configured to form a C-shaped profile in a plane XZ parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

[0052] The outrigger 32 is made of a rigid material, such as metal, especially steel, or advantageously of a composite material containing carbon fiber.

[0053] Advantageously, the first segment 44, the second segment 46, and the third segment 48 form a unified whole. For example, in Figure 2 In one embodiment, the outrigger 32 is formed by bending a rod or straight profile in a manner that forms a first segment 44, a second segment 46, and a third segment 48.

[0054] The first segment 44 is fastened to the lower surface 40 of the seat base 26 and the second segment 46 is fastened to the cabin floor, for example by welding where the materials of the outriggers 32, the floor 20, 21, and the seat base 26 allow welding. In a variation, the first segment 44 is fastened to the seat base 26 using fastening members such as screws or rivets, or glued to the seat base 26, and the second segment 46 is fastened to the floor 20, 21 by similar fastening members or by welding.

[0055] Therefore, the seat 22 together with the cabin floor defines a receiving portion 50 extending between the lower surface 40 of the seat bottom 26 and the floor 20, 21, which is capable of receiving at least one piece of carry-on luggage 52.

[0056] The third segment 48 of the support leg 32 forms a bottom stop of the receiving portion 50, which limits the depth of the receiving portion 50 and thus limits the width of the carry-on baggage 52 received in the receiving portion 50. Therefore, the carry-on baggage 52 does not protrude from the front edge 34 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0057] Advantageously, the third segment 48 extends more than or equal to 350 mm from the rear edge 36 of the seat bottom 26, the distance being measured in the longitudinal direction X in a plane XZ parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

[0058] Therefore, the storage compartment 50 has a depth of 350 mm or more as measured in the longitudinal direction X. Thus, the storage compartment 50 is capable of receiving carry-on luggage 52 that protrudes no more than 100 mm from the rear edge 36 of the seat bottom 26 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0059] Advantageously, the amount of carry-on baggage 52 protruding beyond the rear edge 36 is zero.

[0060] The third segment 48 has a length greater than or equal to 250 mm, and the length of the third segment 48 is measured in the vertical direction Z between the first segment 44 and the second segment 46 in the plane XZ.

[0061] Advantageously, the thickness of each of the segments 44, 46, and 48 of the outrigger 32 in the lateral direction Y is greater than or equal to the length of the third segment 48, giving the outrigger 32 significant stiffness that provides passenger comfort.

[0062] The third segment 48 is positioned such that the access compartment 50 can be accessed from behind the seat 22. Therefore, the access compartment 50 is used to receive luggage 52 of the passenger occupying the seat 22, which is located behind the seat 22 that defines the access compartment 50.

[0063] Carry-on baggage refers to baggage item 52 with a length of less than or equal to 550mm, a width of less than or equal to 350mm, and a height of less than or equal to 250mm.

[0064] More generally, the compartment 50 is adapted to receive at least as many carry-on items as the seat 22 has.

[0065] For example, with seat 22 limiting two positions 24, the storage compartment 50 can accommodate two pieces of carry-on luggage 52.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, when the width of the seat 22 is too small to allow luggage items 52 to be arranged in the same direction, especially when the seat 22 is a second-class seat and includes a single leg 32, the two carry-on luggage items 52 are arranged in an L-shape. This means that the luggage item 52 closest to the leg 32 is arranged with its length substantially along the lateral direction Y, while the second luggage item 52 closest to the wall of the vehicle body 14 is arranged with its length substantially along the longitudinal direction X.

[0067] In one variation, when the width of seat 22 along the lateral direction Y is permissible, particularly when seat 22 is a first-class seat, two carry-on items 52 are arranged in the same direction, wherein the length of each carry-on item 52 is substantially oriented in the lateral direction Y.

[0068] exist Figure 3The image shows a seat 22 according to a second embodiment. Except as described below, the seat 22 according to the second embodiment is the same as the seat 22 according to the first embodiment described above, and the corresponding elements have the same reference numerals.

[0069] In this second embodiment, the support leg 32 is configured such that the receiving portion 50 can be used from the front of the seat 22. Therefore, the receiving portion 50 is used to receive the luggage 52 of the passenger occupying the seat 22 that defines the receiving portion 50.

[0070] Advantageously, the third segment 48 extends more than or equal to 350 mm relative to the front edge 34 of the seat bottom 26, the distance being measured in a plane XZ parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

[0071] Therefore, the depth of the receiving portion 50 is suitable for receiving carry-on items 52 that do not excessively protrude from the front edge 34 of the seat 22 in the longitudinal direction X. The maximum protrusion of the carry-on items 52 is less than 100 mm, and advantageously, the protrusion of the carry-on items 52 is zero.

[0072] The support leg 32 forms a bottom stop of the receiving part 50, so that luggage 52 will not protrude from the rear edge 36 of the seat bottom 26 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the seats 22 according to this embodiment are advantageous when they are arranged facing each other, so as to allow travelers occupying the seats 22 to have a dedicated storage area.

[0074] exist Figure 4 The image shows a seat 22 according to a third embodiment. Except as described below, the seat 22 according to the third embodiment is the same as the seat 22 according to the first embodiment described above, and the corresponding elements have the same reference numerals.

[0075] The outrigger 32 includes a third segment 48, whose cross-sectional area in the horizontal plane XY increases from the first segment 44 to the second segment 46. The outrigger 32 is typically formed by welding the three segments 44, 46, and 48 together or by molding, depending on the material constituting the outrigger 32.

[0076] The outrigger 32 is fastened to the lower surface 40 of the seat bottom 26 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0077] according to Figure 4 The outrigger 32 of this embodiment has greater rigidity, thus providing improved stability and greater mechanical strength. However, it is more complex to manufacture than the aforementioned variant.

[0078] According to variations not shown, vehicle 10 is a road vehicle, such as a long-distance bus, especially a double-decker long-distance bus, or a sea or air vehicle.

[0079] The seat 22 according to the invention reduces the space requirement under the seat 22, which allows the volume between the seat bottom 26 and the floor 20, 21 to be used for storing luggage. This frees up other areas in the vehicle for storing luggage, thereby increasing the number of seats available for passengers, which is desirable in any type of transport, especially in second-class cabins.

[0080] Passengers can store their luggage 52 under the seat 22, which also makes it easier to monitor the item during the journey. For example, a simple anti-theft device can be used to secure the luggage 52 to the outrigger 32 while the passenger is moving.

Claims

1. A rail transit vehicle (10) comprising at least one carriage having multiple decks, each deck having a cabin containing seats (22), each seat (22) comprising: - Seat bottom (26) having a front edge (34) and a rear edge (36) spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction X and defining the seat bottom surface, and an upper surface (38) and a lower surface (40) spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction Z; - A backrest (28), which is fixed to the seat bottom (26) near the rear edge (36); and - At least one leg (32) supporting the bottom (26) of the seat, the leg (32) being made of a rigid material formed by bending a rod or straight profile. The outrigger (32) comprises at least three segments (44, 46, 48), including: - First segment (44), which extends in the longitudinal direction X and is fastened to the lower surface (40) of the seat bottom (26); - A second segment (46), extending in the longitudinal direction X, for fastening to the floor (20, 21) of the cabin of the vehicle (10) and disposed below the floor (20, 21), and spaced apart from the first segment in the vertical direction Z; and - A third segment (48) extending in the vertical direction Z and connecting the first segment (44) and the second segment (46), the third segment (48) being configured such that the support leg (32) can be defined together with the floor (20, 21) in a receiving portion (50) extending between the lower surface (40) of the seat bottom (26) and the floor (20, 21), the receiving portion (50) being capable of accommodating at least one piece of carry-on luggage (52) such that the carry-on luggage (52) does not protrude from the front edge (34) or the rear edge (36) of the seat bottom (26) in the longitudinal direction X. The third segment (48) extends more than or equal to 350 mm from the front edge (34) or the rear edge (36) of the bottom of the seat (26), the distance being measured in the longitudinal direction X in a plane XZ parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

2. The rail transit vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The segments (44, 46, 48) of the outrigger are configured to form a C-shaped profile in a plane XZ parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z.

3. The rail transit vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The seat (22) includes a single support leg (32) disposed in the lateral direction Y near a first side edge of the seat bottom (26), the seat (22) being fastened to the body (14) of the vehicle (10) near a second side edge of the seat bottom (26), the first side edge and the second side edge connecting the front edge (34) and the rear edge (36) on both sides of the seat bottom surface.

4. The rail transit vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The seat (22) defines at least two positions (24), each of which can accommodate a seated passenger.

5. The rail transit vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The accommodating section (50) is capable of receiving at least as many carry-on bags (52) as the number of passengers that the seat (22) can accommodate, each carry-on bag (52) having a length of less than or equal to 550 mm, a width of less than or equal to 350 mm, and a height of less than or equal to 250 mm.

6. The rail transit vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The receiving section (50) is capable of receiving at least one piece of carry-on baggage (52) oriented with height along the longitudinal direction X and at least another piece of carry-on baggage (52) oriented with height along the lateral direction Y.

7. The rail transit vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the third segment (48) of the outrigger (32) in the horizontal plane XY increases from the first segment (44) to the second segment (46) of the outrigger (32).

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