Flap assembly with expandable surface, in particular for aircraft seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of trays (21), in particular for an aircraft seat, comprising: a main tray (23); a translation mechanism (31) allowing the main tray (23) to move translationally relative to the support (27) between a proximal position and a distal position; at least one arm (26) comprising a first end attached to a structural component of the seat and a second end rotatably mounted relative to one end of the support (27); and an expansion tray (24) having at least one position in which the expansion tray (24) extends in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main tray (23) when the main tray (23) is in the distal position and having at least one portion longitudinally offset relative to the main tray (23) in the translation direction (D1) to cover the translation mechanism (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flap assembly with an expandable surface, particularly for use in aircraft seats. The invention has found its application to economy class aircraft seats to be particularly advantageous, but is not limited thereto. However, the invention can also be implemented in business class aircraft seats or seats in other modes of transportation, such as motor vehicles, trains, or ships. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, the dining tray in economy class aircraft seats is located at the rear of the seat back. The tray is mounted to structural components of the seat, such as the backrest or armrest support brackets, via connecting arms. Each connecting arm has a first end fixed to the structural component and a second end rotatably mounted to one end of the support, to which the main tray is mechanically connected. The main tray can rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation between a stowed position and an extended position. In the stowed position, the tray is pressed against the seat back; in the extended position, the tray extends in a substantially horizontal plane. Furthermore, a translation mechanism allows the main tray to be moved relative to the backrest so that the passenger can move the tray closer to or further away from their body according to their size.

[0003] The usable area of ​​the tray table is insufficient, for example, passengers cannot eat and use personal electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets at the same time. Moving the tray table, which holds cups, poses a risk of spillage, making it neither practical nor comfortable. Furthermore, the tray table has an unsightly appearance when the tray table is moved from the seat back, as some components of its sliding mechanism are visible. These components of the sliding mechanism may create gaps for trash and pose a risk of trapping passengers' fingers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects by providing a flap assembly, particularly for aircraft seats, comprising: Main flip panel; Translation mechanism, which allows the main flap to move relative to the support member in the direction of translational movement between a closed position and a distant position; At least one arm, comprising a first end fixed to a structural component of the seat and a second end rotatably mounted relative to one end of a support; and An extension flap has at least one position in which, when the main flap is in a remote position, the extension flap extends in a plane parallel to the extension plane of the main flap, and has at least one portion that is longitudinally offset relative to the main flap in the direction of translational movement to cover the translation mechanism.

[0005] Therefore, this invention, by means of an extended flap, allows for an increase in the usable surface area of ​​the main flap, thereby accommodating a larger dining flap, a cup recess, and multiple functional areas for receiving portable electronic devices or passengers' personal belongings. Thus, this invention provides passengers with additional comfort and better stability, especially for personal items. This invention also allows for improved aesthetics of the dining flap by concealing the translation mechanism. This invention also allows for protection against certain risks of finger pinching and prevents cups from being spilled. This invention can be easily integrated because it does not affect the design of the seat. The extended flap according to the invention has the advantage of being independent of the backrest.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap includes at least one portion, particularly a portion extending in a horizontal plane when the main flap is in the extended position, which is translationally fixed relative to the support.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap is rotatable relative to the support member about a rotation axis between a low position and a raised position.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extended flap includes a retaining device for securing electronic devices.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap includes a base and a holding device for a portable electronic device, the holding device being translatably movable relative to the base.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a holding device for a portable electronic device is translatably movable between a stowed position and an unfolded position along a direction of translational movement. In the stowed position, the device is arranged inside a housing in a base, and in the unfolded position, the device extends outside the housing in the base.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the base includes a through window opposite a holding device for a portable electronic device, particularly when the device is in a stowed position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap includes a base and a holding device for a portable electronic device, the holding device being rotatable relative to the base.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, a holding device for a portable electronic device is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis between a stowed position and an unfolded position. In the stowed position, the device engages with a corresponding hollow shape constructed in the thickness of the base. In the unfolded position, the device protrudes at least partially from the front edge of the base.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holding device for a portable electronic device can move at an angle of 180 degrees, particularly between the stowed position and the unfolded position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a holding device for a portable electronic device includes a support plate for the electronic device, the support plate allowing the electronic device to be held in a position tilted backward relative to the vertical direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap includes a recess for the cup.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap has a recess for placing personal items, such as glasses, pens, keys, or cutlery.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extended flap includes an area for displaying logos and / or advertising posters.

[0019] A better understanding of the invention and its other features and advantages will be gained by reading the following detailed description, including embodiments given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes. These embodiments can be used to complete the description of the invention and its implementation, and ultimately contribute to its definition, wherein: Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of an aircraft seat equipped with a flap assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2a and 2b Perspective views and exploded perspective views of a flap assembly with a fixed-configuration extended flap according to the present invention are shown respectively; Figure 3a and 3b A variation of the embodiment is shown, wherein the extended flap according to the invention has multiple functions, including a recess for placing personal items, a cup recess, and a holding device for portable electronic devices; Figure 4a and 4b The figures are perspective views of a flap assembly with an extended flap according to the present invention, wherein the extended flap is provided with a holding device for a portable electronic device, the holding device being movable in a stowed position and an unfolded position respectively; Figure 4c for Figure 4a and 4b Exploded perspective view of the central flap assembly; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of one embodiment, wherein the extended flap according to the invention is rotatably mounted relative to the main flap; Figure 6a and 6b The views are perspective views of an extended flap with a holding device for a portable electronic device according to the present invention, the holding device being rotatable in a stowed position and an extended position, respectively; Figure 6c To show Figure 6a and 6b An unfolded perspective view of a holding device used for portable electronic devices; Figure 7a A rear perspective view of an aircraft seat equipped with a flap assembly according to the invention, in the usage position for placing a plate and cup; Figure 7b yes Figure 7a A top view of the central flip panel component, on which plates and cups are placed. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that in the figures, structural and / or functional components common to different embodiments may have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, these components have the same structure, dimensions, and material properties.

[0022] Furthermore, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” and “rear” are understood by reference to the common meaning of a passenger sitting on a seat behind a seat carrying a flip-up assembly according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 An economy class seat 10 is shown, which is to be secured to a rail (not shown) mounted on the aircraft cabin floor. For this purpose, the seat 10 includes a leg 11 (partially shown) with fasteners configured to engage with the floor rail. A luggage rack 13 allows luggage to be secured beneath the seat 10.

[0024] Seat 10 includes at least one seat base 15 and at least one backrest 16. Each backrest 16 can be mounted to tilt backward relative to the corresponding seat base 15 in the direction indicated by arrow F1. For this purpose, the backrest 16 is mounted on a crossbar 17 via a pivot connection. The L-shaped crossbar 17 includes at least one channel opening for a crossbeam 20 and means for securing armrests (not shown).

[0025] The flap assembly 21 is disposed at the rear of the backrest 16. Alternatively, the flap assembly 21 may be disposed on the armrest. The flap assembly 21 includes a main flap 23 and an extension flap 24. The main flap 23 is rectangular in shape. Alternatively, the main flap 23 may be square, circular, elliptical, or any other shape suitable for the application. The main flap 23 has an axis X1 extending along the mid-plane of the main flap 23. For a rectangular main flap 23, the axis X1 is parallel to the shorter side edge of the main flap 23. The main flap 23 is mounted on a structural component of the seat 10, such as the backrest 16 or the crossbar 17, by at least one arm 26, in which case two arms 26 are disposed on either side of the main flap 23.

[0026] Each arm 26 has a first end fixed to structural member 16 or structural member 17 via a pivot connector, and a second end rotatably mounted on one end of support member 27, such as... Figure 2b As shown, the main flap 23 is mechanically connected to the support member 27. The support member 27 may be in the shape of a slender rod. The support member 27 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the arm 26.

[0027] Therefore, the main flap 23 can rotate around the rotation axis X2 between the stowed position and the unfolded position. The rotation axis X2 is a horizontal axis. The rotation axis X2 can be parallel to the plane in which the backrest 16 extends.

[0028] In the stowed position, the face 29 of the main flap 23 faces the backrest 16. In the unfolded position, the face 29 of the main flap 23 faces upward, causing the main flap 23 and face 29 to extend in the horizontal plane. The passenger can then place their tray and / or personal belongings on the main flap 23. The main flap 23 may include a locking device 30, such as a quarter-turn lock, hook mechanism, or slip lock, to retain it in the stowed position. also, Figure 2b The visible translation mechanism 31 allows the main flap 23 to translate relative to the support 27 in the translational direction D1 between a closed position and a remote position. In the closed position, the rear edge of the main flap 23 contacts the support 27; in the remote position, the rear edge is at a certain distance from the support 27, that is, at least 3 cm away. When the main flap 23 is in the unfolded position, the translational direction D1 is parallel to or substantially parallel to the direction on which the seat 10 is mounted. The translational direction D1 is parallel to or coincides with the axis X1 of the main flap 23. In the closed position, the support 27 can be located inside the housing 28 at the rear edge of the main flap 23, such as... Figure 4c As shown.

[0029] exist Figure 2a and 2b In the example shown, the translation mechanism 31 is installed between the main flap 23 and the support member 27. The translation mechanism 31 includes two rods 32.1 and 32.2 extending from the support member 27, and a complementary-shaped slider mounted on the main flap 23 can slide along these two rods. Rods 32.1 and 32.2 extend in the translational movement direction D1.

[0030] The extension flap 24 has at least one position in which, when the main flap 23 is in a remote position, the extension flap 24 includes at least one portion that is longitudinally offset relative to the main flap 23 in the translational movement direction D1 to cover the translation mechanism 31, such as... Figure 2aAs shown. In the top view of the flap assembly 21, the overlap between the extended flap 24 and the translation mechanism 31 can be seen. The extended flap 24 also includes a small portion, particularly its front edge, which longitudinally covers the rear edge of the main flap 23. Preferably, the gap between the plane where the main flap 23 extends and the plane where the extended flap 24 extends is small, particularly less than 1 cm, and even more particularly less than 5 mm. Preferably, the extended flap 24 contacts the main flap 23. The two components 24 and 23 can contact each other through a rolling element, such as a cylinder, sphere, or roller. Preferably, the plane where the extended flap 24 extends forms an angle of inclination of less than or equal to 10° relative to the plane where the main flap 23 extends.

[0031] When the main flap 23 is in the closed position, the extended flap 24 and the main flap 23 overlap longitudinally. Preferably, the main flap 23 and the extended flap 24 overlap by at least 90% of the surface area of ​​the extended flap 24. Advantageously, Figure 2a and 2b In the embodiment, the extended flap 24 has a small thickness, so that the step formed by the extended flap 24 on the main flap 23 does not obstruct the placement of the plate. The thickness of the extended flap 24 can vary from 5 mm to more than 20 mm. The thickness of the extended flap 24 is preferably 5 mm to 10 mm (inclusive).

[0032] In the example shown, the extended flap 24 is rectangular in shape, with a length L1' equal to or substantially equal to the length L1 of the main flap 23, and a width L2' smaller than the width L2 of the main flap 23, particularly at least twice as small as the width L2 of the main flap 23. By "substantially equal to," it can be understood that the length L1' of the extended flap 24 lies between the length L1 of the main flap 23 minus 10% of that length L1 and the length L1 of the main flap 23 plus 10% of that length L1. The width L2' of the extended flap 24 is at least equal to, and preferably slightly larger than, the width of the translation mechanism 31 as measured along the translational movement direction D1 of the main flap 23.

[0033] exist Figure 2a and 2b In one embodiment, the extension flap 24 includes at least one portion that is translationally fixed relative to the support 27. The extension flap 24 is preferably fully translationally fixed relative to the support 27. In this case, the extension flap 24 is mounted to be translationally and rotationally fixed relative to the support 27. For this purpose, the extension flap 24 has an edge 34 that includes a channel opening for securing a member 36, such as a screw, rivet, or any other member capable of performing this function, to mate with a threaded hole in the support 27 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2b The extension flap 24 is preferably detachable relative to the support 27. Alternatively, the extension flap 24 can rotate relative to the support 27 about axis X3.

[0034] The extension flap 24 may have a recess 38 for the cup 39. The main flap 23 may also have a recess 38 for the cup.

[0035] exist Figure 3a and 3b In some embodiments, the extended flap 24 may further include a recess 40 for placing personal items 41, such as glasses, pens, keys, or cutlery. The extended flap 24 may also include space for displaying signs and / or advertising posters.

[0036] Furthermore, the extension flap 24 includes a holding device 43 for a portable electronic device, which is fixed relative to the extension flap 24. The holding device 43 for the electronic device may be integrally formed with the extension flap 24. Alternatively, the holding device 43 for the electronic device may be attached to and fixed to the extension flap 24. The holding device 43 may be mounted on the extension flap 24 in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0037] exist Figure 4a , 4b In the embodiment of 4c, the extended flap 24 includes a base 44 and a holding device 43 for a portable electronic device, which is translatably movable relative to the base 44 in a translational movement direction D2. The translational movement direction D2 of the holding device 43 for the portable electronic device is the same as or parallel to the translational movement direction D1 of the main flap 23.

[0038] The holding device 43 for portable electronic devices is translatably movable between a stowed position and an unfolded position. In the stowed position, the holding device 43 for portable electronic devices is arranged inside the housing 47 in the base 44 (see...). Figure 4a In the unfolded position, the retaining device 43 for the portable electronic device extends beyond the housing 47 of the base 44 (see...). Figure 4b The housing 47 is constructed within the volume of the base 44. Therefore, the device 43 can be moved as a drawer relative to the base 44.

[0039] For this purpose, such as Figure 4c As shown, a sliding connector 48 is arranged between the holding device 43 for the portable electronic device and the base 44. The sliding connector 48 is formed, for example, by two rods 49.1 and 49.2, along which the holding device 43 for the portable electronic device can slide. Components 50.1 and 50.2 include hinges that ensure that the extension flap 24 rotates about axis X3.

[0040] The base 44 has a flap shape, particularly a rectangular shape. When the retaining device 43 is in the retracted position, the base 44 may include a through window 53 opposite to the retaining device 43 for the portable electronic device. The window 53 is vertically opened above the retaining device 43 for the portable electronic device. The length of the window 53 is less than the length of the retaining device 43 for the portable electronic device.

[0041] Therefore, when the holding device 4 for portable electronic devices is in the storage position, a small electronic device 55, such as a mobile phone, can be introduced into the housing of the device 43 through the window 53. Figure 4a As shown. When the holding device 43 for portable electronic devices is moved to the unfolded position, the device 43 can support larger electronic devices such as tablet computers, etc. Figure 4b As shown. In fact, in this case, the entire length of the retaining device 43 can be used to receive portable electronic devices.

[0042] For this purpose, the holding device 43 for an elongated portable electronic device may include a housing 56 for receiving the lower edge of the electronic device. The holding device 43 may also include a support plate 57 that allows the electronic device to be held in a slightly tilted position relative to the vertical direction towards the rear, particularly at a few degrees. For this purpose, the lower edge of the portable electronic device 55 is disposed inside the housing 56, while the rear of the device abuts against the support plate 57. The support plate 57 may be rectangular or square in shape. Alternatively, the support plate 57 may be triangular or any other shape that provides sufficient support surface for the portable electronic device 55.

[0043] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, the extension flap 24 is rotatable relative to the support 27 about a rotation axis X3 between a low position and a raised position. The rotation axis X3 is preferably a horizontal axis. The rotation axis X3 is parallel to the plane of the backrest 16 of the seat 10. The rotation axis X3 may be the same as or parallel to the rotation axis X2. For this purpose, a pivot connection for the axis X3 is arranged between the extension flap 24 and the support 27.

[0044] exist Figure 4a and 4b In the lower position shown, the extended flap 24 extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the main flap 23. In the raised position, the extended flap 24 forms a non-zero tilt angle relative to the plane in which the main flap 23 extends, specifically a tilt angle in the range of 45 to 90 degrees. This configuration allows free access to the main flap 23 when it is in the closed position.

[0045] Alternatively, the movement of the extended flap 24 relative to the main flap 23 is provided by a linkage connector. The extended flap 24 can also translate in the translational direction D1 of the main flap 23.

[0046] exist Figure 6a , 6b In embodiments 6c and 6c, the extension flap 24 includes a base 44 and a holding device 43 for a portable electronic device, the holding device 43 being rotatable relative to the base 44 about a rotation axis X4. The rotation axis X4 is a horizontal axis. The rotation axis X4 extends along the front edge of the extension flap 24. The rotation axis X4 of the device 43 is preferably parallel to the rotation axis X2 of the main flap 23.

[0047] The holding device 43 for portable electronic devices is rotatable between a stowed position and an unfolded position. In the stowed position, the device 43 mates with a corresponding hollow shape 60 formed within the thickness of the base 44 (see...). Figure 6a In the unfolded position, device 42 protrudes from the front edge of base 44 (see...). Figure 6b In the storage position, the top of the holding device 43 for portable electronic devices is flush with the top of the base 44.

[0048] The holding device 43 for portable electronic devices can move at an unfolding angle of 180 degrees between a stowed position and an unfolded position. When the holding device 43 moves from the stowed position to the unfolded position, the top of the holding device 43 rotates to become the bottom of the device 43 in the unfolded position.

[0049] The holding device 43 for a portable electronic device may include a housing 56 for receiving the lower edge of the electronic device. The device 43 is T-shaped, and the housing is configured to be located in the longest part of the T-shape.

[0050] like Figure 6c As shown, the device 43 may also include a support plate 57, allowing the electronic device to be held in a slightly tilted position relative to the vertical direction towards the rear, particularly at a few degrees. For this purpose, the lower edge of the portable electronic device 55 is arranged inside the housing 56, while the rear of the device abuts against the support plate 57. A notch 61 may be provided in the extension of the hollow shape 60 to access the rear edge of the device 43.

[0051] Figure 7a and 7b As shown, the plate 65 can be placed substantially horizontally, partially on the main flap 23 in a remote position and partially on the extended flap 24, which is longitudinally offset relative to the main flap 23. Furthermore, the cup 39 can be placed in the recess 38 of the extended flap 24 without interfering with the plate 65. It should also be noted that there is no risk of the cup 39 tipping over during the movement of the main flap 23 from the closed position to the remote position, because the cup 39 is placed on the extended flap 24, which remains stationary as the main flap 23 moves from one position to another.

[0052] Alternatively, the translation mechanism 31 can be integrated into the extended flap 24.

[0053] Of course, various features, variations and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they do not conflict with or exclude each other.

[0054] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and is provided by way of example only. It includes various modifications, alternatives, and other variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art within the context of the present invention, and in particular, any combination of the various operating modes described above can be used alone or in combination.

Claims

1. A flap assembly (21), in particular for an aircraft seat (10), comprising: - a main flap (23); - a translation mechanism (31) allowing a translational movement of the main flap (23) in a translation direction (Dl) between a closed position and a remote position relative to a support (27); - at least one arm (26) comprising a first end fixed to a structural part (16, 17) of the seat (10) and a second end rotatably mounted relative to the support (27); characterized in that the extension flap (24) has at least one position in which it extends in a plane parallel to the plane of extension of the main flap (23) when the main flap (23) is in the remote position, and at least one portion which is longitudinally offset relative to the main flap (23) in the translation direction (Dl) to cover the translation mechanism (31); the gap between the plane in which the main flap (23) extends and the plane in which the extension flap (24) extends is small, less than 1 cm, in particular less than 5 mm.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the extension flap (24) comprises at least one portion which is translationally fixed relative to the support (27).

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the extension flap (24) is rotatable relative to the support (27) about a rotation axis (X3) between a lowered position and a raised position.

4. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the extension flap (24) comprises a fixed holding device (43) for an electronic device.

5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the extension flap (24) comprises a base (44) and a holding device (43) for a portable electronic device, the holding device (43) being translationally movable relative to the base (44).

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein, the holding device (43) for a portable electronic device is translationally movable in a translation direction (D2) between a stowed position, in which the device (43) is arranged inside a housing (47) in the base (44), and a deployed position, in which the device (43) extends outside the housing (47) in the base (44).

7. The assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein, the base (44) comprises a through window (53) opposite the holding device (43) for a portable electronic device.

8. The assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, the extension flap (24) comprises a base (44) and a holding device (43) for a portable electronic device, the holding device (43) being rotatable relative to the base (44).

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein, the holding device (43) for a portable electronic device is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis (X4) between a stowed position, in which the device (43) cooperates with a corresponding hollow shape (60) configured in the thickness of the base (44), and a deployed position, in which the device (43) at least partially protrudes from the front edge of the base (44).

10. The assembly of claim 8 or 9, wherein, the holding device (43) for a portable electronic device is angularly movable by 180 degrees.

11. The assembly of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein, Said holding device (43) for portable electronic devices comprises a support plate (57) for the electronic device, which allows the electronic device to be held in a position tilted backwards with respect to the vertical.

12. The assembly of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, Said extended flap (24) has a recess (38) for a cup.

13. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, Said extended flap (24) has a recess (40) for placing personal items, such as glasses, a pen, keys or cutlery.

14. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, Said extended flap (24) has a space for displaying a logo and / or an advertising poster.

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