Aircraft cabin attendant seat with improved construction
By introducing a space-filling device into the cabin crew seats of aircraft, the problem of objects and dust accumulating in the gap between the seat and the partition is solved, achieving both aesthetics and ease of cleaning, and adapting to seat structure designs with different space widths.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SAFRAN AIR SEATING
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
During the lifting and lowering process, gaps exist between the existing aircraft cabin crew seats and the aircraft cabin partition, causing objects and dust to accumulate, affecting aesthetics and making them difficult to clean.
A crew seat was designed, comprising a seat structure, a mechanically connected seat cushion, and a backrest, equipped with a space filling device. The space between the filling seat structure and the aircraft cabin bulkhead is adjusted by fixed and movable components, and the movement stability and aesthetics are ensured by using strips and deformable parts.
It effectively prevents objects and dust from entering the gaps, improves the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft cabin, and simplifies the cleaning process by adapting to different space widths through modular design.
Smart Images
Figure CN121969554A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Aircraft cabin crew seats with improved design
[0001] This invention relates to an aircraft cabin crew seat with an improved construction. The invention has particularly advantageous applications in the aviation field, especially for single or double seats for flight crew members.
[0002] As is known per se, a cabin crew seat (CAS) includes a seat structure, a seating pan mounted on the seat structure via a pivot joint, and a backrest mechanically connected to the seating pan on one side via a pivot joint and mechanically connected to the seat structure on the other side via a sliding joint. The seat structure is designed to be fixed to a track in the aircraft cabin or to a structural element in the aircraft cabin (such as an aircraft cabin bulkhead).
[0003] The seat cushion can move around a pivot joint between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the seat cushion presses against the backrest; in the lowered position, the seat cushion extends in the horizontal plane to allow cabin crew to sit down. As the seat cushion moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the backrest can move along a slide relative to the seat structure, thus tilting back a few degrees when the seat cushion is in the lowered position.
[0004] When a seat is fixed to a track within the aircraft cabin, there may be an empty space between the seat structure and the bulkhead in the cabin. Besides being unsightly, this empty space allows objects and dust to be trapped between the seat and the seat wall.
[0005] The object of this invention is to effectively remedy the above-mentioned shortcomings by providing a cabin crew seat to be installed in an aircraft cabin, the cabin crew seat comprising:
[0006] Seat structure, the seat structure being fixed to the aircraft floor,
[0007] Mechanically connected to the seat cushion and backrest of the seat structure.
[0008] The seat is capable of moving between a raised position and a lowered position, and
[0009] A space-filling device for filling the space between the seat structure and the partition in the aircraft cabin, the space-filling device comprising:
[0010] A fixing component, said fixing component being attached to the seat structure, and
[0011] A movable component, which is capable of translational movement relative to the fixed component, so as to adjust the width of the space-filling device to the space between the seat structure and the partition in the aircraft cabin.
[0012] Therefore, this invention prevents objects from intruding or liquids or food from spilling into the space between the seat structure and the partition in the aircraft cabin, facilitating cabin cleaning. Furthermore, this invention improves the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft cabin and has the advantage of modularity, allowing it to be applied to spaces of varying widths between the seat structure and the partition in the aircraft cabin.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the space-filling device includes at least one strip folded around a rod fixed to the movable member, the strip being able to ensure movement of the movable member relative to the fixed member when tension is applied to the strip.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the strip includes at least one removable retaining device to secure the movable part after it has been pressed against the partition.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat includes at least one spacer on a movable member, the spacer having a groove into which a fixing tab connected to a fixing member is inserted.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movable component includes at least one deformable portion on its upper part.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable portion includes a plurality of through cuts, such that the cuts and rods alternate between two consecutive cuts, the rods being deformable under impact.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat includes a storage compartment that is closed by two doors, the two doors being mechanically connected to each other by a connecting crossbar.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening handles of two doors are mechanically connected together by a connector, such that an action on one of the opening handles ensures that both doors open simultaneously.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the attached document holder includes at least one receiving portion for receiving a spring sheet fixed to one surface of a seat element, such that the spring sheet applies pressure to press the document holder against said surface of the seat element.
[0021] The present invention also relates to an aircraft cabin comprising at least one seat as described above.
[0022] The invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given for illustrative purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of non-limiting example and can be used to fully understand the description of the invention and its embodiments and ultimately contribute to its definition, wherein:
[0023] [Figure 1a][Figure 1b] Figures 1a and 1b are front and rear perspective views of a cabin crew seat according to the present invention, which is equipped with a space filling device for filling the space between the seat structure and the partition in the aircraft cabin.
[0024] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a space filling device according to the present invention for filling the space between a seat structure and a partition in an aircraft cabin;
[0025] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of a strip system for adjusting the width of a space filling device according to the present invention, the space filling device being used to fill the space between a seat structure and a partition in an aircraft cabin;
[0026] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the movable parts and covering layer of the space filling device for filling the space between the seat structure and the bulkhead in the aircraft cabin according to the present invention;
[0027] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of the cover layer of a movable part of a space filling device according to the present invention for filling the space between a seat structure and a partition in an aircraft cabin;
[0028] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cabin crew seat with two seating capacities and two doors that close the storage compartment under the seat;
[0029] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of two doors for a storage compartment that are mechanically connected together by a connecting crossbar;
[0030] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of two doors for a storage compartment equipped with handles that are mechanically connected to each other by connectors;
[0031] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of two door handles for a storage compartment that are mechanically connected to each other by a connector;
[0032] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the fixing of the document holder on the underside of the seat cushion of the cabin crew seat according to the present invention.
[0033] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the document holder according to the present invention.
[0034] [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a spring clip under the cabin crew seat that cooperates with a compartment of a corresponding shape in conjunction with a document holder according to the invention.
[0035] It should be noted that structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, these elements have the same structural, dimensional, and material properties.
[0036] Furthermore, in the remainder of the specification, related terms such as “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “horizontal,” or “vertical” are understood by referring to their general meaning as would be given by a passenger in a cabin crew seat according to the invention.
[0037] Figures 1a and 1b show a cabin crew seat 10 (CAS), which includes a seat structure 11 and a seat cushion 12 and a backrest 13 mechanically connected to the seat structure 11. The seat structure 11 is designed to be secured to the floor of the aircraft cabin. For this purpose, the seat 10 has fasteners 15 that engage with tracks (not shown) extending across the aircraft cabin floor.
[0038] More specifically, the seat cushion 12 is mounted on the seat structure 11 via a horizontal pivot joint. The backrest 13 is mechanically connected to the seat cushion 12 on one side via a horizontal pivot joint and to the seat structure 11 on the other side via an inclined sliding joint.
[0039] The seat cushion 12 is movable around a pivot joint between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the seat cushion 12 folds against the backrest 13. In the lowered position, the seat cushion 12 extends in a horizontal plane or a plane forming a few degrees relative to the horizontal plane, thereby allowing cabin crew to sit in the seat 10. As the seat cushion 12 moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the backrest 13 is movable relative to the seat structure 11 along a slide member, thereby tilting back a few degrees when the seat cushion 12 is in the lowered position. To ensure that the seat cushion 12 automatically returns to the raised position, the seat cushion 12 is mechanically connected to the seat structure 11 by an elastic band.
[0040] As shown in Figure 1a, seat 10 is located near bulkhead 16 in the aircraft cabin. Seat 10 includes space-filling device 17 for filling the space between seat structure 11 and bulkhead 16 in the aircraft cabin. Bulkhead 16 may be a cockpit bulkhead, galley bulkhead, lavatory bulkhead, or a bulkhead between two classes of cabins (e.g., economy class and business class), or any other bulkhead within the aircraft cabin.
[0041] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 2, the space-filling device 17 includes a fixed member 20 attached to the seat structure 11 and a movable member 21 capable of translating relative to the fixed member 20 to adjust the width of the space-filling device 17 to fit within the space between the seat structure 11 and the bulkhead 16 in the aircraft cabin. After the movable member 21 moves relative to the fixed member 20, it can press against the wall of the aircraft cabin. The width of the space-filling device 17 is measured along a direction D perpendicular to the bulkhead 16. Therefore, the movable member 21 is capable of translating relative to the fixed member 20 in a direction D perpendicular to the bulkhead 16.
[0042] The fixing component 20 has a frame shape with an opening at its center, including an upper edge 20.1 and a lower edge 20.2 extending in a horizontal longitudinal direction, and two side edges 20.3 and 20.4 extending in a vertical longitudinal direction connecting the upper edge 20.1 and the lower edge 20.2 together. Fastening elements such as screws or rivets allow the fixing component 20 to be secured to the seat structure 11.
[0043] The movable component 21 has a frame shape with an opening at its center, including an upper wall 21.1, a lower wall 21.2, and two vertical side walls 21.3 and 21.4 perpendicular to the partition 16, with a horizontal orientation perpendicular to the partition 16. The frames of the fixed component 20 and the movable component 21 overlap each other at least partially along their widths (in other words, along the translational direction D perpendicular to the partition 16). Due to the interlocking between the frames of the fixed component 20 and the movable component 21, there is a telescoping effect of the movable component 21 relative to the fixed component 20, thereby enabling adjustment of the width of the "movable component 21 - fixed component 20" assembly to accommodate the unfilled space between the seat structure 11 and the partition 16 in the aircraft cabin.
[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the space-filling device 17 includes at least one strip 23 folded around a rod 24 fixed to a movable member 21. When tension is applied to the strip 23, it ensures the movement of the movable member 21 relative to the fixed member 20. Because the strip 23 is positioned around the rod 24, the tension applied to the strip 23 is directed in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the movable member 21.
[0045] The strip 23 includes at least one removable retaining device 26 for securing the movable part 21 after it has been pressed against the partition 16. The retaining device 26 is preferably selected from: fabric fasteners with hooks and loops (e.g., Velcro type, trade name), snap fasteners, or magnetic systems. In this case, both ends of the strip 23 are pressed against the sides of the tab 30 attached to the fixing part 20 by the retaining device 26. Once one end of the strip 23 is pulled until the movable part 21 abuts against the partition 16, the retaining device 26 is pressed against the tab 30. The tab 30 extends perpendicular to one direction of movement of the movable part 21.
[0046] At least one spacer 29 is arranged on the movable member 21. The spacer has a groove into which the retaining tab 30 is inserted. This ensures that the movable member 21 is guided relative to the fixed member 20 during movement. Therefore, the space filling device 17 has a degree of mobility, which facilitates maintenance.
[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the movable component 21 preferably includes at least one deformable portion 32 on its upper part. The deformable portion 32 has multiple through-cuts 33, such that the cuts 33 and the small rods 34 separating two consecutive cuts 33 alternate. The small rods 34 are capable of deforming upon impact. Therefore, the space-filling device 17 can withstand a certain level of force without deforming the seat 10 or the partition 16. The deformable portion 32 can limit the force transmission between the partition 16 and the seat 10 in the aircraft cabin, and vice versa. This prevents the maximum mechanical stress determined during the certification testing of the seat 10 in a collision event from being exceeded.
[0048] To ensure the aesthetics of the components, the movable part 21 is preferably covered with a cover layer 35, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The cover layer 35 may include a foam layer and a decorative layer made of materials selected from: fabric, leather, artificial leather, or Alcantara. The decorative layer may be made in a specific color and include a pattern selected by the airline. The cover layer 35 prevents anyone from approaching the rear of the seat 10.
[0049] In the embodiment of Figure 6, seat 10 is a seat with a capacity of two seats, including a seat cushion 12 and a backrest 13, which define two seating positions for two cabin crew members.
[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the seat 10 has a storage compartment 37 enclosed by two doors 38.1 and 38.2, which are mechanically connected to each other by a connecting crossbar 40. The connecting crossbar 40 is secured to the side edge of door 38.1 on one side and to the side edge of the adjacent door 38.2 on the other side by fasteners 41 such as screws. Wedges at the top of doors 38.1 and 38.2 prevent them from twisting when opened.
[0051] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the opening handles 43.1 and 43.2 of the two doors 38.1 and 38.2 are mechanically connected together by a connector 44, such that the action of one of the opening handles 43.1 and 43.2 ensures that both doors 38.1 and 38.2 open simultaneously. For this purpose, each opening handle 43.1 and 43.2 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis X1 relative to the corresponding door 38.1 and 38.2. Therefore, the rotation of the handles 43.1 and 43.2 about axis X1 allows the hooks 45.1 and 45.2 associated with these handles 43.1 and 43.2 to move away from the corresponding locking elements fixed to the seat structure 11, so as to allow the doors 38.1 and 38.2 to be opened and access to the storage compartment 37. Therefore, during evacuation, this allows for easier and faster locating of emergency equipment (such as life vests) within the aircraft.
[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12, the document holder 46 includes at least one receiving portion 50 for receiving a spring clip 51 fixed to a surface 52 of the seat element, particularly to the underside of the seat cushion 12, such that the spring clip 51 applies pressure to press the document holder 46 against the surface 52 of the seat cushion 12. Advantageously, the document holder 46 includes four receiving portions 50 at its four corners (see Figure 11). Preferably, each spring clip 51 has an elongated V-shaped shape extending from a base equipped with a riveting or threaded connection device for securing the spring clip 51 to the seat cushion 12. The V-shaped shape extends from an inclined edge pointing in the opposite direction to the surface of the seat cushion 12 to facilitate insertion of the spring clip 51 into the corresponding receiving portion 50.
[0053] During the assembly of the document holder 46, the receiving portion 50 of the document holder 46 is arranged near and aligned with the spring plates 51. Then, through a translational movement of the document holder 46 toward the base of the spring plates 51, each spring plate 51 passes over the wall of the receiving portion 50, thereby pressing the document holder 46 against the underside 52 of the seat cushion 12 through the wall of the receiving portion 50. The spring plates 51 are then arranged within their respective receiving portions 50. The wall of the receiving portion 50 pressed by the spring plates 51 is raised relative to the back of the document holder 46. This facilitates the assembly / disassembly of the document holder 46, especially for maintenance operations, and allows the user to store flight documents or emergency flight manuals. The spring plates 51 positioned at the corners of the document holder 46 enable it to pass the quality retention test (at 14G or 16G).
[0054] Alternatively, the document holder 46 can be located on the back of the backrest 13.
[0055] Of course, different features, variations and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are compatible with each other or not mutually exclusive.
[0056] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and is provided by way of example only. The present invention includes various modifications, alternatives, and other variations that may be conceived by those skilled in the art within the context of the invention, and in particular, any combination of the various operating modes described above may be employed individually or in combination.
Claims
1. A cabin crew seat (10) installed in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, comprising: A seat structure (11) is fixed to the aircraft floor and mechanically connected to a seat cushion (12) and a backrest (13) of the seat structure (11), the seat cushion (12) being movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The seat (10) is characterized in that it further includes a space-filling device (17) between the seat structure (11) and a partition (16) in the aircraft cabin. The space-filling device (17) includes a fixing member (20) fixed to the seat structure (11), the fixing member (20) having a frame shape, the frame including an upper edge (20.1) and a lower edge (20.1) having a horizontal longitudinal extension direction. 2) and two lateral edges (20.3, 20.4) having a vertical longitudinal extension direction connecting the upper edge (20.1) and the lower edge (20.2), and a movable component (21) comprising an upper wall (21.1), a lower wall (21.2) having a horizontal orientation perpendicular to the partition and two vertical side walls perpendicular to the partition (26), the movable component (21) being capable of translational movement relative to the fixed component (20) in a direction (D) perpendicular to the partition (16) so as to adjust the width of the space filling device (17) to the space between the seat structure (11) and the partition (16) in the aircraft cabin.
2. The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The space-filling device (17) includes at least one strip (23) folded around a rod (24) fixed to the movable member (21), which ensures movement of the movable member (21) relative to the fixed member (20) when tension is applied to the strip (23).
3. The seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The strip (23) includes at least one removable retaining device (26) for securing the movable part (21) after it has been pressed against the partition (16).
4. The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The seat includes at least one spacer (29) arranged on the movable part (21), the spacer having a groove into which a fixing tab (30) connected to the fixed part (20) is inserted.
5. The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The movable component (21) includes at least one deformable portion (32) on its upper part.
6. The seat according to claim 5, characterized in that, The deformable portion (32) includes multiple through cuts (33) such that the cuts (33) and the small rods (34) separating two consecutive cuts alternate, the small rods (34) being deformable under impact.
7. The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The seat includes a storage compartment (37) that is closed by two doors (38.1, 38.2) that are mechanically connected to each other by a connecting crossbar (40).
8. The seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The opening handles (43.1, 43.2) of the two doors (38.1, 38.2) are mechanically connected together by a connector (44) such that an action on one of the opening handles (43.1, 43.2) ensures that the two doors (38.1, 38.2) open simultaneously.
9. The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The attached document holder (46) has at least one receiving portion (50) for receiving a spring sheet (51) fixed on the surface (52) of the seat element, such that the spring sheet (51) applies pressure to press the document holder (46) against the surface (52) of the seat element.
10. An aircraft cabin comprising at least one seat according to any one of the preceding claims.