Table device

Abstract

The invention relates to a table device of a vehicle seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat (12; 30), which has at least one storage surface (16) and a storage unit (20) which is provided to guide the at least one storage surface (16) during a movement between at least one operating position and at least one first stowing position. It is proposed that the table device has a locking unit (26; 33) which is designed to use a movement of the storage surface (16) at an angle of less than 15 degrees relative to the storage surface (16) as a locking movement, wherein the locking unit (26; 33) has a lifting unit (34) for lifting at least the storage surface (16) by moving the storage surface (16) from the first stow position to a second, locked stow position, wherein the lifting unit (34) includes a rotary knob (35) which is rotatably mounted on an underside (36) of the storage surface (16) facing a floor (11) of an interior space (10) in a central position about a pivot axis (37) within a predetermined rotation range.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a table device for a vehicle seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, with such a table device.

[0002] Table devices for vehicle seats are already known, comprising at least one storage surface and a storage unit. The storage unit is designed to guide the storage surface during movement between at least one operating position and at least one initial stowable position. In known embodiments, the table device is arranged on the rear side of a vehicle seat's backrest. In the operating position, the storage surface is available for use by a passenger who typically occupies a second passenger seat located in the rear compartment of the passenger seat. To move the storage surface into the stowed position, it can be pivoted against the rear of the passenger seat's backrest by means of a pivoting movement of the storage unit and secured in the stowed position with a locking device, for example, a rotatably mounted toggle knob.A disadvantage is that the locking mechanism occupies a relatively large space in an area of ​​the passenger seat that is increasingly used for screens to provide entertaining or informative visual content for passengers. Furthermore, even when the storage area is stowed, elements of the locking mechanism often pose a danger, particularly to passengers' heads, in the event of a collision, as they frequently protrude from the back of the seat back and are directly within the impact zone for the heads.

[0003] Document DE 600 25 155 T2 discloses a table device of a vehicle seat which has a storage surface and a storage unit which is designed to guide the storage surface during movement between a use position and a stow position.

[0004] The publication DE 10 2007 045 171 A1 discloses a table device of a vehicle seat which has a storage surface and a storage unit which is designed to guide the storage surface during a movement between a use position and a stow position, whereby the table device is pivoted.

[0005] The publication DE 43 02 868 A1 discloses a storage compartment for a vehicle dashboard which has an additional functional surface and / or wall box, which is provided in addition to a glove compartment.

[0006] The invention is based in particular on the objective of providing a table device and a vehicle seat with a table device, which can increase the safety of the passengers and the ease of use for the passengers.

[0007] This problem is solved by a table device according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a table device of a vehicle seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, which has at least one storage surface and a storage unit which is designed to guide the at least one storage surface during a movement between at least one operating position and at least one first stowing position.

[0009] It is proposed that the table device include a locking unit designed to utilize a movement of the storage surface at an angle of less than 15 degrees relative to, and in particular parallel to, the storage surface as a locking movement. Preferably, the movement can be initiated from the first storage position, wherein the locking unit includes a lifting unit for lifting at least the storage surface by moving the storage surface from the first storage position into a second, locked storage position, wherein the lifting unit comprises a rotary knob which is rotatably mounted in a central position about a pivot axis within a predetermined rotation range on an underside of the storage surface facing the floor of an interior space in the storage surface's operating position.In this context, "parallel to the storage surface" means, in particular, that the storage surface in its initial storage position forms part of a first plane, and that after movement, the storage surface forms part of the first plane or part of a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. In this context, "substantially parallel" means, in particular, that after movement, the storage surface is aligned parallel to the first plane, or that the angle at which the first plane and the second plane intersect is less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, and particularly preferably less than 15°.

[0010] With suitable design, the locking mechanism's retaining elements located in the head impact area of ​​the vehicle seat can be eliminated, thereby increasing passenger safety. Furthermore, a solution offering improved design freedom can be provided for the configuration of a passenger entertainment or information device, such as a screen as part of an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in a vehicle designed as an aircraft. The height of the backrest of a passenger seat designed as an aircraft seat can be reduced while maintaining the same screen size for the IFE device, thus saving material and costs.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the locking unit include a lifting unit for raising at least the storage platform by moving the platform, essentially parallel to its position, from the first stowage position to a second, locked stowage position. In this context, "lifting" is understood to mean, in particular, a movement that includes at least one component in a direction opposite to gravity. This allows for a simple and space-saving design of a locked stowage position without retaining elements in the head-impact area of ​​the vehicle seat.

[0012] If an edge area of ​​the storage surface forms a corresponding component of a positive-locking connection in one of the stowage positions, a structurally simple and reliable mounting of the storage surface can be achieved without retaining elements in the head impact area of ​​the vehicle seat. With a suitable design, a safer and therefore more advantageous transition for the passenger in the event of a collision can be provided at the edge area of ​​the storage surface in the impact zone of the passenger's head.

[0013] It is further proposed that the lifting unit include at least one flexible traction element, the extension of which allows the storage platform to be moved from the first stowage position to the second, locked stowage position by means of a movement of the storage platform that is essentially parallel to the storage platform itself. A "flexible" traction element is understood to be, in particular, a traction element that, when freestanding, cannot absorb force in at least one direction that deviates from the direction of the traction element's main extension, such as a chain, wire, cord, or strap. In particular, the direction can be perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the traction element. This allows for a simple and cost-effective solution for moving the storage platform.Preferably, the stretching can be arranged such that the length of the traction element between an attachment point of the traction element and a force application point of the traction element on the support surface or on a body rigidly connected to the support surface is changed after stretching. Alternatively, the stretching can be arranged in such a way that the traction element is non-linear before stretching and at least partially straight after stretching.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the lifting unit has at least one rigid support body designed to lift the storage platform from the first stowage position to the second, locked stowage position. With a suitable design, this allows for a simple solution of a locked stowage position for the storage platform without retaining elements in the impact zone of the passenger's head. Preferably, the lifting of the storage platform can be achieved by changing the relative position of the rigid support body with respect to the storage platform.

[0015] In a further embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that at least one flexible traction element can be brought into contact with at least one rigid support body when stretched, thereby achieving a particularly simple and cost-effective solution for moving the parking area.

[0016] If the table device includes at least one further support body formed by a stiffening means intended for stiffening, a number of components can be reduced and costs, material and weight can be saved by transferring a function of the at least one further support body to the stiffening means already present in a design and necessary for an intended function of the table device.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one support body be rotatably mounted in the storage platform. This allows for a particularly simple solution of a locked stowage position for the storage platform without retaining devices in the impact area of ​​the passenger's head.

[0018] Particularly advantageous in a further embodiment is the ability to mechanically connect at least one support body with at least one traction element and to change the length of the traction element between an attachment point of the traction element and the support body by rotating the rotatably mounted support body, thereby making it easy to move the storage surface from the first storage position to the second, locked storage position.

[0019] If at least one support body is mounted eccentrically in the support surface, a support movement can be enabled in a particularly simple way with a suitable design.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the locking unit include at least one detent for securing the storage surface in the second, locked stow position. In this context, "detent" refers specifically to means designed to create a positive locking connection when a relative movement into a predetermined arrangement is overcome by a force opposing the relative movement. This connection can only be released by applying at least the opposing force. This provides the operator with confirmation that the locking movement has been completed, thus increasing ease of use, and offers some protection against unintentional unlocking of the table device.

[0021] Improved protection against the unintentional unlocking of the table device, which can be caused, for example, by turbulence in an aircraft or by uneven road surfaces in a bus, can be achieved if the locking unit has at least one safety device to secure the storage surface in the second, locked stow position.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the locking unit include a lowering mechanism designed to lower the storage platform from the second, locked stowage position to the first stowage position during an unlocking movement. This will further enhance user comfort for the passenger seat and also increase operational reliability by providing a simple, safe, and controlled movement for moving the storage platform from the second stowage position.

[0023] Furthermore, a vehicle seat with a backrest and a table device, corresponding to one of the previously described configurations, is proposed. If, in the second, locked stowage position in one direction of travel, the underside of the edge area of ​​the table device's support surface overlaps with a rear surface of the backrest, a suitable configuration can reduce the gap between the underside of the edge area of ​​the support surface and the rear surface of the backrest. This increases passenger safety and also results in a visually appealing, smooth appearance for the rear of the vehicle seat. Drawings

[0024] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 Vehicle seats designed as passenger seats with table devices according to the state of the art in a schematic representation, Fig. 2a a table device according to the invention of a vehicle seat designed as a passenger seat in a schematic representation, Fig. 2b the table device according to the Fig. 2a in a first stowing position, Fig. 2c the table device according to the Fig. 2a in a second, locked stowing position, Fig. 3. Several design forms for edge areas of storage surfaces of a table device according to the Fig. 2a-2d in a second, locked stow position, Fig. 4 an alternative embodiment of a locking unit of the table device on the vehicle seat designed as a passenger seat according to the Fig. 2a-2d. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of vehicle seats designed as passenger seats 12 with table devices according to the prior art, installed in an interior 10 of a vehicle designed as an aircraft. On a floor 11 of the interior 10, the vehicle seats designed as passenger seats 12 are arranged side by side as a seating group and mounted in several rows one behind the other. The passenger seats 12 each have a seating direction 13 that is parallel to a direction of extension of the interior 10 of the aircraft and identical to a direction of flight.

[0027] Each passenger seat 12 is equipped with a backrest 14 and a table device according to the known prior art, which is provided for use by a passenger located behind the passenger seat 12. Each of the table devices of the passenger seat 12 comprises a storage surface 16, which in a working position is intended for storing the passenger's personal belongings, and a storage unit 20, which is intended to guide the storage surface 16 during movement between the working position and the stowed position.

[0028] The bearing unit 20 has a pivot arm 21 on each side, which at its upper end is pivotally mounted by a first bearing means 22 on a front area of ​​a side edge 17 of the support surface 16 in the operating position about a first bearing axis 23, which is arranged parallel to a front edge 18 of the support surface 16 as viewed in the seating direction 13 in the operating position. At its lower end, each of the pivot arms 21 is pivotally mounted by a second bearing means 24 on a lower end of the backrest 14 of the passenger seat 12 about a second bearing axis 25, which extends transversely to the seating direction 13 and parallel to the first bearing axis 23.

[0029] To adjust the operating position, the table device can be pivoted towards the passenger located behind the passenger seat 12 by a first pivoting movement of the bearing unit 20 about the second bearing axis 25, and the storage surface 16 can be moved into the operating position, in which the storage surface 16 is oriented essentially parallel to the floor 11 of the aircraft interior 10, by a second pivoting movement. In the operating position, the storage surface 16 can also be pulled towards the passenger in a known manner against the direction of travel 13, on two table guides (not shown), in order to achieve an optimal position of the storage surface 16 for the passenger.

[0030] To adjust the stowage position, the table device can be pivoted towards the backrest 14 by a third pivoting movement of the bearing unit 20 about the second bearing axis 25, and the storage surface 16 can be moved into the stowage position by a fourth pivoting movement about the first bearing axis 23. In this position, the storage surface 16 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the floor 11 of the interior 10 of the aircraft and is at least partially in contact with a rear surface 15 of the backrest 14. Above the storage surface 16, the backrest 14 of the passenger seat 12 is equipped with a locking unit 26, which includes a rotatably mounted toggle 27. In the stowage position of the storage surface 16, the toggle 27 can be moved into a position in which, to secure the storage surface 16 in the seating direction 13, there is partial overlap between the storage surface 16 and the toggle 27. The table devices of the Fig. 1 are shown with the storage areas 16 in the stowed position.

[0031] Above the knob 27, the passenger seat 12 is equipped with a screen 29 of an IFE system on the rear surface 15 of the backrest 14 in the headrest area. The size of the screen 29 is also limited by the position of the knob 27 and by a concealed receptacle within the backrest 14 for holding the knob 27.

[0032] In the Fig. Figures 2a-2d, 3, and 4 depict several variants of the invention or parts thereof. Each variant contains features whose function is identical or fundamentally identical. These features are identified by reference numerals consisting of the figure number and the number of the feature common to all variants, thus forming a single number. If the identical or fundamentally identical feature of a variant is not shown in a figure, reference is made to the description of the figure of an exemplary embodiment in which this feature is shown.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 2a shows a schematic representation of a section of a table device according to the invention for a vehicle seat designed as a passenger seat 230. This passenger seat 230 can replace the passenger seats 12 according to the Fig. 1 replace in all respects except those relating to the table device, which is why a representation of an entire passenger seat 230 and a mutual arrangement of several passenger seats 230 with table devices according to the invention is omitted and the design of the table device is explained below using a section of a single passenger seat 230.

[0034] The vehicle seat designed as passenger seat 230 according to the Fig. 2a is equipped with a backrest 214 and a table device for use by a passenger located behind the passenger seat 230. The vehicle seat can also be used in other means of transport, such as a railway carriage or a coach. Each of the table devices of the passenger seat 230 comprises a storage surface 216, which in a working position is intended for placing the passenger's personal belongings, and a storage unit 220, which is designed to guide the storage surface 216 during movement between the working position and a first stow position. The storage surface 216 is equipped internally with a cavity 231, which serves to accommodate various mechanical elements that are not visible from the outside.

[0035] To guide the movement of the support surface 216, the bearing unit 220 has a pivot arm 221 on each side, which is pivotally mounted at its upper end by a first bearing means 222 on a front area of ​​a side edge 217 of the support surface 216 as viewed in the operating position in the seating direction 213, about a first bearing axis 223. This first bearing axis is arranged parallel to a front edge 218 of the support surface 216 as viewed in the operating position in the seating direction 213 and parallel to the floor 211 of the interior 210 of the aircraft. The table device has a stiffening means 232, formed by a torsion tube, arranged parallel to the first bearing axis 223, which is intended to stiffen the pivot arms 221.At a lower end, each swivel arm 221 is pivotably mounted on a lower end of the backrest 214 of the passenger seat 230 by means of a second bearing means 224 about a second bearing axis 225, which extends transversely to the seating direction 213 and parallel to the first bearing axis 223.

[0036] To adjust the operating position, the table device can be pivoted towards the passenger located behind the passenger seat 230 by a first pivoting movement of the bearing unit 220 about the second bearing axis 225. Fig. Figure 2a shows the table device in a central position of the first pivoting movement. The support surface 216 can be moved into the operating position, in which it is essentially parallel to the floor 211 of the aircraft interior 210, by a second pivoting movement about the first bearing axis 223. In the operating position, the support surface 216 can also be pulled along two table guides 228 extending in the direction of seating 213, opposite to the direction of seating 213 and towards the passenger, to achieve an optimal position for the support surface 216 for the passenger.

[0037] To adjust the stowage position, the table device can be pivoted towards the backrest 214 by a third pivoting movement of the bearing unit 220 about the second bearing axis 225, and the support surface 216 can be moved into the first stowage position by a fourth pivoting movement about the first bearing axis 223, in which the support surface 216 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the floor 211 of the interior 210 of the aircraft and is partially in contact with a rear surface 215 of the backrest 214. This position of the table device is in Fig. 2b shown.

[0038] The table device is equipped with a locking unit 233, which is designed to utilize an upward movement of the storage surface 216, running essentially parallel to the storage surface 216, as a locking movement. For this purpose, the locking unit 233 includes a lifting unit 234 for lifting the storage surface 216 from its first stowed position to a second, locked stowed position by means of this movement, which runs essentially parallel to the storage surface 216. The function of the lifting unit 234 is explained below.

[0039] The lifting unit 234 comprises a rotary knob 235, which is rotatably mounted in a central position about a pivot axis 37 within a predetermined rotation range on the underside 236 of the storage surface 216, which, in the storage surface 216's operating position, faces the floor 211 of the interior 210. For ease of use, the rotary knob 235 may be equipped with a reduction gear. Such mechanisms are familiar to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be discussed in detail here. Eccentrically mounted in the pivot axis 37 of the rotary knob 235 and rotationally fixed to the rotary knob 235 is a rigid, rod-shaped support body 38 of the lifting unit 234, which projects with a support end 40 below the rotary knob 235 and is designed to lift the storage surface 216 from the first stow position into the second, locked stow position.At the support end 40, the support body 38 is equipped with a first locking means 41 of the locking unit 233 formed by a molded round notch.

[0040] In the first stowage position, the rotary knob 235 is in an initial position in which the support end 40 of the rotationally fixed support body 38 is located above the stiffening element 232, which is designed as a torsion tube. Should this not be the case due to an unintentional adjustment of the rotary knob 235, the passenger can correct the position of the rotary knob 235 accordingly to achieve the first stowage position of the storage area 216. In a central position, the torsion tube has a second locking element 42 of the locking unit 233, formed by an integrally molded cam. By rotating the rotary knob 235 from its initial position, the rotationally fixed support body 38 comes into contact with the cam of the torsion tube, whereby a weight force exerted by the storage area 216 counteracts any further movement of the rotary knob 235.By overcoming this obstacle, the storage surface 216 is moved out of the first storage position and, guided by the table guides 228, upwards into the second storage position ( . Fig. 2c). The stiffening element 232, designed as a torsion tube, forms a second support body 39 of the lifting unit 234, against which the first, rigid, rod-shaped support body 38 is supported. When the rotary knob 235 is turned sufficiently, during which the weight of the support surface 216 and any frictional forces of the table guides 228 must be continuously overcome, the locking element 41, designed as a round notch of the support body 38, and the locking element 42, designed as a cam integrally molded into the torsion tube, form a positive locking connection 45, whereby the support surface 216 is lowered slightly from its highest position to form the positive locking connection 45 ( Fig. 2c). Due to the positive locking connection 45 of the locking means 41, 42 of the locking unit 233, the storage surface 216 is held in a fixed position in the second, locked storage position, since movement of the storage surface 216 from the second, locked storage position is only possible by overcoming the weight force of the storage surface 216.

[0041] The embodiment described here includes a rotary knob 235 for moving the first rigid support body 38, which allows the storage surface 216 to be moved from the first stow position to the second, locked stow position. In principle, other means familiar to those skilled in the art, such as folding devices or sliding devices, can be used to move the rigid support body 38 instead of a rotary device.

[0042] The vehicle seat, designed as an aircraft passenger seat 230, has a projecting lip 43 integrally molded onto the rear surface 215 of the backrest 214 and, adjoining the projecting lip 43 in the seating direction 213, a contact surface 244. When the storage surface 216 is moved from the first stowage position to the second, locked stowage position, the storage surface 216, with an underside 236 of an edge-adjacent area 219 viewed in the seating direction 213, is pushed in front of the projecting lip 43 and an end face of the storage surface 216 is pressed against the contact surface 244, so that in the second, locked stowage position, the underside 236 of the edge-adjacent area 219 of the storage surface 216 of the table device forms an overlap with the rear surface 215 of the backrest 214 in the seating direction 213.In the second, locked stow position, the area 219 near the edge of the storage surface 216 also forms a corresponding part element of a positive locking connection 246. The other corresponding part element of the positive locking connection 246 is formed by an inner side of the molded overhang lip 43 facing the backrest 214 and the contact surface 244 of the rear surface 215 of the backrest 214.

[0043] In Fig. 3 are several further embodiments of an edge-adjacent area 319 of storage surfaces 316 of a table device according to the Fig. 2a-2d shown in a second, locked stow position.

[0044] In embodiment “A” of the Fig. 3 is a front end face of the storage surface 316, viewed in the seating position 313, equipped with a chamfer 47, which forms a first corresponding component of a positive locking connection 346. A second component of the positive locking connection 346 forms an undercut 48 corresponding to the chamfer 47, which is integrally molded onto the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314. In the seating position 313, the underside 336 of the area 319 near the edge of the storage surface 316 overlaps the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314 in the second, locked storage position.

[0045] In embodiment “B” of the Fig. 3 is a front end face of the storage surface 316, viewed in the seating position 313, equipped with a perpendicular end edge 49, which forms a first corresponding component of a positive locking connection 346. A second component of the positive locking connection 346 is formed by a cover 50 attached to the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314 and a contact surface 344, which forms part of the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314. In the seating position 313, the underside 336 of the area 319 near the edge of the storage surface 316 overlaps the cover 50 attached to the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314 in the second, locked storage position.

[0046] In embodiment “C” of the Fig. 3 is a front end face of the storage surface 316, viewed in the seating position 313, equipped with a tapered edge rib 51, which forms a first corresponding component of a positive locking connection 346. A second component of the positive locking connection 346 is formed by a groove 52, which is formed in the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314. In the second, locked storage position, the edge rib 51 engages in the groove 52 and, viewed in the seating position 313, forms an overlap with the rear surface 315 of the backrest 314.

[0047] An alternative embodiment of a locking unit 433 of the table device on the vehicle seat designed as a passenger seat 430 according to the Fig. 2a-2d is in Fig. 4 shown.

[0048] The locking unit 433 also includes a lifting unit 434 for lifting the storage surface 416 by moving the storage surface 416 from the first stow position to the second, locked stow position, essentially parallel to the storage surface 416. In contrast to the locking unit 233 according to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2a-2d the locking unit 433 comprises a lowering means 53 designed as a plastic band, which is intended to lower the storage surface 416 from the second, locked storage position to the first storage position during an unlocking movement.

[0049] The lifting unit 434 comprises two flexible tension elements 54, 55 designed as plastic bands, which are attached at one end 56, 57 to each of the two table guides 428 in the cavity 431 inside the storage surface 416. The two ends 56, 57 of each of the two plastic bands are attached at the same height when the storage surface 416 is in its first stowed position, and the ends 56, 56' and 57, 57' of the two plastic bands attached to the same table guide 428 are spaced apart vertically.By stretching one of the two plastic bands, the storage surface 416 can be moved from the first storage position to the second, locked storage position by a movement of the storage surface 416 that runs essentially parallel to the storage surface 416, and by stretching the other of the two plastic bands, the storage surface 416 can be moved from the second, locked storage position to the first storage position by a movement of the storage surface 416 that runs essentially parallel to the storage surface 416, as will be explained below.

[0050] The lifting unit 434 further comprises a rotary knob 435 rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 58 in the support surface 416 and a support body 59 with an elliptically shaped cross-section, which is eccentrically connected to the rotary knob 435 in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the pivot axis 58. In a use position of the support surface 416, the rotary knob 435 is in a rotational position in which a principal axis 60 of the elliptically shaped cross-section of the support body 59 is arranged transversely to the seating direction 413 and parallel to the floor 411 of the interior 410 of the aircraft. The lowering means 53, which in the first stow position of the support surface 416 is formed by the higher of the two plastic bands, is in a partially loose contact with an upper circumferential side 61 of the elliptically shaped cross-section of the support body 59 in the use position of the support surface 416.The lower of the two plastic bands in the first storage position of the storage surface 416 is partially loosely connected to a lower circumferential side 62 of the elliptically shaped cross-section of the support body 59 in the operating position of the storage surface 416.

[0051] When the rotary knob 435 is turned clockwise from its position when the storage surface 416 is in use, a driving movement of the support body 59 causes the lower plastic band to stretch until the plastic band runs in a straight line between its respective fixed ends 56', 57' and the beginning of a contact surface 63 on the support body 59. With further clockwise rotation of the rotary knob 435, the support body 59, and thus the storage surface 416, is supported by the lower plastic band, while the rotation is counteracted by the weight force exerted by the storage surface 416. This allows the storage surface 416 to be moved from its first storage position and, guided by the table guides 428, upwards into its second storage position.The length of the higher-positioned plastic band is designed such that, in the second stowing position of the storage surface 416, the higher-positioned plastic band rests on the support body 59 due to the effect of gravity, and with a slight further upward movement of the support body 59, it comes into contact with the support body 59 and into a state of extension. In the . Fig. Figure 4 shows the locking device in the second stowing position of the storage area 416 with a dashed line.

[0052] When the rotary knob 435 is turned counterclockwise from its position in the second stow position of the storage platform 416, the accompanying movement of the support body 59 causes the higher-positioned plastic band to stretch, as the distance between the contact surface of the plastic band on the support body 59 and the axis of rotation 58 of the rotary knob 435 increases due to the rotation. This allows the storage platform 416 to be moved from the second stow position to the first stow position in a controlled manner. The movement of the storage platform 416 by the lifting unit 434 from the second stow position to the first stow position is largely independent of the effects of gravity.An undesirable impediment to the movement of the storage surface 416 from the second storage position to the first storage position due to static friction between the storage surface 416 and the overhanging lip 443 and the contact surface 444 of the rear surface 415 of the backrest 414 is advantageously avoided by the lowering device 53.

[0053] To secure the storage surface 416 in the second, locked storage position, the locking unit 433 has locking means. The rotary knob 435 is provided with a cylindrical recess in which a first locking element, formed by a push button 65, is movably held in a direction perpendicular to the storage surface 416 and secured against falling out in a known manner by a retaining ring (not shown). On a side facing the cavity 431 of the storage surface 416, the push button 65 forms a cylindrical cavity, which is provided for receiving a second locking element formed by a spring-loaded, cylindrical pin 64.The spring-loaded, cylindrical pin 64 is positioned in the cavity 431 of the storage surface 416 at a point which, in the second stow position of the storage surface 416 viewed in the seating direction 413, is in overlap with the push button 65, so that after the storage surface 416 is moved into the second stow position, the spring-loaded, cylindrical pin 64 enters the cylindrical cavity of the push button 65 and blocks a counterclockwise rotation of the rotary knob 435, so that the storage surface 416 is secured against further movement in the second stow position, which can only take place after the push button 65 has been actuated and the rotary knob 435 has been turned counterclockwise. Reference sign 10 Interior 11 Floor 12 passenger seats 13 Seating direction 14 Backrest 15 rear surface 16 parking spaces 17 side edge 18 front edge 19 near-edge area 20 storage units 21 Swivel arm 22 Storage equipment 23 bearing axle 24 storage equipment 25 bearing axle 26 Locking unit 27 gags 28 Table tour 29-inch screen 30 passenger seats 31 Cavity 32 Stiffening agents 33 Locking unit 34 Lifting unit 35 Rotary knob 36 Underside 37 axis of rotation 38 support bodies 39 support bodies 40 supporting ends 41 Resting materials 42 Resting agents 43 Overhang lip 44 Plant area 45 Positive locking connection 46 Positive locking connection 47 Bevel 48 Undercut 49 End edge 50 aperture 51 Edge 52 Nut 53 lowering agents 54 traction elements 55 traction elements 56 End 57 End 58 Rotation axis 59 support bodies 60 Main axis 61 upper perimeter side 62 lower perimeter side 63 Plant area 64 cones 65 push buttons

Claims

[1] Table device of a vehicle seat, in particular of an aircraft passenger seat (12; 30), which has at least one storage surface (16) and a storage unit (20) which is designed to guide the at least one storage surface (16) during a movement between at least one operating position and at least one first stowable position, characterized bya locking unit (26; 33) designed to utilize a movement of the storage surface (16) at an angle of less than 15 degrees relative to the storage surface (16) as a locking movement, wherein the locking unit (26; 33) comprises a lifting unit (34) for lifting at least the storage surface (16) by moving the storage surface (16) from the first stow position into a second, locked stow position, wherein the lifting unit (34) comprises a rotary knob (35) which is rotatably mounted on an underside (36) of the storage surface (16) facing a floor (11) of an interior space (10) in a central position about a pivot axis (37) within a predetermined rotation range. [2] Table device according to claim 1, characterized by, that an area near the edge (19) of the storage surface (16) in a stowing position forms a corresponding partial element of a positive locking connection (46). [3] Table device at least according to claim 1, characterized by , that the lifting unit (34) has at least one flexible traction element (54, 55) by which the storage surface (16) can be moved from the first stow position to the second, locked stow position by the movement of the storage surface (16). [4] Table device at least according to claim 1, characterized by , that the lifting unit (34) has at least one rigid support body (38, 39; 59) which is provided for lifting the storage surface (16) from the first stow position to the second, locked stow position. [5] Table device at least according to claim 4, characterized by at least one further supporting body (38, 39; 59) formed by a stiffening means (32) intended for stiffening. [6] Table device at least according to claims 4 and 5, characterized by , that at least one support body (38, 39; 59) is rotatably mounted in the support surface (16). [7] Table device at least according to claim 6, characterized by , that at least one support body (38, 39; 59) is mounted eccentrically in the support surface (16). [8] Table device at least according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking unit (26; 33) has at least one locking means (41, 42) for fixing the storage surface (16) in the second, locked storage position. [9] Table device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking unit (26; 33) has at least one locking means for securing the storage area (16) in the second, locked storage position. [10] Table device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the locking unit (26; 33) has a lowering means (53) which is designed to lower the storage surface (16) from the second, locked storage position to the first storage position during an unlocking movement. [11] Vehicle seat, in particular passenger seat (12; 30), with a backrest (14) and with a table device at least according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Vehicle seat according to claim 11, characterized by , that an underside (36) of the edge area (19) of the storage surface (16) of the table device forms an overlap with a rear surface (15) of the backrest (14) at least in the second, locked stowing position in a direction of travel. [13] Method for locking a table device according to claim 1, characterized bya locking movement in which the storage surface (16) is locked by a movement of the storage surface (16) at an angle of less than 15 degrees relative to the storage surface (16).

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