Airplane passenger seat

Description

State of the art

[0001] Passenger seats with one or more seats are known in a variety of designs for equipping passenger aircraft, especially long-haul aircraft.

[0002] A seat consists of a seat base and a backrest, and at a passenger seat, almost always different seating positions can be set by changing the position of the seat base, the backrest, and often both parts.

[0003] This allows passengers to switch between more active seating positions in an "upright position", e.g. for eating meals or for takeoff and landing, and more passive seating positions in a "reclined position", e.g. for relaxing and sleeping, as they please.

[0004] In particular, various solutions for moving the seatback are known. Moving the seatback allows for seat settings that, for example, minimize the impact on the movement space, the so-called "living space," of neighboring passengers, especially those in a row behind.

[0005] DE 10 2005 015 143 A1 discloses a seat, in particular an aircraft seat, with seat components such as a seat cushion and a backrest, as well as with at least one fabric covering section that has a pretension in at least one direction and at least partially and extends between frame parts of an attributable seat component. Because at least one controllable adjustment device is provided, which allows the specification of different pretensions for the respective fabric covering section within a predefinable range and reversibly, the seat user can individually adjust the seat to their comfort and health needs.

[0006] Due to the requirement in air transport to make seating arrangements as lightweight as possible and to make the best possible use of a user's available "living space", the design of comfortably adjustable, comparatively lightweight, comparatively inexpensive and at the same time stable passenger seats presents a particular challenge. Purpose and advantages of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved passenger seat. In particular, to provide a passenger seat which has an improved comfort function. Specifically, to provide a passenger seat which has improved legroom or an improved "living space" for a user sitting behind the passenger seat.

[0008] This problem is solved by an aircraft passenger seat having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Further possible embodiments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat, wherein the aircraft passenger seat comprises a frame, a seat surface element and a backrest element.

[0011] The following directional references are advantageously based on the seating direction of the passenger seat. For example, the seating direction of the passenger seat in the aircraft's installed position is also the aircraft's flight direction.

[0012] For example, the frame is designed for mounting in the floor area of ​​a passenger cabin. For example, the frame has a seat divider and struts running transversely to the seating direction, with the seat divider being held by the struts. For example, the frame has two seat dividers. It is conceivable that the two seat dividers are connected to each other by a strut. It is also conceivable that the seat dividers are designed for mounting the passenger seat in the floor area of ​​the passenger cabin. The frame includes, for example, a particularly rigid housing for the backrest element. The housing is designed, for example, as a backrest shell. The backrest shell, for example, permanently fixes the extension of the passenger seat, for example, against the seating direction, in a rearward area.

[0013] For example, the seat surface element is designed to provide a seating surface for a user, and the backrest element is designed to provide a backrest for the user's back in the aircraft seat. For example, the seat surface element is designed as a seat shell or as a seat cushion.

[0014] For example, the passenger seat has a backrest. It's conceivable that the backrest consists of a backrest element and a backrest shell. For instance, the backrest element might have a frame.

[0015] The core of the invention lies in the fact that the backrest element comprises a first and a second support, the backrest element including an elastic element extending from the first to the second support, thus forming a backrest surface for the back of a passenger seat user. The elasticity of the elastic element is adjustable. This allows the backrest user to shift their position, enabling a more relaxed seating experience. For example, this ensures that the legroom of a passenger seated in another seat located behind the first seat remains unchanged.

[0016] For example, an elastic element is understood to have the property of changing its shape under the influence of a force, such as that exerted by the user, and returning to its original shape when the force is removed. For example, adjusting the elastic element deforms it. This deformation, for instance, changes the force exerted by the elastic element, which counteracts the user's influence on the element. For example, the elastic element exerts a force Fe against a leaning force exerted by the user, such as their weight. It is conceivable that the force Fe of the elastic element depends on its shape. For example, a force Fe in the elastic element's original shape is smaller than a force Fe in a deformed state.It is also conceivable that the force Fe of the elastic element is adjustable.

[0017] It is conceivable that the elasticity of the elastic element is adjustable. For example, this allows for the adjustment of the elastic element's leaning behavior. The adjustability of the elastic element can be achieved, for instance, by providing an adjustable shape for the elastic element. For example, in its original form, the elastic element assumes a shape for the reclined position of the passenger seat. It is conceivable that in its adjusted, e.g., deformed, state, the elastic element defines the upright position. For example, passengers can switch between a more active sitting position, an upright position, e.g., for eating meals or during takeoff and landing, and a more passive sitting position, a reclined position, e.g., for relaxing and sleeping. For example, the elasticity of an elastic element in its original form is greater than in its adjusted state.For example, an elastic element is more elastic in its original shape than in its adjusted state.

[0018] It is also conceivable that the passenger seat is designed in such a way that a user can lean directly or indirectly against the backrest of the elastic element. It is also possible that the backrest element has a cover that conceals the elastic element. For example, the cover could be positioned between the elastic element and the user.

[0019] It is also proposed that the backrest element incorporates several elastic components. This allows the passenger seat to be ergonomically adapted to the back of a user.

[0020] For example, all the elastic elements are made of the same material. For example, the elastic elements are identically shaped. It is conceivable that the elastic elements are made of different materials. For example, the elasticity of a first elastic element differs from the elasticity of another, e.g., a second, elastic element. It is conceivable that the elasticity of the first and second elastic elements differs in their original form. It is also conceivable that one elastic element differs in its external shape from another elastic element. For example, one elastic element has a dimension, e.g., length and / or thickness, that differs from the dimension of another elastic element.

[0021] For example, the passenger seat has between 2 and 50 or between 2 and 20 elastic elements. It is conceivable that the passenger seat has between 3 and 15 elastic elements. For example, the passenger seat has 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 5 elastic elements.

[0022] It is further proposed that the first and second spars be connected by a first and a second cross brace, so that the spars and cross braces form a frame. This comparatively improves the stability of the passenger seat.

[0023] For example, the first upright, the second upright, the first cross brace, and the second cross brace form the frame. It is conceivable that the frame is connected to the support structure. It is also conceivable that the frame is designed as a single, rigid element. For example, the first upright, the second upright, the first cross brace, and / or the second cross brace are designed as a tube or a square tube. For example, the first upright, the second upright, the first cross brace, and / or the second cross brace are permanently connected to each other, e.g., welded or bonded. For example, the first upright, the second upright, the first cross brace, and / or the second cross brace are made of aluminum, titanium, and / or an aluminum alloy.

[0024] It is also proposed that the elasticity of the first of several elastic elements be adjustable, while the elasticity of the second of several elastic elements is fixed. This makes adjusting the ergonomics of the passenger seat relatively easy.

[0025] For example, the elasticity of the first of several elastic elements is adjustable in its original form. It is conceivable that the original form of the first elastic element is adjustable. It is conceivable that the original form of the second elastic element is fixed. For example, the elasticity of the second elastic element can be changed due to a force applied by a user. For example, two or more of the several elastic elements are adjustable. It is also conceivable that two or more of the several elastic elements are fixed. For example, one original form of two or more of the several elastic elements is fixed.

[0026] For example, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the multiple elastic elements are available in an adjustable configuration.

[0027] Furthermore, the elastic element is designed as a stretchable strap or band. This makes the passenger seat comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0028] For example, the elastic element is present as a stretchable rubber band. It is conceivable that the elastic element is made of fabric and / or plastic. For example, the elastic element has a woven material, e.g., an elastic fabric.

[0029] For example, the elastic element might be in the form of a band or a strap. It's conceivable that the length of the elastic element could be two, three, four, or five times greater than its width. For example, the thickness of the elastic element could be between 0.05 mm and 20 mm. The width of the elastic element could be between 4 mm and 350 mm, for example, between 5 mm and 300 mm. It's conceivable that the elastic element could have a length between 300 mm and 700 mm. It's also conceivable that the elastic element could be between 350 mm and 650 mm long.

[0030] It is also proposed that the backrest element, particularly the first and second pillars, be fixed in position relative to the frame. This comparatively increases the stability of the passenger seat. It also ensures a consistent "living space" for a passenger seated behind the seat. For example, this allows for a backrest in the form of a "fixed shell".

[0031] For example, the frame is immovable, rigid, and / or fixed in position relative to the frame and / or connected to the frame. For example, the first upright, the second upright, and / or the first cross brace are immovable, rigid, and / or fixed in position relative to the frame and / or connected to the frame.

[0032] For example, the first upright, the second upright, and / or the first cross brace are permanently connected to the frame, e.g., welded or glued to the frame. For example, the first and / or second upright are integrally formed with the frame, e.g., as a single piece with the frame. For example, the backrest shell encompasses the backrest element, at least partially. It is conceivable that the backrest shell covers at least a portion of the rear of the backrest element.

[0033] Furthermore, an elastic element is arranged around the first and second rails of the backrest element, with a first and second end of the elastic element being movable towards and away from each other. This makes adjusting the elastic element relatively easy.

[0034] For example, an elastic element extends along its longitudinal axis from the first spar to the second spar. For example, an elastic element might encircle the first spar at one end. It is conceivable that an elastic element might encircle the second spar at its other end. It is conceivable that each elastic element could encircle both the first and second spars.

[0035] It is also conceivable that an elastic element extends along its longitudinal axis between the first and second beams. For example, the length of the elastic element could be less than, equal to, or greater than the distance between the first and second beams. It is also conceivable that the first and second beams define the width of the backrest element and / or the width of the backrest itself.

[0036] For example, the elastic element extends along a large portion of its longitudinal extent along a front face of the backrest element and encompasses the first and / or second spar with its end, the first and / or second end of the elastic element extending along a rear face of the backrest element such that the first and / or second end of the elastic element is spaced from the majority of the elastic element by the thickness of the spar. For example, the front face of the backrest element forms the side against which a passenger in the aircraft seat can lean.

[0037] For example, several elastic elements are positioned side by side along a longitudinal axis of the first beam and / or a longitudinal axis of the second beam on the backrest element. For example, one longitudinal extension of an elastic element is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the first beam and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis of the second beam. For example, one elastic element extends in its width along the longitudinal axis of the first beam and / or along the longitudinal axis of the second beam.

[0038] It is conceivable that an elastic element is connected to the first spar at its first end and to the second spar at its second end. It is also conceivable that an elastic element is rigidly connected to the first spar at its first end and / or rigidly connected to the second spar at its second end. For example, an elastic element connected to both the first and second spars could be permanently fixed. Alternatively, an elastic element could be rigidly connected to the first spar at its first end and have its second end encircling the second spar.

[0039] Furthermore, a tensioning device is provided, wherein the first and second ends of the elastic element are connected to a tensioning element of the device. An adjusting element of the device engages the tensioning element, and the adjusting element allows the tensioning element to be moved in one direction along a longitudinal axis of the first or second beam, such that movement of the tensioning element adjusts the elasticity of the elastic element. This allows for relatively simple adjustment of the elastic element. For example, the length of the elastic element can be adjusted.

[0040] For example, the passenger seat has a tensioning device. It is conceivable that the tensioning device comprises a tensioning element and an adjustment element. For example, a connecting element of the tensioning device engages the first end of an elastic element with its first end, the connecting element being connected to the tensioning element with its second end. For example, another connecting element of the tensioning device engages the second end of the elastic element with its first end, the second end of this further connecting element being connected to the tensioning element. It is conceivable that several elastic elements are connected to the tensioning element, e.g., by means of connecting elements.

[0041] For example, the tensioning element is designed as a ring or an eyelet. It is also conceivable that the tensioning element is designed as a rod. For example, the tensioning element is movably mounted on the backrest element. For example, the rod is movably mounted at its ends on the backrest element. It is conceivable that each connecting element is arranged on the tensioning element. For example, each connecting element is attached to the tensioning element.

[0042] It is also conceivable that a deflection element is present. For example, the deflection element could be a pulley. It is conceivable that a connecting element runs over the deflection element and is deflected by it. For example, the deflection element could be located on the first spar or on the frame, e.g., attached. It is conceivable that several deflection elements are present. For example, there could be two deflection elements for each elastic element. For example, there could be two connecting elements for each adjustable elastic element. For example, the deflection element could be arranged on the passenger seat in such a way that a connecting element can exert a force in the direction of the elastic element's longitudinal extension. It is conceivable that the connecting element could exert a force on the elastic element exclusively in the direction of its longitudinal extension or parallel to its longitudinal extension.

[0043] It is also proposed that the passenger seat has a shaft, with the adjustment element connected to the shaft. When the shaft rotates, the adjustment element is wound or unwound onto the shaft, and the winding process of the adjustment element changes the position of the tension element. This allows for relatively simple adjustability. For example, this enables the adjustment of the backrest element to be linked to the adjustment of the seat cushion element.

[0044] For example, the shaft is coupled to the seat element, so that a rotational movement of the shaft changes a property of both the seat element and the backrest element. For example, the shaft is designed as a winding shaft.

[0045] It is conceivable that the adjusting element is designed as a rope or a wire. For example, the adjusting element is a cable pull or a wire rope. For example, the adjusting element is connected at one end to the pulling element and at the other end to the shaft. For example, the adjusting element is configured such that it can exert a tensile force on the pulling element, for example, caused by a rotation of the shaft. It is conceivable that the direction of the tensile force of the adjusting element on the pulling element is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of an elastic element. It is also conceivable that the direction of the tensile force of the adjusting element is oriented in the direction of or parallel to the longitudinal extent of the first or second beam.

[0046] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a row of seats with a passenger seat according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0047] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is an aircraft with a passenger seat according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or a row of seats according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Character description

[0048] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to schematically illustrated embodiments. Specifically, the following are shown: Figure 1: A perspective view from a slightly oblique front side of a row of passenger seats; Figure 2: A backrest element of a passenger seat in a perspective view from a slightly oblique front side; Figure 3: The backrest element according to Figure 2 in another perspective view from an oblique side view in front and Figure 4 the backrest element according to Figure 2 in a perspective view from an oblique side view from the rear and below.

[0049] In Figure 1A row of seats 1 with passenger seats 2 to 4 is shown. For example, row 1 has a passenger seat 2 with a frame 5 on which a seat surface element 6 and a backrest element 7 of the passenger seat 2 are arranged.

[0050] For example, the backrest element 7 has a frame 8. For example, the frame 8 has a first spar 9 and a second spar 10. For example, the first spar 9 and the second spar 10 are movably arranged on the frame 5 at a joint 11. For example, a backrest shell 12 is present, which delimits the backrest element 7 on a rear side of the passenger seat 2.

[0051] The backrest element 7 has an elastic element in the form of a band 13. It is conceivable that the backrest element 7 has several elastic elements 13. For example, the band 13 has a leaning surface 14 against which a user of the passenger seat 2 can lean their back.

[0052] In the Figures 2 to 4 Another backrest element 15 is shown. For example, the backrest element 15 has a frame 16. For example, the frame 16 has a first and a second beam 17, 18. It is conceivable that the first and the second beam 17, 18 are connected by means of a cross brace 19.

[0053] For example, the backrest element 15 has several elastic elements in the form of bands 20. It is conceivable that a first band 20a is attached with a first end 21 to a front face 22 of the first frame member 17 and with a second end 23 to a front face 24 of the second frame member 18. It is further conceivable that a second band 20b with a first end 25 encircles the first frame member 17 and with a second end 26 the second frame member 18.

[0054] For example, the backrest element 15 has a pulling device 27. It is conceivable that the pulling device 27 has a pulling element 28 and an adjusting element 29. It is conceivable that the pulling element 28 is designed as a ring. For example, the adjusting element 29 is designed in the form of a pull cord. It is also conceivable that the adjusting element 29 is connected at one end 30 to a shaft 31. For example, the adjusting element 29 is designed to be wound onto and unwound from the shaft 31.

[0055] For example, the first and second ends 25, 26 of the second band 20b are connected to the tension element 28. It is conceivable that several elastic elements are connected to the tension element 28. This allows the elasticity of the elastic element in the area of ​​the bearing surface 32 to be adjusted by moving the tension element 28. For example, winding the adjusting element 29 onto the shaft 31 moves the tension element 28 downwards (see Figure 4 ) thereby exerting a tensile force on the ends 25, 26 of the second band 20b. Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 Seat row 18 Holm 2 Passenger seat 19 crossbar 3 Passenger seat 20 band 4 Passenger seat 20a band 5 frame 20b band 6 Seating element 21 End 7 Backrest element 22 front 8 Frame 23 End 9 Holm 24 front 10 Holm 25 End 11 joint 26 End 12 backrest shell 27 Towing device 13 band 28 Tension element 14 leaning surface 29 Setting element 15 Backrest element 30 End 16 Frame 31 Wave 17 Holm 32 leaning surface

Claims

1. Aircraft passenger seat (2), wherein the aircraft passenger seat (2) has a base (5), a seating surface element (6) and a backrest element (7, 15), wherein the backrest element (7, 15) has a first beam (9) and a second beam (10), wherein the backrest element (7, 15) has an elastic element (20, 20a, 20b), wherein the elastic element (20, 20a, 20b) extends from the first to the second beam (9, 10), such that the elastic element (20, 20a, 20b) forms a support surface (14) for a back of a user of the aircraft passenger seat (2), wherein the elasticity of the elastic element (20, 20a, 20b) is adjustable, wherein the elastic element (20, 20a, 20b) is designed as a stretchable strap or as a stretchable band, wherein the elastic element (20b) is arranged on the backrest element (7, 15) so as to run around the first and the second beam (17, 18), wherein a first and a second end (25, 26) of the elastic element (20b) are movable towards one another and away from one another, wherein there is a tension device (27), wherein the first and the second end (25, 26) of the elastic element (20b) are connected to a tension element (28) of the tension device (27), wherein an adjusting element (29) of the tension device (27) engages on the tension element (28), wherein the tension element (28) can be moved in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the first or the second beam by the adjusting element (29), such that an adjustment of the elasticity of the elastic element (20b) takes place during a movement of the tension element (28).

2. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to the preceding Claim 1, characterized in that the backrest element (7, 15) has a plurality of elastic elements (20, 20a, 20b).

3. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second beam (17, 18) are connected to each other by a first and a second cross brace (19), such that the beams (17, 18) and the cross braces (19) form a frame (16).

4. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to Claim 2 or according to Claim 3 if Claim 3 is dependent on Claim 2, characterized in that the elasticity of a first of the plurality of elastic elements (20, 20a, 20b) is adjustable, wherein the elasticity of a second of the plurality of elastic elements is invariable.

5. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the backrest element (7, 15) relative to the base (5) is invariable.

6. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tension element (28) is designed as a ring, as an eyelet or as a rod.

7. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (29) is designed as a cable or as a wire.

8. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aircraft passenger seat (2) has a shaft (31), wherein the adjusting element (29) is connected to the shaft (31), wherein, during a rotational movement of the shaft (31), the adjusting element (29) is wound onto or off the shaft (31), wherein a position of the tension element (28) is changed by the winding process of the adjusting element (29).

9. Seat row (1) having an aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Aircraft having an aircraft passenger seat (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 or a seat row according to Claim 9.