Partition wall for an aircraft seating arrangement with sliding door and associated aircraft seating arrangement

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the cabin fittings of a vehicle such as an aircraft.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to aircraft cabin layouts offering passengers, especially business class passengers, private suites equipped with an opening, such as a deployable door. Previous techniques and object of the invention

[0003] WO2020020658A1 and FR3050717A1 describe retractable partitions for aircraft cabins.

[0004] In aircraft equipped with such private suites, the opening is generally sliding and allows the partition between the passenger and the aircraft aisle to be closed, in order to define a space of privacy and isolation for the passenger.

[0005] In an aircraft, one of the primary challenges is managing the weight of the onboard cabin fittings as well as managing the density of the installation of the fittings, while guaranteeing the comfort needs of passengers and compliance with safety requirements.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the space occupied by such a partition, particularly in width, so as to be able to equip aircraft with a reduced pitch with such a partition with a deployable door.

[0007] Currently, the compactness of such partitions does not allow them to be fitted to an aircraft where the pitch between two successive seats is less than forty-four inches.

[0008] For example, it is necessary to be able to equip single-aisle aircraft with such a partition.

[0009] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose a partition for seat layout, with reduced mass, simple structure and which meets safety requirements while reducing the risks of failure.

[0010] Another goal is to control the movement of the opening between its extreme positions.

[0011] The invention relates to a partition for aircraft seat configurations, comprising a fixed part and a sliding door that can be moved between an open position, in which the door retracts into a housing in the fixed part, and a closed position, in which the door is extended from the housing. The partition includes a mechanical assistance device acting on the door between the open and closed positions and capable of holding the door in both positions. The assistance device is adapted to apply a braking force and a pushing force during successive phases of the door's movement between the open and closed positions. Advantageously, the mechanical assistance device can be activated manually.

[0012] Preferably, the mechanical assistance device includes a sliding frame supporting the door and a bistable gas spring fixed at one end to the fixed part and at the opposite end to the sliding frame.

[0013] Thus, the partition is streamlined and lighter, as the number of parts required for the door's deployment is limited. Furthermore, the use of a gas spring allows for precise control of the door's movement speed and eliminates the need for locks to secure the door in the open and closed positions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sliding frame has a U-shaped profile and is arranged at a first vertical end of the door opposite the fixed part in the closed position of the partition.

[0015] In one embodiment, the partition includes a first and a second vertical stops arranged on either side of the door so that the first end of the door rests against the first stop in the open position and a second opposite end of the door rests against the second stop in the closed position.

[0016] Advantageously, the cylinder is fixed to the fixed part at the midpoint between the closed position and the open position.

[0017] Preferably, the partition includes a guide rail, the sliding door moving on the guide rail via a slider of the frame mounted on the rail.

[0018] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a first seating arrangement including a seat and a partition as defined above.

[0019] Advantageously, the partition is arranged so that the door in the closed position isolates the seat from an aircraft aisle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the partition of the arrangement includes a first and a second vertical stops arranged on either side of the door such that a first end of the door opposite the fixed part in the closed position of the partition rests against the first stop in the open position and a second end of the opposite door rests against the second stop in the closed position, the aircraft comprising a second seat arrangement including a partition as defined above, the second stop of the first arrangement being the first stop of the second arrangement. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig1 ] illustrates a longitudinal section of a partition according to the invention in the open position; [ Fig2 ] illustrates a longitudinal section of a partition according to the invention in the closed position; [ Fig3 ] illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the sliding door supported by the frame. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0022] A schematic representation has been shown on the Figures 1 And 2 a longitudinal section of a partition 1 according to the invention.

[0023] Partition 1 is a partition specifically designed for use in a vehicle to define a passenger seating arrangement in a shared space. For example, the vehicle could be an aircraft, with the seating arrangement intended for business class cabins.

[0024] Partition 1 comprises a fixed part 2 and a sliding door 3 movable between an opening position shown on the figure 1 in which the door 3 is retracted into a housing 4 made in the fixed part 2 and a closed position shown on the figure 2 in which door 3 is out of housing 4.

[0025] The fixed part 2 is represented on the Figures 1 And 2in longitudinal section. The fixed part 2 includes an interior surface 5 parallel to the sliding door 3. The interior surface 5 can be the inner face of the wall of the fixed part 2 or a surface attached to the fixed part 2 and located between the wall of the fixed part and the plane containing the sliding door 3. In this second case, shown in the Figures 1 And 2 The inner surface 5 includes a set of circular holes in order to save the amount of material used to manufacture the surface 5, and also to lighten the surface 5. The inner surface 5 is fixed relative to the fixed part 2 throughout the movement of the movable door 3.

[0026] The fixed part 2 is hollow in that it includes an internal cavity defining a housing 4 intended to receive the sliding door 3. The fixed part 2 also includes a lateral vertical opening 6 allowing access to the housing 4.

[0027] The sliding door 3 is movable along a sliding axis parallel to the inner surface 5 and passing through the opening 6. The sliding door 3 comprises a height 3a and a width 3b, the width 3b being parallel to the sliding axis and the height 3a being perpendicular to this sliding axis and parallel to the opening 6.

[0028] The sliding door 3 includes, for example, a flat door panel 3c and a handle 3d positioned on one end of the door 7a which is opposite another end of the door 7b, this other end 7b being opposite the fixed part 2 in the closed position shown figure 2 .

[0029] In the open position, the sliding door 3 is fully inserted into the housing 4 and is therefore retracted. In this way, the sliding door 3 does not obstruct passage, and the partition includes an opening allowing the passenger to pass through. Conversely, in the closed position, the sliding door 3 is positioned completely outside the housing 4 and thus blocks the opening. The partition 1 is then closed, and the passenger is isolated from the rest of the aircraft cabin.

[0030] Partition 1 includes a mechanical assistance device for the movement of sliding door 3.

[0031] The mechanical assistance device includes a sliding mount 8, a guide rail 9, and a bistable mechanical assistance means 10.

[0032] The sliding frame 8 supports the sliding door 3 and is fixed relative to this door 3.

[0033] The guide rail 9 is positioned within the housing 4, for example, at the bottom of the housing 4, to define the sliding axis of the door 3. The guide rail 9 is thus positioned so that the sliding door 3 can completely pass through the opening 6 during its movement along the rail 9 between the open and closed positions. The guide rail 9 extends over a length approximately equal to the width 3b of the door. Furthermore, the guide rail 9 includes a first end 9a positioned approximately at the level of the opening 6.

[0034] Possibly, the mechanical assistance device includes two guide rails 9, for example arranged respectively at the top and bottom of the housing 4.

[0035] The sliding frame 8 includes a means for sliding on the rail 9 such as a slide 11 mounted on the rail 9. Thus, the sliding frame 8 is capable of sliding the door 3 between the open and closed positions.

[0036] More specifically, the sliding frame 8 of door 3 has a profiled "U" shape and clamps door 3, as shown in the figure 3 . There figure 3 illustrates a top view of door 3 supported by mount 8.

[0037] In an embodiment in which two guide rails 9 are arranged at the top and bottom respectively of the housing 4, the sliding mount 8 is in the shape of an "O" and completely encloses the door 3.

[0038] The sliding frame 8 is located at the end 7b of the door 3. In this way, the stroke length of the slide 11 on the rail 9 is maximized so as to fully extend the door 3 from the housing 4 in the closed position of the partition 1 and to fully retract it in the open position.

[0039] The mechanical assistance means 10 is a bistable gas spring. The bistable gas spring 10 is fixed by a first end 10a to the fixed part 2 and by an opposite end 10b to the sliding mount 8. More precisely, the end 10a of the gas spring is fixed to the inner surface 5.

[0040] The gas spring is said to be bistable in that it comprises two opposing stability positions corresponding respectively to the open position and the closed position. More precisely, the spring is fixed by its end 10a to the inner surface 5 of the fixed part 2 at a midpoint between the position of the end 7b in the closed position and the position of the end 7b in the open position of the partition 1.

[0041] Thus, during the sliding of door 3 via the sliding of the mount 8, end 10a remains fixed and end 10b slides along the sliding axis. The actuator 10 is therefore pivotally mounted around the axis perpendicular to the inner surface 5 and supporting end 10a, and includes a pivot point in its stroke. Before passing this pivot point, the actuator 10 brakes the movement of the mount 8 supporting door 3 and thus tends to resist the movement between the open and closed positions of partition 1. After passing the pivot point, however, the actuator 10 exerts a pushing force on the mount 8, tending to favor the movement between the open and closed positions of partition 1. The pivot point is located approximately in the middle of the stroke of the mount 8 between the open and closed positions.

[0042] Thus, the mechanical assistance device acts on the door 3 between the opening and closing positions of the partition 1 and is adapted to apply a braking force and a pushing force during successive respective phases of the movement of the door 3 between the opening and closing positions.

[0043] The gas spring 10 is positioned to apply force to the frame 8 when the door 3 is in the closed or open position. Furthermore, the partition 1 includes a first stop 12a and a second stop 12b, vertical and positioned respectively on either side of the door 3 along the sliding axis defined by the rail 9.

[0044] More specifically, stops 12a and 12b are possibly identical, and are positioned respectively on either side of the opening 6, and at a distance from the opening 6 equivalent to the width 3b of the door 3.

[0045] In this way, the vertical end 7a of the door 3 rests against the first stop 12a in the closed position and the end 7b of the door 3 rests against the second stop 12b in the open position.

[0046] The use of a gas spring allows for further control of the exit speed of door 3. Indeed, the spring is of low power and allows control of the movement speed of door 3 and cushioning of the positions at the end of the stroke, for example to reduce the risk of pinching in the closed position.

[0047] The mechanical assistance device is therefore capable of holding door 3 in the open and closed positions. Thus, partition 1 remains in the open or closed position regardless of the aircraft's angle of flight.

[0048] The mechanical assistance device can be activated manually by the passenger via the 3D handle on door 3.

[0049] More specifically, when partition 1 is open, door 3 retracts into housing 4 in the fixed part 2. Handle 3d, positioned on the end 7a of door 3, is accessible to the passenger. The passenger can therefore pull door 3 in the direction of partition closure. The movement of door 3 comprises two successive phases. During the first phase, between the open position and the tipping point, the passenger must pull the door in the closing direction firmly enough to counteract the braking force of the gas spring 10. During the second phase, between the tipping point and the closed position, the user can release door 3, the gas spring exerting a pushing force that moves door 3 until partition 1 is closed.

[0050] Since the deployment mechanism of door 3 relies primarily on the cylinder 10 in its bistable position, the device according to the invention is streamlined and reduces weight by decreasing the number of parts required. Furthermore, the simplicity of the device allows for greater compactness. Indeed, the partition 1 according to the invention is usable for an aircraft cabin with a short pitch of approximately 34 inches while still complying with the egress space requirements for evacuation.

[0051] Furthermore, the deployment mechanism is supported by simple, reliable and interchangeable mechanical components.

[0052] Partition 1 can be used in an aircraft cabin seating arrangement, for example, to separate a business class seat from an aircraft aisle. Because Partition 1 is usable at a short pitch of approximately 34 inches, it can be used in a single-aisle aircraft.

[0053] Finally, the aircraft can be arranged so that the second stop 12a of a first seat arrangement is the first stop 12b of a second arrangement of a seat adjacent to the first arrangement, for example the arrangement of the seat in front.

Claims

1. A partition wall (1) for aircraft seat arrangement comprising a fixed part (2) and a sliding door (3) movable between an opening position in which the door (3) is retracted into a housing (4) provided in the fixed part (2) and a closing position in which the door (3) is out of the housing (4), the partition wall (1) comprising a mechanical assist device acting on the door (3) between the opening and closing positions and capable of holding the door (3) in both opening and closing positions, the partition wall being characterised in that the assist device is adapted to apply a braking force and a pushing force during respective successive phases of moving the door (3) between the opening and closing positions.

2. The partition wall (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical assist device is manually activatable.

3. The partition wall (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical assist device comprises a sliding mount (8) supporting the door (3) and a bi-stable gas cylinder (10) attached through an end (10a) to the fixed part (2) and through an opposite end (10b) to the sliding mount (8).

4. The partition wall (1) according to claim 3, wherein the sliding mount (8) has a U-shaped profile and is disposed at a first end (7b) of the door (3) facing the fixed part (2) in the closing position of the partition wall (1).

5. The partition wall (1) according to claim 4, comprising a first (12b) and a second (12a) vertical stops disposed on either side of the door (3) so that the first end (7b) of the door abuts against the first stop (12b) in the opening position and a second end (7a) of the opposite door abuts against the second stop (12a) in the closing position.

6. The partition wall (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the cylinder (10) is attached to the fixed part (2) at a midpoint between the closing position and the opening position.

7. The partition wall (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a guide rail (9), the sliding door (3) moving on the guide rail (9) through a shoe (11) of the mount (8) mounted to the rail (9).

8. An aircraft comprising a seat arrangement comprising a seat and a partition wall (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aircraft according to claim 8, wherein the partition wall (1) is disposed such that the door (3) in the closing position isolates the seat from a corridor of the aircraft.

10. The aircraft according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the partition wall (1) of the arrangement comprises a first (12b) and a second (12a) vertical stops disposed on either side of the door (3) so that a first end (7b) of the door (3) facing the fixed part (2) in the closing position of the partition wall (1) abuts against the first stop (12b) in the opening position and a second end (7a) of the opposite door abuts against the second stop (12a) in the closed position, the aircraft comprising a second seat arrangement comprising a partition wall (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the second stop (12a) of the first arrangement being the first stop (12b) of the second arrangement.