Detachable partition, especially for an aircraft cabin

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable partition device, particularly for an aircraft cabin. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in aircraft cabins equipped with "business class" and "first class" seating units.

[0002] In a manner known per se, such a seating unit comprises a seat associated with a side console and a privacy shell extending at least partially around the seat.

[0003] The seat offers the passenger various comfort positions, from a seated position to a reclined position, in which the seat creates a nearly horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also available, such as the "relax" position, in which the seat back is deeply reclined. These intermediate positions are generally achieved by tilting the backrest, which pivots around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the seat's extension axis. The passenger can then remain seated during transitions between the different positions. The seat typically consists of a backrest and a seat cushion and may include a leg rest and / or a footrest, which can be fixed or linked to the seat's mechanism.

[0004] To ensure passenger privacy, a removable divider can be installed between two adjacent seats and / or a removable partition can be used to selectively block or unblock access to a passageway. These partitions can be solid panels or curtains. This allows for the creation, in conjunction with the privacy screen, of an enclosed space around the seat unit, isolating the passenger from the outside environment.

[0005] For example, document FR3078946 describes a partition device comprising a roller mechanism around which a flexible curtain is wound in the stored position. When the flexible curtain is unfurled, it is possible to create an enclosed space around the seat unit using the privacy screen. However, the roller mechanism has significant mass and bulk. Integrating the roller mechanism onto the seat unit therefore reduces the passenger's living space.

[0006] US2021 / 221516 describes a removable closure device for a space inside an aircraft comprising a frame including at least one post, a curtain assembly including a flexible curtain, and at least one guide device capable of providing translational guidance of the flexible curtain relative to the post, such that the flexible curtain is capable of being moved along a direction of travel parallel to a longitudinal direction of the post between a stored position in which the flexible curtain is clear of the space and a deployed position in which the flexible curtain closes the space.

[0007] Document WO2017 / 066559 describes a control assembly for a honeycomb-style screen or door. Upper and lower guide rollers carried by the screen travel along adjustable guide rails mounted in the honeycomb. A magnet assembly includes a stationary magnet mounted in the wall of the honeycomb, positioned to attract a movable magnet carried on a cable to facilitate opening and closing the screen.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a removable partitioning device for a space, particularly for an aircraft cabin comprising: a fixed frame, a movable shutter, and two sliding links mounted between the fixed frame and the movable shutter, at least one of the sliding links extending along a corresponding lateral edge of the movable shutter so as to permit translational movement of the movable shutter relative to the fixed frame, at least one of the sliding links being formed by at least one roller carried by one of the elements among the movable shutter and the fixed frame cooperating with a corresponding rail fixed on the other of the elements among the movable shutter and the fixed frame.

[0009] The invention, thanks to the presence of roller-driven sliding connections, eliminates the need for a reel, thus reducing the weight, cost, and size of the removable separation device. The invention also offers the advantage, due to its compact design, of facilitating maintenance by allowing for quick replacement of the separation device in case of malfunction.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, a cable system is connected to the movable shutter so as to create a tension force on the movable shutter.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, said removable separation device comprises a friction device equipped with at least one pad intended to rub against the corresponding rail.

[0012] The roller has a cylindrical shape and is equipped with a groove extending along its circumference, the rail being inserted inside the groove of the roller.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable flap comprises a flexible panel arranged between two frames made of a rigid material, in particular a metallic material or a rigid plastic material.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the roller is mechanically linked to the frames.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible panel is composed of a central panel made of a flexible material, such as fabric, and two covering panels positioned on either side of the central panel.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, said removable separation device includes stops for the movable flap respectively in a stored position and in a deployed position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the roller is mounted on a threaded rod forming an axis of the roller, with two washers arranged respectively on either side of the roller.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the threaded rod is derived from a first fixing lug, the threaded rod being inserted inside an opening of a second fixing lug associated with a nut cooperating with the threaded rod.

[0019] The invention also relates to a seating unit comprising a seat, a console, and a removable separation device as previously defined mounted inside a housing in a wall of the console.

[0020] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising two seat units and a removable separation device as previously defined disposed between the two seat units so as to be able to selectively close or leave open a space between the two seat units.

[0021] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying figures, presented by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a perspective view of several seating units that can be separated in pairs by a removable separation device according to the invention; [ Fig. 2a ] ] Fig. 2b ] THE figures 2a And 2b are perspective views of a removable separation device according to the invention disposed inside a housing in a wall of a console and shown respectively in the stored position and in the deployed position; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of a removable separation device according to the invention; [ Fig. 4a] [Fig. 4b ] THE figures 4a et 4b show respectively front and side views of a movable flap according to the invention; [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a movable flap of a removable separation device according to the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a guide roller fixing device.

[0022] It should be noted that structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise specified, such elements have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0023] Furthermore, in the following description, relative terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "superior", "inferior", are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat to which a removable separation device according to the invention is attached would give them.

[0024] There figure 1 This shows four seat units 10, namely two sets 11.1, 11.2 of two seat units 10 positioned one behind the other. Of course, in an aircraft cabin, the number of sets 11.1, 11.2 of seat units 10 positioned one behind the other in a column may be greater than two. It is also possible to form columns of several individual seat units 10.

[0025] A seating unit 10 comprises at least one seat 12 associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12. A shell 15 extends at least partially around the seat 12 so as to delimit an enclosed space around the passenger. This configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in seat 12. A video screen 16 of a multimedia or IFE (Inflight Entertainment System) system may be installed on a rear portion of the privacy shell 15.

[0026] The seat unit 10 may also conventionally include a mobile meal tray 18 between a stored position (corresponding to that shown in the figures) in which the meal tray 18 is inside a housing provided in the console 13 and a deployed position in which the meal tray 18 is outside the housing.

[0027] The seat 12 is advantageously equipped with a kinematics allowing it to be mobile between a "seated" position in which the seat 12 is configured to define a seated position for a passenger, and a "reclined" position in which the seat 12 is configured to define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously substantially horizontal.

[0028] A removable partition device 20 is arranged between two adjacent seat units 10 so as to be able to selectively close off a space between the two seat units 10 to give privacy to the passengers or leave this space free in the event that a passenger wishes to be able to communicate with his neighbor.

[0029] More specifically, as can be seen on the figures 2a And 2b, the removable separation device 20 comprises a fixed frame 21 and a movable flap 23. The fixed frame 21 is intended to be mounted inside a housing 22 provided in a console 13 (cf. figure 1 ). The movable flap 23 has an upper edge 24.1, a lower edge 24.2, and two opposing lateral edges extending between the upper edge 24.1 and the lower edge 24.2.

[0030] Two sliding links 27.1, 27.2 are mounted between the fixed frame 21 and the movable shutter 23. A sliding link 27.1, 27.2 extends along a corresponding lateral edge 24.3, 24.4 of the movable shutter 23 so as to allow translational movement of the movable shutter 23 relative to the frame 21. The sliding links 27.1, 27.2 thus extend vertically on either side of the movable shutter 23 to allow translational movement of the movable shutter 23 in a vertical direction.

[0031] The flap 23 is movable in translation relative to the frame 21 between a stored position in which the flap 23 is located predominantly inside the housing 22, as shown in the figure 2a , and a deployed position in which the movable flap 23 is located mostly outside the housing 22, as shown on the figure 2b Advantageously, the movable flap 23 extends in a vertical plane when it is in the stored position and when it is in the deployed position.

[0032] As can be seen on the figure 3 A sliding connection 27.1, 27.2 is formed by at least one roller 28 carried by the movable flap 23 cooperating with a corresponding rail 29 fixed to the frame 21. The rollers 28 may be fixed to two opposite lateral edges 24.3, 24.4 of the movable flap 23. Advantageously, two rollers 28 are provided, fixed to each lateral edge 24.3, 24.4 of the movable flap 23. A first roller 28 is disposed on an upper end of a lateral edge 24.3, 24.4 and a second roller 28 is disposed on a lower end of a lateral edge 24.3, 24.4 of the movable flap 23. Alternatively, it would be possible to fix more than two rollers 28 or a single roller 28 to a lateral edge 24.3, 24.4 of the movable flap 23.

[0033] As can be seen on the figure 6 A roller 28, preferably each roller 28, has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a groove 31 extending along its circumference. A rail 29, preferably each rail 29, is inserted inside the groove 31 of at least one corresponding roller 28. The groove 31 may be formed in a median plane P of the roller 28 perpendicular to an axis X of the roller 28. Thus, a thickness of the roller 28 measured along a radial cutting plane tends to decrease as one moves from an axial end of the roller 28 towards the median plane P. The roller 28 may be mounted to rotate about its axis X so that it can rotate when the shutter 23 moves along a rail 29. Alternatively, the roller 28 is fixed in rotation with respect to the axis X so that it slides along the rail 29 when the shutter 23 moves.

[0034] Chassis 21 clearly visible on the figure 3 may include two uprights 34 each equipped with a rail 29. The uprights 34 may be connected to each other by a connecting bar 35 so as to present a U-shape.

[0035] Alternatively, the structure can be reversed, i.e. the rollers 28 can be supported by the chassis 21, while the rails 29 can be fixed on the two opposite lateral edges 24.3, 24.4 of the movable flap 23.

[0036] A cable system 36 is connected to the shutter 23 in such a way as to create a tension force on the movable shutter 23. This cable system 36 may, for example, include a cable 37 wound around an axle mounted on a torsion spring, thus creating the tension force on the shutter 23. The cable system 36 provides assistance in raising the shutter 23 to the deployed position. The cable system 36 also allows the movable shutter 23 to be held in intermediate positions between the stored and deployed positions. Unlike a hydraulic cylinder system, the cable system 36 allows for a more compact mechanism and reduces its weight.

[0037] A friction device 40 comprises at least one pad 41 designed to rub against the corresponding rail 29. In the example shown, the friction device 40 comprises two pads 41 arranged on either side of the movable flap 23. In this case, each pad 41 is fixed to a lateral edge 24.3, 24.4 of the movable flap 23 and is designed to rub against a rail 29. A pad 41 may have a parallelepiped shape and be provided with a groove for receiving a rail 29. A pad 41 may be made of a plastic material. This friction device 40 makes it possible to compensate for the weight differences existing between flaps 23 of different dimensions while using a common cable system 36 for all types of flaps 23. Thus, it is guaranteed that a movable flap 23 which is larger and therefore heavier than an average flap can also be held in the desired position after the effort applied to the flap 23 by the passenger is released.

[0038] It is possible to provide stop stops 42 for the movable shutter 23 in its stored and deployed positions, respectively. Fixed parts of the movable shutter 23 can bear against these stop stops 42, which are located at the top and bottom of the frame 21, respectively.

[0039] As can be seen on the figures 4a et 4b , a movable shutter 23 may have a length L1 between 75cm and 150cm, a width L2 between 45cm and 90cm and a thickness L3 between 2.5cm and 5cm.

[0040] As can be seen on the figure 5 The movable flap 23 comprises a flexible panel 44 arranged between two frames 45.1, 45.2 made of a rigid material, in particular a metallic or rigid plastic material. This results in a stack formed by the following elements: frame 45.1 - flexible panel 44 - frame 45.2. A frame 45.1, 45.2 has a shape that follows the circumference of the flexible panel 44. In the example shown, the flexible panel 44 and the frames 45.1, 45.2 are rectangular. A frame 45.1, 45.2 thus comprises two longitudinal portions 46.1, 46.2 and two transverse portions 46.3, 46.4 connecting the longitudinal portions 46.1, 46.2. The frames 45.1, 45.2 define an opening 47 into which the rectangular flexible panel 44 extends. It is also possible to provide a stiffening bar 57 extending along a longitudinal edge of the flap 23.

[0041] The assembly of the components of the movable flap 23 can be carried out by means of fasteners, such as screws or rivets, ensuring a mechanical connection between the two frames 45.1, 45.2 and the flexible panel 44 held tight between the two frames 45.1, 45.2.

[0042] Alternatively, the flexible panel 44 and the frames 45.1, 45.2 may have a square shape or any other shape suitable for the application and in particular for the size of the space to be closed.

[0043] As can be seen on the figure 6 A roller 28, preferably each roller 28, is mechanically linked to the frames 45.1, 45.2. More precisely, a roller 28, preferably each roller 28, is mounted on a threaded rod 48 forming an axis of the roller 28. Two washers 49 may be arranged respectively on either side of the roller 28. The threaded rod 48 extends from a first mounting lug 50. The threaded rod 48 is inserted into an opening 51 of a second mounting lug 52 associated with a nut 53 cooperating with the threaded rod 48. The mounting lugs 50, 52 may each be fixed to a corresponding frame 45.1, 45.2 via suitable fastening means which may consist of screws or mounting holes intended to receive fastening elements, such as screws or rivets.

[0044] As illustrated in the inset of the figure 5The flexible panel 44 is advantageously composed of a central panel 55 made of a flexible material, such as fabric, and two facing panels 56.1, 56.2 positioned on either side of the central panel 55. The flexible panel 44 is thus formed by a stack of the following elements: "facing panel 56.1 - central panel 55 - facing panel 56.2". The facing panels 56.1, 56.2 may be made of a plastic material with designs customizable by the airline. Alternatively, the facing panels 56.1, 56.2 may be made of leather or Alcantara to provide a higher quality finish to the assembly.

[0045] The assembly "frame 21 - movable flap 23 - sliding connections 27.1, 27.2" forms a compact module that can be installed inside a housing 22 in the wall of a console of a seating unit 10. In case of malfunction, the entire module can be easily replaced. It should be noted that in the embodiment in which the rails 29 are supported by the movable flap 23, the range of movement of the module for extraction from its housing 22 is reduced, thus allowing for module replacement in environments with significant space constraints.

[0046] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they fall within the scope of the annexed claims.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that a person skilled in the art may consider within the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A removable separation device (20) for a space, particularly for an aircraft cabin, comprising: - a fixed frame (21), - a movable flap (23) which is movable in translation relative to the frame (21) between a stored position, in which the flap (23) is located predominantly inside a housing (22), and a deployed position in which the movable flap (23) is located predominantly outside the housing (22), - said movable flap (23) comprising an upper edge (24.1), a lower edge (24.2), and two opposing lateral edges (24.3, 24.4) extending between the upper edge (24.1) and the lower edge (24.2), and - two sliding connections (27.1, 27.2) mounted between the fixed frame (21) and the movable flap (23), - at least one of the sliding connections (27.1, 27.2) extending along a corresponding lateral edge (24.3, 24.4) of the movable flap (23) so as to allow a translational movement of the movable flap (23) relative to the fixed frame (21), - at least one of the sliding connections (27.1, 27.2) being formed by at least one roller (28) carried by one of the elements among the movable flap (23) and the fixed frame (21) cooperating with a corresponding rail (29) fixed on the other of the elements among the movable flap (23) and the fixed frame (21), - said movable flap (23) extending in a vertical plane when it is in the stored position and in the deployed position, characterized in that the roller (28) has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a groove (31) extending along its circumference, and in that the rail (29) is inserted into the groove (31) of the roller (28).

2. The removable separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that a cable system (36) is connected to the movable flap (23) so as to create a tension force on the movable flap (23).

3. The removable separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a friction device (40) provided with at least one pad (41) for rubbing against the corresponding rail (29).

4. The removable separation device according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable flap (23) comprises a flexible panel (44) disposed between two mountings (45.1, 45.2) made of a rigid material, in particular a metallic material or a rigid plastic material.

5. The removable separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that the roller (28) is mechanically connected to the mountings (45.1, 45.2).

6. The removable separation device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the flexible panel (44) is composed of a central panel (55) made of a flexible material, such as fabric, and two covering panels (56.1, 56.2) positioned on either side of the central panel (55).

7. The removable separation device according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises stops (42) for the movable flap (23) respectively in a stored position and in a deployed position.

8. The removable separation device according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the roller (28) is mounted on a threaded rod (48) forming an axis of the roller (28), two washers (49) being arranged respectively on either side of the roller (28).

9. The removable separation device according to claim 8, characterized in that the threaded rod (48) is issued from a first fixing lug (50), the threaded rod (48) being inserted into an opening (51) of a second fixing lug (52) associated with a nut (53) cooperating with the threaded rod (48).

10. A seat unit comprising a seat, a console (13), and a removable separation device (20) as defined according to any one of the preceding claims mounted inside a housing (22) in a wall of the console (13).

11. An assembly comprising two seat units (10) and a removable separation device (20) as defined according to any one of the claims 1 to 9 arranged between the two seat units (10) so as to be able to selectively close or clear a space between the two seat units (10).