Furniture with a device for rotating and unfolding a movable element

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a piece of furniture equipped with a rotating deployment device for a movable element. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with meal trays installed on "business class" and "first class" aircraft seat units.

[0002] A push-pull mechanism, as is well known, facilitates the opening of a movable part of a piece of furniture, such as a drawer, a cabinet door, or a shelf. To do this, the user applies pressure to the movable part, which activates an elastic mechanism that moves the part away from its closed position. The user can then pull the part towards its open position.

[0003] However, existing devices are bulky and generally operate using translational kinematics. Therefore, a push-pull deployment system is needed for rotating moving elements.

[0004] US patent 6247733 describes a push-button type latch and pin mounted on corresponding moving and fixed elements, such as a drawer or door and its frame. The latch uses a shuttle with a curve that triggers the locking and unlocking of the pin. The shuttle is mounted to the body by means of an off-center pivot. As the pin moves back and forth within the shuttle, the shuttle pivots to adjust the pin's position within the shuttle's curve. The latch may include a spring-loaded fork, which produces an audible click to signal the locking and unlocking of the latch.

[0005] US patent 2018 / 251057 describes a set of retractable trays for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing located between the seats. Two trays are stored in the housing and deployed on rotating arms. The arms are pulled by an elastic element into the deployed position, and when retracted, the trays are held in place by latches.

[0006] US2003 / 062730 describes a latch comprising a movable fastening portion that rotates relative to an attached portion, a base plate connected to the fastening portion to rotate with the fastening portion on the attached portion, and a cam connected to the base plate.

[0007] The invention aims to effectively meet this need by offering a piece of furniture, particularly for an airplane seat, comprising: a chassis, a moving element, a pivot joint arranged between the moving element and the chassis to allow rotation of the moving element relative to the chassis between a stored position and a deployed position, and a cam provided with a locking recess, the cam being integrated into the moving element, said furniture further comprising an arm fixed relative to the chassis, said arm carrying a locking finger, said arm comprising at least a portion consisting of an elastic element which, when under tension, engages the locking finger inside the locking recess when the moving element is in the stored position,so that pressure on the moving element causes the moving element to rotate in a first direction and releases the locking finger from the locking groove by the elastic element to allow rotation of the moving element towards the deployed position in a second direction, the first and second directions of rotation being opposite to each other.

[0008] The invention thus allows for the integration of a push-pull type deployment system for a mobile element around a pivot joint. The invention is also simple and robust in its implementation because the various functional shapes can be machined directly onto the mobile element. The invention also has an aesthetic appeal, as the push-pull system is not visible to the user from outside the furniture.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, said furniture includes a return spring capable of compressing when pressure is applied to the moving element and then decompressing to eject the moving element out of the frame.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, said furniture includes a spring blade intended to cooperate with an end stop when the moving element is in the deployed position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end stop comprises a protruding portion constituting a hard point and a portion receiving the spring blade.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end stop has an S-shaped form.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the moving element integrates the cam and the end stop, so that the moving element, the cam, and the end stop form a single piece.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, an angle between the end stop and the cam locking recess is on the order of 270 degrees.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cam includes at least one lateral slope intended to guide the locking finger towards the locking imprint while compressing the elastic member when the moving element moves from the deployed position to the stored position.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the moving element is a tablet.

[0017] The invention also relates to an aircraft seat unit comprising a piece of furniture as previously defined.

[0018] 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 a seating unit comprising a tablet according to the present invention; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a perspective view of a tablet according to the invention in its stored position; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a perspective view of the internal structure of a chassis containing a tablet according to the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a side view illustrating the positioning of the locking finger inside the cam's locking groove when the tablet is in a stored position; [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a top view illustrating the relative positioning of the locking finger with respect to the end stop of the tablet according to the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a side view illustrating the clearance of the locking finger from the cam's locking imprint following a pushing force applied to the tablet according to the invention; [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is a perspective view showing a positioning of the tablet according to the invention following its ejection by the return spring; [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a side view illustrating the trajectory of the locking finger during the ejection, by the return spring, of the tablet according to the invention; [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 is a perspective view of a tablet according to the invention in its deployed position; [ Fig. 10a ] ] Fig. 10b ] THE figures 10a And 10b are detailed perspective views illustrating the positioning of the stop blade respectively before and after the hard point of the end stop; [ Fig. 11 ] There figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a trajectory of the locking finger following a slope of the locking cam as the tablet moves from the deployed position to the stored position to energize the elastic element; Fig. 12 ] There figure 12 is a side view illustrating the guidance of the locking finger towards the cam locking imprint when the tablet moves from the deployed position to the stored position.

[0019] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0020] Furthermore, in the following description, relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat to which a piece of furniture according to the invention is associated would give them.

[0021] There figure 1 shows a seating unit 10 comprising a seat 12 associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12.

[0022] More specifically, seat 12 comprises a seat cushion 12.1 and a backrest 12.2. Seat 12 has an extension axis X1 defined by the intersection between a horizontal plane and a vertical median plane of seat 12 corresponding to a plane of symmetry of seat 12. The extension axis X1 of seat 12 may form a non-zero angle with respect to a direction parallel to or coinciding with a central axis of the aircraft X2. In this case, seat 12 is oriented towards axis X2. Alternatively, seat 12 may be oriented in a direction opposite to axis X2 or extend parallel to axis X2.

[0023] The seat 12 is advantageously equipped with a mechanism allowing it to move between a "seated" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a passenger's seating position, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat 12.1 and the backrest 12.2 define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously almost horizontal. Intermediate comfort positions are also offered, such as the "relax" position in which one backrest of the seat 12 is significantly reclined.

[0024] A privacy screen 14 extends at least partially around the seat 12 to create a space around the passenger. The privacy screen 14 is made, for example, of a composite material. This configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in seat 12.

[0025] A 16-inch video screen of a multimedia or IFE (Inflight Entertainment System) system can be installed on a rear part of the 14-inch privacy shell so that it can be used by a rear passenger.

[0026] The console 13 may include an upper panel 17 forming a table on which the passenger can place items, as well as a storage compartment 18 containing one or more items such as a bookcase, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage options is configurable according to the airline's requirements. The console 13 may also include a reading light 19 designed to direct light towards seat 12.

[0027] A cavity 21 is located beneath the upper wall 17. The cavity 21 is open laterally towards the seat 12. In addition, a horizontal face 22 of the console 13 serves as an armrest. For this purpose, the horizontal face 22 may locally have a curved cuff shape 23 conforming to the shape of part of the passenger's arm.

[0028] The console 13 also includes a control unit 25 for seat 12 and its ancillary components (called a "PCU" for "Passenger Control Unit"). The control unit 25 allows the passenger to select a seat position 12 as well as ancillary components, such as a video system, a heating system, an ambient lighting system, or any other ancillary component that can be integrated into seat 12.

[0029] To allow the passenger to lie down, the console 13 may include a hollow space 27 seen through the transparent figure 1 in which is arranged an ottoman 28. The ottoman 28 has a horizontal face forming a footrest on which a rear passenger can place their feet when the seat 12 is in the "reclined" position.

[0030] The 10th seat unit also includes a 26th tablet which can be used by a passenger to place items, in particular a meal tray, drinks, a computer, or any type of personal items that the passenger may wish to have on hand during their journey.

[0031] As can be seen on the figure 2 The shelf 26 belongs to a piece of furniture 30 comprising a frame 31 defining a compartment 33. As shown on the figure 3 A pivot joint 34 with axis X3 is arranged between the tablet 26 and the chassis 31. The pivot joint 34 allows rotation of the tablet 26 relative to the chassis 31 between a stored position in which the tablet 26 is located inside the housing 33 of the chassis 31 and a deployed position in which the tablet 26 is located outside the housing 33 of the chassis 31, as shown in the figure 9 .

[0032] The tablet 26 extends in a horizontal plane. The tablet 26 has a handle 36 projecting from the body of the tablet 26. As explained below, this handle 36 can be grasped by the passenger after the tablet 26 has been ejected in order to move the tablet 26 to the deployed position.

[0033] Furthermore, as illustrated in particular on the figures 3 , 5, et 6 A fixed arm 37, relative to the frame 31, carries a locking pin 38. The locking pin 38 is formed by a stud extending outward from one end of the arm 37. The locking pin 38 extends along a horizontal longitudinal direction. The arm 37 includes at least one portion formed by an elastic element 40. The elastic element 40 may, for example, consist of one or more flexible metal blades arranged one above the other.

[0034] A cam 43 clearly visible on the figure 4 is equipped with a locking recess 44 designed to receive the locking pin 38 when the tablet 26 is in the stored position. As explained in more detail below, the elastic element 40, when under tension, exerts pressure on the locking pin 38 within the locking recess 44 when the locking tablet 26 is in the stored position. The locking recess 44 has a shape complementary to that of the locking pin 38. In a side view, the locking recess 44, for example, has an arc shape. Any other shape of the locking recess 44 adapted to the shape of the locking pin 38 is possible.

[0035] The cam 43 has a rounded tip 47 at one end. The locking recess 44 is located on the opposite side from the rounded tip 47.

[0036] The cam 43 further comprises an upper lateral slope 48 and a lower lateral slope 49. Each lateral slope 48, 49 extends between the rounded tip 47 and the locking recess 44. The two lateral slopes 48, 49 form a non-zero angle with respect to each other.

[0037] The upper lateral slope 48 is intended to guide the locking finger 38 towards the locking imprint 44 while putting tension on the elastic member 40 when the tablet 26 moves from the deployed position to the stored position.

[0038] The cam 43 can be used with a guide stop 45. The guide stop 45 ensures that the locking finger 38 engages within the locking recess 44 during vertical movement of the locking finger 38. The guide stop 45 laterally guides the locking finger 38 towards the locking recess 44 during this vertical movement. The guide stop 45 may have a beveled face to facilitate guiding the locking finger 38 towards the locking recess 44.

[0039] Furthermore, as can be seen on the figures 5 , 10a And 10b A spring blade 50 is designed to cooperate with a limit stop 51 when the shelf 26 is in the deployed position. The spring blade 50 is fixed relative to the frame 31. The spring blade 50 preferably has a U-shape. The limit stop 51 is mechanically linked to the shelf 26.

[0040] More specifically, the end stop 51 comprises a projecting portion 53 constituting a detent and a receiving portion 54 for the spring blade 50. The receiving portion 54 has a shape complementary to that of the spring blade 50. The detent 53 corresponds to an area near the deployed position of the tablet 26 where deploying the tablet 26 will require more effort from the passenger than during the rest of the deployment stroke from the stored to the deployed position. To this end, the projecting portion 53 of the end stop 51 is configured to deform the spring blade 50 before it slides into the receiving portion 54. The end stop 51 has an S-shape, with a convex portion of the S forming the detent 53 and a concave portion of the S forming the receiving portion 54 for the spring blade 50.

[0041] The tablet 26 incorporates the cam 43. Advantageously, the tablet 26 also incorporates the end stop 51, so that the tablet 26, the cam 43, and the end stop 51 form a single unit. The cam 43 and the end stop 51 can be molded together with the tablet 26. The tablet 26 can, for example, be made of a plastic or composite material.

[0042] As can be seen on the figure 5 An angle A1 between the end stop 51 and the locking groove 44 of the cam 43 corresponds to the deployment angle of the tablet 26. Angle A1 is measured along the second direction of rotation R2. Angle A1 is measured from a top view in a counterclockwise direction from the locking groove 44. In this case, angle A1 is approximately 270 degrees. "Approximately" means a possible variation of plus or minus 10% from the stated value. Alternatively, this angle A1 may be approximately 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or any other angle suitable for the application to allow deployment of the tablet 26. Preferably, the end stop 51 and the locking pin 38 are located on the same circumference with respect to the axis X3 of the pivot joint 34.

[0043] A return spring 56 visible on the figures 3 , 7 , And 9, is fixed on the chassis 31. The return spring 56 is able to compress when pressure is applied to the tablet 26 and then to decompress to eject the tablet 26 out of the chassis 31. The return spring 56 has a curved blade shape.

[0044] The operation of the "push-pull" system allowing the tablet 26 to move from the stored position to the deployed position is described below.

[0045] When the tablet 26 is in the stored position inside the housing 33 of the chassis 31, the elastic element 40 under tension applies pressure to the locking finger 38 inside the locking recess 44 (cf. figure 4 ). The spring blade 50 is in the free state, that is to say, it is disengaged from the end stop 51, as shown in the figure 3 .

[0046] To move the tablet 26 into the deployed position, the user presses on the tablet 26, which causes the tablet 26 to rotate inside the chassis 31 in a first direction of rotation R1 around the axis X3. To allow this rotation, the chassis 31 may have a clearance 57 (cf. figure 3 ) in which the handle 36 moves when a force is applied to the latter along the arrow F1 in the direction of the internal housing 33 of the chassis 31.

[0047] The locking finger 38 is then released outside the locking recess 44 by the elastic element 40 which exerts, along arrow F2, a downward force outside the locking recess 44, as shown in the figure 6 The return spring 56 is also compressed and applies a force outwards from the housing 33 of the chassis 31.

[0048] When the user releases the force applied to the tablet 26, the tablet is ejected out of the housing 33 due to the decompression of the return spring 56, as shown in the figure 7 During its ejection, the tablet 26 rotates around the axis of the pivot joint 34 in a second direction of rotation R2 opposite to the first direction of rotation R1. The locking finger 38 moves along the lower lateral slope 49 of the cam 43 along the path of arrow F3 shown in the diagram. figure 8 .

[0049] By pulling on the handle 36, the user can then continue rotating the tablet 26 towards the deployed position along the second direction of rotation R2. The user can thus manually rotate the tablet 26 up to the detent 53. The spring blade 50 deforms at the detent 53, as shown in the diagram. figure 10a , then slides on the end stop 51 until it cooperates with the receiving portion 54 of the end stop 51, as shown in the figure 10b Tablet 26 is then in the deployed position as shown on the figure 9 .

[0050] To return the tablet 26 to its stored position, the user pulls on the handle 36 to deform the spring blade 50, causing it to come out of the receiving portion 54 and pass the hard point 53. The user can then manually rotate the tablet 26 into the housing 33 in the first direction of rotation R1.

[0051] As illustrated by the figure 11 The locking finger 38 then comes into contact with the cam 43 at the rounded tip 47. The locking finger 38 then rises along the upper lateral slope 48 of the cam 43 (see arrow F4), which has the effect of bending and thus putting the elastic element 40 under tension. Under the action of the tensioned elastic element 40, the locking finger 38 experiences a downward vertical force towards the locking recess 44. When the locking finger 38 comes against the guide stop 45, the latter guides the locking finger 38 laterally so that said locking finger 38 is inserted into the locking recess 44, as shown in the figure. figure 12 .

[0052] Tablet 26 is then in the stored position. The return spring 56 is slightly compressed.

[0053] The invention has been described for an aircraft seat tray 26. However, the tray 26 deployment device described above, comprising the "locking finger 38-cam 43-elastic element 40" assembly, can be easily integrated into any piece of furniture having a rotating movable element, such as a furniture door or a rotating movable shelf.

[0054] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0055] 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 variants that a person skilled in the art might consider within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An item of furniture (30) in particular for an aircraft seat including: - a frame (31), - a mobile element (26), - a pivot connection (34) between the mobile element (26) and the frame (31) to allow a rotation of the mobile element (26) relative to the frame (31) between a stored position and a deployed position, and - a cam (43) provided with a locking recess (44), characterized in that - the cam (43) is integrated into the mobile element (26), - said item of furniture (30) further including a fixed arm (37) relative to the frame (31), said arm (37) supporting a locking finger (38), - said arm (37) including at least one portion consisting of an elastic member (40) which, when under tension, presses the locking finger (38) into the locking recess (44) when the mobile element (26) is in the stored position, - so that a press on the mobile element (26) causes a rotation of the mobile element (26) in a first direction of rotation (R1) and a release of the locking finger (38) out of the locking recess (44) by means of the elastic member (40) to allow a rotation of the mobile element (26) towards the deployed position in a second direction of rotation (R2), the first direction of rotation (R1) and the second direction of rotation (R2) being opposite one another.

2. The item of furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a return spring (56) capable of being compressed when pressure is applied to the mobile element (26) and then decompressed in order to eject the mobile element (26) out of the frame (31).

3. The item of furniture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a spring blade (50) for cooperating with a limit-of-travel stop (51) when the mobile element (26) is in the deployed position.

4. The item of furniture according to claim 3, characterized in that the limit-of-travel stop (51) includes a projecting portion (53) constituting a hard point and a receiving portion (54) for the spring blade (50).

5. The item of furniture according to claim 4, characterized in that the limit-of-travel stop (51) has an S-shape.

6. The item of furniture according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the mobile element (26) integrates the cam (43) and the limit-of-travel stop (51), so that the mobile element (26), the cam (43), and the limit-of-travel stop (51) form a single piece.

7. The item of furniture according to any one of the claims 3 to 6, characterized in that an angle (A1) between the limit-of-travel stop (51) and the locking recess (44) in the cam (43) is of the order of 270 degrees.

8. The item of furniture according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cam (43) includes at least one lateral slope (48) for guiding the locking finger (38) towards the locking recess (44) while compressing the elastic member (40) when the mobile element (26) moves from the deployed position to the stored position.

9. The item of furniture according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mobile element (26) is a tray table (26).

10. An aircraft seat unit including an item of furniture (30) defined according to any one of the claims 1 to 9.