Passenger seat device

Abstract

The invention relates to a passenger seat device having: two seat structure elements (26a-26h, 28a-28h), which are respectively arranged on one side of a sitting region (30a); two bearing elements (44a-44h, 46a-46h), wherein in each case one bearing element (44a-44h, 46a-46h) is fixedly connected to one of the seat structure elements (26a-26h, 28a-28h); a backrest (34a-34h), which has at least one pivotable backrest element (36a-36h) which is mounted pivotably on the seat structure elements (26a-26h, 28a-28h) via the bearing elements (44a-44h, 46a-46h); at least one restoring module (66a-66h), which has at least one spring element (68a-68h) for providing a restoring force for restoring the pivotable backrest element (36a-36h) from a comfort position into an upright sitting position; and a locking device (70a-70h), which is intended to lock the pivotable backrest element (36a-36h) at least in the upright sitting position. The invention proposes that the locking device (70a-70h) have at least one locking module (72a-72h, 74a-74h) which is arranged between the first seat structure element (26a-26h) and a supporting element (42a-42h) of the pivotable backrest element (36a-36h).

Description

[0001] Passenger seat device

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a passenger seat device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0004] A passenger seat device has already been proposed, comprising a support unit for mounting on a support plane, two seat structural elements, each arranged on one side of a seating area, two bearing elements, each bearing element being fixedly connected to one of the seat structural elements, a backrest having at least one pivotable backrest element which is pivotably mounted on the seat structural elements via the bearing elements, at least one return module having at least one spring element for providing a return force for returning the backrest element from a comfortable position to an upright sitting position, and a locking device which is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element at least in the upright sitting position.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to installation space requirements. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on a passenger seat device with a support unit for mounting on a support plane, with two seat structural elements, each arranged on one side of a seating area, with two bearing elements, each bearing element being firmly connected to one of the seat structural elements, with a backrest which has at least one pivotable backrest element which is pivotally mounted on the seat structural elements via the bearing elements, with at least one return module which has at least one spring element for providing a return force for returning the backrest element from a comfortable position to an upright sitting position, and with a locking device which is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element at least in the upright sitting position.

[0008] It is proposed that the locking device comprise at least one locking module arranged between the first seat structure element and a supporting element of the pivotable backrest element. The term "provided" should be understood in particular to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The term "provided" for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. A "passenger seat device" should preferably be understood to mean a device that forms at least part of a passenger seat and / or the entire passenger seat. The passenger seat device is preferably designed as an aircraft seat device.A “passenger seat” should preferably be understood to mean, in particular, a seat that is intended to form a seating area for a passenger and is arranged for this purpose in a means of transport. The passenger seat is preferably designed as an aircraft seat. In principle, it is also conceivable for the passenger seat to be designed as a train seat. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the passenger seat to be designed as a seat for another means of transport. The passenger seat is preferably designed as part of a row of seats comprising several passenger seats arranged next to one another. The passenger seat preferably comprises at least one seat base that forms a seating area for a passenger, and a backrest that provides a backrest support surface on which a passenger sitting on the passenger seat can support his or her back.A "seat base" is to be understood in particular as a part of the passenger seat that provides a seating area on which a passenger can sit, wherein the seat base preferably comprises at least one base body and one cushion element arranged on the base body. Furthermore, the passenger seat has a support unit, via which the passenger seat is supported on a floor, in particular a cabin floor, and to which other components of the passenger seat, such as the seat base and the backrest, are connected. A "support unit" is preferably to be understood as a basic structure of the passenger seat that forms a supporting structure of the passenger seat. The passenger seat is connected to a support level, i.e. in particular the cabin floor, via the support unit. The support unit preferably has at least two seat feet and at least one transverse element that is coupled to the seat feet.The cross member forms a support tube. The support unit preferably has two cross members: a front cross member and a rear cross member. The support unit is preferably coupled to the floor via several fittings, preferably with corresponding mounting rails in the floor. The support unit forms a supporting frame for the passenger seat, preferably for the entire row of passenger seats.

[0009] A “seat structure element” should preferably be understood to mean a part of a supporting structure of the passenger seat to which further components of the passenger seat, such as a backrest, a backrest element or an armrest, can be fastened. A seat structure element is preferably designed as a seat divider. The seat structure element designed as a seat divider is preferably rigidly connected to the at least one, preferably two, transverse elements of the support unit. The seat structure element designed as a seat divider preferably extends essentially horizontally from the front transverse element to an area behind the rear transverse element. In an area behind the rear transverse element, the seat structure element designed as a seat divider extends essentially vertically away from the support plane, preferably to an armrest height.In principle, it is also conceivable for the seat structural elements to be formed integrally with a part of a seat shell, for example, with a lower backrest element. The integrally formed seat structural elements could, for example, be formed from the side regions of a seat shell.

[0010] A "pivotable backrest element" should preferably be understood to mean a backrest element that forms at least a part, preferably a large part, of the backrest surface of the backrest and that is pivotally mounted relative to the support unit to form the comfort position and the upright sitting position. The pivotable backrest element is pivotally mounted relative to the support unit to form the comfort position and the upright sitting position. The pivotable backrest element has a supporting element and forms the backrest surface in its interior region. The supporting element of the pivotable backrest element is designed as a backrest frame. The pivotable backrest element has a covering or a shell element connected to the backrest frame, which forms the backrest surface.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the pivotable backrest element to be formed from a shell component that jointly forms the backrest frame and the backrest surface. It would also be conceivable for the pivotable backrest element to not have a backrest frame. The supporting element of the pivotable backrest element would then be formed from the sandwich component itself. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the pivotable backrest element to be formed from a sandwich component. The pivotable backrest element is preferably pivotably connected to the support unit of the passenger seat. The pivotable backrest element is connected to seat structural elements of the passenger seat via the bearing elements.

[0011] An “upright seating position” should be understood to mean a maximum upright seating position of the passenger seat, in which the passenger seat has a maximum upright seating position. If the passenger seat is designed as an aircraft seat, the upright seating position is preferably designed as a seating position that must be assumed for safety reasons, in particular during a takeoff phase, a landing phase and during turbulence. The upright seating position is designed as a so-called TTL position (taxi, takeoff, landing). In the upright seating position, the backrest, in particular a movably mounted backrest element, and the seat base of the passenger seat are essentially perpendicular to one another, preferably at an angle of between 95 degrees and 115 degrees.A "comfort position" should be understood in particular as a rearwardly inclined seating position of the passenger seat, in which at least the backrest, in particular a pivotable backrest element, is tilted rearward against a seating direction of the passenger seat, thereby enabling a passenger sitting on the passenger seat to assume a comfortable, rearwardly inclined seating position. In principle, it is also conceivable that in the comfort position, in addition to the pivotable backrest element, the seat base is also tilted, in contrast to the upright seating position of the passenger seat. In the comfort position, the backrest, in particular the pivotable backrest element, and the seat base can in particular have a different, particularly advantageously a larger, angle to one another than in the upright seating position (TTL position).In the comfort position, the backrest, in particular the pivotable backrest element, is pivoted backwards from a maximum upright sitting position by at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 5 degrees, particularly preferably by more than 8 degrees.

[0012] A "return module" should preferably be understood as a module that is intended to exert a restoring force for returning the backrest, in particular a movably mounted backrest element, in order to move it from one position, in particular a comfortable position, into an upright sitting position. For this purpose, the return module preferably has a spring element that provides a force for adjusting the backrest, in particular the pivotable backrest element. The spring element for providing a restoring force can, for example, be designed as a leaf spring element. In principle, it is also conceivable for the spring element to be designed as another spring element, for example as a gas spring, a coil spring, or as another compression or tension spring element.

[0013] A "locking device" should preferably be understood as a device designed to lock two components in a locking position in at least one defined position relative to one another. The locking device is designed to fix the pivotable backrest element in two positions, the upright sitting position and the comfort position, relative to the support unit. Preferably, the locking device is designed to lock the pivotable backrest element only in the two positions, namely the upright sitting position and the comfort position. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the locking device to be designed to lock the pivotable backrest element in one or two defined intermediate positions.The locking device is not provided, at least in some embodiments, for continuously locking the pivotable backrest element. The locking device can only be locked in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The locking device cannot be used to lock the adjustable backrest element in any intermediate position between the upright sitting position and the comfort position. Preferably, in at least one embodiment, the locking device can also be provided for continuously locking the pivotable backrest element.

[0014] The fact that the locking module is "arranged between the first seat structural element and a supporting element of the pivotable backrest element" should be understood to mean that the locking module is functionally arranged between, i.e., with regard to the flow of force, the first seat structural element and the supporting element. The locking module does not necessarily have to be spatially arranged between the seat structural element and the supporting element. The locking module can preferably be connected directly or indirectly to a seat structural element. The locking module is particularly preferably connected to the bearing element. A configuration according to the invention allows a locking device for locking the backrest to be designed in a particularly simple and space-saving manner. The bearing elements are rigidly and torsionally connected to the seat structural elements.Preferably, the bearing elements are connected to the respective seat structural element in a rotationally secure manner via a connecting flange using a plurality of connecting screws. In principle, it is also conceivable for the bearing elements to be connected to the respective seat structural element in a rotationally secure manner in a manner deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, via which the bearing forces can be transferred from the bearing element to the seat structural element. For example, it would be conceivable for the bearing element to have at least one form-locking element at an end facing the seat structural element. This form-locking element can be formed, for example, by an outer contour of the bearing element, via which the bearing element can be connected in a form-locking manner in a receptacle of the seat structural element.For connection to the seat structure element, the bearing element can be received, for example, in a form-fitting manner in a receptacle of the seat structure element and secured against axial displacement by means of a securing element, for example a screw. The design according to the invention allows a pivotable backrest element to be locked particularly easily and separately from the spring element. It is further proposed that the locking device be arranged for the most part above the bearing elements. By the fact that the locking device is arranged for the most part above the bearing elements, it should preferably be understood that a substantial part of the locking device, preferably more than 75% as seen from the cabin floor, is arranged above a lower extent of the bearing elements.The lower extension is formed by the part of a bearing element that has the smallest distance from the support plane. This allows the locking device to be integrated into the passenger seat in a particularly space-saving manner, while providing a particularly advantageously large knee area.

[0015] It is further proposed that the locking device be formed separately from the spring element. The statement that the locking device is formed separately from the spring element should be understood to mean that the locking device is not formed as part of the spring element. The locking device is functional without the spring element, i.e., it is intended to lock the pivotable backrest element at least in the upright sitting position. The locking device and the spring element are not formed together. The locking device is not an integral part of the spring element. The locking device is formed separately from a locking unit integrated into a gas pressure spring.In principle, however, despite the separate design of the locking device and the spring element, it is conceivable for at least part of the locking device and the spring element to be arranged in the same area of ​​the passenger seat. In principle, it would even be conceivable for the spring element to contact a part of the locking device, so that the spring element can be supported on that part of the locking device.

[0016] This allows both the spring element and the locking device to be attached to the passenger seat in a particularly space-saving and easy manner.

[0017] It is further proposed that the locking module be arranged on an outer side of the supporting element of the backrest element. This allows the first locking module to be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the locking module comprise a first locking unit and a second locking unit, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and are intended to be positively and / or non-positively locked together in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. A "locking unit" should preferably be understood as a sub-unit of the locking module which is connected to one of the two components which are to be locked together by means of the locking module. "Positively and / or non-positively locked together" should preferably be understood as meaning that locking is achieved by a positive engagement of two elements with one another and / or by a non-positive connection, for example a frictional connection between two elements. The locking is preferably formed by at least one positive connection between two elements.In principle, it is conceivable that locking could be achieved solely through a force fit, or through a combination of a positive and a force fit. This allows the locking module to be designed particularly simply.

[0019] It is further proposed that the first locking unit comprise a base body and a locking element mounted on the base body in a spring-loaded manner so as to be adjustable between a locking position and a release position. The locking element is designed to be positively coupled to the second locking unit for locking. This allows the locking module to be positively locked and advantageously unlocked particularly easily.

[0020] It is also proposed that the first locking unit have a linear guide that linearly supports the spring-loaded, adjustably mounted locking element along a displacement path. The displacement path, along which the adjustably mounted locking element is displaceable, is preferably designed as a straight displacement axis along which the locking element is adjustable in a straight path. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the displacement path to be curved. In this case, the locking element would be displaceable along the curved displacement path. This allows the locking element to be mounted for particularly easy movement.

[0021] The displaceably mounted locking element is preferably designed as an element that is adjustable in a vertical direction and is connected to the pivotable backrest element. In principle, it is also conceivable for the adjustably mounted locking element to be designed as a pin that is displaceably mounted in a horizontal direction and connected to a locking unit attached to the bearing element. The locking element that is displaceably mounted in a horizontal direction would be displaceably mounted in a transverse direction. The locking element, which is displaceably mounted in a horizontal direction on the locking unit attached to the bearing element, would be designed, in a locked state, to engage with a positive-locking element in the backrest frame.

[0022] It is further proposed that the second locking unit comprise a positive-locking element, which is provided for locking the backrest element in the upright sitting position by positively and / or force-locking the locking element of the first locking unit. This allows the locking element to be locked particularly easily to lock the locking module.

[0023] It is also proposed that the first locking unit be captively mounted on the pivotable backrest element in an assembled state, and the second locking unit be captively mounted on the bearing element. This allows the locking units to be particularly easily integrated into the passenger seat to form the locking module.

[0024] It is further proposed that the second locking unit comprise a connecting element that is rotationally connected to the bearing element in a normal operating state, and an overload unit that is designed to permit relative movement between the connecting element and the bearing element in the event of an overload. This allows the pivoting backrest element to be connected particularly advantageously in the event of a crash.

[0025] It is further proposed that the overload unit be designed to allow rotation of the backrest by a defined angle in the event of an overload. The overload unit is designed to allow rotation of the backrest forward in a direction opposite to the comfort position in the event of an overload.

[0026] This can advantageously reduce the risk of injury to a passenger in the event of a crash.

[0027] It is further proposed that the second locking unit has a second positive-locking element that forms an end stop for the comfort position of the backrest element, and that the first locking unit has a second blocking element that is intended to lock the pivotable backrest element in the comfort position by means of a positive-locking connection with the second positive-locking element of the second locking unit. A "second blocking element" is to be understood as a further blocking element that is formed separately from the first blocking element and can, for example, be designed as a locking pin. The second positive-locking element can advantageously be formed in a space-saving manner below the first positive-locking element of the second locking unit. As a result, the locking module can be designed to be particularly compact and with an advantageously small installation space.

[0028] In principle, it would also be conceivable for the second locking element to be formed integrally with the first locking element. This would require extending the second locking unit rearward in the area of ​​the first positive locking element and providing an additional positive locking element there. This would allow the locking module to be designed more simply, but would require more space toward the rear.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second locking unit have an eccentric adjustment unit, via which a position of the form-fitting element can be adjusted relative to the first locking unit. An “eccentric adjustment unit” should preferably be understood to mean a unit that has at least one coupling element that is eccentrically mounted via a connecting element, wherein the coupling element, by rotation about the connecting element, causes the elements connected to one another via the eccentric unit to be adjusted relative to one another. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the backrest angle to be adjusted by another adjustment unit instead of the eccentric adjustment unit. The adjustment unit can, for example, be effected by means of a grub screw and a corresponding adjustment mechanism.This makes it particularly easy to adjust the angle of the pivoting backrest element in the comfort position or in the upright sitting position during assembly of the passenger seat, advantageously compensating for tolerances during assembly. Particularly advantageous is the ability to easily adjust identical passenger seats, for example, for different customers or cabin conditions, with different seat angles in the upright sitting position and different recline angles—i.e., angles of the pivoting backrest element in the comfort position.

[0030] It is further proposed that the second locking unit have a stop surface against which the locking element of the first connection unit rests in the comfort position of the backrest element, wherein the stop surface forms an inclined surface via which the locking element can be pressed from its locked position into a release position. As a result, the pivotable backrest element can advantageously be pressed from the comfort position into the upright sitting position by applying an overpressure force to the backrest element. This advantageously allows the backrest to be adjusted into the upright sitting position, for example, by a staff member, without the need to actuate an actuating element to unlock the locking device.

[0031] It is also proposed that the locking module have a release unit which, in a release position, is provided to cancel a coupling between the first locking unit and the second locking unit in order to enable pivoting of the backrest element forward beyond the upright sitting position into a non-use position. A "non-use position" should preferably be understood to mean a position in which the pivotable backrest element is not provided to form a backrest surface for a passenger sitting on the passenger seat. In the non-use position, the pivotable backrest element rests with its backrest surface preferably on the seat base of the passenger seat. As a result, the locking module can be designed particularly easily so that the pivotable backrest element can be brought into a forward-folded non-use position.This advantageously makes it possible to provide a configuration of the passenger seat in which a stretcher can be arranged above two passenger seats with the backrest element folded forward.

[0032] It is further proposed that the locking device comprise a second locking module, which is arranged on a side of the backrest element opposite the first locking module and is designed essentially the same as the first locking module. The second locking module is preferably largely identical to the first locking module. The second locking module is a mirror image of the first locking module. In principle, it is conceivable that the two locking modules differ, in addition to the mirror image, also by different connections for an actuating or force-transmitting element, such as a Bowden cable.As a result, the locking device can be designed particularly advantageously for locking the pivotable backrest element and, in particular, can provide a rigid locking with little play of the pivotable backrest element in a locked position.

[0033] It is further proposed that the second locking module be actuated jointly with the first locking module via a Bowden cable, wherein the second locking module is connected in series with the first locking module. The fact that the second locking module is connected in series with the first locking module should be understood to mean that actuation of the first locking module triggers actuation of the second locking module. A transmission element, such as in particular a Bowden cable, is connected to the movably mounted locking element of the first locking module, which transmits the movement of the movably mounted locking element to the movably mounted locking element of the second locking module.The transmission element is preferably not connected directly to the movably mounted locking element, but rather to the movably mounted bearing carriage of the linear bearing of the first locking module, to which its movably mounted locking element is connected. This allows the two locking modules of the locking device to be easily actuated together, particularly advantageously.

[0034] The locking device, in particular the two locking modules of the locking device, are inaccessible from the outside in an assembled state, in particular for a passenger. The passenger seat device preferably has a cover that covers the locking modules on the outside. The cover can preferably be part of a backrest covering. In principle, it is also conceivable for the covers to be designed as individual modules that can be removed separately from the backrest covering. The covers are preferably designed such that access to the release unit is available to personnel. It is further proposed that the locking device be provided for continuously locking the pivotable backrest element between the comfort position and the upright sitting position.The locking device is designed for continuously adjustable fixation of the pivoting backrest element. The locking device is designed to fix the pivoting backrest element in any position between the upright sitting position and the comfort position using a force-locking mechanism, i.e., a frictional lock. Forces, in particular seat forces or holding forces, which act on the pivoting backrest element during normal operation are diverted to the support unit in the intermediate positions in the locking device purely through a frictional lock. The pivoting backrest element is secured in the intermediate positions by means of the locking device purely through a frictional lock. Forces acting on the backrest are supported in the locking device by a frictional lock.In the upright sitting position and in the comfort position, at least forces acting in a direction of movement of the pivoting backrest element in which it is not positively fixed are supported by a frictional connection. This can advantageously increase comfort.

[0035] It is further proposed that the at least one locking module has a friction unit which is intended to provide a holding force for the stepless locking of the pivoting backrest element. A “friction unit” should preferably be understood to mean a unit which has at least two friction elements which are provided for frictional engagement with one another and which are arranged such that they can move relative to one another. The friction elements are provided to be in frictional engagement in at least one state, in particular an unactuated state. In at least one further state, in particular an actuated state of the friction unit, the friction elements are at least partially, preferably completely, spaced apart from one another and are no longer in frictional contact with one another. The friction elements preferably each have a friction surface which is intended to be in frictional engagement with a friction surface of the other friction element.Friction surfaces of the friction elements can preferably be designed as flat surfaces. In principle, it is also conceivable for the friction surfaces of a friction element to be formed by a shaped surface, for example a conical surface. Preferably, a friction element can also be formed by a jacket surface of a shaft. Preferably, it is also conceivable for a friction element to be formed by a spring element, in particular by the inside of a wrap spring. A “holding force” should preferably be understood to mean a force that is required in a state in which the friction elements are in frictional contact with one another in order to move them against one another. The holding force is designed as a static friction force between the two friction elements of the friction unit. This makes it particularly easy to design the locking module for continuously locking the pivoting backrest element.

[0036] It is further proposed that one of the locking units of the locking module comprises a rotatably mounted shaft, which is designed to rotate upon pivoting of the pivotable backrest element, and a friction unit, which is designed to lock the pivotable backrest element and to non-positively secure the rotatably mounted shaft against rotation. This allows the friction unit to be integrated particularly easily into the locking module, and a force from the pivotable backrest element can be supported on the friction unit.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that one of the locking units of the locking module has a base body, wherein the locking module has a coupling gear via which the base body is connected to the rotatably mounted shaft of the other locking unit, and which is intended to transmit a pivoting movement of the pivotable backrest element to the rotatably mounted shaft. A “coupling gear” should preferably be understood to mean a gear via which two elements mounted so as to be movable relative to one another can be coupled to one another and a movement, in particular a rotational movement or pivoting movement, and a force can be transmitted between the coupled elements. The coupling gear is preferably designed as a gear transmission. A gear transmission preferably has at least two intermeshing tooth elements. The coupling gear has a transmission ratio.The coupling gear preferably has a gear ratio between 1:5 and 1:20, preferably between 1:7 and 1:15. The coupling gear particularly preferably has a gear ratio between 1:9 and 1:12. The coupling gear has a gear ratio by means of which a force, in particular a moment, is translated between the two elements that are coupled to one another via the coupling gear. By means of the coupling gear, forces are translated between one locking unit and the other locking unit of the locking module. Due to the gear ratio, large forces acting on the backrest can advantageously be supported by the friction unit. As a result, the friction unit can be integrated into the locking module in a particularly advantageous manner and can particularly advantageously support large forces.

[0038] It is further proposed that the coupling mechanism comprise a toothed element rigidly connected to the rotatably mounted shaft and a toothed element rigidly connected to the base body, which toothed element meshes with the toothed element connected to the shaft. A "toothed element" is preferably understood to mean an element having a plurality of teeth intended to mesh with the teeth of another toothed element. A toothed element can preferably be designed as a gear or as a partial gear. A toothed element can preferably be designed as a rack. This allows the friction unit to be coupled particularly advantageously to the other locking unit via the rotatably mounted shaft.

[0039] It is further proposed that the at least one locking module comprise a friction unit that, for providing a holding force, comprises a first fixed friction element, a second friction element connected to a rotatably mounted shaft of the locking module, and at least one spring element. The at least one spring element presses the two friction elements against each other in an unactuated state. This allows the friction unit to be designed particularly simply.

[0040] It is further proposed that the two friction elements are designed as conical friction elements that correspond to one another, wherein the friction unit has a spacer element that is intended to vary a friction force and / or a distance between the two friction elements by rotation. A “conical friction element” should preferably be understood to mean a friction element whose friction surface has a conical shape, in particular a conical elevation or a conical depression. A “spacer element” should preferably be understood to mean an element that changes a distance between two other elements, such as in particular a base body and a connecting element of the friction unit, by movement, preferably rotation. The friction unit can therefore be designed particularly advantageously with a short actuation travel.

[0041] It is also proposed that one of the friction elements be designed as an axially movable conical friction element, which is preferably formed integrally with the rotatably mounted shaft of the locking module. "Integral" is understood to mean, in particular, a materially bonded connection, such as by a welding process and / or adhesive process, etc., and particularly advantageously, a molded connection, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process. This allows the one friction element to be designed particularly advantageously.

[0042] It is further proposed that the friction unit comprise a base body, with the spring element arranged between the base body and the spacer element. This allows the spring element to be integrated into the friction unit in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0043] It is further proposed that a first friction element of the friction unit be designed as an inner surface of the spring element of the friction unit, which is designed as a spiral spring, and a second friction element of the friction unit be designed as a jacket surface of a partial region of the rotatably mounted shaft of the locking module. The spring element designed as a spiral spring is preferably designed as a wrap-around spring, which in an unactuated state presses with its inner side against the jacket surface of the shaft. The spring element designed as a wrap-around spring is pressed onto the jacket surface of the shaft by its internal spring tension, thereby creating a frictional connection between the inside of the spring element and the shaft. In an actuated state, the spring element designed as a wrap-around spring is preferably elastically deformed such that it detaches from the jacket surface of the shaft. This allows the friction unit to be designed particularly simply.

[0044] The passenger seat device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the passenger seat device according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Drawings

[0045] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate eight exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0046] They show:

[0047] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a passenger seat row with a passenger seat device in a first embodiment with a backrest with a pivotable backrest element and a locking device,

[0048] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a backrest frame of the pivoting backrest with the locking device with two locking modules,

[0049] Fig. 3 is a schematic exploded view of one of the locking modules with its two locking units,

[0050] Fig. 4 is another schematic exploded view of one of the locking modules with its two locking units from a different perspective,

[0051] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of one of the locking modules in a locking position in an upright sitting position of the pivotable backrest element, with an eccentric adjustment unit partially in an exploded view,

[0052] Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view through one of the locking modules in a locking position in the upright sitting position of the pivotable backrest element,

[0053] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of one of the locking modules in a locking position in a comfort position of the pivotable backrest element,

[0054] Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view through one of the locking modules in a locking position in the comfort position of the pivotable backrest element, Fig. 9 is a schematic view of part of a locking device in a second embodiment, wherein only one of the two locking modules is shown and

[0055] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a part of a locking device in a third embodiment, wherein only one of the two locking modules is shown, with an alternative reset module

[0056] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a passenger seat row with a passenger seat device in a fourth embodiment with a backrest with an upper backrest pivot point and a return module,

[0057] Fig. 12 is a schematic rear view of a passenger seat in the fourth embodiment,

[0058] Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of the passenger seat in the fourth embodiment,

[0059] Fig. 14 is a schematic view of an upper backrest element with a return module having two spring elements designed as spiral springs,

[0060] Fig. 15 is a schematic view of an upper backrest element of a passenger seat device in a fifth embodiment, with a return module having two spring elements designed as bar springs,

[0061] Fig. 16 is a highly schematic view of a lower backrest element of a passenger seat device in a sixth embodiment,

[0062] Fig. 17 is a schematic view of a passenger seat row with a passenger seat device in a seventh embodiment with a backrest with a pivotable backrest element and a locking device which is provided for a stepless locking of the pivotable backrest element,

[0063] Fig. 18 is a schematic view of a backrest frame of the pivoting backrest with the locking device with two locking modules,

[0064] Fig. 19 is a schematic exploded view of one of the locking modules with its two locking units, which has a friction unit with two conical friction elements, Fig. 20 is a further schematic exploded view of one of the locking modules with its two locking units with the friction unit from a different perspective,

[0065] Fig. 21 is a schematic sectional view of one of the locking modules, through a rotatably mounted shaft and the friction unit,

[0066] Fig. 22 is a schematic representation of the pivoting backrest element in a comfort position,

[0067] Fig. 23 is a schematic view of the passenger seat device in an eighth embodiment with a backrest with a pivotable backrest element in a comfort position and a locking device,

[0068] Fig. 24 is a schematic exploded view of one of the locking modules with its two locking units, which has a friction unit with a friction element designed as a spring element,

[0069] Fig. 25 is a further schematic exploded view of one of the locking modules with its two locking units with the friction unit from a different perspective and

[0070] Fig. 26 is a schematic sectional view of one of the locking modules, through a rotatably mounted shaft and the friction unit.

[0071] Description of the embodiments

[0072] Figures 1 to 8 show a passenger seat device in a first exemplary embodiment. The passenger seat device is part of a passenger seat 10a. The passenger seat 10a is designed as an aircraft seat. The passenger seat 10a, in an assembled state, is mounted on a stand in an aircraft cabin. The passenger seat 10a is intended to be fixedly mounted on a cabin floor 22a of the aircraft cabin in an assembled state. The passenger seat device has a stand unit 12a. By means of the stand unit 12a, the passenger seat 10a can be mounted on the cabin floor 22a of the aircraft cabin. The cabin floor 22a forms a stand plane. The passenger seat 10a is designed as part of a passenger seat row 14a. The passenger seat 10a is preferably designed as part of a passenger seat row 14a that comprises more than one passenger seat 10a.By way of example, the figures show the passenger seat row 14a with two passenger seats 10a, 16a. The passenger seat row 14a shown by way of example has a second passenger seat 16a. The further passenger seat 16a is arranged adjacent to the first passenger seat 10a. The second passenger seat 16a is preferably designed identically to the first passenger seat 10a, which is why only the one passenger seat 10a is described in more detail below. In principle, it is also conceivable for the passenger seat row 14a to have three or more passenger seats 10a, 16a. The support unit 12a is designed as a common support unit 12a for the passenger seats 10a, 16a of a passenger seat row 14a. The support unit 12a comprises two seat feet 18a, 20a. The seat feet 18a, 20a are each coupled to fastening rails via fittings not shown in detail, which are firmly connected to the cabin floor 22a.The fittings can be firmly locked into the mounting rails.

[0073] The support unit 12a has two cross members 24a. The cross members 24a are designed as support tubes. A front cross member 24a is arranged in a front region of the passenger seat 10a. A rear cross member 24a is arranged in a rear region of the passenger seat 10a. The cross members 24a extend in a transverse direction of the passenger seat 10a. The cross members 24a extend at least substantially across the entire transverse extent of all passenger seats 10a of the passenger seat row 14a.

[0074] The passenger seat device has two seat structural elements 26a, 28a. The two seat structural elements 26a, 28a are each arranged on one side of a seating area 30a of the passenger seat device. The two seat structural elements 26a, 28a are each arranged to the side of a seating area 30a formed by the passenger seat 10a. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a are designed as seat dividers. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a are arranged on the cross members 24a. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a are attached to the cross members 24a at a distance from one another in the transverse direction. The seat structural elements 28a are fixedly connected to the cross members 24a. The seat structural elements 28a are each connected at their front end to the front cross member 24a. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a are preferably connected to the front cross member 24a in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a are essentially L-shaped.The seat structural elements 26a, 28a each have a first partial region which, in an assembled state, is oriented substantially horizontally. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a each have a second partial region which, in the assembled state, is oriented substantially vertically. The second partial region of the seat structural elements 26a, 28a is arranged in a rear region of the passenger seat 10a. The second partial region of the seat structural elements 26a, 28a extends to a rear end of the seat structural elements 26a, 28a. The second partial region of the seat structural elements 26a, 28a forms a rear region of the seat structural elements 26a, 28a. The seat structural elements 26a, 28a thus extend upward in their rear region, away from the support unit 12a, in particular the support plane. The seat structure elements 26a, 28a extend upwards in their rear region essentially to an armrest height H.The seat structural elements 26a, 28a extend to an armrest height H of the passenger seat 10a. The armrest height H is 650 mm. In principle, it is preferably conceivable that the armrest height H lies in a range between 500 mm and 700 mm.

[0075] The seat structural elements 26a, 28a designed as seat dividers are provided for attaching various components of the corresponding passenger seat 10a, 16a to them, as described in more detail below, at least in part. In principle, it is also conceivable for the support unit 12a to have no seat structural elements 26a, 28a or to have differently designed seat structural elements 26a, 28a, and for corresponding components of the passenger seat 10a, 16a to be connected to the support unit 12a in a different way. The passenger seat device comprises a seat base. The seat base forms the seating area 30a. The seat base forms a seating surface of the passenger seat 10a. The seat base is connected to the support unit 12a.

[0076] The passenger seat device comprises a backrest 34a. The backrest 34a is provided so that a person sitting on the passenger seat 10a, of which the passenger seat device is a part, can support their back on the backrest 34a. The backrest 34a preferably has upholstery (not shown in detail). The backrest 34a forms a backrest support surface. The backrest 34a is arranged at a rear end of the seat base. The backrest 34a is arranged pivotably relative to the support unit 12a. The backrest 34a is connected to the seat structural elements 26a, 28a. The passenger seat 10a forms a seating direction. The seating direction is defined as the direction in which a passenger sits on the passenger seat 10a. The seating direction is orthogonal to a backrest surface of the backrest 34a and runs parallel to the support plane toward a front end of the seat base.

[0077] The backrest 34a is designed to be pivotable. The backrest 34a is intended to be pivoted between an upright sitting position and a comfortable position. The backrest 34a is intended to be pivoted relative to the support unit 12a. The backrest 34a is pivotable relative to the seat structural elements 26a, 28a. The backrest 34a has a pivotable backrest element 36a. The pivotable backrest element 36a is pivotally mounted on the support unit 12a. The pivotable backrest element 36a is pivotally connected to the seat structural elements 26a, 28a.

[0078] The pivotable backrest element 36a has a backrest frame 38a. The backrest frame 38a forms a supporting structure of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The backrest frame 38a is designed as a circumferential frame. The backrest frame 38a is preferably substantially egg-shaped. The backrest frame 38a has two lateral frame elements and an upper frame element that connects the two lateral frame elements at an upper end of the backrest frame 38a. At a lower end, the backrest frame 38a is preferably open. The lower end of the backrest frame 38a forms a lower end of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The pivotable backrest element 36a has a shell element 40a. The shell element 40a is designed as a plate-like element. The shell element 40a is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.The shell element 40a is formed, for example, from a GRP or a CFRP. The shell element 40a is intended to form the backrest support surface of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The shell element 40a is arranged in an inner region of the pivotable backrest element 36a spanned by the backrest frame 38a. The shell element 40a is firmly connected to the backrest frame 38a of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The shell element 40a is firmly connected, at least in partial regions, to the lateral frame elements of the backrest frame 38a. The shell element 40a preferably forms a backrest contour of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The shell element 40a is intended to have a cushion element of the backrest 34a attached to it.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the pivotable backrest element 36a to have a covering instead of the shell element 40a, which forms the backrest support surface.

[0079] The backrest frame 38a forms a supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a is intended to divert operating forces, in particular supporting forces, acting on the pivotable backrest element 36a into the support unit 12a, in particular via the seat structure elements 26a, 28a. The supporting element is preferably rigid and intended to transmit torsional and bending forces. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the pivotable backrest element 36a not to have a backrest frame 38a. It would also be conceivable for the entire backrest element 36a to be formed by a shell element that integrally forms the backrest support surface and the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a.

[0080] The passenger seat device has two bearing elements 44a, 46a for supporting the pivotable backrest element 36a. The pivotable backrest element 36a is connected to the support unit 12a via the bearing elements 44a, 46a. The bearing elements 44a, 46a are fixedly connected to the seat structural elements 26a, 28a. In the assembled state, the bearing elements 44a, 46a extend from the respective seat structural element 26a, 28a toward one another in the direction of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The bearing elements 44a, 46a are rigidly connected to the respective seat structural element 26a, 28a. The bearing element 44a is rigidly mounted on the left seat structural element 26a. The bearing element 46a is rigidly mounted on the right seat structural element 28a. The bearing elements 44a, 46a are designed as fixed bearing axes.The bearing elements 44a, 46a, designed as bearing axes, each have a connecting flange 48a, via which they are connected to the respective seat structural element 26a, 28a. The bearing elements 44a, 46a are mounted with their connecting flange 48a to the seat structural element 26a, 28a via screw connections in a fixed and torsion-proof manner. By connecting the bearing elements 44a, 46a via their connecting flange 48a and the screw connections, a favorable force flow from the bearing elements 44a, 46a into the seat structural elements 26a, 28a and thus the support unit 12a can be achieved. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the bearing elements 44a, 46a to be connected to the seat structure elements 26a, 28a in a different manner, for example by a form-locking element formed by the bearing elements 44a, 46a, which engages in a receptacle of the respective seat structure element 26a, 28a.The bearing elements 44a, 46a are arranged at a height of a rotation axis 50a of the backrest 34a. The rotation axis 50a is the axis about which the pivotable backrest element 36a is pivotally mounted. The rotation axis 50a is defined by the bearing elements 44a, 46a designed as bearing axes. The rotation axis 50a is aligned coaxially with a central axis of the bearing elements 44a, 46a designed as bearing axes.

[0081] The bearing elements 44a, 46a form a sliding bearing region 52a at an end opposite the connecting flange 48a. The pivotable backrest element 36a is slidably mounted on the bearing elements 44a, 46a via the sliding bearing regions 52a of the bearing elements 44a, 46a. The backrest frame 38a, which forms the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a, is pivotally mounted on the bearing elements 44a, 46a via the sliding bearing regions 52a. The sliding bearing regions 52a are formed by an axial extension 54a of the bearing elements 44a, 46a. The axial extension 54a of the bearing elements 44a, 46a forms an end region of the bearing elements 44a, 46a facing away from the connecting flange 48a. The axial extensions 54a have, at least in the area of ​​the sliding bearing areas 52a, a smaller diameter than the bearing elements 44a, 46a in a remaining area, in particular in an area facing the connecting flange 48a.The axial extension 54a is designed to be detachable from a remainder of the respective bearing element 44a, 46a. The axial extension 54a is rotationally connected to the remaining part of the respective bearing element 44a, 46a via a spur gear 56a. The axial extension 54a is secured to the remaining bearing element 44a, 46a via a screw 58a.

[0082] The axial extension 54a forms a table stop element 60a on its side opposite the spur gear toothing 56a. The table stop element 60a is arranged, in an assembled state, on an inner side of the corresponding lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. In an assembled state, the table stop element 60a extends radially outward from the rotation axis 50a on an inner side of the corresponding lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The table stop element 60a is provided so that a bearing arm for supporting a folding table attached to the passenger seat 10a can abut against it in an unfolded position of the folding table, and thus forces acting on the folding table can be diverted via the bearing elements 44a, 46a into the support unit 12a.

[0083] The lateral frame elements of the backrest frame 38a each have a bearing receptacle 62a at their lower end region, via which the backrest frame 38a is pivotally mounted to slide on the sliding bearing regions 52a of the bearing elements 44a, 46a. Each pivotable backrest element 36a has a bearing bush 64a arranged in the corresponding bearing receptacle 62a of the backrest frame 38a. In an assembled state, the bearing element 44a, 46a extends with its sliding bearing region 52a through the bearing bush 64a arranged in the bearing receptacle 62a. For assembly, the axle extension 54a, which forms the plain bearing area 52a of the bearing elements 44a, 46a, is guided from an inner side of the lateral frame elements of the backrest frame 38a through the bearing bush 64a in the bearing receptacle 62a and is connected to the rest of the corresponding bearing element 44a, 46a in a rotationally and captively manner via the screw 58a and the spur gear toothing 56a.

[0084] The backrest 34a is designed as a backrest with a high backrest pivot point. The backrest pivot point is formed by the rotation axis 50a. The backrest pivot point, i.e., the rotation axis 50a, is arranged above a knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10a. The knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10a extends from the cabin floor 22a to a height of 650 mm. The knee area is arranged as an area in which a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat 10a can position their knees. To form the high backrest pivot point, the bearing elements 44a, 46a are connected to an upper end region of the seat structural elements 26a, 28a. The bearing elements 44a, 46a are connected to the seat structural elements 26a, 28a above the knee area. The bearing elements 44a, 46a are arranged at the armrest height H. The rotation axis 50a is arranged above the knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10a.

[0085] The backrest 34a has a lower backrest element 32a. The lower backrest element 32a is rigid. The lower backrest element 32a is preferably immovable. The lower backrest element 32a forms a lower region of the backrest 34a. The lower backrest element 32a forms the backrest support surface in the lower region of the backrest 34a. The lower backrest element 32a is fixedly attached to the seat structure elements 26a, 28a. The lower backrest element 32a extends substantially between a height of the cross members 24a of the support unit 12a and a lower end of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The lower backrest element 32a preferably extends to just below the armrest height H.

[0086] The passenger seat device has a reset module 66a. The reset module 66a is provided for returning the backrest 34a from the comfortable position to an upright sitting position. The reset module 66a is provided for returning the backrest 34a from its comfortable sitting position to the upright sitting position. The reset module 66a is provided for returning the pivotable backrest element 36a. The reset module 66a is provided for returning the pivotable backrest element 36a to provide a restoring force. The reset module 66a is provided for returning to exert the restoring force on the pivotable backrest element 36a. The reset module 66a is arranged at least for the most part above the knee region of the backrest 34a. Due to this arrangement of the reset module 66a, the knee region of the backrest 34a can preferably remain substantially free of components of the reset module 66a.In particular, larger components of the return module 66a can advantageously be arranged above the armrest height H and thus outside the knee area of ​​the backrest 34a.

[0087] The return module 66a has a spring element 68a to provide a return force. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the return module 66a to have multiple spring elements 68a to provide the return force. The spring element 68a is intended to exert a spring force on the pivotable backrest element 36a in order to pivot it towards its upright sitting position. The spring force of the spring element 68a forms the return force of the return module 66a. The spring element 68a is functionally arranged between the pivotable backrest element 36a and the support unit 12a. The spring element 68a is intended to be supported on the support unit 12a with a first side. The spring element 68a is intended to be supported on the pivotable backrest element 36a with a second side. The spring element 68a is designed as a leaf spring element.The spring element 68a, designed as a leaf spring element, is formed as an elongated component. The spring element 68a, designed as a leaf spring element, is functionally arranged between the lower backrest element 32a and the pivotable backrest element 36a. The spring element 68a, designed as a leaf spring element, is connected with its first, lower end to the lower backrest element 32a. The spring element 68a, designed as a leaf spring element, is connected with its second, upper end to the pivotable backrest element 36a, in particular the backrest frame 38a. The spring element 68a, designed as a leaf spring element, preferably extends into a central region of the pivotable backrest element 36a.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the spring element 68a to be designed as another spring element, for example as a gas pressure spring, a spiral spring or another tension or compression spring that appears appropriate to the person skilled in the art.

[0088] The passenger seat device has a locking device 70a. The locking device 70a is provided to lock the backrest 34a in its upright sitting position. The locking device 70a is provided to lock the pivotable backrest element 36a in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70a is provided to lock the backrest 34a in the comfort position. The locking device 70a is provided to lock the pivotable backrest element 36a in the comfort position. The locking device 70a can lock the pivotable backrest element 36a in the comfort position and in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70a has a locking state and an unlocking state.In the locked state of the locking device 70a, the backrest 34a, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36a, is locked in the current position, i.e., either the upright sitting position or the comfort position. In the locked position of the locking device 70a, the pivotable backrest element 36a is positively fixed in one position, i.e., the upright sitting position or the comfort position. In the locked position of the locking device 70a, the pivotable backrest element 36a is fixed in position relative to the support unit 12a. In the locked position of the locking device 70a, the pivotable backrest element 36a cannot pivot about the rotation axis 50a of the bearing elements 44a, 46a.In the unlocked state of the locking device 70a, the backrest 34a, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36a, can be adjusted between its positions, i.e., the comfort position and the upright sitting position. In the unlocked position, the locking device 70a enables a pivoting movement of the pivotable backrest element 36a between the upright sitting position and the comfort position.

[0089] Preferably, the locking device 70a is provided only for locking the backrest 34a, i.e., the pivotable backrest element 36a, in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The locking device 70a is preferably not provided for continuously locking the pivotable backrest element 36a between the upright sitting position and the comfort position: By means of the locking device 70a, the pivotable backrest element 36a cannot be continuously locked, i.e., fixedly positioned, in intermediate positions between the upright sitting position and the comfort position. In principle, it would be conceivable for the locking device 70a to be provided to positively lock the pivotable backrest element 36a in one or two defined intermediate positions, although here, too, there would be no continuously locking of the pivotable backrest element 36a.

[0090] The locking device 70a is preferably arranged largely above the bearing elements 44a, 46a. Above the bearing elements 44a, 46a refers to a side of the bearing elements 44a, 46a facing away from the cabin floor 22a. The locking device 70a is arranged between the seat structural elements 26a, 28a and the pivotable backrest element 36a. The locking device 70a is arranged between the bearing elements 44a, 46a and the pivotable backrest element 36a. The locking device 70a is arranged on the bearing elements 44a, 46a and the backrest frame 38a, which forms a supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a. Parts of the locking device 70a can be arranged below the bearing elements 44a, 46a, particularly in the area of ​​connection to the bearing elements 44a, 46a. More than 75% of the locking device 70a is arranged above the bearing elements 44a, 46a.The locking device 70a is formed separately from the spring element 68a of the reset module 66a. In the described embodiment, the locking device 70a is formed spatially separate from the spring element 68a of the reset module 66a. In particular, the locking device 70a is not an integral part of the reset module 66a or the spring element 68a. The locking device 70a is not integrated into the spring element 68a.

[0091] The locking device 70a has a first locking module 72a. The first locking module 72a of the locking device 70a is arranged on a left side of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The first locking module 72a is arranged between the first, left seat structure element 26a and the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a, which is formed by the backrest frame 38a. The first locking module 72a is operatively arranged between the left bearing element 44a and the left lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The first locking module 72a is fixedly connected to the left bearing element 44a by a first connection region. The first locking module 72a is fixedly connected to the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a by a second connection region. The first locking module 72a is arranged on an outer side 76a of the supporting element 42a.The first locking module 72a is thus arranged on the outer side 76a of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The first locking module 72a is arranged on the outer side 76a of the backrest frame 38a facing the left seat structure element 26a.

[0092] The locking device 70a has a second locking module 74a. The second locking module 74a of the locking device 70a is arranged on a right side of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The second locking module 74a is arranged between the second, right seat structure element 28a and the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a, which is formed by the backrest frame 38a. The second locking module 74a is operatively arranged between the right bearing element 46a and the right lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The second locking module 74a is firmly connected to the right bearing element 46a by a first connection region. The second locking module 74a is firmly connected to the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a by a second connection region. The first locking module 72a is arranged on an outer side 78a of the supporting element 42a.The second locking module 74a is thus arranged on the outer side 78a of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The second locking module 74a is arranged on the outer side 78a of the backrest frame 38a facing the right seat structure element 28a.

[0093] The two locking modules 72a, 74a are provided together for locking the backrest 34a, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36a. The two locking modules 72a, 74a of the locking device 70a are essentially identical in design. The locking modules 72a, 74a are essentially mirror images of each other. Preferably, only the actuating connections or elements for transmitting an actuating force are different in the locking modules 72a, 74a. The locking modules 72a, 74a have an essentially identical, mirrored structure. The second locking module 74a is essentially a mirror image of the first locking module 72a. Therefore, only the first locking module 72a will be described in detail below. The following description of the first locking module 72a can be used to explain the second locking module 74a.The differences of the second locking module 74a compared to the first locking module 72a are described explicitly.

[0094] The passenger seat device has at least one cover element for each locking module 72a, 74a. The cover elements are not shown in detail. The cover elements are provided to conceal the locking modules 72a, 74a of the locking device 70a from the outside. The cover elements are provided to make the locking modules 72a, 74a of the locking device 70a inaccessible to a passenger. The cover elements can preferably be formed from part of a backrest cover. The cover elements are preferably designed to be separately removable so that cabin crew can easily access the locking modules 72a, 74a arranged beneath the cover elements when necessary. The cover elements can preferably be designed as dimensionally stable elements made of a covering material. In principle, it is also conceivable for the cover elements to be made of a textile.In principle, it would be conceivable for the cover element to be formed as part of a cover of the backrest 34a. The cover of the backrest 34a is preferably formed as a cover that is stretched over the upholstery of the backrest 34a. The cover element formed as part of the cover is preferably stretched over the locking modules 72a, 74a of the locking device 70a in an assembled state. The cover preferably has a closable opening in an area in which it forms a cover element, through which the locking modules 72a, 74a are accessible. The closable openings in the cover elements can preferably be closed by suitable means, such as, for example, loop and hook fasteners, a zipper, or snap fasteners.

[0095] The locking module 72a has a first locking unit 80a. The first locking unit 80a is designed to be attached to the pivotable backrest element 36a. The first locking unit 80a forms a part of the locking module 72a facing the pivotable backrest element 36a. In an assembled state, the first locking unit 80a is firmly connected to the pivotable backrest element 36a. The first locking unit 80a is connected to the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The first locking unit 80a is captively mounted on the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a.

[0096] The locking module 72a has a second locking unit 82a. The second locking unit 82a is designed to be captively mounted on the bearing element 44a. The second locking unit 82a forms a part of the locking module 72a facing the support unit 12a. In an assembled state, the second locking unit 82a is firmly connected to the bearing element 44a, which is designed as a bearing axis. The second locking unit 82a is mounted on the bearing element 44a. The bearing element 44a has a connecting flange 84a for connecting the second locking unit 82a. The connecting flange 84a is arranged on an end region of the bearing element 44a opposite the connecting flange 48a. The second locking unit 82a is fixedly mounted on the connecting flange 84a of the bearing element 44a via several screw connections.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the first locking unit 80a of the locking module 72a to be firmly connected to the bearing element 44a and the second locking unit 82a to be firmly connected to the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a.

[0097] The first locking unit 80a and the second locking unit 82a of the locking module 72a are movably mounted relative to one another. The first locking unit 80a and the second locking unit 82a are movably mounted relative to one another about the rotation axis 50a by the connection to the pivotable backrest element 36a, or the bearing element 44a via the mounting of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The first locking unit 80a and the second locking unit 82a are designed to be positively and / or non-positively locked to one another in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The positively and / or non-positively coupled coupling of the first locking unit 80a to the second locking unit 82a places the first locking module 72a in a locked position.When the two locking modules 72a, 74a are in their locking position, the locking device 70a is in its locking position, in which it locks the pivoting backrest element 36a. In an unlocked position, the two locking units 80a, 82a are not connected to each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. In the unlocked position of the locking module 72a, the two locking units 80a, 82a are movable toward each other. When the two locking modules 72a, 74a are in their unlocked position, the locking device 70a is in its unlocked position.

[0098] The first locking unit 80a has a base body 86a. The base body 86a of the first locking unit 80a is attached to the supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The base body 86a is fixedly mounted to the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The base body 86a is preferably screwed to the pivotable backrest element 36a. The base body 86a forms a U-shaped receiving area with which the base body 86a at least partially encloses the backrest frame 38a. The first locking unit 80a has a locking element 88a that is spring-loaded and adjustable between a locking position and a release position. The locking element 88a is provided for a positive connection with the second locking unit 82a. The locking element 88a extends away from the backrest frame 38a.

[0099] The first locking unit 80a has a linear guide 94a, via which the blocking element 88a is mounted for linear displacement. The linear guide 94a has a linear bearing rail 96a. The linear bearing rail 96a is formed by the base body 86a. The linear bearing rail 96a forms a displacement path of the linear guide 94a. In the assembled state, the displacement path of the linear guide 94a preferably runs parallel to the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38a. The linear guide 94a has a bearing carriage 98a. The bearing carriage 98a is mounted on the linear bearing rail 96a for displacement along the displacement path. The bearing carriage 98a is positively connected to the linear bearing rail 96a. The linear guide 94a is spring-loaded.The locking unit 80a has a spring element 100a designed to exert a spring force on the bearing carriage 98a of the linear guide 94a, which spring force is directed toward a first position of the bearing carriage 98a. The first position is designed as a locking position. The spring element 100a is designed as a compression spring. The spring element 100a is designed as a spiral spring. The spring element 100a is mounted between the base body 86a and the bearing carriage 98a. The bearing carriage 98a can be displaced from its first position into a second position along the linear bearing rail 96a against the spring force of the spring element 100a. The second position of the bearing carriage 98a is designed as a release position.

[0100] The locking element 88a is designed as a rotatably mounted locking roller. The locking element 88a, designed as a locking roller, is rotatably connected to the bearing carriage 98a. The bearing carriage 98a has a bearing pin 90a on which the locking element 88a, designed as a locking roller, is slidably and rotatably mounted. The bearing pin 90a is preferably formed integrally with the bearing carriage 98a. The locking element 88a, designed as a locking roller, is secured to the bearing carriage 98a with a screw 92a on the bearing pin 90a. The screw 92a is screwed into the bearing carriage 98a to secure the locking element 88a, and its screw head rests against an axial side of the locking element 88a, thus securing it in a form-fitting manner on the bearing pin 90a. The locking element 88a is arranged laterally on the bearing carriage 98a.The locking element 88a is displaceably mounted by the displacement of the bearing slide 98a between its first position and its second position, between a locking position and a release position. In an unactuated state, the locking element 88a is pressed into its locking position by the spring element 100a. In an actuated state, the locking element 88a is moved from its locking position to its release position against the spring force of the spring element 100a.

[0101] The locking element 88a is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36a in the upright sitting position. The locking element 88a positively locks the pivotable backrest element 36a in the upright sitting position. The locking element 88a is provided for positively coupling to the second locking unit 82a in the upright sitting position of the pivotable backrest element 36a.

[0102] The first locking unit 80a has a second locking element 102a. The second locking element 102a is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36a in the comfort position. The second locking element 102a is designed as a locking pin. The second locking element 102a is arranged in a fixed position on the base body 86a of the first locking unit 80a. The second locking element 102a is arranged on a side surface of the base body 86a. The second locking element 102a is arranged on the same side as the first locking element 88a. The second locking element 102a is preferably arranged below the first locking element 88a. The second locking element 102a is provided for locking the locking module 72a in the comfort position of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The second locking element 102a is provided to engage positively against an end stop of the second locking unit 82a in the comfort position.The second locking element 102a locks the pivotable backrest element 36a in the comfort position, preventing further rearward adjustment. The second locking unit 82a has a first positive-locking element 104a. The first positive-locking element 104a is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36a in the upright sitting position. The first positive-locking element 104a is provided for coupling with the first, movably mounted locking element 88a of the first locking unit 80a. The first positive-locking element 104a of the second locking unit 82a is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36a in the upright sitting position, by positively and / or non-positively fixing the locking element 88a of the first locking unit 80a. The first form-locking element 104a is designed as a recess into which the first locking element 88a can engage in a form-locking manner in its locking position.

[0103] The second locking unit 82a has a second positive-locking element 106a. The second positive-locking element 106a is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36a in the comfort position. The second positive-locking element 106a is provided for coupling with the second, immovably mounted second locking element 102a of the first locking unit 80a. The second positive-locking element 106a of the second locking unit 82a is provided for locking the backrest element 36a in the comfort position by positively fixing the locking element 88a of the first locking unit 80a. The second positive-locking element 106a forms an end stop for the pivotable backrest element 36a. The second positive-locking element 106a is formed by the end of a groove 108a. The second locking element 102a is arranged in the groove 108a in an assembled state in the comfort position and in the upright sitting position.

[0104] The second locking unit 82a has a base body 110a. The base body 110a is formed by a flat, elongated body. The base body 110a is preferably made of a light metal. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the base body 110a to be made of a different material, for example a plastic. The base body 110a forms the first positive-locking element 104a of the second locking unit 82a. The first positive-locking element 104a is formed as a recess 112a in a groove 114a of the base body 110a. The groove 114a is formed as a through-groove that extends from a front end of the base body 110a to a rear end of the base body 110a. The groove 114a is formed on an inner side 116a of the base body 110a. In an assembled state, the inner side 116a faces the backrest frame 38a.The recess 112a, which forms the first positive-locking element 104a, is incorporated into a lateral wall of the groove 114a. The base body 110a forms the second positive-locking element 106a of the second locking unit 82a. The groove 108a, which forms the second positive-locking element 106a, is incorporated into the inner side 116a of the base body 110a. The groove 108a has a curved profile. The groove 108a is open toward a front side of the base body 110a. One end of the groove 108a, which faces away from an opening arranged on the front side, forms the positive-locking element 106a, against which the second locking element 102a abuts in the comfort position.

[0105] The second locking unit 82a has a connecting element 118a. In a normal operating state, the connecting element 118a is connected to the bearing element 44a in a rotationally fixed manner. The base body 110a of the second locking unit 82a is connected to the connecting element 118a by its form-locking elements 104a, 106a. In the assembled state, the base body 110a of the second locking unit 82a is captively mounted to the connecting element 118a. In the assembled state, the base body 110a preferably rests with its outer side against an inner side of the connecting element 118a. The connecting element 118a is rigidly connected to the bearing element 44a by means of several screws 120a. The connecting element 118a is connected to the connecting flange 84a of the bearing element 44a via the screws 120a. The connecting element 118a has through holes 122a through which the screws 120a are guided.Preferably, the connecting flange 84a has a plurality of threaded holes 124a into which the screws 120a can be screwed. In principle, a connection by means of nuts is also conceivable. For connection, the screws 120a are guided from a side facing away from the bearing element 44a through through holes 122a in the connecting element 118a. In the assembled state, the screw heads of the screws 120a are arranged on the side of the connecting element 118a facing the base body 110a. The base body 110a of the second locking unit 82a has an annular groove 126a on its outer side, in which the screw heads of the screws 120a are arranged in the assembled state. The annular groove 126a is open towards a front end of the base body 110a. The second locking unit 82a has an eccentric adjustment unit 128a.The eccentric adjustment unit 128a is used to adjust the position of the form-locking elements 104a, 106a relative to the first locking unit 80a. The eccentric adjustment unit 128a is provided to change the position of the connecting element 118a relative to the base body 110a. The base body 110a of the second locking unit 82a is connected to the connecting element 118a via the eccentric adjustment unit 128a. The angle of the base body 110a relative to the connecting element 118a can be changed via the eccentric adjustment unit 128a. The eccentric adjustment unit 128a has a connecting screw 130a, via which the base body 110a is connected to the connecting element 118a. The base body 110a has an elongated through-hole 132a. The through-hole 132a extends from an inner side to an outer side of the base body 110a.The through-hole 132a has a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft of the connecting screw 130a. The through-hole 132a is formed as an elongated hole. The length of the through-hole 132a is preferably at least 5% larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft of the connecting screw 130a. The through-hole 132a has a counterbore 134a that is larger than the screw head of the connecting screw 130a. In the assembled state, the screw head of the connecting screw 130a is completely arranged in the counterbore 134a of the through-hole 132a. The eccentric adjustment unit 128a has an eccentric element 136a. The eccentric adjustment unit 128a is connected to the connecting element 118a. The connecting element 118a has a round receptacle in which the eccentric element 136a is captively and rotatably arranged. The eccentric element 136a has an off-center through-hole 138a.In the assembled state, the connecting screw 130a is guided through the eccentric through-hole 138a. The eccentric adjustment unit 128a has a nut 146a, with which the connecting screw 130a is connected to the eccentric element 136a. When the base body 110a is mounted on the connecting element 118a, the position of the eccentric through-hole 138a relative to the base body 110a can be changed by rotating the eccentric element 136a in the receptacle of the connecting element 118a. This allows an angle of the first base body 110a relative to the connecting element 118a, and thus also to the bearing element 44a, to be adjusted during assembly. This allows, in particular, the locking position for the pivotable backrest element 36a to be adjusted in the comfort position during assembly. The second locking unit 82a has a stop surface 140a.The stop surface 140a is provided so that the first locking element 88a of the first locking unit 80a rests against it in the comfort position of the pivotable backrest element 36a. The stop surface 140a forms the stop for the locking element 88a in the direction of the upright sitting position. In the comfort position of the pivotable backrest element 36a, in the locking position of the first locking element 88a, the stop surface 140a is in positive contact with the locking element 88a and prevents rotation of the pivotable backrest element 36a in the direction of the upright sitting position. The stop surface 140a is designed as an inclined surface, via which the locking element 88a can be pressed from its locking position into a release position.If a force is exerted on the pivotable backrest element 36a in the comfort position, which force is directed towards the upright sitting position, the locking element 88a is pressed into its release position and the pivotable backrest element 36a can be pressed into its upright sitting position and locked there.

[0106] The first locking module 72a has a release unit 142a. The release unit 142a is provided to release a coupling between the first locking unit 80a and the second locking unit 82a in a release position in order to enable pivoting of the pivotable backrest element 36a forward beyond the upright sitting position into a non-use position. The release unit 142a has a locking element 144a. The locking element 144a is provided to lock the groove 114a forming the second form-locking element 106a at the open front end in a locking position. The locking element 144a is designed as a locking bolt. In the assembled state, the locking element 144a closes the groove 114a forward. The second locking element 102a arranged in the groove 114a cannot be guided out of the groove 114a.The release unit 142a has a receiving hole in which the locking element 144a can be arranged. In an assembled state, i.e., in a locking position, the locking element 144a is arranged in the receiving hole. The locking element 144a extends into the groove 114a and blocks it. The receiving hole in which the locking element 144a is arranged runs transversely to the groove 114a. In a release position of the release unit 142a, the locking element 144a is guided out of the groove 114a and clears a path for the locking element 102a to emerge from the groove 114a. This allows the pivotable backrest element 36a to be folded forward from the upright sitting position, even when the first locking element 88a is in its unlocked position. The pivotable backrest element 36a can be folded down to the seat bottom into a non-use position.

[0107] The passenger seat device has an actuating element for the locking device 70a. The actuating element is not shown in detail. The actuating element is provided to exert an actuating force on the locking device 70a in order to move it from its locked position to its unlocked position. The actuating element is preferably designed as a push button. The actuating element designed as a push button can, for example, be arranged in an armrest of the passenger seat 10a. The passenger seat device has a Bowden cable 150a. The Bowden cable 150a is a transmission element that is provided to transmit an actuating force and an actuating movement from the actuating element to the locking device 70a. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the passenger seat device to have a different force transmission element for transmitting the actuating force.The Bowden cable 150a is connected to the spring-loaded bearing carriage 98a of the linear guide 94a. The Bowden cable 150a is designed to pull the bearing carriage 98a from its locked position to its unlocked position when actuated by the actuating element, counter to the spring force of the spring element 100a. This allows the first locking module 72a of the locking device 70a to be switched from the locked position to the unlocked position. The second locking module 72a can preferably be actuated together with the first locking module 72a via the Bowden cable 150a. The first locking module 72a has a force transmission unit 152a that transmits an actuating force exerted by the Bowden cable 150a to the first locking module 72a. The passenger seat device has a second Bowden cable 154a.The second Bowden cable 154a is provided to transmit an actuating force from the first locking module 72a to the second locking module 74a. The second locking module 72a is connected in series with the first locking module 72a via the second Bowden cable 154a. The actuating movement of the bearing carriage 98a is transmitted to the second Bowden cable 154a by the force transmission unit 152a. The force transmission unit 152a can preferably convert a linear movement of the bearing carriage 98a directly into an actuation of the second Bowden cable 154a.

[0108] In principle, it would also be conceivable that the power transmission to the second Bowden cable 154a has at least one lever.

[0109] Seven further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 26. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular Figs. 1 to 8. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figs. 1 to 8. In the exemplary embodiments in Figs. 9 to 26, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to h.

[0110] Figure 9 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a part of a passenger seating device according to the invention. The passenger seating device comprises a backrest 34b. The backrest 34b is designed to be pivotable. The backrest 34b is intended to be pivoted between an upright sitting position and a comfortable position. The backrest 34b has a pivotable backrest element 36b. The pivotable backrest element 36b is pivotally mounted on a support unit. The pivotable backrest element 36b has a backrest frame 38b. The backrest frame 38b forms a supporting structure of the pivotable backrest element 36b. The backrest frame 38b forms a supporting element of the pivotable backrest element 36b. The passenger seating device is designed essentially the same as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0111] The passenger seat device has a locking device 70b. The locking device 70b is provided for locking the backrest 34b in its upright sitting position and the comfort position. The locking device 70b has a locking state and an unlocking state. The locking device 70b has a first locking module 72b and a second locking module. The two locking modules 72b are provided together for locking the backrest 34b, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36b. The first locking module 72b is fixedly connected to a left bearing element 44b by a first connection region.

[0112] The locking module 72b has a first locking unit 80b. The first locking unit 80b is intended to be attached to the pivotable backrest element 36b. The first locking unit 80b is designed identically to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0113] The locking module 72b has a second locking unit 82b. The second locking unit 82b is designed to be captively mounted on the bearing element 44b. The second locking unit 82b forms a part of the locking module 72b facing a support unit 12b of the passenger seat. In an assembled state, the second locking unit 82b is firmly connected to the bearing element 44b, which is designed as a bearing axis. The second locking unit 82b is mounted on the bearing element 44b. The bearing element 44b has a connecting flange 84b for connecting the second locking unit 82b. The connecting flange 84b is arranged on an end region of the bearing element 44b opposite a connecting flange 48b. The second locking unit has a base body 110b. The base body 110b is formed by a flat, elongated body.The second locking unit 82b has a connecting element 118b. The base body 110b of the second locking unit 82b is connected to the connecting element 118b by its form-locking elements 104b, 106b. In a normal operating state, the connecting element 118b is rotationally connected to the bearing element 44b.

[0114] In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the locking modules 72b, 74b each have an overload unit 156b. The second locking unit 82b of the locking module 72b has the overload unit 156b. The overload unit 156b is provided to permit a relative movement between the connecting element 118b of the second locking unit 82b and a bearing element 44b in the event of an overload. The overload unit 156b is arranged in the connection between the connecting element 118b of the second locking unit 82b and the bearing element 44b, in particular the connecting flange 84b. The connecting element 118b is connected to the bearing element 44b by means of several screws 120b. The connecting element 118b is connected in a normal operating state to the connecting flange 84b of the bearing element 44b via the screws 120b.In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, through-holes 122b in the connecting element 118b are designed as curved elongated holes. The through-holes 122b have a curved profile, with a center point located on the rotational axis of the pivotable backrest element 36b. The overload unit 156b is integrated into the through-holes 122b. The overload unit 156b has a deformation element 158b for each through-hole. The deformation elements 158b are designed as tapered portions of the through-holes 122b. In a normal operating state, the deformation elements 158b designed as tapered portions hold the screws 120b in a defined position at an edge of the through-holes 122b. In the normal operating state, the screws 120b are arranged in a fixed position in the through-holes 122b designed as elongated holes.As a result, in the normal operating state, the connecting element 118b and the connecting flange 84b of the bearing element 44b are rotationally connected to one another. In the event of an overload, for example, a crash in which forces act forward on the pivotable backrest element 36b, the deformation elements 158b are deformed by the screws 120b, and the screws 120b can be displaced in the through-hole 122b, which is designed as a curved elongated hole. By displacing the screws 120b in the through-holes 122b, the connecting element 118b is rotated relative to the connecting flange 84b of the bearing element 44b. As a result, the overload unit 156b allows the pivotable backrest element 36b to rotate by a defined angle in the event of an overload. The defined angle is given by the extension of the through holes 122b, which are designed as curved elongated holes, through which the screws 120b extend.

[0115] Figure 10 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a part of a passenger seating device according to the invention. The passenger seating device comprises a backrest 34c. The backrest 34c is designed to be pivotable. The backrest 34c is intended to be pivoted between an upright sitting position and a comfortable position. The backrest 34c has a pivotable backrest element 36c. The pivotable backrest element 36c is pivotally mounted on a support unit. The pivotable backrest element 36c has a backrest frame 38c. The backrest frame 38c forms a supporting structure of the pivotable backrest element 36c. The backrest frame 38c forms a supporting element 42a of the pivotable backrest element 36c. The passenger seating device is designed essentially the same as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0116] The passenger seat device has a locking device 70c. The locking device 70c is provided for locking the backrest 34c in its upright sitting position and the comfort position. The locking device 70c has a locking state and an unlocking state. The locking device 70c has a first locking module 72c and a second locking module. The two locking modules 72c are jointly provided for locking the backrest 34c, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36c. The first locking module 72c is fixedly connected to a left bearing element 44c by a first connection region.

[0117] The locking module 72c has a first locking unit 80c. The first locking unit 80c is intended to be attached to the pivotable backrest element 36c. The first locking unit 80c is designed identically to the first embodiment.

[0118] The locking module 72c has a second locking unit 82c. The second locking unit 82c is designed to be captively mounted on the bearing element 44c. The second locking unit 82c forms a part of the locking module 72c facing a support unit 12c of the passenger seat device. In an assembled state, the second locking unit 82c is firmly connected to the bearing element 44c, which is designed as a bearing axis. The second locking unit 82c is mounted on the bearing element 44c. The bearing element 44c has a connecting flange 84c for connecting the second locking unit 82c. The connecting flange 84c is arranged on an end region of the bearing element 44c opposite the connecting flange 48c. The second locking unit 82c has a base body 110c. The base body 110c is formed by a flat, elongated body.The second locking unit 82c has a connecting element 118c. The base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c is connected to the connecting element 118c by its form-locking elements 104c, 106c. In a normal operating state, the connecting element 118c is rotationally connected to the bearing element 44c.

[0119] The passenger seat device has a reset module 66c. The reset module 66c is provided for returning the backrest 34c from the comfort position to an upright sitting position. The reset module 66c is provided for returning the pivotable backrest element 36c. The reset module 66c is provided for returning the pivotable backrest element 36c to provide a restoring force. The reset module 66c is arranged above the knee area of ​​the backrest 34c. This arrangement of the reset module 66c allows the knee area of ​​the backrest 34c to preferably remain free of components of the reset module 66c.

[0120] The return module 66c has a spring element 68c to provide a return force. The spring element 68c is intended to exert a spring force on the pivotable backrest element 36c in order to pivot it towards its upright sitting position. The spring element 68c is functionally arranged between the pivotable backrest element 36c and the support unit 12c. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the spring element 68c is functionally arranged between the pivotable backrest element 36c and the second locking unit 82c of the locking module 72c. The spring element 68c is intended to be supported with a second side on the pivotable backrest element 36c. The spring element 68c is designed as a leaf spring element. The spring element 68c designed as a leaf spring element is designed as an elongated component.The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, is formed as a narrow element. The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, has a width that is less than the width of a backrest frame 38c of the pivotable backrest element 36c. The width of the spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, essentially corresponds to the width of the base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c.

[0121] The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, is connected with its first, lower end to the base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c. The spring element 68c is supported with its lower end on the base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c. The spring element 68c is preferably coupled with its lower end to the base body 110c. The base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c has a receptacle 160c provided for receiving the spring element 68c. In an assembled state, the spring element 68c is supported on the receptacle 160c of the base body 110c. The receptacle 160c is designed as a positive-locking element. The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, is arranged with its first, lower end in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle 160c designed as a positive-locking element. The receptacle 160c forms an undercut. The base body 110c has a raised portion 162c on its upper side.The elevation 162c is arranged at a rear end of the base body 110c. The elevation 162c forms the receptacle 160c. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the receptacle 160c for the spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, to be introduced into the base body 110c in an upper region of the base body 110c. The spring element 68c is advantageously securely connected to the base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c by the receptacle 160c. The spring element 68c is nevertheless separate from the locking device 70c, formed as a separate element. In principle, it is also conceivable for the spring element 68c to be supported only on the upper side or on a front side surface of the base body 110c. The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, is connected with its second, upper end to the pivotable backrest element 36c, in particular the backrest frame 38c.The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, preferably extends into a central region of the pivotable backrest element 36c. The spring element 68c, designed as a leaf spring element, forms a connection region at its second upper end. The spring element 68c is preferably directly connected to the backrest frame 38c via the connection region. For example, the spring element 68c can be firmly connected directly to the backrest frame 38c via screw connections in the connection region. The return module 66c preferably has a second spring element designed as a leaf spring element. The second spring element is arranged on a side of the backrest frame 38c opposite the first spring element 68c. The second spring element is not shown in detail and is arranged between the backrest frame 38c and the second locking module 74c.The functioning of the return module 66c and the locking device 70c is identical to the previous exemplary embodiments and will therefore not be described in detail here again. The first locking module 72c has a release unit 142c. The release unit 142c is provided to cancel a coupling between the first locking unit 80c and the second locking unit 82c in a release position in order to enable the pivotable backrest element 36c to pivot forward beyond the upright sitting position into a non-use position. The release unit 142c has a locking element 144c. The locking element 144c is provided to lock the groove forming the second form-fitting element 106c at the open front end in a locking position. The release unit 142c is designed essentially the same as in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0122] The release unit 142c has a securing device 164c. The securing device 164c is provided for securing the locking element 144c to the locking module 72c. The securing device 164 is provided so that the locking element 144c is arranged captively on the first locking module 72c, in particular on the second locking unit 82, even in its release position, in which the locking element 144c is moved out of its receiving hole. The securing device 164c has a securing element 166c. The securing element 166c is connected to the base body 110c of the second locking unit 82c and to the locking element 144c. The securing element 166c is designed as a securing wire. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the securing element 166c to be designed as a securing cord.The securing element 166c is connected at its first end to the base body 110c and at its second end to the locking element 144c. Once the locking element 144c is released from the receiving hole, it is secured to the base body 110c via the securing element 166c. The locking element 144c hangs from the second locking unit 82c via the securing element 166c. This advantageously prevents the locking element 144c from being lost when not in use.

[0123] Figures 11 to 14 show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a passenger seat device according to the invention. The passenger seat device is part of a passenger seat 10d. The passenger seat 10d, in an assembled state, is mounted on a support in an aircraft cabin. The passenger seat device has a support unit 12d. The passenger seat 10d can be mounted on the cabin floor of the aircraft cabin by means of the support unit 12d. The passenger seat 10d is preferably designed as part of a passenger seat row 14d that comprises more than one passenger seat 10d. By way of example, the figures show the passenger seat row 14d with three passenger seats 10d, 16d, 168d. The passenger seat row 14d shown by way of example has a second passenger seat 16d and a third passenger seat 168d.The second passenger seat 16d is configured as a middle seat of the passenger seat row 14d and is arranged between the two other passenger seats 16d, 168d. The other passenger seats 16d, 168d of the passenger seat row 14d are preferably configured substantially identically to the first passenger seat 10d, which is why only one passenger seat 10d will be described in more detail below.

[0124] The support unit 12d has two cross members 24d. The cross members 24d are designed as support tubes. The cross members 24d extend at least substantially over the entire transverse extent of all passenger seats 10d, 16d, 168d of the passenger seat row 14d. The passenger seat device has two seat structural elements 26d, 28d. The two seat structural elements 26d, 28d are each arranged on one side of a seat area 30d of the passenger seat device. The two seat structural elements 26d, 28d are each arranged to the side of a seat area 30d formed by the passenger seat 10d. The seat structural elements 26d, 28d are each arranged to the side of a seat area 30d formed by the passenger seat 10d. The seat structural elements 26d, 28d are designed as seat dividers. The seat structure elements 26d, 28d designed as seat dividers are intended for fastening various components of the corresponding passenger seat 10d, 16d, 168d to them.The seat structural elements 26d, 28d thus extend upward in their rear region, away from the support unit 12d, in particular the support plane. The seat structural elements 26d, 28d extend upward in their rear region essentially to an armrest height X. The seat structural elements 26d, 28d extend to an armrest height X of the passenger seat 10d.

[0125] The passenger seat device comprises a backrest 34d. The backrest 34d is provided so that a person sitting on the passenger seat 10d, of which the passenger seat device is a part, can support their back on the backrest 34d. The backrest 34d is arranged pivotably relative to the support unit 12d. The backrest 34d is connected to the seat structural elements 26d, 28d. The backrest 34d is designed to be pivoted between an upright sitting position and a comfortable position. The backrest 34d has a pivotable backrest element 36d. The pivotable backrest element 36d is pivotally mounted on the support unit 12d. The pivotable backrest element 36d is pivotally connected to the seat structural elements 26d, 28d.

[0126] The passenger seat device has two bearing elements 44d, 46d for supporting the pivotable backrest element 36d. The pivotable backrest element 36d is connected to the support unit 12d via the bearing elements 44d, 46d. The bearing elements 44d, 46d are fixedly connected to the seat structural elements 26d, 28d. In the assembled state, the bearing elements 44d, 46d extend from the respective seat structural element 26d, 28d toward one another in the direction of the pivotable backrest element 36d. The bearing elements 44d, 46d are rigidly connected to the respective seat structural element 26d, 28d. The pivotable backrest element 36d can be pivoted about the rotation axis 50d by means of the bearing elements 44d, 46d. The bearing elements 44d, 46d are each connected to the seat structure elements 26d, 28d.

[0127] The pivotable backrest element 36d has a backrest frame 38d. The backrest frame 38d forms a supporting element 42d of the pivotable backrest element 36d. The supporting element 42d of the pivotable backrest element 36d is intended to divert operating forces, in particular supporting forces, acting on the pivotable backrest element 36d into the support unit 12d, in particular via the seat structure elements 26d, 28d. The backrest frame 38d is designed as a circumferential frame. The backrest frame 38d has two lateral frame elements and an upper frame element that connects the two lateral frame elements at an upper end of the backrest frame 38d. The lower end of the backrest frame 38d forms a lower end of the pivotable backrest element 36d.The bearing elements 44d, 46d are each connected to the backrest frame 38d of the pivotable backrest element 36d at a lower end of the backrest frame 38d on the facing lateral frame element. The backrest 34d is designed as a backrest with a high backrest pivot point. The backrest pivot point, i.e., the rotation axis 50d, is arranged above a knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10d. To form the high backrest pivot point, the bearing elements 44d, 46d for supporting the backrest 34d are connected to the seat structural elements 26d, 28d at a high area. The bearing elements 44d, 46d are connected to the seat structural elements 26d, 28d above the knee area. The bearing elements 44d, 46d are arranged at the armrest height X.

[0128] The pivotable backrest element 36d has a shell element 40d. The shell element 40d is designed as a plate-like element. The shell element 40d is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. The shell element 40d is formed, for example, from a fiberglass-reinforced plastic or a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. The shell element 40d is intended to form the backrest support surface of the pivotable backrest element 36d. The shell element 40d is arranged in an inner region of the pivotable backrest element 36d spanned by the backrest frame 38d. The shell element 40d is fixedly connected to the backrest frame 38d of the pivotable backrest element 36d. The shell element 40d is intended to have a cushion element of the backrest 34d attached to it.

[0129] The pivotable backrest element 36d has, in a lower region, elastic ribs 172d, 174d extending laterally outward from a central region 170d. By way of example, three elastic ribs 172d, 174d are shown on each side in the exemplary embodiment. The elastic ribs 172d, 174d are each elastically deformable independently of one another. The elastic ribs 172d, 174d are preferably formed integrally with the shell element 40d, in particular with a central region 170d. The shell element 40d forms the elastic ribs 172d, 174d in its lower region. The lower region is preferably formed approximately by a lower third of the shell element 40d. The shell element 40d has a plurality of slots 176d, 178d in its lower region to form the ribs 172d, 174d. The slots 176d, 178d each extend from a lateral outer edge of the shell element 40d to the front of the central region 170d.The slots 176d, 178d separate the elastic ribs 172d, 174d arranged one above the other.

[0130] The backrest 34d has a lower backrest element 32d. The lower backrest element 32d is rigid. The lower backrest element 32d is preferably immovable. The lower backrest element 32d forms a lower region of the backrest 34d. The lower backrest element 32d forms the backrest support surface in the lower region of the backrest 34d. The lower backrest element 32d is fixedly attached to the seat structure elements 26d, 28d. The lower backrest element 32d extends substantially between a height of the cross members 24d of the support unit 12d and a lower end of the pivotable backrest element 36d. The lower backrest element 32d is formed by a shell element. The lower backrest element 32d is formed by a shell made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.For example, it is conceivable for the lower backrest element 32d to be formed from a GRP or CFRP shell. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the lower backrest element 32d to be formed from a different material, for example from a sheet metal, a film, or a multi-layer structure with a honeycomb structure. The lower backrest element 32d has an upper region 180d. The upper region 180d forms approximately an upper quarter of the lower backrest element 32d. The uppermost 5 - 10 cm of the lower backrest element 32d form the upper region 180d. The backrest element 32d has a lip 182d at its upper end. The lip 182d forms an upper end region of the lower backrest element 32d. The lip 182d is formed in the upper region 180d of the lower backrest element 32d. The lip 182d forms an upper end of the upper portion 180d of the lower backrest member 32d.The lip 182d is formed integrally with the remainder of the lower backrest element 32d. The lip 182d is transversely centered at the upper end of the lower backrest element 32d.

[0131] The lower backrest element 32d is designed to be flexible in its upper region 180d. The lower backrest element 32d is designed to be more flexible in its upper region 180d than in its main region 184d located below it. The lower backrest element 32d is designed to be elastically deflectable in its upper region 180d. To create flexibility in the upper region 180d, the lower backrest element 32d has a recess pattern 186d in the upper region 180d. The recess pattern 186d is formed by at least one recess 188d introduced into the lower backrest element 32d. The recess pattern 186d is arranged only in the upper region 180d. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the recess pattern 186d to be arranged only in the region of the lip 182d.In the present exemplary embodiment, the recess pattern 186d is formed by a plurality of recesses 188d designed as slots, arranged at a distance from one another. The recesses 188d designed as slots extend from an upper edge of the lower backrest element 32d to below the lip 182d. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the recesses 188d to extend only to a lower edge of the lip 182d. The recesses 188d designed as slots have a width of 10 mm. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the recesses 188d designed as slots to have a width ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, four recesses 188d designed as slots are shown by way of example. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the recess pattern 186d to have a different number of recesses 188d designed as slots.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the recesses 188d designed as slots to be narrower.

[0132] In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the lower backrest element 32d to be formed from a combination of different materials. For example, it would be conceivable for the upper region 180d or the lip 182d of the lower backrest element 32d to be formed from a different material than the main region 184d. For example, it would be conceivable for the main region 184d to be formed from a rigid fiber composite material or a sheet metal, and the upper region to be formed from a flexible plastic or fiber composite material that is firmly bonded to the main region 184d. If the lower backrest element 32d is formed from a fiber composite material, the upper flexible region 180d is preferably formed from a smaller number of fiber composite layers than the main region 184d.As a result, the upper region 180d can be designed particularly easily to be more flexible than the main region 184d and the lower backrest element 32d can advantageously be designed in one piece.

[0133] The passenger seat device has a return module 66d. The return module 66d is provided for returning the backrest 34d from the comfortable position to an upright sitting position. The return module 66d is provided for returning the backrest 34d from its comfortable sitting position to the upright sitting position. The return module 66d is provided for returning the pivotable backrest element 36d. The return module 66d is provided for returning the backrest 34d, in particular for returning the pivotable backrest element 36d, in order to provide a return force. The return module 66d is arranged at least substantially in a region above the bearing elements 44d, 46d. The return module 66d is arranged at least substantially above the armrest height X, i.e., on a side facing away from the support plane.The return module 66d is arranged at least to a large extent above the knee area of ​​the backrest 34d.

[0134] The return module 66d has a locking device 70d. The locking device 70d is provided to lock and unlock the return module 66d. The locking device 70d is provided to lock the backrest 34d, i.e., the pivotable backrest element 36d, at least in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The locking device 70d is provided to lock the backrest 34d in its upright sitting position. The locking device 70d is provided to lock the pivotable backrest element 36d in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70d can lock the pivotable backrest element 36d in the comfort position and in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70d has a locking state and an unlocking state.In the locked state of the locking device 70d, the backrest 34d, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36d, is locked in the current position, i.e., either the upright sitting position or the comfort position. In the locked position of the locking device 70d, the pivotable backrest element 36d is positively fixed in one position, i.e., the upright sitting position or the comfort position. In the locked position of the locking device 70d, the pivotable backrest element 36d is fixed in a fixed position relative to the support unit 12d. Preferably, the locking device 70d is provided solely for locking the backrest 34d, i.e., the pivotable backrest element 36d, in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The locking device 70d is preferably arranged for the most part above the bearing elements 44d, 46d.The locking device 70d is arranged between the seat structural elements 26d, 28d and the pivotable backrest element 36d. The locking device 70d has a first locking module 72d. The first locking module 72d of the locking device 70d is arranged on a left side of the pivotable backrest element 36d. The first locking module 72d is arranged between the first, left seat structural element 26d and the backrest frame 38d. The first locking module 72d is operatively arranged between the left bearing element 44d and the left side frame element of the backrest frame 38d. The locking device 70d has a second locking module 74d. The second locking module 74d of the locking device 70d is arranged on a right side of the pivotable backrest element 36d.The second locking module 74d is arranged between the second, right seat structure element 28d and the backrest frame 38d. The second locking module 74d is functionally arranged between the right bearing element 46d and the right lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. The two locking modules 72d, 74d are provided together for locking the backrest 34d, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36d. The two locking modules 72d, 74d of the locking device 70d are essentially identical in design. The locking modules 72d, 74d are essentially mirror images of one another. Preferably, only the actuating connections or elements for transmitting an actuating force are different in the locking modules 72d, 74d. The locking modules 72d, 74d have an essentially identical, mirror-image structure.

[0135] The locking module 72d has a first locking unit 80d. The first locking unit 80d is designed to be attached to the pivotable backrest element 36d. The first locking unit 80d forms a part of the locking module 72d facing the pivotable backrest element 36d. The locking module 72d has a second locking unit 82d. The second locking unit 82d is designed to be captively mounted on the bearing element 46d. The second locking unit 82d forms a part of the locking module 72d facing the support unit 12d. The first locking unit 80d and the second locking unit 82d of the locking module 72d are movably mounted relative to one another. The first locking unit 80d and the second locking unit 82d are connected to the pivotable backrest element 36d, respectively.The first locking unit 80d is mounted on the bearing elements 44d, 46d, via the mounting of the pivotable backrest element 36d, for movement relative to one another about the rotation axis 50d. The first locking unit 80d has a locking element that is spring-loaded and adjustable between a locking position and a release position. The locking element is provided for a positive connection with the second locking unit 82d.

[0136] The return module 66d has a first spring element 68d for providing a return force. The return module 66d has a second spring element 190d for providing a return force. In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiments, the return module 66d has two spring elements 68d, 190d. The spring elements 68d, 190d are each arranged on one side of the backrest frame 38d. The spring elements 68d, 190d are each connected to a lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring elements 68d, 190d are each connected to an outer side of a lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. The spring elements 68d, 190d are designed as spiral springs. The spring elements 68d, 190d are preferably designed as metallic spiral springs. The spring elements 68d, 190d are intended to provide a spring force.

[0137] The spring force of the spring elements 68d, 190d forms the restoring force of the restoring module 66d. The spring elements 68d, 190d are functionally arranged between the pivotable backrest element 36d and the support unit 12d. The spring elements 68d, 190d are intended to be supported on the support unit 12d with a first side. The spring elements 68d, 190d are intended to be supported on the pivotable backrest element 36d with a second side. The spring elements 68d, 190d are each functionally arranged between one of the seat structure elements 26d, 28d and a lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. The spring elements 68d, 190d are each of the same design and are connected to the backrest frame 38d in an equivalent manner. Therefore, only one spring element 68d and its connection will be described below, whereby the description can be used to explain the second spring element 190d.The spring element 68d is designed as a spiral spring. The spring element 68d has a spiral central region 192d and two spring legs 194d, 196d protruding from the central region 192d. The return module 66d has a bearing element 198d, via which the spring element 68d is connected to the backrest frame 38d. The bearing element 198d is designed as a bearing cylinder. The bearing element 198d has a cylindrical outer surface on which the spring element 68d rests with its spiral central region 192d. The spring element 68d surrounds the bearing element 198d with its spiral central region 192d. The bearing element 198d is firmly connected to the outer side of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. Preferably, the bearing element 198d is screwed in a fixed position to the outside of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d via a screw connection.

[0138] The first spring leg 194d is provided for support on the bearing element 44d. The first spring leg 194d is provided for support on the first locking unit 80d. To support the first spring leg 194d, the return module 66d has a first support element 200d. The first spring leg 194d is supported on the support element 200d, which is formed by the first locking unit 80d. The support element 200d is preferably formed by a base body 86d of the locking unit 80d. The second spring leg 196d is provided for support on the backrest element 36d. The second spring leg 196d is provided for support on the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. The return module 66d has a second support element 202d for supporting the second spring leg 196d. The second support element 202d is provided for supporting the second spring leg 196d on the backrest frame 38d.The support element 202d is designed as a support bolt that is firmly connected to a side surface of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. The support element 202d is preferably attached by means of a screw connection. The spring element 68d rests against the support element 202d with its spring leg 196d for support.

[0139] Thanks to the two separate spring elements 68d, 190d, each arranged on one side of the backrest frame 38d, a restoring force provided by the restoring module can advantageously act evenly on both sides of the pivoting backrest element 36d. This advantageously eliminates the need for further stiffening of the backrest frame 38d between the two lateral frame elements in a central region. This advantageously allows the pivoting backrest element 36d to be lightweight.

[0140] In principle, it would also be conceivable for the spring elements 68d, 190d and / or the locking modules 72d, 74d of the locking device 70d to be connected to an inner side of the respective lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38d. By connecting the spring elements 68d, 190d and / or the locking modules 72d, 74d of the locking device 70d within the backrest frame 38d, the pivotable backrest element 36d could be designed particularly advantageously.

[0141] The passenger seat device has a lower cover module 204d. The lower cover module 204d is provided to at least partially cover a lower region of the backrest 34d toward a rear side. The lower cover module 204d is preferably provided to cover at least a partial region of the lower backrest element 32d. The lower cover module 182i covers the lower backrest element 32d in a partial region toward the rear. The lower cover module 204d has a cover element 206d. The cover element 206d is arranged in an upper region of the lower backrest element 32d. The cover element 206d is arranged centrally on the lower backrest element 32d at its rear side. The cover element 206d covers at least the lip 182d and the upper region 180d of the lower backrest element 32d. The cover element 206d is intended to cover the flexible upper area 180d of the lower backrest element 32d to the rear.The cover element 206d is connected to the lower backrest element 32d. Preferably, the cover element is detachably connected to the lower backrest element 32d via form-fitting elements, preferably in particular via screw connections. The cover element 206d can preferably form a literature pocket 210d or other additional units.

[0142] The cover element 206d does not cover a lower region of the lower backrest element 32d. The lower backrest element 32d forms a visible surface 208d in its lower region, which is not covered to the rear. The visible surface 208d of the lower backrest element 32d is not covered by any cover element 206d of the cover module 204d. The visible surface 208d of the lower backrest element 32d can be covered with a coating or a film. In principle, it is also conceivable for the backrest element 32d to have no covering in its visible surface 208d. The lower backrest element 32d, with its visible surface 208d, forms a kick panel of the backrest 34d.

[0143] The passenger seat device has an upper cover module 212d. The upper cover module 212d is intended to cover the upper region of the backrest 34d, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36d, to the rear. The upper cover module 212d has a cover element 214d. The cover element 214d preferably extends over the entire rear side of the upper, pivotable backrest element 36d. The upper cover module 212d preferably covers the laterally arranged locking modules 72d, 74d of the locking device 70d. It is preferably conceivable for the upper cover module 212d to have separately removable cover elements in the regions of the locking modules 72d, 74d, which can be individually separated from the backrest element 36d to easily access the locking modules 72d, 74d. The cover element 214d forms a literature pocket 216d in its upper region.The literature pocket 216d is arranged in a head region of the backrest 34d. The passenger seat assembly also includes a pivoting table 218d. The pivoting table 218d can be folded onto the cover element 214d of the upper cover module 212d.

[0144] Figure 15 shows a sixth embodiment of a passenger seat device according to the invention. The passenger seat device is essentially designed the same as the passenger seat device of the fifth embodiment. The passenger seat device comprises a backrest 34e. The backrest 34e is provided so that a person sitting on the passenger seat 10e, of which the passenger seat device is a part, can support their back on the backrest 34e. The backrest 34e has a pivotable backrest element 36e. The pivotable backrest element 36e is pivotally mounted on the support unit 12e. The pivotable backrest element 36e has a backrest frame 38e. The passenger seat device has a return module 66e. The return module 66e is provided for returning the backrest 34e from the comfortable position to an upright sitting position.The return module 66e has a locking device 70e. The locking device 70e is provided to lock and unlock the return module 66e. The locking device 70e is provided to lock the backrest 34e, i.e., the pivotable backrest element 36e, at least in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position.

[0145] The return module 66e has a first spring element 68e and a second spring element 190e to provide a return force. In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiment, the spring elements 68e, 190e are designed as bar spring elements. The bar spring elements 68e, 190e are each arranged between a support element 202e attached to the backrest frame 38e and a support element 200e connected to a locking unit 82e. The spring element 68e designed as a bar spring element is supported at an end region with an identical, first side on the respective support element 200e, 202e. The return module 66e has a deflection element 220e, against which the spring element 68e designed as a bar spring element can be supported with an opposite, second side. The deflection element 220e is arranged between the two support elements 200e, 202e.The deflection element 220e is arranged essentially centrally between the two support elements 200e, 202e. The deflection element 220e is designed as a support bolt that is connected to the backrest frame. The deflection element 220e is screwed to an outer side of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38e.

[0146] Figure 16 shows an alternative design of a lower backrest element in a further exemplary embodiment. The basic design of the passenger seat device is essentially identical to the design of the fourth exemplary embodiment. The lower backrest element 32f is designed to be flexible in its upper region 180f. The lower backrest element 32f is designed to be more flexible in its upper region 180f than in its main region 184f arranged below it. The lower backrest element 32f is designed to be elastically deflectable in its upper region 180f. To create flexibility in the upper region 180f, the lower backrest element has a recess pattern 186f in the upper region 180f. The recess pattern 186f is formed by at least one recess 188f introduced into the lower backrest element. The recess pattern 186f is arranged only in the upper region 180f.In the present embodiment, the recesses 188f are formed as wave-shaped recesses 188f. The wave-shaped recesses 188f extend in a transverse direction. Several wave-shaped recesses 188f are preferably arranged in a row, spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the recesses 188f to have a different shape or to form different shapes.

[0147] Figures 17-22 show a passenger seat device in a seventh exemplary embodiment. The passenger seat device is part of a passenger seat 10g. The passenger seat 10g is designed as an aircraft seat. The passenger seat device has a support unit 12g. By means of the support unit 12g, the passenger seat 10g can be supported on the cabin floor 22g of the aircraft cabin. The passenger seat 10g is designed as part of a passenger seat row 14g. The passenger seat row 14g shown as an example has a second passenger seat 16g. The further passenger seat 16g is arranged adjacent to the first passenger seat 10g. The support unit 12g comprises two seat feet 18g, 20g. The seat feet 18g, 20g are each coupled to fastening rails via fittings (not shown in detail), which are firmly connected to the cabin floor 22g. The fittings can be firmly locked into the mounting rails.The support unit 12g has two crossbeams 24g. The crossbeams 24g are designed as support tubes.

[0148] The passenger seat device has two seat structural elements 26g, 28g. The two seat structural elements 26g, 28g are each arranged on one side of a seating area 30g of the passenger seat device. The two seat structural elements 26g, 28g are each arranged to the side of a seating area 30g formed by the passenger seat 10g. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g are designed as seat dividers. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g are arranged on the cross members 24g. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g are attached to the cross members 24g at a distance from one another in the transverse direction. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g are fixedly connected to the cross members 24g. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g are essentially L-shaped. The seat structure elements 26g, 28g each have a first partial region which is oriented substantially horizontally in an assembled state.The seat structural elements 26g, 28g each have a second partial region, which is oriented substantially vertically in the assembled state. The second partial region of the seat structural elements 26g, 28g is arranged in a rear region of the passenger seat 10g. The second partial region of the seat structural elements 26g, 28g extends to a rear end of the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. The second partial region of the seat structural elements 26g, 28g forms a rear region of the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. Thus, the seat structural elements 26g, 28g extend upward in their rear region, away from the support unit 12g, in particular the support plane. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g extend upward in their rear region essentially to an armrest height H. The seat structural elements 26g, 28g extend to an armrest height H of the passenger seat 10g. The armrest height H is 650 mm.In principle, it is preferable that the armrest height H is in a range between 500 mm - 700 mm.

[0149] The seat structural elements 26g, 28g designed as seat dividers are provided for attaching various components of the corresponding passenger seat 10g, 16g to them, as is described in more detail below, at least in part. In principle, it is also conceivable for the support unit 12g to have no seat structural elements 26g, 28g or to have differently designed seat structural elements 26g, 28g, and for corresponding components of the passenger seat 10g, 16g to be connected to the support unit 12g in a different way. The passenger seat device comprises a seat base. The seat base is not shown in more detail. The seat base forms the seating area 30g. The seat base forms a seating surface of the passenger seat 10g. The seat base is connected to the support unit 12g.

[0150] The passenger seat device comprises a backrest 34g. The backrest 34g is provided so that a person sitting on the passenger seat 10g, of which the passenger seat device is a part, can support their back on the backrest 34g. The backrest 34g preferably has upholstery (not shown in detail). The backrest 34g forms a backrest support surface. The backrest 34g is arranged at a rear end of the seat base. The backrest 34g is arranged pivotably relative to the support unit 12g. The backrest 34g is connected to the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. The passenger seat 10g forms a seating direction. The seating direction is defined as the direction in which a passenger sits on the passenger seat 10g. The seating direction is orthogonal to a backrest surface of the backrest 34g and runs parallel to the support plane toward a front end of the seat base.

[0151] The backrest 34g is pivotable. The backrest 34g is designed to be pivoted between an upright sitting position and a comfortable position. The backrest 34g is designed to be pivoted relative to the support unit 12g. The backrest 34g is pivotable relative to the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. The backrest 34g has a pivotable backrest element 36g. The pivotable backrest element 36g is pivotally mounted on the support unit 12g. The pivotable backrest element 36g is pivotally connected to the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. The backrest 34g has a lower backrest element 32g. The lower backrest element 32g is rigid. The lower backrest element 32g is preferably immovable. The lower backrest element 32g forms a lower area of ​​the backrest 34g.The lower backrest element 32g forms the backrest support surface in the lower area of ​​the backrest 34g.

[0152] The pivotable backrest element 36g has a backrest frame 38g. The backrest frame 38g forms a supporting structure of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The backrest frame 38g is designed as a circumferential frame. The backrest frame 38g is preferably substantially egg-shaped. The backrest frame 38g has two lateral frame elements and an upper frame element that connects the two lateral frame elements at an upper end of the backrest frame 38g. At a lower end, the backrest frame 38g is preferably open. The lower end of the backrest frame 38g forms a lower end of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The pivotable backrest element 36g has a shell element 40g. The shell element 40g is designed as a plate-like element. The shell element 40g is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.The shell element 40g is arranged in an inner region of the pivotable backrest element 36g spanned by the backrest frame 38g.

[0153] The backrest frame 38g forms a supporting element 42g of the pivoting

[0154] Backrest element 36g. The supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g is intended to divert operating forces, in particular supporting forces, acting on the pivotable backrest element 36g into the support unit 12g, in particular via the seat structure elements 26g, 28g. The supporting element 42g is preferably rigid and intended to transmit torsional and bending forces. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the pivotable backrest element 36g not to have a backrest frame 38g. In this case, it would be conceivable for the entire backrest element 36g to be formed by a shell element that integrally forms the backrest support surface and the supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g.

[0155] The passenger seat device has two bearing elements 44g, 46g for supporting the pivotable backrest element 36g. The pivotable backrest element 36g is connected to the support unit 12g via the bearing elements 44g, 46g. The bearing elements 44g, 46g are fixedly connected to the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. In the assembled state, the bearing elements 44g, 46g extend from the respective seat structural element 26g, 28g toward one another in the direction of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The bearing elements 44g, 46g are rigidly connected to the respective seat structural element 26g, 28g. The bearing element 44g is rigidly mounted on the left seat structural element 26g. The bearing element 46g is rigidly mounted on the right seat structural element 28g. The bearing elements 44g, 46g are designed as fixed bearing axes. The bearing elements 44g, 46g are arranged at a height of a rotation axis 50g of the backrest 34g.The pivot axis 50g is the axis about which the pivotable backrest element 36g is pivotally mounted. The pivot axis 50g is defined by the bearing elements 44g, 46g, which serve as bearing axes. The pivot axis 50g is aligned coaxially with a center axis of the bearing elements 44g, 46g, which serve as bearing axes. The bearing elements 44g, 46g form a sliding bearing area at an end opposite a connecting flange for connection to the seat structure elements 26g, 28g. The pivotable backrest element 36g is slidably mounted on the bearing elements 44g, 46g via the sliding bearing areas of the bearing elements 44g, 46g. The backrest frame 38g, which forms the supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g, is pivotably mounted on the bearing elements 44g, 46g via the sliding bearing areas. The sliding bearing areas are formed by an axial extension of the bearing elements 44g, 46g.The lateral frame elements of the backrest frame 38g each have a bearing receptacle 62g at their lower end region, via which the backrest frame 38g is pivotally mounted to slide on the sliding bearing regions of the bearing elements 44g, 46g. The pivotable backrest element 36g each has a bearing bushing 64g arranged in the corresponding bearing receptacle 62g of the backrest frame 38g. In an assembled state, the sliding bearing region of the bearing element 44g, 46g extends through the bearing bushing 64g arranged in the bearing receptacle 62g.

[0156] The backrest 34g is designed as a backrest with a high backrest pivot point. The backrest pivot point is formed by the rotation axis 50g. The backrest pivot point, i.e., the rotation axis 50g, is arranged above a knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10g. The knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10g extends from the cabin floor 22g to a height of 650 mm. The knee area is arranged as an area in which a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat 10g can position their knees. To form the high backrest pivot point, the bearing elements 44g, 46g are connected to an upper end region of the seat structural elements 26g, 28g. The bearing elements 44g, 46g are connected to the seat structural elements 26g, 28g above the knee area. The bearing elements 44g, 46g are arranged at the armrest height H. The rotation axis 50g is located above the knee area of ​​the passenger seat 10g.

[0157] The passenger seat device has a reset module 66g. The reset module 66g is provided for returning the backrest 34g from the comfortable position to an upright sitting position. The reset module 66g is provided for returning the backrest 34g from its comfortable sitting position to the upright sitting position. The reset module 66g is provided for returning the pivotable backrest element 36g. The reset module 66g is provided for returning the backrest 34g, in particular for returning the pivotable backrest element 36g, in order to provide a restoring force. The reset module 66g is arranged at least substantially in a region above the bearing elements 44g, 46g. The reset module 66g is arranged at least substantially above the armrest height X, i.e., on a side facing away from the support plane.The return module 66g is arranged at least largely above the knee area of ​​the backrest 34g. The return module 66g has a first spring element 68g for providing a return force. The return module 66g has a second spring element 190g for providing a return force. The spring elements 68g, 190g are each arranged on one side of the backrest frame 38g. The spring elements 68g, 190g are each connected to a lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring elements 68g, 190g are each connected to an outer side of a lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The spring elements 68g, 190g are designed as spiral springs. The spring elements 68g, 190g are preferably designed as metallic spiral springs. The spring elements 68g, 190g are designed to provide a spring force.The spring force of the spring elements 68g, 190g forms the restoring force of the restoring module 66g. The spring elements 68g, 190g are functionally arranged between the pivotable backrest element 36g and the support unit 12g. The spring elements 68g, 190g are intended to be supported on the support unit 12g with a first side. The spring elements 68g, 190g are intended to be supported on the pivotable backrest element 36g with a second side. The spring elements 68g, 190g are functionally arranged between one of the seat structure elements 26g, 28g and a lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The spring elements 68g, 190g are designed as spiral springs. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the 68g and 190g spring elements to be designed as other spring elements. For example, it would also be conceivable for the spring elements to be designed as bar springs.In principle, it would also be conceivable that the reset module only has a 68g spring element.

[0158] The passenger seat device has a locking device 70g. The locking device 70g is provided to lock the backrest 34g in its upright sitting position. The locking device 70g is provided to lock the pivotable backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70g is provided to lock the backrest 34g in the comfort position. The locking device 70g is provided to lock the pivotable backrest element 36g in the comfort position. The locking device 70g can lock the pivotable backrest element 36g in the comfort position and in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70g is provided to positively lock the pivotable backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position.The locking device 70g is provided for positively locking the pivoting backrest element 36g in the comfort position. By means of the locking device 70g, the pivoting backrest element 36g can be positively locked in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position.

[0159] The locking device 70g is provided for continuously locking the pivotable backrest element 36g between the comfort position and the upright sitting position. The locking device 70g is provided for securely fixing the pivotable backrest element 36g in any position between the comfort position and the upright sitting position. The locking device 70g is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36g in any intermediate position between the comfort position and the upright sitting position such that forces, in particular sitting and holding forces, can be diverted. In an intermediate position, the pivotable backrest element 36g is locked by means of the locking device 70g such that a passenger sitting on the passenger seat 10g can lean against the pivotable backrest element 36g.The locking device 70g is preferably provided to non-positively fix the pivotable backrest element 36g in any intermediate position between the upright sitting position and the comfort position. The locking device 70g is provided to frictionally fix the pivotable backrest element 36g in any intermediate position.

[0160] The locking device 70g is designed separately from the spring element 68g, 190g of the reset module 66g. The locking device 70g is designed separately from both spring elements 68g, 190g of the reset module 66g. The function of the locking device 70g is independent of the spring elements 68g, 190g of the reset module 66g.

[0161] The locking device 70g has a first locking module 72g. The first locking module 72g of the locking device 70g is arranged on a left side of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The first locking module 72g is arranged between the first, left seat structure element 26g and the supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g, which is formed by the backrest frame 38g. The first locking module 72g is operatively arranged between the left bearing element 44g and the left lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The first locking module 72g is fixedly connected to the left bearing element 44g by a first connection region. The first locking module 72g is fixedly connected to the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g by a second connection region. The first locking module 72g is arranged on an outer side 76g of the supporting element 42g.The first locking module 72g is thus arranged on the outer side 76g of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The first locking module 72g is arranged on the outer side 76g of the backrest frame 38g facing the left seat structure element 26g.

[0162] The locking device 70g has a second locking module 74g. The second locking module 74g of the locking device 70g is arranged on a right side of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The second locking module 74g is arranged between the second, right seat structure element 28g and the supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g, which is formed by the backrest frame 38g. The second locking module 74g is operatively arranged between the right bearing element 46g and the right lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The second locking module 74g is fixedly connected to the right bearing element 46g by a first connection region. The second locking module 74g is fixedly connected to the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g by a second connection region. The first locking module 72g is arranged on an outer side 78g of the supporting element 42g.The second locking module 74g is thus arranged on the outer side 78g of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The second locking module 74g is arranged on the outer side 78g of the backrest frame 38g facing the right seat structure element 28g.

[0163] The two locking modules 72g, 74g are provided together for locking the backrest 34g, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36g. The two locking modules 72g, 74g of the locking device 70g are essentially identical. The locking modules 72g, 74g are essentially mirror images of one another. Preferably, only the actuating connections or elements for transmitting an actuating force are different in the locking modules 72g, 74g. The locking modules 72g, 74g have an essentially identical, mirrored structure. The second locking module 74g is essentially a mirror image of the first locking module 72g. Therefore, only the first locking module 72g will be described in detail below. The following description of the first locking module 72g can be used to explain the second locking module 74g.The differences of the second locking module 74g compared to the first locking module 72g are described explicitly.

[0164] The locking module 72g has a first locking unit 80g. The first locking unit 80g is designed to be attached to the pivotable backrest element 36g. The first locking unit 80g forms a part of the locking module 72g facing the pivotable backrest element 36g. In an assembled state, the first locking unit 80g is firmly connected to the pivotable backrest element 36g. The first locking unit 80g is connected to the supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The first locking unit 80g is captively mounted on the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g.

[0165] The locking module 72g has a second locking unit 82g. The second locking unit 82g is designed to be captively mounted on the bearing element 44g. The second locking unit 82g forms a part of the locking module 72g facing the support unit 12g. In an assembled state, the second locking unit 82g is firmly connected to the bearing element 44g, which is designed as a bearing axis. The second locking unit 82g is mounted on the bearing element 44g. The bearing element 44g has a connecting flange for connecting the second locking unit 82g. The second locking unit 82g is firmly mounted to the connecting flange of the bearing element 44g via several screw connections.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the first locking unit 80g of the locking module 72g to be firmly connected to the bearing element 44g and the second locking unit 82g to be firmly connected to the supporting element 42g of the pivotable backrest element 36g.

[0166] The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g of the locking module 72g are movably mounted relative to one another. The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are movably mounted relative to one another about the rotation axis 50g by the connection to the pivotable backrest element 36g, or the bearing element 44g, via the mounting of the pivotable backrest element 36g. The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are designed to be positively and / or non-positively locked to one another in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are designed to be in positive contact with one another in at least one direction of movement in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position in order to fix the pivotable backrest element 36g.The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are designed to engage one another in a positive-locking manner in the upright sitting position in order to prevent the pivotable backrest element 36g from being adjusted forward. The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are designed to engage one another in a positive-locking manner in the comfort position in order to prevent the pivotable backrest element 36g from being adjusted backward. The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are designed to be additionally fixed in a force-locking manner, i.e., friction-locking manner, in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position. The first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are designed to be friction-lockingly fixed in any intermediate position between the upright sitting position and the comfort position.In any intermediate position, the first locking unit 80g and the second locking unit 82g are only fixed to each other by force-locking.

[0167] The locking module 72g has a friction unit 300g. The friction unit 300g is designed to provide a holding force for continuously locking the pivoting backrest element 36g. The friction unit 300g is designed to force-lock the pivoting backrest element 36g in one position. The friction unit 300g is designed to force-lock the pivoting backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position, in the comfort position, and in any intermediate position by means of a frictional connection. The friction unit 300g has an unactuated state and an actuated state. An unactuated state is embodied as a closed state of the friction unit 300g. In an unactuated state, the friction unit 300g is closed, and the locking module 72g locks the pivoting backrest element 36g in its current position.An actuated state is configured as an open state of the friction unit 300g. In an actuated state, the friction unit 300g is open, and the locking module 72g releases the pivotable backrest element 36g. In the actuated state of the friction unit 300g, the pivotable backrest element 36g can be pivoted between the upright sitting position and the comfort position.

[0168] The friction unit 300g is preferably arranged on the first locking unit 80g of the locking module 72g. The friction unit 300g is part of the first locking unit 80g. The friction unit 300g is connected to the backrest frame 38g.

[0169] The first locking unit 80g has a rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is arranged on the pivotable backrest element 36g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is rotatably mounted on the backrest frame 38g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is aligned transversely to the backrest frame 38g. In an assembled state, the rotatably mounted shaft 302g extends from an outer side 76g of the backrest frame 38g to an inner side of the backrest frame 38g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g extends through the backrest frame 38g. The backrest frame 38g has a bearing receptacle 304g. The bearing receptacle 304g is formed as a through-hole through the backrest frame 38g. In the bearing receptacle 304g designed as a through hole, a bearing bush 306g is preferably arranged, in which the rotatably mounted shaft 302g is slidably mounted.The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is provided to connect the friction unit 300g to the other locking unit 82g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is provided to rotate when the pivotable backrest element 36g pivots. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is coupled to the friction unit 300g. The friction unit 300g is provided for the frictional locking of the pivotable backrest element 36g and for the frictional securing of the rotatably mounted shaft 302g against rotation. The friction unit 300g is arranged at a first, inner end of the rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The friction unit 300g is arranged on an inner side of the backrest frame 38g. The friction unit 300g is connected to the rotatably mounted shaft 300g on the inner side of the backrest frame 38g.

[0170] The friction unit 300g has a connecting element 308g. The connecting element 308g is intended to be connected directly to the inside of the backrest frame 38g. The connecting element 308g is designed as a flat element. The connecting element 308g is preferably designed as a milled part. The connecting element 308g preferably has two fastening holes 310g, via which the connecting element 308g can be connected to the backrest frame 38g, preferably by means of a screw connection. The fastening holes 310g are preferably designed as threaded holes. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the fastening holes 310g to be designed merely as simple through holes. The connecting element 308g has a central receiving area 312g. The receiving area 312g is preferably intended to support a part of the rotatably mounted shaft 302g.The connecting element 308g has a central through-hole through which the rotatably mounted shaft 302g is guided. The connecting element 308g forms a connection area for the friction unit 300g. The friction unit 300g is connected to the backrest frame 38g via the connecting element 308g.

[0171] The friction unit 300g has a base body 314g. The base body 314g is designed as a counterholder. The base body 314g is intended to be connected to the connecting element 308g. The base body 314g is connected to the connecting element 308g in a rotationally secure manner. The base body 314g is mounted in an axial direction of the rotatably mounted shaft 302g so as to be displaceable against a spring force relative to the connecting element 308g and the shaft 302g. The base body 314g is provided for supporting the rotatable shaft 302g. The base body 314g has a bearing receptacle 328g. The bearing receptacle 328g is designed as a through hole. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is slidably mounted with its first end in the bearing receptacle 328g of the base body 314g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g has a bearing area at its first end with which the shaft 302g is slidably mounted on the base body 314g.The base body 314g is displaceable along the bearing area of ​​the rotatably mounted shaft 302g in the axial direction of the shaft 302g.

[0172] The base body 314g has two fastening holes 338g for connection to the connecting element 308g. The fastening holes 338g are designed as simple through-holes. The fastening holes 338g of the base body 314g correspond to the fastening holes 310g of the connecting element 308g. The friction unit 300g has connecting elements 340g via which the friction unit 300g can be mounted. The friction unit 300g can be connected to the backrest frame 38g by means of the connecting elements 340g. The connecting elements 340g connect the base body 314g to the connecting element 308g. The connecting elements 340g connect the base body 314g and the connecting element 308g to the backrest frame 38g. The base body 314g is connected to the connecting element 308g via the connecting elements 340g, which can be displaced in the axial direction. The connecting elements 340g are designed as screw elements.The connecting elements 340g, designed as screw elements, preferably have an external thread only at a front end region facing away from a screw head. The base body 314g is mounted to slide relative to the connecting elements 340g via its fastening holes 338g. To connect the base body 314g to the connecting element 308g, the connecting elements 340g are each guided through a fastening hole 338g of the base body 314g and through a fastening hole 310g of the connecting element 308g. If the fastening holes 310g of the connecting element 308g are designed as threaded holes, the connecting elements 340g are firmly screwed into the fastening holes 310g. To connect the friction unit 300g to the backrest frame 38g, the backrest frame 38g has threaded bushings 348g. The threaded bushings 348g are inserted into the outer side 76g of the backrest frame 38g.To attach the friction unit 300g, the base body 314g together with the connecting element 308g is screwed with the connecting elements 340g to the threaded bushings 348g of the backrest frame 38g.

[0173] The friction unit 300g has a spacer element 316g. The spacer element 316g is arranged between the connecting element 308g and the base body 314g. The spacer element 316g is annular. The spacer element 316g rests flat against the connecting element 308g with a first side. On a second side, the spacer element 316g has a groove that forms an inclined surface. The groove 318g and the inclined surface are provided for contact with an engagement element 320g of the base body 314g. The engagement element 320g is formed as a raised portion on an inner side of the base body 314g. The spacer element 316g is rotatably mounted relative to the base body 314g and the connecting element 308g. The spacer element 316g is intended to vary a distance between the base body 314g and the connecting element 308g by rotation.In a neutral position of the spacer element 316g, the distance between the base body 314g and the connecting element 308g is at its smallest. In the neutral position, the engagement element 320g of the base body 314g is arranged in the groove 318g. In the neutral position of the spacer element 316g, the friction unit 300g is in its unactuated state. When the spacer element 316g is rotated out of its neutral position, the inclined surface comes into contact with the engagement element 320g of the base body 314g and thereby pushes the base body 314g away from the connecting element 308g. In an actuated position, in which the spacer element 316g is rotated out of its neutral position, the spacer element 316g pushes the base body 314g away from the connecting element 308g into an unlocked position.

[0174] The friction unit 300g has at least one spring element 322g, which is intended to exert a spring force on the base body 314g, which is directed in the direction of the connecting element 308g. The friction unit 300g has a second spring element 350g, which is intended to exert a spring force on the base body 314g, which is directed in the direction of the connecting element 308g. The spring elements 322g, 350g are preferably of the same design. The spring elements 322g, 350g are designed as compression springs. The spring elements 322g, 350g are designed as metal compression springs. Preferably, the spring elements 322g, 350g are formed from a wound spring steel. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the spring elements 322g, 350g to be formed from an elastically deformable plastic. The spring elements 322g, 350g are intended to press the base body 314g against the connecting element 308g.The spring elements 322g, 350g are also provided to press the spacer element 316g into its neutral position. The spring elements 322g, 350g are provided to exert a spring force on the spacer element 316g, which moves the spacer element 316g into its neutral position. The spring elements 322g, 350g are arranged between the connecting elements 340g and the base body 314g of the friction unit 300g. The spring elements 322g, 350g are functionally connected between the base body 314g and the connecting elements 340g. The spring elements 322g, 350g are each arranged between a screw head of one of the connecting elements 340g and the base body 314g, in particular an outer side of the base body 314g. The spring elements 322g, 350g are clamped between the screw head of the respective connecting element 340g and the outside of the base body 314g of the friction unit 300g.The spring elements 322g, 350g are intended to be supported on the screw head of the connecting element 340g, which is firmly connected to the backrest frame 38g, and to exert a force on the base body 314g in the direction of the connecting element 308g.

[0175] The friction unit 300g has a first friction element 324g. The friction element 324g forms a friction surface. The friction surface of the friction element 324g is designed to make frictional contact with a correspondingly designed friction surface. The first friction element 324g is designed as a rotationally fixed friction element. The first friction element 324g is rotationally fixed to the backrest frame 38g. The first friction element 324g is fixedly connected to the base body 314g. The first friction element 324g is arranged on an inner side of the base body 314g. The first friction element 324g is preferably formed by an inner side of the base body 314g. The first friction element 324g is designed as a conical friction element. The first friction element 324g is designed as a conical recess. The first friction element 324g forms a conical friction surface.

[0176] The friction unit 300g has a further first friction element 352g. The friction element 352g forms a friction surface. The further first friction element 352g is designed as a rotationally fixed friction element. The further first friction element 352g is designed so as to be rotationally fixed to the backrest frame 38g. The further first friction element 352g is fixedly connected to the connecting element 308g. The further first friction element 352g is arranged on an inner side of the connecting element 308g. The further first friction element 352g is preferably formed by an inner side of the connecting element 308g. The further first friction element 352g is formed by the receiving area 312g of the connecting element 308g. The further first friction element 352g is also designed as a conical friction element. The further first friction element 352g is also designed as a conical recess. The further first friction element 352g forms a conical friction surface.

[0177] The friction unit 300g has a second friction element 326g. The second friction element 326g is fixedly connected to the rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The second friction element 326g is rotationally fixed to the rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The second friction element 326g is designed as a conical friction element. The second friction element 326g forms a conical friction surface. The second friction element 326g faces the base body 314g. The second friction element 326g faces the first friction element 324g formed by the base body 314g. The second friction element 326g is designed as a friction disc with a conical friction surface. The second friction element 326g is designed to correspond to the first friction element 324g. The second friction element 326g is intended for frictional contact with the first friction element 324g. The second friction element 326g is preferably formed integrally with the rotatable shaft 302g.In principle, it would also be conceivable that the second friction element 326g is connected to the shaft 302g via connecting means.

[0178] The friction unit 300g has a further second friction element 354g. The further second friction element 354g is fixedly connected to the rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The further second friction element 354g is rotationally fixed to the rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The further second friction element 354g is designed as a conical friction element. The further second friction element 354g forms a conical friction surface. The further second friction element 354g faces the connecting element 308g. The further second friction element 354g faces the further first friction element 352g formed by the connecting element 308g. The further second friction element 354g is designed as a friction disk with a conical friction surface. The further second friction element 354g is designed to correspond to the further first friction element 352g. The further second friction element 354g is provided for frictional contact with the further first friction element 352g.The further second friction element 354g is preferably formed integrally with the rotatable shaft 302g. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the further second friction element 354g to be rotationally connected to the shaft 302g via connecting means. The two second friction elements 326g, 354g are preferably formed integrally with the shaft 302g.

[0179] In principle, it would also be conceivable for the friction unit 300g to have only the one first friction element 324g and the one correspondingly designed second friction element 326g. By configuring the friction unit 300g with two first friction elements 324g, 326g and two second friction elements 326g, 354g, a large friction surface, in particular twice as large, can advantageously be provided. This advantageously increases the force that can be supported by the friction unit 300g. The two friction elements 324g, 326g and the two friction elements 352g, 354g of the friction unit 300g are intended to be frictionally connected to one another. In an unactuated state of the friction unit 300g, the corresponding friction elements 324g, 326g, 352g, 354g of the friction unit 300g are each non-positively connected to one another.The spring force of the spring elements 322g, 350g of the friction unit 300g presses the corresponding friction elements 324g, 326g, 352g, and 354g of the friction unit 300g against each other. In the unactuated state, the friction element 324g formed by the base body 314g is pressed by the spring elements 322g, 350g of the friction unit 300g against the friction element 326g formed by the rotatably mounted shaft 302g. The spring force of the spring elements 322g, 350g presses the further second friction element 354g formed by the shaft 302g against the further first friction element 352g formed by the connecting element 308g.In the unactuated state of the friction unit 300g, the second friction elements 326g, 354g, which are rigidly connected to the rotatably mounted shaft 302g, are pressed against the corresponding first friction elements 324g, 352g by the spring elements 322g, 350g, so that the friction elements 324g, 326g and the friction elements 352g, 354g are frictionally coupled to one another, and thus the rotatably mounted shaft 302g is frictionally coupled to the base body 314g, which is rotationally connected to the backrest frame 38g, and to the connecting element 308g. The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is thus frictionally secured against rotation in the unactuated state and rigidly connected to the backrest frame 38g. In the unactuated state of the friction unit 300g, the rotatably mounted shaft 302g is arranged in a rotationally stable manner relative to the pivotable backrest element 36g, in particular the backrest frame 38g.By rotating the spacer element 316g out of its neutral position, the base body 314g is pushed away from the connecting element 308g. The rotation of the spacer element 316g and the resulting axial displacement of the base body 314g lift the friction element 324g formed by the base body 314g from the second friction element 326g, which is rigidly connected to the shaft 302g. By rotating the spacer element 316g out of its neutral position, a friction force between the friction elements 324g, 326g and the friction elements 352g, 354g is reduced. Advantageously, a frictional engagement is eliminated when the spacer element 316g is rotated into an unlocking position between the two friction elements 324g, 326g and the friction elements 352g, 354g of the friction unit 300g.The rotatably mounted shaft 302g is released in a position of the spacer element 316g rotated out of the neutral position and the resulting reduced or eliminated frictional engagement between the friction elements 324g, 326g and the friction elements 352g, 354g of the friction unit 300g and can rotate about its rotational axis.

[0180] To actuate the friction unit 300g, the locking device has a Bowden cable 150g as an actuating means. The Bowden cable 150g is a transmission element designed to transmit an actuating force and an actuating movement from the actuating element to the locking device 70g. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the passenger seat device to have a different force transmission element for transmitting the actuating force. The Bowden cable 150g is designed to move the locking module 72g from a locked position to an unlocked position. The Bowden cable 150g is designed to move the friction unit 300g from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The Bowden cable 150g is designed to rotate the spacer element 316g. The Bowden cable 150g is connected to the spacer element 316g.The spacer element 316g has a form-locking element 330g on its circumference, which is provided for connecting the Bowden cable 150g. An actuating wire of the Bowden cable 150g is connected in a form-locking manner to the form-locking element 330g. The base body 314g preferably has a holding element 332g to which a Bowden cable sheath is connected. The Bowden cable 150g is connected with its first end to the locking module 80g, i.e., to the spacer element 316g of the friction unit 300g. A second end of the Bowden cable 150g is preferably connected to an actuating element (not shown in detail), which is preferably designed as an actuating button or an actuating lever. An actuating force can be transmitted to the 150g Bowden cable via the actuating element, which is then passed on to the 300g friction unit of the 80g locking module to actuate it.

[0181] The second locking unit 82g has a base body 110g. The base body 110g is formed by a flat, elongated body. The base body 110g is preferably made of a light metal. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the base body 110g to be made of steel. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the base body 110g to be made of another material, for example a plastic. In an assembled state, the base body 110g preferably extends from the bearing receptacle 62g to a height just below the first locking unit 80g. The base body 110g is intended to be rigidly coupled to the bearing element 44g in an assembled state. The base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g is intended to be coupled to the rotatable shaft 302g of the first locking unit 80g.

[0182] The locking module 72g has a coupling gear 332g. The coupling gear 332g is provided to movably couple the first locking unit 80g to the second locking unit 82g. The coupling gear 332g is provided to convert a relative movement of the movable backrest frame 38g relative to the support unit 12g, in particular to the bearing element 44g, in an actuated state of the friction unit 300g into a rotational movement of the rotatable shaft 302g. The coupling gear 332g is provided to immovably connect the fixed, rotatably mounted shaft 302g of the first locking unit 80g to the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g in an unactuated state of the friction unit 300g. The coupling gear 332g connects the rotatably mounted shaft 302g of the first locking unit 80g with the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g.The coupling mechanism 332g has a first toothed element 334g connected to the shaft 302g. The toothed element 334g is designed as a gear. The toothed element 334g designed as a gear is rotationally connected to the shaft 302g. The toothed element 334g designed as a gear is connected to a second end of the shaft 302g on the outside of the backrest frame 38g. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the toothed element 334g to be designed merely as a gear section. The coupling mechanism 332g has a second toothed element 336g. The second toothed element 336g of the coupling mechanism is rigidly connected to the second locking unit 82g. The second toothed element 336g of the coupling mechanism is rigidly connected to the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g. The second tooth element 336g forms an upper region of the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g.Preferably, the second tooth element 336g is formed integrally with the base body 110g. The second tooth element 336g is formed as a gear section having a plurality of teeth. The second tooth element 336g is formed by an upper end of the base body 110g. The second tooth element 336g preferably extends over a large portion, preferably over the entire upper side, of the base body 110g. The second tooth element 336g meshes with its teeth in the teeth of the first tooth element 334g, which is formed as a gear and is rigidly connected to the shaft 302g.

[0183] In an unactuated state of the friction unit 300g, in which the shaft 302g is fixed by the friction unit 300g, the first toothed element 334g, designed as a gear, cannot run on the second toothed element 336g, which is rigidly arranged on the base body 110g. A supporting force of the pivotable backrest element 36g is diverted via the friction unit 300g into the rotatably mounted shaft 302g, via the coupling gear 332g into the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g, and from there via the bearing element 44g into the support unit 12g. In an actuated state of the friction unit 300g, in which the shaft 302g can rotate, the first toothed element 334g designed as a gear wheel can run on the second toothed element 336g, which is rigidly arranged on the base body 110g, and the pivotable backrest element 36g can pivot relative to the support unit 12g.

[0184] The first toothed element 334g, designed as a gear, can be fixed in different positions in the second toothed element 336g by securing the rotatably mounted shaft 302g using the friction unit 300g. This allows the pivotable backrest element 36g to be fixed in different intermediate positions relative to the support unit 12g. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the friction unit 300g to be arranged on the first locking unit 80g and thus connected to the bearing element 44g. In this case, the rotatably mounted shaft 302g would also be formed by the first locking unit 80g and rotatably mounted on the bearing element 44g.

[0185] The second locking unit 82g has a connecting element 118g. In a normal operating state, the connecting element 118g is connected to the bearing element 44g in a rotationally fixed manner. The base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g is connected to the connecting element 118g. In the assembled state, the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g is captively mounted to the connecting element 118g. In the assembled state, the outer side of the base body 110g preferably rests against an inner side of the connecting element 118g. The connecting element 118g is rigidly connected to the bearing element 44g by means of several screws. The connecting element 118g is connected to the connecting flange of the bearing element 44g in a rotationally fixed manner via the screws.

[0186] The second locking unit 82g has an eccentric adjustment unit 128g. By means of the eccentric adjustment unit 128g, a position of the second locking unit 82g relative to the first locking unit 80g is adjustable. By means of the eccentric adjustment unit 128g, a position of the toothed element 336g of the base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g relative to the shaft 302g and the toothed element 334g of the first locking unit 80g connected thereto is adjustable. The eccentric adjustment unit 128g is provided to change a position of the connecting element 118g relative to the base body 110g. The base body 110g of the second locking unit 82g is connected to the connecting element 118g via the eccentric adjustment unit 128g. The eccentric adjustment unit 128g can be used to change the angle of the base body 110g relative to the connecting element 118g.The eccentric adjustment unit 128g has a connecting screw 130g, via which the base body 110g is connected to the connecting element 118g. The base body 110g has an elongated through-hole 132g. The through-hole 132g extends from an inner side to an outer side of the base body 110g. The through-hole 132g has a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft of the connecting screw 130g. The through-hole 132g is formed as an elongated hole. The length of the through-hole 132g is preferably at least 5% larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft of the connecting screw 130g. The through-hole 132g has a countersink 134g that is larger than the screw head of the connecting screw 130g. When assembled, the screw head of the connecting screw 130g is completely located in the countersink 134g of the through hole 132g. The eccentric adjustment unit 128g has an eccentric element 136g.The eccentric adjustment unit 128g is connected to the connecting element 118g. The connecting element 118g has a round receptacle in which the eccentric element 136g is captively and rotatably arranged. The eccentric element 136g has an eccentric through-hole 138g. The connecting screw 130g is guided through the eccentric through-hole 138g in the assembled state. The eccentric adjustment unit 128g has a nut 146g with which the connecting screw 130g is connected to the eccentric element 136g. When mounting the base body 110g on the connecting element 118g, the position of the off-center through-hole 138g relative to the base body 110g can be changed by rotating the eccentric element 136g in the receptacle of the connecting element 118g. This allows an angle of the first base body 110g relative to the connecting element 118g, and thus also to the bearing element 44g, to be adjusted during assembly.

[0187] The first locking unit 80g has a locking element 102g. The locking element 102g is arranged in a fixed position relative to the first locking unit 82g. The locking element 102g is formed by the backrest frame 38g or is connected to it. The locking element 102g is provided for the positive locking of the pivotable backrest element 36g in the comfort position. The locking element 102g is provided for the positive locking of the pivotable backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position. The locking element 102g is designed as a locking pin. The locking element 102g is arranged on an outer side 76g of the backrest frame 38g. The locking element 102g is provided for the positive locking of the pivotable backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position in such a way that further forward movement is not possible.The locking element 102g is provided to positively lock the pivoting backrest element 36g in the comfort position so that further rearward movement is not possible. The second locking unit 82g has a positive locking element 106g. The positive locking element 106g is designed to lock the pivoting backrest element 36g.

[0188] Backrest element 36g in the comfort position. The form-locking element 106g is provided for coupling with the immovably mounted locking element 102g of the first locking unit 80g. The form-locking element 106g of the second locking unit 82g is provided for locking the backrest element 36g in the comfort position in order to positively fix the locking element 102g of the first locking unit 80g. The form-locking element 106g forms an end stop for the pivotable backrest element 36g. The form-locking element 106g is formed by the end of a groove 108g. The locking element 102g is arranged in the groove 108g in an assembled state in the comfort position and in the upright sitting position. The base body 110g forms the form-locking element 106g of the second locking unit 82g. The groove 108g, which forms the form-locking element 106g, is introduced into the inside of the base body 110g.The groove 108g has a curved profile. The groove 108g is open toward a front side of the base body 110g. One end of the groove 108g, which faces away from an opening arranged on the front side, forms the positive-locking element 106g, against which the locking element 102g abuts in the comfort position.

[0189] The second locking unit 82g has a further positive-locking element 104g. The positive-locking element 104g is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position. The first positive-locking element 104g is provided for a positive coupling with the locking element 102g of the first locking unit 80g. The positive-locking element 104g of the second locking unit 82g is provided for the positive locking of the pivotable backrest element 36g in the upright sitting position in order to positively fix the locking element 102g of the first locking unit 80g in one direction. The positive-locking element 104g forms a stop element for the locking element 102g. The positive-locking element 104g is formed by a locking element 144g. The locking element 144g is provided to lock the groove 108g forming the second form-locking element 106g at the opened front end.The locking element 144g is designed as a locking bolt. In the assembled state, the locking element 144g closes the groove 108g to the front. The locking element 102g arranged in the groove 108g cannot be guided out of the groove 108g. The base body 110g has a receiving hole in which the locking element 144g can be arranged. In an assembled state, the locking element 144g is arranged in the receiving hole. The locking element 144g extends into the groove 108g and blocks it. The receiving hole in which the locking element 144g is arranged runs transversely to the groove 108g. If the locking element 144g is guided out of the groove 108g, a path is cleared for the locking element 102g to exit the groove 108g. This allows the pivoting backrest element 36g to be folded forward from the upright sitting position. The pivoting backrest element 36g can be folded down to the seat base in a non-use position.

[0190] The spring elements 68g, 190g are each identically designed and connected equivalently to the backrest frame 38g. Therefore, only one spring element 68g and its connection will be described below, whereby the description can be used to explain the second spring element 190g. The spring element 68g is designed as a spiral spring. The spring element 68g has a spiral central region 192g and two spring legs 194g, 196g protruding from the central region 192g. The return module 66g has a bearing element 198g, via which the spring element 68g is connected to the backrest frame 38g. The bearing element 198g is designed as a bearing cylinder. The bearing element 198g has a cylindrical outer surface on which the spring element 68g rests with its spiral central region 192g. The spring element 68g surrounds the bearing element 198g with its spiral-shaped central area 192g.The bearing element 198g is firmly connected to the outside of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The bearing element 198g is preferably screwed in a fixed position to the outside of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g via a screw connection. The first spring leg 194g is provided for support on the bearing element 44g. The first spring leg 194g is provided for support on the second locking unit 82g. To support the first spring leg 194g, the return module 66g has a first support element 200g. The first spring leg 194g is supported on the support element 200g, which is formed by the second locking unit 82g. The support element 200g is preferably formed by a base body 86g of the locking unit 82g. The second spring leg 196g is provided for support on the backrest element 36g.The second spring leg 196g is provided for support on the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The return module 66g has a second support element 202g for supporting the second spring leg 196g. The second support element 202g is provided for supporting the second spring leg 196g on the backrest frame 38g. The support element 202g is designed as a support bolt that is firmly connected to a side surface of the lateral frame element of the backrest frame 38g. The support element 202g is preferably attached by means of a screw connection. The spring element 68g rests against the support element 202g with its spring leg 196g for support.

[0191] The first locking module 72g has a force transmission unit 152g, which transmits an actuating force exerted by the Bowden cable 150g to the first locking module 72g. The passenger seat device has a second Bowden cable 154g. The second Bowden cable 154g is provided to transmit an actuating force from the first locking module 72g to the second locking module 74g. The second locking module 72g is connected in series with the first locking module 72g via the second Bowden cable 154g.

[0192] Figures 22 to 26 show an eighth embodiment of a part of a passenger seat device according to the invention.

[0193] The passenger seat device comprises a backrest 34h. The backrest 34h is pivotable. The backrest 34h is designed to be pivoted between an upright sitting position and a comfort position. The backrest 34h has a pivotable backrest element 36h. The pivotable backrest element 36h is pivotally mounted on a support unit. The pivotable backrest element 36h is pivotable between an upright sitting position and a comfort position. The pivotable backrest element 36h has a backrest frame 38h. The backrest frame 38h forms a supporting structure of the pivotable backrest element 36h. The backrest frame 38h forms a supporting element of the pivotable backrest element 36h. The passenger seat device is designed essentially the same as in the first exemplary embodiment.The passenger seat device has a return module 66h, not shown in detail in the figures. The return module 66h is provided for returning the backrest 34h from the comfortable position to an upright sitting position. The return module 66h is provided for returning the backrest 34h from its pivoted sitting position to the upright sitting position. The return module 66h is provided for returning the backrest 34h, in particular for returning the pivotable backrest element 36h, in order to provide a return force. The return module 66h has a first spring element 68h for providing a return force. The return module 66h has a second spring element 190h for providing a return force. The spring elements 68h, 190h are each arranged on one side of the backrest frame 38h.The spring elements are designed in the same way as in the first embodiment and are therefore not shown in detail here.

[0194] The passenger seat device has a locking device 70h. The locking device 70h is provided to lock the backrest 34h in its upright sitting position and the comfort position. The locking device 70h is provided to positively lock the pivotable backrest element 36h in the upright sitting position. The locking device 70h is provided to positively lock the pivotable backrest element 36h in the comfort position.

[0195] The locking device 70h is provided for continuously locking the pivotable backrest element 36h between the comfort position and the upright sitting position. The locking device 70h is provided for securely fixing the pivotable backrest element 36h in any position between the comfort position and the upright sitting position. The locking device 70h is provided for frictionally locking the pivotable backrest element 36h in any intermediate position. The locking device 70h is designed separately from the spring element 68h, 190h of the return module 66h.

[0196] The locking device 70h has a first locking module 72h. The first locking module 72h of the locking device 70h is arranged on a left side of the pivotable backrest element 36h. The locking device 70h has a second locking module 74h. The second locking module 74h of the locking device 70h is arranged on a right side of the pivotable backrest element 36h. The two locking modules 72h, 74h are provided together for locking the backrest 34h, in particular the pivotable backrest element 36h. The two locking modules 72h, 74h of the locking device 70h are designed essentially identically.

[0197] The locking module 72h has a first locking unit 80h. The first locking unit 80h is designed to be attached to the pivotable backrest element 36h. The locking module 72h has a second locking unit 82h. The second locking unit 82h is designed to be captively mounted on a bearing element 44h (not shown in detail).

[0198] The locking module 72h has a friction unit 300h. The friction unit 300h is designed to provide a holding force for continuously locking the pivoting backrest element 36h. The friction unit 300h is designed to force-lock the pivoting backrest element 36h in one position. The friction unit 300h is designed to force-lock the pivoting backrest element 36h in the upright sitting position, in the comfort position, and in any intermediate position by means of a frictional engagement.

[0199] The first locking unit 80h has a rotatably mounted shaft 302h. The rotatably mounted shaft 302h is arranged on the pivotable backrest element 36h. The rotatably mounted shaft 302h is rotatably mounted on the backrest frame 38h. The rotatably mounted shaft 302h is aligned transversely to the backrest frame 38h. In an installed state, the rotatably mounted shaft 302h extends from an outer side 76h of the backrest frame 38h to an inner side of the backrest frame 38h. The rotatably mounted shaft 302h extends through the backrest frame 38h. The backrest frame 38h has a bearing receptacle 304h. The bearing receptacle 304h is formed as a through-hole through the backrest frame 38h. The friction unit 300h is provided for the non-positive locking of the pivotable backrest element 36h in order to secure the rotatably mounted shaft 302h against rotation in a non-positive manner.The friction unit 300h has a connecting element 308h. The connecting element 308h is intended to be connected directly to the inside of the backrest frame 38h. The connecting element preferably has two fastening holes through which the connecting element 308h can be connected to the backrest frame 38h, preferably by means of a screw connection or a rivet connection. The connecting element 38h has a central receiving area 312h and a through hole through which the rotatably mounted shaft 302h is guided. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the receiving area 312h is designed as a spring receptacle.

[0200] The friction unit 300h has a base body 314h. The base body 314h is designed as a counterholder. The base body 314h is intended to be connected to the connecting element 308h. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the base body 314h is rigidly and immovably connected to the connecting element 308h. The base body 314h is intended to support the rotatable shaft 302h. The base body 314h has a bearing receptacle 328h. The bearing receptacle 328h is designed as a through-hole.

[0201] The friction unit 300h has a first friction element 324h. The first friction element 324h is fixedly connected to the connecting element 308h. The friction unit 300h has a spring element 342h. The spring element 342h is designed differently than the spring elements of the friction unit of the first exemplary embodiment. The spring element 342h is designed as a spiral spring. The spring element 342h is designed as a wrap-around spring. The spring element 342h designed as a wrap-around spring forms the first friction element 324h. The inside of the spring element 342h designed as a spiral spring forms the first friction element 324h of the friction unit 300h. The friction unit 300h has a further friction element 356h, which is rigidly connected to the connecting element 308h. The further friction element 356h is formed by the connecting element 308h. The further friction element 356h is formed by the receiving area 312h of the connecting element 308h, which is designed as a spring receiving area.The receiving area 312h is formed by a lateral surface of the cylindrical spring receiving area. The friction element 324h, designed as a wrap-around spring, is intended to enter into frictional contact with the further friction element 356h formed by the receiving area 312h.

[0202] The friction unit 300h has a second friction element 326h. The second friction element 326h is fixedly formed with the rotatably mounted shaft 302h. The second friction element 326h is formed in a rotationally fixed manner with the rotatably mounted shaft 302h. The second friction element 326h is formed integrally with the shaft 302h. The shaft 302h has a partial region 344h in which the shaft 302h has a thicker diameter than in a remaining region. The partial region 344h of the shaft 302h forms the second friction element 326h of the friction unit 300h. The first friction element 324h formed by the spring element 342h is intended to be frictionally connected to the further friction element 356h formed by the connecting element 308h and to the second friction element 326h formed by the partial region 344h of the shaft 302h.In an unactuated state of the friction unit 300h, the first friction element 324h formed by the spring element 342h is frictionally connected to the further friction element 356h formed by the connecting element 308h and to the second friction element 326h of the friction unit 300h formed by the partial region 344h of the shaft 302h. In an unactuated state, the spring element 342h presses with its inner side, which forms the first friction element 342h of the friction unit 300h, against the lateral surface of the partial region 344h of the shaft 302h, which forms the second friction element 326h, whereby the two friction elements 324h, 326h are frictionally connected to one another. In an unactuated state, the spring element 342h presses with its inner side, which forms the first friction element 342h of the friction unit 300h, onto the lateral surface of the connection region 312h, which forms the further friction element 356h, whereby the two friction elements 324h, 356h are frictionally connected to one another.In an unactuated state, the rotatably mounted shaft 302h is directly coupled to the connecting element 308h via a frictional connection via the spring element 342h. The spring element 342h, which forms the first friction element 324h, is frictionally connected to the shaft 302h via the second friction element 326h and to the connecting element 308h via the further friction element 356h. In an actuated state, the spring element 342h is twisted and thus released with its inner side from the outer surface of the shaft 302h, whereby a frictional force between the first friction element 324h and the second friction element 326h, as well as between the first friction element 324h and the further friction element 356h, is reduced, and a frictional connection is eliminated.

[0203] The spring element 342h, designed as a spiral spring, is rotationally connected to the connecting element 308h. The spring element 342h is fixedly connected to the connecting element at a first end. The friction unit 300h has an actuating element 346h. The actuating element 346h is designed to be rotated to actuate the spring element 342h. The actuating element 346h is rotatably mounted on the base body 314h. The spring element 342h is fixedly connected to the actuating element 346h at a second end. By rotating the actuating element 346h, the spring element 342h can be adjusted from its unactuated state to its actuated state. By rotating the actuating element 346h out of its neutral position, a frictional force between the friction elements 234h, 236h is reduced.Advantageously, when the actuating element 346h is rotated into an unlocked position, a frictional engagement between the two friction elements 324h, 326h of the friction unit 300h is released. When the actuating element 346h is rotated out of the neutral position and the resulting reduced or eliminated frictional engagement between the friction elements 324h, 326h of the friction unit 300h is released, the rotatably mounted shaft 302h can rotate about its rotational axis.

[0204] To actuate the friction unit 300h, the locking device has a Bowden cable 150h as an actuating means. The Bowden cable 150h is a transmission element designed to transmit an actuating force and an actuating movement from the actuating element to the locking device 70h. The Bowden cable 150h is designed to move the locking module 80h from a locked position to an unlocked position. The Bowden cable 150h is designed to rotate the actuating element 346h. The Bowden cable 150h is connected to the actuating element 346h. The actuating element 346h has a form-locking element 330h on its circumference, which is designed to connect the Bowden cable 150h.

[0205] The second locking unit 82h has a base body 110h. The base body 110h is formed by a flat, elongated body. The locking module 72h has a coupling gear 332h. The coupling gear 332h is provided to movably couple the first locking unit 80h to the first second locking unit 82h. The coupling gear 332h is provided to convert a relative movement of the movable backrest frame 38h relative to the support unit 12h, in particular to the bearing element 44h, in an actuated state of the friction unit 300h into a rotational movement of the rotatable shaft 302h.

[0206] Coupling gear 332h has a first toothed element 334h connected to shaft 302h. Toothed element 334h is configured as a gear. Coupling gear 332h has a second toothed element 336h. The second toothed element 336h of coupling gear 332h is rigidly connected to second locking unit 82h. The second toothed element 336h of coupling gear 332h is rigidly connected to base body 110h of second locking unit 82h. The second toothed element 336h is configured as a gear portion having a plurality of teeth. The second toothed element 336h is formed by an upper end of base body 110h. The second locking unit 82h, the coupling gear 332h, and an eccentric adjustment unit 128h are essentially the same as in the first embodiment and will therefore not be described in more detail here.

[0207] Reference symbol

[0208] 10 Passenger seat 68 Spring element

[0209] 12 Stand unit 70 Locking device

[0210] 14 passenger seat row 72 locking module

[0211] 16 Passenger seat 74 Locking module

[0212] 18 Seat base 76 Outside

[0213] 20 Seat base 78 Outside

[0214] 22 Cabin floor 80 Locking unit

[0215] 24 Cross member 82 Locking unit

[0216] 26 Seat structure element 84 Connecting flange

[0217] 28 Seat structure element 86 Base body

[0218] 30 Seating area 88 Barrier element

[0219] 32 lower backrest element 90 bearing pin

[0220] 34 Backrest 92 Screw

[0221] 36 swiveling 94 linear guide

[0222] Backrest element

[0223] 38 Backrest frame 96 Linear bearing rail

[0224] 40 shell element 98 bearing slide

[0225] 42 load-bearing element 100 spring element

[0226] 44 bearing element 102 locking element

[0227] 46 Bearing element 104 Form-locking element

[0228] 48 Connection flange 106 Form-locking element

[0229] 50 rotation axis 108 groove

[0230] 52 plain bearing area 110 base body

[0231] 54 Axial process 112 Depression

[0232] 56 spur gear teeth 114 groove

[0233] 58 Screw 116 Inside

[0234] 60 Table stop element 118 Connection element

[0235] 62 bearing holder 120 screws

[0236] 64 bearing bush 122 through holes

[0237] 66 reset module 124 threaded holes ring groove 188 recesses

[0238] Eccentric adjustment unit 190 spring element

[0239] Connecting screw 192 middle section

[0240] Through hole 194 spring leg

[0241] Countersink 196 spring leg

[0242] Eccentric element 198 Bearing element

[0243] Through hole 200 support element

[0244] Stop surface 202 support element

[0245] Release unit 204 cover module

[0246] Locking element 206 Cover element

[0247] Nut 208 visible surface

[0248] 210 Literature Bag

[0249] Bowden cable 212 cover module

[0250] Power transmission unit 214 cover element

[0251] Bowden cable 216 Literature pocket Overload unit 218 Table

[0252] Deformation element 220 deflection element

[0253] Recording

[0254] Survey 300 friction unit

[0255] Safety device 302 shaft

[0256] Securing element 304 bearing holder

[0257] Passenger seat 306 bearing bush

[0258] Middle area 308 connecting element

[0259] Ribs 310 mounting hole

[0260] Rib 312 receiving area

[0261] Slot 314 base body

[0262] Slot 316 spacer element

[0263] Upper area 318 groove

[0264] Lip 320 engagement element

[0265] Main area 322 spring element

[0266] Recess pattern 324 Friction element Friction element

[0267] Stock taking

[0268] Form-locking element

[0269] coupling gear

[0270] Tooth element

[0271] Tooth element

[0272] Mounting hole

[0273] connecting element

[0274] spring element

[0275] Sub-area

[0276] Actuating element

[0277] threaded bushing

[0278] spring element

[0279] Friction element

[0280] Friction element

[0281] Friction element

Claims

Claims 1 . Passenger seat device with a support unit (12a - 12h) for mounting on a support plane, with two seat structural elements (26a - 26h, 28a - 28h), each arranged on one side of a seat area (30a), with two bearing elements (44a - 44h, 46a - 46h), each bearing element (44a - 44h, 46a - 46h) being firmly connected to one of the seat structural elements (26a - 26h, 28a - 28h), with a backrest (34a - 34h) having at least one pivotable backrest element (36a - 36h) which is pivotably mounted on the seat structural elements (26a - 26h, 28a - 28h) via the bearing elements (44a - 44h, 46a - 46h), with at least one A return module (66a - 66h) having at least one spring element (68a - 68h) for providing a return force for returning the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36h) from a comfort position to an upright sitting position, and having a locking device (70a - 70h) provided forto lock the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36h) at least in the upright sitting position, characterized in that the locking device (70a - 70h) has at least one locking module (72a - 72h, 74a - 74h) arranged between the first seat structure element (26a - 26h) and a supporting element (42a - 42h) of the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36h).

2. Passenger seat device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (70a - 70h) is arranged for the most part above the bearing elements (44a - 44h, 46a - 46h).

3. Passenger seat device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking device (70a - 70h) is formed separately from the spring element (68a - 68h).

4. Passenger seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking module (72a - 72h, 74a - 74h) is arranged on an outer side of the supporting element (42a - 42h) of the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36h).

5. Passenger seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking module (72a - 72h, 74a - 74h) has a first locking unit (80a - 80h) and a second locking unit (82a - 82h) which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and are intended to be positively and / or non-positively locked to one another in the upright sitting position and in the comfort position.

6. Passenger seat device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first locking unit (80a - 80e) has a base body (86a - 86e) and a locking element (88a - 88e) which is mounted on the base body (86a - 86e) in a spring-loaded manner so as to be adjustable between a locking position and a release position and which is intended to be positively coupled to the second locking unit (82a - 82e) for locking.

7. Passenger seat device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first locking unit (80a - 80e) has a linear guide (94a - 94e) which linearly supports the spring-loaded, adjustably mounted locking element (88a - 88e) along a displacement path.

8. Passenger seat device at least according to claim 6, characterized in that the second locking unit (82a - 82e) has a positive-locking element (104a - 104e) which is provided for locking the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e) in the upright sitting position in order to fix the locking element (88a - 88e) of the first locking unit (80a - 80e) in a positive-locking and / or non-positive manner. Passenger seat device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first locking unit (80a - 80e) is captively mounted on the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e) in a mounted state and the second locking unit (82a - 82e) is captively mounted on the bearing element (44a - 44e, 46a - 46e). Passenger seat device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second locking unit (82a - 82e) has a connecting element (118a - 118e) which is connected to the bearing element (44a - 44e, 46a - 46e) in a rotationally fixed manner in a normal operating state, and an overload unit (156b) which is provided to permit a relative movement between the connecting element (118a - 118e) and the bearing element (44a - 44e, 46a - 46e) in the event of an overload.Passenger seat device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second locking unit (82a - 82e) has a second positive-locking element (106a - 106e) which forms an end stop for the comfort position of the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e), and in that the first locking unit (80a - 80e) has a second blocking element (102a - 102b) which is provided to lock the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e) in the comfort position by a positive connection with the second positive-locking element (106a - 106e) of the second locking unit (82a - 82e). Passenger seat device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second locking unit (82a - 82e) has an eccentric adjustment unit (128a - 128e) via which a position of the form-locking element (104a - 104e, 106a - 106e) relative to the first locking unit (80a - 80e) can be adjusted. Passenger seat device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second locking unit (82a - 82e) has a stop surface (140a - 140e) against which the blocking element (88a - 88e) of the first locking unit (80a - 80e) rests in the comfort position of the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e), wherein the stop surface (140a - 140e) forms an inclined surface via which the blocking element (88a - 88e) can be pressed from its locking position into a release position.Passenger seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking module (72a - 72e, 74a - 74e) has a release unit (142a - 142e) which is provided to cancel a coupling between the first locking unit (80a - 80e) and the second locking unit (82a - 82e) in a release position in order to enable pivoting of the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e) forward beyond the upright sitting position into a non-use position. Passenger seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (70a - 70e) has a second locking module (74a - 74e) which is arranged on a side of the pivotable backrest element (36a - 36e) opposite the first locking module (72a - 72e) and is designed substantially identically to the first locking module (72a - 72e).Passenger seat device according to claim 13, characterized in that the second locking module (74a - 74h) can be actuated jointly with the first locking module (72a - 72h) via a Bowden cable (150a - 150h), wherein the second locking module (74a - 74h) is connected in series with the first locking module (72a - 72h).

17. Passenger seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (70g; 70h) is provided for a continuous locking of the pivotable backrest element (36g; 36h) between the comfort position and the upright sitting position.

18. Passenger seat device according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one locking module (72g, 74g; 72h; 74h) has a friction unit (300g; 300h) which is intended to provide a holding force for the continuous locking of the pivotable backrest element (36g; 36h).

19. Passenger seat device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that one of the locking units (82g; 82h) of the locking module (72g, 74g; 72h; 74h) has a rotatably mounted shaft (302g; 302h) which is intended to rotate when the pivotable backrest element (36g; 36h) is pivoted, and a friction unit (300g; 300h) which is intended to lock the pivotable backrest element (36g; 36h) in order to non-positively secure the rotatably mounted shaft (302g; 302h) against rotation.

20. Passenger seat device according to at least claim 17, characterized in that one of the locking units (80g; 80h) of the locking module (72g, 74g; 72h; 74h) has a base body (110g; 110h), wherein the locking module (72g, 74g; 72h; 74h) has a coupling gear via which the base body (110g; 110h) is connected to the rotatably mounted shaft (302g; 302h) of the other locking unit (82g; 82h), and which is provided to transmit a pivoting movement of the pivotable backrest element (36g; 36h) to the rotatably mounted shaft (302g; 302h). Passenger seat device according to one of claims 17 - 20, characterized in that the at least one locking module (72g, 74g; 72h; 74h) has a friction unit (300g; 300h) which, for providing a holding force, has a first friction element (324g; 324h), a second friction element connected to a rotatably mounted shaft (302g; 302h) of the locking module (72g, 74g; 72h; 74h) Friction element (326g; 326h) and at least one spring element (322g; 342h), wherein the at least one spring element (322g; 342h) presses the two friction elements (324g, 326g; 324h, 326h) against each other in an unactuated state.

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