Panel for a furniture element provided with a layer of fire-resistant material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel (30) for a furniture element (13, 14, 28) successively comprising: - a trim cover (31), - a layer of flexible material (32), - a layer of fire-resistant material (33), and - a structural layer (35).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: PANEL FOR A FURNITURE ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH A LAYER OF FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIAL

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel, in particular a noise attenuating panel, for a piece of furniture provided with a layer of fire-resistant material.

[0002] The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the aeronautical field, in particular for "business class" and "first class" type seating units in an aircraft cabin.

[0003] Such a seating unit comprises a seat and a shell extending at least partially around the seat so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger.

[0004] Noise that may disturb passengers is an important environmental concern to consider when developing a seating unit.

[0005] There is therefore a need to reduce the perception of noise inside an aircraft cabin in order to optimize the acoustic comfort of passengers.

[0006] In this context, noise-reducing panels can be attached to the seat unit. Such noise-reducing panels have a layer of soft material and therefore have good noise-reducing performance.

[0007] However, they are not suitable for aeronautical use, particularly due to fire regulations.

[0008] The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a panel for a piece of furniture comprising successively: - a covering cap, - a layer of fire-resistant material, - a layer of soft material, and - a structural layer.

[0009] The invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the integration of a layer of fire-resistant material, to make panels made from a flammable material compatible with an aeronautical application while improving the acoustic performance of the panels.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering cap is permeable to sound.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer is solid.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer is perforated by a multitude of through perforations per unit area.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer is intended to be glued to one face of the furniture element.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer comprises removable fixing means for fixing the panel to one face of the furniture element.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer and the face of the furniture element are separated from each other by a space having a sound trap function.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the layer of flexible material is made of a material chosen from a foam, a fibrous material, a non-woven material, felt, a wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structural layer is made of a high-density foam material.

[0019] The invention also relates to a seat unit comprising a plurality of panels as previously defined arranged around a seat, in particular on an upper part and a lower part of a face of a privacy shell facing the seat and on at least one lateral face of a console facing the seat, such that the panels are arranged close to the head of a passenger installed on the seat when said seat is in the seated position, in the comfort position, or in the bed position.

[0020] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a furniture element and at least one panel as previously defined fixed to one face of the furniture element.

[0021] The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its embodiment and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0022] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seating unit having a panel according to the present invention;

[0023] [Fig. 2a] [Fig. 2b] [Fig. 2c] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c are cross-sectional views of variants of a first embodiment of a panel according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig. 3a] [Fig. 3b] [Fig. 3c] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c are cross-sectional views of variants of a second embodiment of a panel according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a panel according to the invention.

[0026] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a graphical representation, as a function of frequency, of sound attenuation obtained with different configurations of a panel according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig. 6a] [Fig. 6b] Figures 6a and 6b show examples of seat units incorporating panels around a seat to improve the acoustic comfort of a passenger.

[0028] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit 10 having a panel 30 according to the present invention.

[0030] In particular, Figure 1 shows the seat unit 10 comprising a seat 12, which can be associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12. The seat 12 has a horizontal axis X located in a median vertical plane of the seat.

[0031] The seat 12 convertible into a berth comprises a frame 12.1 on which are mounted a seat 12.2 and a backrest 12.3. The frame 12.1 is intended to be mounted on rails of an aircraft cabin by means of fastening means, such as plunger fasteners.

[0032] The seat 12 is advantageously provided with kinematics allowing it to be movable between a "seated" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a seated position of a passenger, and a "bed" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a substantially horizontal sleeping plane for the passenger. The seat 12 can also take intermediate comfort positions located between the seated position and the bed position.

[0033] For this purpose, the backrest 12.3 is able to pivot around a horizontal axis X1 and perpendicular to the axis X of the seat 12. The backrest 12.3 is thus movable between a raised position and a lowered position in which the backrest 12.3 extends in the same plane as the seat 12.2 to form with the seat 12.2 the sleeping plane. In order to ensure the movement of the different elements of the seat 12 when the seat 12 moves from the sitting position to the bed position, the seat 12 comprises an actuation system as well as movement transmission elements, such as gears or mechanical connections (pivot, slide, ball joint or other), ensuring movement of the backrest 12.3 backwards and of the seat 12.2 forwards relative to the chassis 12.1.

[0034] Furthermore, the seat unit 10 may comprise a shell 14, also referred to as a "privacy shell", extending at least partially around the seat 12, so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee the privacy of the passenger seated on the seat 12.

[0035] The shell 14 is made, for example, of a composite material or of a plastic material.

[0036] A video screen 16 of a multimedia system, also designated by the acronym “IFE” for “InFlight Entertainment” in English, can be installed on a rear part of the hull 14, so as to be usable by a passenger seated behind the seat unit 10.

[0037] The console 13 may include an upper wall 17 forming a table, on which the passenger can place objects, as well as a storage space 18 comprising one or more elements from a literature pocket, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage is configurable according to the wishes of the airline. The console 13 may also include a reading light 19 intended to direct lighting towards the seat 12.

[0038] A recess 21 may be arranged under the upper wall 17. The recess 21 is open laterally towards the seat 12. In addition, a horizontal face 22 of the console 13 may in particular provide an armrest function. For this purpose, the horizontal face 22 may locally have the shape of a curved cuff 23 matching the shape of a part of the passenger's arm.

[0039] The console 13 may also include a control unit 25 for the seat 12 and its ancillary components, also designated by the acronym “PCU” for “Passenger Control Unit” in English. The control unit 25 allows the passenger in particular to control a selection of a position of the seat 12, as well as the ancillary components, such as a multimedia system, a heating device, a lighting ambiance system and / or any other ancillary component that can be integrated into the seat 12.

[0040] The seat unit 10 may also conventionally comprise a tablet 26, in particular movable between: - a stored position, as shown in FIG. 1, in which the tablet 26 is located inside a housing, in particular provided in the console 13, and - a deployed position, in which the tablet 26 is located outside the housing, to allow the passenger to place an object there, such as a meal tray.

[0041] In addition, the console 13 comprises a housing 27, seen through the transparency in FIG. 1, in which a footrest 28 is arranged. The footrest 28 has a horizontal face on which a passenger seated behind the seat unit 10 can place his feet.

[0042] The panel 30, in particular a noise attenuating panel 30, is fixed to one face of the shell 14. The panel 30 can be fixed to a front face of the shell 14, located on the side of the seat 12. Alternatively or additionally, the panel 30 can be fixed to a rear face of the shell 14. The panel 30 can also be fixed to one face of the side console 13, located on the side of the seat 12 or around the footrest 28.

[0043] Thus, the panel 30 can be fixed to one or more furniture elements of the seat 12, notably chosen from the console 13, the shell 14 and / or the footrest 28.

[0044] Alternatively, the furniture element on which the panel 30 is fixed may consist of an aircraft cabin furniture element, such as a monument, in particular a first-row monument and / or a last-row monument of an aircraft cabin. In particular, such a monument may include storage, housing for on-board devices and / or a footrest.

[0045] In the various embodiments shown in the figures, the panel 30 comprises at least one covering cap 31, a layer of flexible material 32 and a layer of fire-resistant material 33.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, a thickness E of the panel 30 can be between 1 mm and 50 mm and is preferably between 12 mm and 15 mm inclusive.

[0047] The covering cap 31 is chosen to give an aesthetic finish to the assembly. The covering cap 31 may, for example, be made from a material chosen from; - a textile material, - suede, - leather, - imitation leather, and / or - any other flexible material suitable for finishing panel 30.

[0048] Preferably, the covering cap 31 is permeable to sound. Textile material or suede can be used as is, while a covering cap 31 made of leather or imitation leather is performed to allow the passage of sound.

[0049] The trim cover 31 may have decorative patterns on its visible parts, when the panel 30 is placed on the furniture element, such as in particular the console 13, the shell 14 and / or the footrest 28 of the seat 12. Such decorative patterns may be personalized, in particular according to the wishes of an airline.

[0050] The covering cap 31 has a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 3.5 mm and preferably of the order of 1 mm. By "of the order of", we mean means a possible variation of plus or minus 10% from the indicated value.

[0051] The layer of flexible material 32 is made of a material chosen from - a foam, - a fibrous material, - a non-woven material, - felt and / or - a wadding-based material.

[0052] Preferably, the layer of flexible material 32 is made from a foam having a density of between 10 kg / m3 and 60 kg / m3 and preferably between 25 kg / m3 and 40 kg / m3.

[0053] The layer of flexible material 32 may also comprise several layers of different materials (among those mentioned above) and not just a single material. Alternatively, the layer of flexible material 32 may be made of any other flexible material suitable for use.

[0054] The layer of flexible material 32 has a thickness of between 1 mm and 25 mm.

[0055] The layer of flexible material 32 makes it possible to obtain an aesthetic effect when using a perforated structural layer 35 which would tend to make the external face of the covering cap 31 irregular.

[0056] The layer of fire-resistant material 33 is a solid layer. Advantageously, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 may be a non-woven material, a woven material and / or a knit.

[0057] The layer of fire resistant material 33 may be made from fire resistant fiber or yarns, for example FR acrylic, FR viscose, FR polyester, aramids which include para-aramids, meta-aramids and ortho-aramids, poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide) (PPD-T), poly(m-phenyleneisophthalamide) (MPD-I), pre-oxidized (OxPAN) or oxidized polyacrylonitrile. Such materials may be obtained in particular by weaving, needling, rolling, quilting, stitching and / or pressing.

[0058] Alternatively, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 may be made of an intumescent material. Such an intumescent material has the property of being expandable, that is to say that it swells or expands above a threshold temperature.

[0059] The layer of fire-resistant material 33 is, for example, a thermoplastic material whose threshold temperature is between 250°C and 300°C.

[0060] The thickness of the layer of fire-resistant material 33 subjected to a heat flow, such as a flame, can increase by at least fifteen times its initial thickness when its temperature exceeds the threshold temperature.

[0061] The layer of fire-resistant material 33 has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 7 mm and is preferably of the order of 1.5 mm.

[0062] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c are cross-sectional views of variants of a first embodiment of the panel 30 according to the invention.

[0063] More particularly, according to the first embodiment, the panel 30 is devoid of a structural layer.

[0064] In the embodiment of Figure 2a, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged inside the layer of flexible material 32. Thus, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged between two sub-layers 32.1, 32.2 of the layer of flexible material 32.

[0065] In the variant of Figure 2b, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged between the covering cap 31 and the layer of flexible material 32.

[0066] In the variants of figures 2a and 2b, the layer of flexible material 32 is fixed directly to one face of the furniture element, that is to say without an intermediate structural layer.

[0067] Preferably, the fixing of the layer of flexible material 32 on the face of the furniture element is carried out by gluing.

[0068] In the variant of Figure 2c, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged between the furniture element and the layer of flexible material 32. In such a case, the layer of flexible material 32 is fixed, in particular by gluing, directly onto the layer of fire-resistant material 33, which is fixed, in particular by gluing, directly onto one face of the furniture element.

[0069] Primarily, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 makes it possible to improve the certification process of the panel 30 by making it possible to delay the spread of fire and by limiting heat dissipation.

[0070] However, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 also makes it possible to improve the acoustic performance of the panel 30.

[0071] The positioning of the fire-resistant material layer 33 has an impact on the type of frequencies absorbed.

[0072] The variant in Figure 2b offers the best performance in terms of sound absorption with a wider absorbed frequency range, notably between 500Hz and 6000Hz, and peak smoothing between 1000Hz and 2500Hz.

[0073] Comparatively, the variant of figures 2a and 2c propose positions of the layer of fire-resistant material 33 offering a more reduced acoustic absorption in frequencies, between 100Hz and 4000Hz, with more marked peaks.

[0074] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c are cross-sectional views of variants of a second embodiment of the panel 30 according to the invention.

[0075] More particularly, according to the second embodiment, the panel 30 comprises a structural layer 35.

[0076] In the variants of figures 3a-3c, the structural layer 35 is further provided to be fixed to the face of the furniture element.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the covering cap 31 may be provided with a flap fixed against an edge of the structural layer 35. The fixing of the flap on the structural layer 35 may be carried out by gluing, riveting, insertion into a retaining groove, or any other fixing technique suitable for the application with or without gluing.

[0078] The structural layer 35 may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular thermoformed, a metallic material, such as aluminum. According to an exemplary implementation, the structural layer 35 is constituted by a plate made of a thermoplastic material. For this purpose, the plate is heated then shaped using a die. Once cooled, the thermoformed plate retains the shape printed by the die. The structural layer 35 made of a thermoplastic material has a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 5 mm and preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm inclusive.

[0079] Alternatively, the structural layer 35 is made of a high-density foam material having a density greater than 70 kg / m3 and preferably between 100 kg / m3 and 150 kg / m3. The structural layer 35 made of a high-density foam has a thickness of between 1 mm and 10 mm and preferably between 3 mm and 4 mm inclusive.

[0080] The structural layer 35 may be a solid layer. Alternatively, the structural layer 35 is a perforated layer comprising a multitude of through perforations per unit area, in particular at least ten perforations per square meter, in order to create sound traps.

[0081] Furthermore, the structural layer 35 comprises removable fixing means 36 for fixing the assembly consisting of the covering cap 31, the layer of flexible material 32, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 and the structural layer 35 on one face of the furniture element.

[0082] The fixing means 36 can be arranged at the feet of the structural layer 35.

[0083] The choice of the fixing means 36 depends in particular on the integration constraints and a positioning of the assembly in the seat unit 10. In the case where the assembly is arranged in a visible zone of the seat unit 10, the fixing means 36 are preferably removable, in particular removable without the aid of a tool, such as for example snap-on devices, self-gripping textile fasteners formed by complementary loops and hooks, press studs, magnetic fasteners and / or any other fixing device adapted to the application.

[0084] In the case where the assembly is arranged in a non-visible area of ​​the seat unit 10, in particular a technical area, for example located in the lower part of the seat unit 10, the fixing means 36 may be screws for fixing the structural layer 35 to the furniture element. Alternatively, it is also possible to use fir tree pins or any other fixing means suitable for the application.

[0085] The type of fixing means 36 makes it possible to ensure the retention of the panel 30 in the context of certification tests during which significant decelerations are applied to the seat unit 10.

[0086] A clearance 38, in particular of a few millimeters, in particular between 1 mm and 15 mm and more specifically preferably 3 mm, is provided between the structural layer 35 and the furniture element, outside the fixing zones. Such a clearance makes it possible to certify the parts independently of one another and to improve the acoustic performance of the assembly.

[0087] In the variant of Figure 3a, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged inside the layer of flexible material 32. Thus, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged between two sub-layers 32.1, 32.2 of the layer of flexible material 32.

[0088] In the variant of Figure 3b, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is arranged between the covering cap 31 and the layer of flexible material 32.

[0089] In the variants of Figures 3a and 3b, the layer of flexible material 32 is fixed directly to the structural layer 35 which is fixed to one face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28 using the fixing means 36. Preferably, the fixing of the layer of flexible material 32 to the structural layer 35 is carried out by gluing.

[0090] In the variant of Figure 3c, the layer of fire-resistant material 33 is disposed between the structural layer 35 and the layer of flexible material 32. In such a case, the layer of flexible material 32 is fixed, in particular by gluing, to the layer of fire-resistant material 33, which is fixed, in particular by gluing, directly to the structural layer 35.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, the panel 30 successively comprises a covering cap 31, a layer of fire-resistant material 33, a layer of flexible material 32, and a structural layer 35. The different layers 31 / 33 / 32 / 35 are assembled together by gluing. An adhesive is thus deposited between two layers 31, 32, 33, 35 consecutive. The adhesive may be spray-applied between two consecutive layers. Two consecutive layers of the panel 30 including the trim cap 31 are in contact with each other via the adhesive without any other intermediate layer of material.

[0092] The different layers 31, 32, 33, 35 each have a thickness within a corresponding preferred value range mentioned above. The covering cap 31 is made of suede. The fire-resistant material layer 33 is made of a para-aramid material. The structural layer 35 is a layer of perforated high-density foam.

[0093] The structural layer 35 and the face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28 are separated from each other by a space E having a sound trap function. The space E is present between the structural layer 35 and the face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28 outside the fixing zones carrying the removable fixing means 36.

[0094] This space E is created due to the thickness of the fixing means 36 which project relative to the structural layer 35 or due to the presence of feet 37 carried by the structural layer 35 and projecting relative to said structural layer 35.

[0095] Figure 5 shows that the sound attenuation A of curve C1 obtained with a panel 30 provided with a layer of fire-resistant material 33 arranged behind the layer of flexible material 32, that is to say between the layer of flexible material 32 and the structural layer 35, has a significant peak at a frequency of the order of 1250 Hz but drops significantly over a frequency range between 1600 Hz and 4000 Hz.

[0096] Curve C2 was obtained with a panel 30 provided with a layer of fire-resistant material 33 arranged in front of the layer of flexible material 32, i.e. between the covering cap 31 and the layer of flexible material 32, which corresponds to the preferred embodiment of Figure 4. The sound attenuation A has a maximum at the frequency of the order of 1600 Hz, slightly lower than that of curve C1 but is greater over a frequency range between 1600 Hz and 4000 Hz.

[0097] It is therefore preferable to use a panel 30 provided with a layer of fire-resistant material 33 placed in front of the layer of flexible material 32.

[0098] Curve C3 obtained with a panel 30 comprising a solid structural layer 35 highlights the gain in sound attenuation obtained with a perforated panel 30 used to obtain curve C2.

[0099] Figure 6a shows a seat unit 10 comprising a plurality of panels 30 arranged around a seat 12. The panels 30 are arranged on an upper part and a lower part of a face of a privacy shell 14 facing the seat 12 and on at least one lateral face of a console 13 facing the seat 12. In the lower part of the privacy shell 14, the panel 30 extends at least as far as the seat 12.2 of the seat 12. Thus, the panels 30 are arranged close to a head of a passenger installed on the seat 12 when said seat 12 is in the seated position, in the comfort position, or in the bed position.

[0100] Figure 6b shows an arrangement of seating units 10 in which two seating units 10 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other around a plane P passing between the two seats 12 arranged next to each other. The consoles 13 are spaced from the plane P relative to the seats 12.

[0101] Each seat unit 10 comprises panels 30 arranged on an upper part and a lower part of one face of a privacy shell 14 facing the seat 12 and on at least one lateral face of a console 13 facing the seat 12. Due to the symmetry, a U-shape of panels 30 surrounding the group of two seats 12 is thus created.

[0102] Panels 30 may also be arranged on a wall 40 separating each seat unit 10 from a traffic aisle of the aircraft. The panels 30 are arranged on a face of the wall 40 facing the seat 12.

[0103] Of course, the various features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0104] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Panel (30) for a piece of furniture (13, 14, 28), characterized in that the panel (30) successively comprises: - a dressing cap (31), - a layer of fire-resistant material (33), - a layer of flexible material (32), and - a structural layer (35).

2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering cap (31) is permeable to sound.

3. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structural layer (35) is solid.

4. Panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structural layer (35) is perforated by a multitude of through perforations per unit area.

5. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the structural layer (35) is intended to be glued to one face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

6. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the structural layer (35) comprises removable fixing means (36) for fixing the panel (30) on one face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

7. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the structural layer (35) and the face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28) are separated from each other by a space (E) having a sound trap function.

8. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the layer of flexible material (32) is made of a material selected from a foam, a fibrous material, a non-woven material, felt, a wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

9. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the structural layer (35) is made of a thermoplastic material.

10. Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the structural layer (35) is made of a high density foam material.

11. Seat unit (10) characterized in that it comprises a plurality of panels (30) as defined according to any one of the preceding claims arranged around a seat (12), in particular on an upper part and a lower part of a face of a privacy shell (14) facing the seat (12) and on at least one lateral face of a console (13) facing the seat (12), such that the panels (30) are arranged close to a head of a passenger installed on the seat when said seat (12) is in the seated position, in the comfort position, or in the bed position.

12. Assembly comprising a furniture element (13, 14, 28) and at least one panel (30) defined according to any one of claims 1 to 10 fixed on one face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

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