SEAT HEADREST WITH INTEGRATED SPEAKERS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a passenger seat headrest (10) comprising: - two ends (10.1, 10.2) intended to be arranged on either side of a passenger's head when the passenger's head is resting against the headrest (10), and - two sets of loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) intended to diffuse a sound to the passenger's ears, - each set of loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) comprising at least two loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2), - each set of loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) being arranged at one end of the headrest (10). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: SEAT HEADREST INCORPORATING LOUDSPEAKERS

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat headrest incorporating loudspeakers. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application for headrests of aircraft seats. The invention may also be implemented with seats installed in other flying objects, such as helicopters or compact aircraft, autonomous or not, capable of flying in an urban environment.

[0002] The invention is intended for passenger seats, that is to say seats in which the person seated does not participate in piloting the flying object. The passenger can therefore be a person seated in a seat in the passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft but also a person seated in a pilot seat of an aircraft capable of operating in automatic mode.

[0003] Generally, an airplane passenger uses headphones to listen to multimedia content (music or films) offered by an IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) type system.

[0004] However, wearing headphones for a significant duration of flight, particularly during an ultra-long haul flight, becomes disturbing for the passenger. Indeed, after a few hours on the head, headphones begin to become heavy and oppressive for the passenger.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a headphone-free audio solution for aircraft seats that provides a good level of sound quality and good intelligibility of film dialogue without disturbing other passengers.

[0006] The invention aims to effectively meet this need by proposing a passenger seat headrest, comprising: - two ends intended to be arranged on either side of a passenger's head when the passenger's head is resting against the headrest, and - two sets of speakers intended to broadcast sound to the passenger's ears, - each set of speakers comprising at least two speakers, - each set of speakers being arranged at one end of the headrest.

[0007] The invention thus allows a passenger to listen to multimedia content (music or film) offered by an IFE type system or a mobile system (USB key, smartphone type mobile phone, tablet, or other) without having to wear headphones during a flight. In addition, the invention makes it possible, thanks to the multiplication of loudspeakers, to obtain a more directional sound and to homogenize the acoustic pressure level. while localizing the sound in an area close to the passenger's ears. The invention provides excellent sound quality perceived by the passenger while limiting the level of external noise pollution, in particular lateral noise disturbances, generated by the seat speakers. The invention can be used as a replacement or in addition to a headset solution.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest further comprises: - two lateral wings arranged on either side of a central portion, - each side wing having a set of speakers, - each side wing being mounted on the central portion by means of a hinge defining an axis of rotation, - each side wing being movable in rotation around the axis of rotation between an open position and a folded position in which the side wing forms a non-zero angle relative to a plane in which the central portion extends so as to bring the loudspeakers closer to the passenger's ears.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest comprises a housing inside which is arranged a set of at least two loudspeakers.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises at least one protective grid providing protection for at least one loudspeaker.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing is formed from two shells assembled together.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, a shell comprises an interface for attachment to a loudspeaker.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, one shell comprises a fixing interface with the other shell.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, a shell comprises an attachment interface with a corresponding wing structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the folded position, a lateral wing may form an optimal angle of between 50 degrees and 90 degrees and preferably of the order of 70 degrees relative to the plane in which the central portion extends.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, an optimal distance between the hinges of the two side wings is between 170mm and 230mm and is preferably around 200mm.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, a loudspeaker has a diameter of the order of 50mm and a depth of the order of 25mm.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the layer of foam or wadding comprises at least one through opening arranged in front of a corresponding loudspeaker.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest comprises: - at least one measuring element for measuring an angular position of a lateral wing, and - a control unit configured to manage activation and deactivation of the loudspeakers and / or to adapt a sound parameter of the loudspeakers according to the angular position of the side wing returned by the measuring element.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound parameter of the loudspeakers is constituted by a sound volume of the loudspeakers.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring element is constituted by at least one of: a potentiometer, a switch, a contactless sensor.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest is made from metal sheets, in particular aluminum or magnesium sheets, or from a composite material, in particular of the honeycomb type, or from a plastic material.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one layer of foam or wadding is arranged in front of the loudspeakers.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest comprises a first layer of foam or wadding, called the comfort layer, having a low density of between 100g / m2 and 600g / m2, and preferably of the order of 200g / m2, and a second layer of foam having an average density of between 25Kg / m3 and 70Kg / m3 and preferably of the order of 35kg / m3.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest is covered by a cover, in particular a perforated one.

[0026] 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:

[0027] [Fig. 1a] [Fig. 1b] Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views from two different angles of a headrest with integrated loudspeakers according to the invention in the open position;

[0028] [Fig.2a] [Fig.2a] is a perspective view of a headrest with speakers integrated according to the invention in the deployed position;

[0029] [Fig.2b] [Fig.2b] is a perspective view of a headrest according to the invention in deployed position illustrating the positioning of the side wings having loudspeakers arranged on either side of a passenger's head;

[0030] [Fig.2c] [Fig.2c] is a top view illustrating an optimal deployed position of a headrest according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a headrest according to the invention showing housings containing loudspeakers;

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation illustrating the greater sound directivity of the inventive two-loudspeaker configuration compared to a single-loudspeaker sound configuration;

[0033] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a speaker integrated into a headrest according to the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a front view illustrating a relative positioning of the loudspeakers carried by a side wing of the headrest according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a housing of a headrest according to the invention containing two loudspeakers;

[0036] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a shell of a housing of a headrest according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of two shells making it possible to obtain a housing of a headrest according to the invention seen through transparency;

[0038] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a headrest according to the invention illustrating a first embodiment of a layer of foam or wadding positioned in front of the speakers;

[0039] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a headrest according to the invention illustrating a second embodiment of a layer of foam or wadding positioned in front of the speakers;

[0040] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a front perspective view of a headrest according to the invention without a layer of foam or wadding or boxes containing the loudspeakers;

[0041] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a rear perspective view of a headrest according to the invention without a layer of foam or wadding or boxes containing the loudspeakers;

[0042] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the speaker enclosures;

[0043] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of a headrest according to the invention covered with a protective cover;

[0044] [Fig. 16a] [Fig. 16b] [Fig. 16c] Figures 16a, 16b, 16c are top views of different positions of the side wings of a headrest according to the invention provided with a system for adapting the sound as a function of an angular position of the side wings according to the invention;

[0045] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a top view of an embodiment of a headrest according to the invention without side wings.

[0046] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0047] Figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c show a passenger seat headrest 10 comprising a central portion 11 against which the head of a passenger 12 visible in [Fig.2b] is intended to rest, and two lateral wings 13.1, 13.2 each corresponding respectively to an end 10.1, 10.2 of the headrest 10 and arranged on either side of the central portion 11. Each lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 comprises a set of at least two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2, intended to diffuse a sound to the ears of a passenger.

[0048] Each lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 is mounted on the central portion 11 by means of a hinge 15 defining an axis of rotation XL. Each lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 is movable in rotation about the corresponding axis of rotation XI between an open position and a folded position in which the lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 forms a non-zero angle with respect to a plane P in which the central portion 11 extends so as to bring the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 closer to the ears of the passenger, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0049] In the open position, a lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 may be in the same plane as that in which the central portion 11 extends. Alternatively, in the open position, a lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 may form a small angle, in particular less than 10 degrees, relative to the plane P in which the central portion 11 extends.

[0050] In the folded position, a lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 may form an optimal angle Al of between 50 degrees and 90 degrees and preferably of the order of 70 degrees relative to a plane P in which the central portion 11 extends, as illustrated by [Fig.2c]. The start of the angle Al is measured relative to a point external to the central portion 11. A lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 may of course take any desired position between the open position and the folded position.

[0051] Furthermore, an optimal gap E between the hinges 15 of the two lateral wings 13.1, 13.2 is between 170mm and 230mm and is preferably of the order of 200mm. By "of the order of" is meant a variation of plus or minus 10% compared to the target value.

[0052] More specifically, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], a lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 comprises a wing structure 17 carrying a housing 18 containing the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 and at least one layer 20 of foam or wadding. The wing structure 17 may be constituted by a perforated plate of trapezoidal shape, as can be seen in [Fig. 3]. Alternatively, the wing structure 17 may have a rectangular, square, triangular, round, polygonal shape or any other shape suitable for the application. Alternatively, the wing structure 17 is constituted by a small plate, as in the embodiment of [Fig. 14].

[0053] The central portion 11 comprises a central structure 21 and at least one layer 20 of foam or wadding. The central structure 21 comprises a body 21.1 of generally parallelepipedal shape, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0054] As can be seen in Figures 12, 13, 14, a hinge 15 is arranged between a wing structure 17 and the central structure 21 along an end edge of the body 21.1 of the central structure 21. The hinge 15 is preferably a standard hinge 15 comprising a first part 15.1 secured to the central structure 21 and a second part 15.2 secured to a lateral wing structure 17 13.1, 13.2. The second part 15.2 comprises two rings 23 each arranged in the extension of one end of a tubular shape 24 of the first part 15.1. A rod 25 forming the axis of rotation XI is inserted inside the rings 23 and the tubular shape 24. Any other type of hinge 15 suitable for the application may be used.

[0055] As can be seen in [Fig. 13], the central structure 21 may include a slide 27 on the rear face so as to be able to adjust a height of the headrest 10. For this purpose, the slide 27 may be mounted between the body 21.1 and a support 21.2 intended to be fixed to a seat. The body 21.1 may thus be moved in translation relative to the seat in a vertical direction.

[0056] The central structure 21 and the wing structures 17 may be made from metal sheets, in particular aluminum or magnesium sheets, having a thickness of, for example, between 1 mm and 3 mm or from a composite material, in particular of the honeycomb type, or from a plastic material.

[0057] As illustrated by [Fig.4], for the same size, the dual speaker configuration 14.1, 14.2 has a narrower sound diffusion field 28 than a single speaker configuration 14. This results in a more directional sound diffusion, which improves the acoustic comfort of the passenger. Of course, as a variant, it is possible to use more than two speakers 14.1, 14.2 per side wing 13.1, 13.2, in particular three or four speakers per side wing 13.1, 13.2.

[0058] The optimal dimensions of a loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2 depend on an available installation volume and the need to retain a maximum of low frequencies. Advantageously, for an available installation volume for two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 of between 0.2L and 0.6L and of the order of 0.35L, a loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2 has a diameter L1 of the order of 50mm and a depth L2 of the order of 25mm, as illustrated by [Fig.5]. A configuration with three loudspeakers per lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 each having a diameter of the order of 40mm is also conceivable.

[0059] A 14.1, 14.2 loudspeaker, in particular of the "medium" type, will be able to generate a sound having a frequency between 1Hz and 20000Hz. It is possible to process the sound signals by applying digital or analog filters in order to optimize the overall sound rendering. The 14.1, 14.2 speakers can be speakers of the same power.

[0060] As shown in [Fig.6], the two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 are preferably arranged one below the other. With respect to a vertical axis X2 passing through the center of the upper loudspeaker 14.1 in front view, the center of the lower loudspeaker 14.2 may be offset by a distance L3 towards the outside of the headrest 10. The offset L3 between the two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 is for example between 0 mm and 30 mm and is in particular of the order of 12 mm.

[0061] According to a particular embodiment, the center of the lower loudspeaker 14.2 is arranged at a distance L4 of the order of 50 mm relative to an edge of a wing closest to the central portion 11 and a distance L5 of the order of 38 mm relative to a lower edge of the wing.

[0062] The center of the upper loudspeaker 14.1 is arranged at a distance L6 of the order of 38 mm from an edge of a wing closest to the central portion 11 and a distance L7 of the order of 95 mm from a lower edge of the wing.

[0063] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 7, each side wing 13.1, 13.2 comprises a housing 18 inside which two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 are arranged. A housing 18 thus delimits an internal volume for receiving the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2. A housing 18 advantageously comprises two protective grilles 30 each ensuring protection of a corresponding loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2 while allowing the sound to pass through. Alternatively, a housing 18 may comprise a larger protective grille 30 covering the two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2. A housing 18 is made of a rigid material, in particular a plastic material or a metallic material. A wall of the housing 18 has a thickness of, for example, between 1 mm and 4 mm and preferably of the order of 2 mm.

[0064] A housing 18 thus makes it possible to meet aeronautical standards of impact resistance inherent in aircraft seats while protecting the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 from external aggressions. The housing 18 also makes it possible to define a predefined volume for the integration of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 in the side wings 13.1, 13.2.

[0065] As illustrated by Figures 7, 8, and 9, a housing 18 is advantageously formed from two shells 31.1, 31.2 assembled together. Each shell 31.1, 31.2 may have a bottom wall 32 and side walls 33 so as to delimit a half-volume of a housing 18. Alternatively, one of the shells 31.1, 31.2 delimits the entire volume of a housing 18, the other shell 31.1, 31.2 comprising a single wall having a function of a cover for closing the shell. The protective grids 30 may be provided, by molding in a bottom wall 32, or be added and fixed to the bottom wall 32.

[0066] The shell 31.1 comprises a fixing interface 35 with a loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2. The fixing interface 35 comprises at least one opening 36 for the passage of a fixing member, such as a screw.

[0067] The shell 31.1 also comprises a fixing interface 37 with the other shell 31.1, 31.2. The fixing interface 37 comprises at least one screw barrel 38 arranged on the external periphery and intended to cooperate with a screw passing through a fixing hole of the other shell 31.1, 31.2. A screw barrel 38 is constituted by a projecting cylindrical shape comprising a central threaded opening. The opening of the screw barrel 38 opens towards the interior of the housing 18.

[0068] The shell 31.1 comprises a fixing interface 39 with a wing structure 17 corresponding. The fixing interface 39 with a wing structure 17 comprises at least one screw barrel 40 intended to cooperate with a screw passing through a fixing hole provided in the wing structure 17. A screw barrel 40 is constituted by a projecting cylindrical shape comprising a central threaded opening. The opening of the screw barrel 40 opens towards the outside of the housing 18.

[0069] The assembly of the housings 18 of a headrest 10 according to the invention is described below. Firstly, the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 are mounted on the shell 31.1 by means of screws cooperating with openings provided in the loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2 and the openings 36 of the fixing interface 35. The fixing openings 36 make it possible to ensure indexing in position of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 so as to ensure that the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 are each arranged opposite a corresponding protective grille 30.

[0070] The assembly is then closed by means of the second shell 31.2. For this purpose, screws are inserted into openings in the shell 31.2 and into the screw barrels 38 of the shell 31.1. The housings 18 thus assembled can then be mounted on the wing structure 17 of the headrest 10. For this purpose, screws pass through fixing holes provided in the wing structure 17 and cooperate with the openings in the screw barrels 40 opening out towards the outside of the housing 18.

[0071] In the embodiment of [Fig. 14], a wing structure 17 comprises a small plate 42 which does not completely cover the surface of a housing 18. The plate 42 is cut so as not to cover the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2. In this case, the fixing of the housing 18 may be ensured by fixing members 43, such as screws, pre-screwed onto the housing 18 and inserted into vertical oblong holes 44 provided in the plate 42. The holes 44 thus make it possible to ensure indexing in position of the housing 18 relative to the wing structure 17. When the screws 43 rest at the bottom of the holes 44, the operator or a robot may finish ensuring the screwing of said screws 43 to the desired torque. Alternatively, the holes 44 may be simple holes not having an oblong configuration. It should be noted that in this mode of embodiment, the housing 18 has a structural function which allows the use of a wing structure 17 of reduced size. In addition to its ease of installation, this embodiment therefore also has an economical character.

[0072] Furthermore, in order to fulfill a comfort function of the headrest 10, at least one layer 20 of foam or wadding is arranged in front of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 of a lateral wing 13.1, 13.2, as illustrated by FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0073] The layer 20 of foam or wadding may include at least one through opening 46 arranged in front of a loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2 so as to improve its transparency to sound. The layer 20 of foam or wadding may include a plurality of through openings 46 of small diameter arranged in front of the loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2, or over the entire surface (see figures 10 and 15) or a single opening 46 with the dimensions of the loudspeaker 14.1, 14.2 (see [Fig.11]).

[0074] The number and size of the openings 46 depend on the initial sound transparency properties of the foam or wadding layer 20. The number and size of the openings 46 are provided so as to minimize the sound attenuation of the foam or wadding layer(s) 20.

[0075] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b, the central portion 11 and / or the lateral wings 13.1, 13.2 comprise a first layer 20.1 of foam or wadding, called the comfort layer, having a low density of between 100 g / m2 and 600 g / m2, and preferably of the order of 200 g / m2, and a second layer 20.2 of foam having an average density of between 25 kg / m3 and 70 kg / m3 and preferably of the order of 35 kg / m3.

[0076] It is also possible to use a layer 20.3 of foam to give the general shape of the headrest 10. The density of this layer 20.3 of foam is between 25 kg / m3 and 70 kg / m3, and is preferably around 50 kg / m3.

[0077] The headrest 10 is covered by a cover 48 visible in [Fig. 15]. Depending on the material used, in particular fabric or leather, the cover 48 may be perforated in order to limit sound attenuation.

[0078] Advantageously, as illustrated by figures 16a, 16b, and 16c, a measuring element 51 can be used to measure an angular position of a corresponding lateral wing 13.1, 13.2. A control unit 52 is configured to manage an activation and a deactivation of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 and / or to adapt a sound parameter of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 as a function of the angular position of the lateral wing 13.1, 13.2 returned by the measuring element 51.

[0079] The measuring element 51 may consist of at least one of: a potentiometer, a switch, a contactless sensor, in particular a Hall effect sensor, for determine the angular position of a side wing 13.1, 13.2 without moving electrical part.

[0080] The sound parameter of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 is advantageously constituted by a sound volume (or gain) of the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2. Alternatively, the sound parameter may be the phase of a sound signal or any other parameter relating to a sound signal.

[0081] Thus, the control unit 52 will be able to activate the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 when the side wing 13.1, 13.2 moves away from the open position shown in [Fig.16a] and deactivate the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 when the side wing 13.1, 13.2 returns to the open position, or exceeds a threshold angle.

[0082] The control unit 52 may also be configured to increase the volume of the speakers 14.1, 14.2 as the side wing 13.1, 13.2 moves from the open position shown in [Fig. 16a] to the folded position shown in [Fig. 16b]. Conversely, the control unit 52 is configured to decrease the volume of the speakers 14.1, 14.2 as the side wing 13.1, 13.2 moves from the folded position shown in [Fig. 16b] to the open position shown in [Fig. 16a]. Thus, the sound volume of the speakers 14.1, 14.2 is minimum when the side wing 13.1, 13.2 is in the open position and the sound volume is maximum when the side wing 13.1, 13.2 is in the folded position.

[0083] Indeed, in the case where the sound volume would be kept constant whatever the position of the lateral wings 13.1, 13.2, the sound diffusion field 28 is reduced in the folded position (see [Fig. 16b]) and of large amplitude in the open position (see [Fig. 16a]). By reducing the volume of the sound in the open position, the sound diffusion field is reduced (see sound field 28' of [Fig. 16a] obtained with reduction of the sound volume) and therefore the lateral sound disturbances likely to disturb neighboring passengers.

[0084] In the case where the seat is well insulated from the neighboring seats, in particular due to the creation of a closed or semi-closed space by privacy shells, the sound reduction may be low. On the other hand, if the seat is poorly insulated from the neighboring seats, the sound reduction may be significant, in particular by applying a reduction of the order of 50% compared to the sound volume measurable in the folded position.

[0085] As illustrated in [Fig. 16c], in the folded position, a side wing 13.1, 13.2 may form an angle A1 greater than 90 degrees. Such a position makes it possible, due to the deflection of the sound by the side wings 13.1, 13.2, to create a sound bubble around the passenger seated in the seat without disturbing the neighboring passengers. The choice of the extreme folded configuration depends on the configuration of the headrest, the type of loudspeakers used, the amplitude of the authorized sound diffusion field. The extreme folded configuration can be imposed via the use of a stop or simply indicated by a mechanical notch beyond which the movement of a wing 13.1, 13.2 remains possible.

[0086] Alternatively, the control unit 52 only manages the deactivation and activation of the speakers 14.1, 14.2 depending on the position of the wings 13.1, 13.2. The sound volume can then be adjusted manually by the user.

[0087] In the case of a seat that is very well soundproofed from the neighboring seats, the movable side wings 13.1, 13.2 are no longer really useful. It is then possible to envisage producing a headrest 10, without a movable side wing, as a support for the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2.

[0088] As illustrated by [Fig. 17], such a headrest 10 comprises two ends 10.1, 10.2 intended to be arranged on either side of a passenger's head when the passenger's head is resting against the headrest 10. The headrest 10 comprises two sets of at least two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 intended to broadcast a sound to the passenger's ears. Each set of at least two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 is arranged at a fixed end of the headrest 10.

[0089] In this case, a box 18 containing a set of two loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 is fixed to one end of a rigid single-piece structure 53 of the headrest 10. A layer 20 of foam or wadding may be provided on the front face in order to improve the comfort of the passenger. The assembly is covered by a cover 48.

[0090] In this case, the boxes 18 are arranged on the rear face of the headrest, that is to say on the side opposite the front face against which the head of a passenger rests. Alternatively, the boxes 18 containing the loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 could be arranged on the front face. The headrest 10 may include a slide 27 for its height adjustment but this is not essential.

[0091] Whatever the embodiment envisaged described previously, it is also possible to provide a loudspeaker in the central part of the headrest 10 between the two sets of loudspeakers 14.1, 14.2 to improve the sound spatialization of the device.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

Claims

Claims

1. A passenger seat headrest (10) comprising: - a central portion (11) comprising a central structure (21) comprising a body (21.1), - two lateral wings (13.1, 13.2) arranged on either side of the central portion (11), - each lateral wing (13.1, 13.2) comprising a set of loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2), - each lateral wing (13.1, 13.2) being mounted on the central portion (11) by means of a hinge (15) defining an axis of rotation (XI), - each lateral wing (13.1, 13.2) being rotatable about the axis of rotation (XI) between an open position and a folded position in which the lateral wing (13.1, 13.2) forms a non-zero angle (Al) relative to a plane (P) in which extends the central portion (11) so as to bring the loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) closer to the passenger's ears, characterized in that each side wing (13.1, 13.2) comprises: - a housing (18) inside which two loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) are arranged, said housing (18) being formed of two shells (31.1, 31.2) assembled together, - a wing structure (17) carrying said housing (18), - a shell (31.1, 31.2) comprising a fixing interface (39) with a corresponding wing structure (17), - a hinge (15) being arranged between the wing structure (17) and the central structure (21).

2. Headrest according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (18) comprises at least one protective grille (30) ensuring protection of at least one loudspeaker (14.1, 14.2).

3. Headrest according to claim 1, characterized in that a shell (31.1, 31.2) has a fixing interface (35) with a loudspeaker (14.1, 14.2).

4. Headrest according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that one shell (31.1, 31.2) has a fixing interface (37) with the other shell (31.1, 31.2).

5. Headrest according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the folded position, a lateral wing (13.1, 13.2) can form a optimal angle (Al) between 50 degrees and 90 degrees and preferably of the order of 70 degrees relative to the plane (P) in which the central portion (11) extends.

6. Headrest according to claim 1, characterized in that an optimal distance (E) between the hinges (15) of the two lateral wings (13.1, 13.2) is between 170mm and 230mm and is preferably of the order of 200mm.

7. Headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a loudspeaker (14.1, 14.2) has a diameter of the order of 50mm and a depth of the order of 25mm.

8. Headrest according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one measuring element (51) for measuring an angular position of a lateral wing (13.1, 13.2), and - a control unit (52) configured to manage an activation and a deactivation of the loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) and / or to adapt a sound parameter of the loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) as a function of the angular position of the lateral wing (13.1, 13.2) returned by the measuring element (51).

9. Headrest according to claim 8, characterized in that the sound parameter of the loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2) is constituted by a sound volume of the loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2).

10. Headrest according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the measuring element (51) consists of at least one of: a potentiometer, a switch, a contactless sensor.

11. Headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is made from metal sheets, in particular aluminum or magnesium sheets, or from a composite material, in particular of the honeycomb type, or from a plastic material.

12. Headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one layer (20) of foam or wadding is arranged in front of the loudspeakers (14.1, 14.2).

13. Headrest according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a first layer (20.1) of foam or wadding, called the comfort layer, having a low density of between 100g / m2 and 600g / m2, and preferably of the order of 200g / m2, and a second

14. layer (20.2) of foam having an average density of between 25 kg / m3 and 70 kg / m3 and preferably of the order of 35 kg / m3. Headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is covered by a cover (48), in particular perforated.

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