Retractable seat system for railway rolling stock
The retractable seat system addresses the bulkiness and inflexibility of conventional railway seats by enabling adaptable seating through a movable retractable design, optimizing space and ensuring reliable operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2021005183
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-05-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing passenger seats in railway rolling stock are bulky, lack modularity, and have fixed arrangements that do not allow for flexible seating capacity adaptation, with folding seats often malfunctioning and occupying unnecessary space.
A retractable seat system with a fixed part and a retractable part that moves between retracted and deployed positions, allowing seamless integration and optimizing space usage, featuring translational or pivoting mechanisms and optional motorization for controlled movement.
The retractable seat system enhances space utilization by providing adaptable seating capacity without gaps, reducing bulkiness, and ensuring reliable operation through integrated mechanisms.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Retractable seat system for railway rolling stock
[0001] The invention falls within the field of seats and seating areas installed in spaces intended for passengers.
[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a retractable seat system to be installed in a passenger space.
[0003] Passenger spaces, in particular passenger cars of collective rolling stock, comprise a plurality of fixed seats offering a determined seating capacity.
[0004] A disadvantage of these seats is their bulkiness and lack of modularity. Their arrangement in space is fixed and does not allow for adaptation of the seating capacity.
[0005] There are folding seats of the strapontin type formed from a fixed backrest and a seat which pivots between a deployed position allowing one to sit on it and a folded position in which the seat is folded against the backrest.
[0006] However, the pivoting movement of the seat imposes constraints on integration into the space. Furthermore, a folding seat of the folding seat type remains relatively bulky. Finally, the spring of the pivoting system can seize up or get stuck and leave the seat in the deployed position with or without the presence of a seated passenger. In the latter case, all the benefit of the space gained by the folding seat compared to the conventional fixed seat is lost.
[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a more reliable retractable seat system which optimizes the space available in the passenger area.
[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a retractable seat system for railway rolling stock, comprising a fixed part forming at least one fixed seat which extends in a plane P along a longitudinal axis parallel to an anteroposterior axis of a user occupying said fixed seat, and which has at least one transverse free edge forming a reception of the back of the knees of the user occupying the fixed seat, and a longitudinal free edge, and a retractable part forming at least one retractable seat comprising at least one free edge called a gripping edge and a free edge for receiving the back of the knees of the user occupying the retractable seat, characterized in that the retractable part is movable between a retracted position in which the retractable seat is under the fixed seat, and a deployed position in which the retractable seat extends in the extension of the fixed seat.
[0009] The retractable seat system may also include the following features: following technical aspects considered in isolation or in all possible technical combinations: • The retractable seat (7a, 7b) is movable along plane P or along a plane parallel to plane P between the retracted position and the deployed position. • In the deployed position, the retractable seat extends in plane P or in a plane parallel to plane P. • In the retracted position, the gripping edge of the retractable seat is located flush with the longitudinal free edge of the fixed seat. • The system comprises at least one means for gripping the retractable seat which is integral with its gripping edge to accompany the movement of said retractable seat. • The retractable part is movable in translation in a transverse direction parallel to the free transverse edge of the fixed seat, and in that: • the gripping edge of the retractable seat extends parallel to the longitudinal free edge of the fixed seat, and • the receiving edges of the back of the knees of the fixed seat and the retractable seat respectively extend in parallel directions. • In the deployed position, the projections in the plane P of the free transverse edges receiving the back of the knees respectively of the fixed seat and the retractable seat form a continuous transverse line. • The fixed part comprises at least one fixed backrest secured to the fixed seat considered to form a fixed seat, and in that the retractable part comprises at least one retractable backrest secured to the retractable seat considered to form a retractable seat movable in translation between the retracted position in which the retractable backrest is arranged under the fixed backrest and the deployed position in which the retractable backrest is in the extension of the fixed backrest. • The fixed part comprises two fixed seats secured to each other and arranged back to back, and in that the retractable part comprises two retractable seats secured to each other and arranged back to back. • The retractable part is pivotable around an axis perpendicular to plane P. • The fixed part comprises two fixed seats secured to each other and arranged back to back, each fixed seat comprising the fixed seat and a fixed backrest secured to said fixed seat, and in that the free edge of the retractable seat has the shape of an angular sector which extends from the gripping edge of said retractable seat, the radius of the retractable seat being equal to the half the distance separating the transverse edges of the two fixed seats. • The system includes a motor and control and command means controlling the motorization of the movement of the retractable part.
[0010] The invention also relates to railway rolling stock comprising a retractable seat system, which system comprises a fixed part forming at least one fixed seat which extends in a plane P along a longitudinal axis parallel to an anteroposterior axis of a user occupying said fixed seat, and which has at least one transverse free edge forming a reception of the back of the knees of the user occupying the fixed seat, and a longitudinal free edge, and a retractable part forming at least one retractable seat comprising at least one free edge called a gripping edge and a free edge for receiving the back of the knees of the user occupying the retractable seat, characterized in that the retractable part is movable between a retracted position in which the retractable seat is under the fixed seat, and a deployed position in which the retractable seat extends in the extension of the fixed seat.
[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures:
[0012] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of the retractable seat system in the deployed position according to a first embodiment.
[0013] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the retractable seat system in the retracted position according to a second embodiment.
[0014] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the retractable seat system according to the second embodiment in the deployed position.
[0015] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the retractable seat system according to the second embodiment in an intermediate position.
[0016] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a top view of the retractable seat system of [Fig.2],
[0017] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a top view of the retractable seat system of [Fig.3].
[0018] It is first of all specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can be easily found by referring to another figure.
[0019] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent two embodiments of the subject of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.
[0020] The invention relates to a retractable seat system 1a, 1b intended to be installed in railway rolling stock, and in particular in the passenger cars of a commercial railway vehicle.
[0021] The seat system 1a, 1b comprises a fixed part 2a, 2b which is secured either to the ground (not shown) or against a wall 16 of the railway rolling stock, and a retractable part 6a, 6b which is connected to the fixed part 2a, 2b and is movable relative to said fixed part 2a, 2b, as precisely described below.
[0022] [Fig.l] represents the retractable seat system 1a according to a first embodiment, and FIGS. 2 to 6 represent a retractable seat system 1b according to a second embodiment.
[0023] With reference to [Fig.l] and according to the first embodiment, the fixed part 2a comprises two fixed seats 12a, each comprising a fixed backrest 11a and a fixed seat 3a secured to each other, the seats 3a extending in a plane P. Furthermore, these two fixed seats 12a are arranged back-to-back so that their backrests 11a are opposite each other and their seats 3a extend in the same direction but in opposite directions, each from the junction between said seat 3a and the backrest considered 11a to a free edge which will be called hereinafter the transverse free edge 4a.
[0024] Indeed, each fixed seat 3a of the fixed seat considered 12a extends along a longitudinal axis Xa parallel to an anteroposterior axis of a user who would occupy this fixed seat 3a. The transverse free edge 4a, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Xa, then forms a reception for the back of the knees of the user occupying the fixed seat 3a. Furthermore, each fixed seat 3a comprises a longitudinal free edge 5a.
[0025] Each fixed backrest 11a is further inclined so that the angle formed by the plane P and a plane in which the fixed backrest considered 11a extends is an obtuse angle. In fact, a space of triangular section 19 is defined between the two backrests 11a. Furthermore, the fixed seats 12a are integral with the side wall 16 of the railway equipment and are devoid of feet. An empty space therefore extends under the fixed seats 3a to the floor of the railway rolling stock.
[0026] The retractable part 6a according to this first embodiment, which appears transparently in [Fig.l], comprises two retractable seats 14a, each comprising a retractable backrest 13a and a retractable seat 7a secured to each other. Furthermore, these two retractable seats 14a are arranged back-to-back so that their backrests 13a are opposite each other and their retractable seats 7a extend in the same direction but in opposite directions, each from the junction between said seat 7a and the backrest considered 13a to a transverse free edge 9a of the retractable seat considered 7a.
[0027] Indeed, like the fixed seats 3a, each retractable seat 7a of the retractable seat considered 14a extends along a longitudinal axis Ya parallel to the antero axis posterior of the user who would occupy this retractable seat 7a, and is in fact parallel to the longitudinal axis Xa. The transverse free edge 9a, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ya, then forms a reception for the back of the knees of the user occupying the retractable seat 7a. Furthermore, each retractable seat 7a comprises a longitudinal free edge forming a so-called gripping edge 8a.
[0028] According to the invention, the retractable part 6a, that is to say the two retractable seats 14a arranged back-to-back, is movable by sliding in a direction D parallel to the receiving edges 4a of the knees of the fixed seats considered 3a, between a retracted position in which the retracted seats 14a are arranged under the fixed seats 12a, and a deployed position in which the retractable seats 7a and the retractable backrests 13a are in the extension respectively of the fixed seats considered 3a and the fixed backrests considered 11a. In other words, the retractable seats 14a are in the continuity of the fixed seats 12a and there is no free space between the fixed seats 12a and retractable seats 14a.
[0029] The sliding movement of the retractable seats 14a can be ensured by any known means allowing translational movement, for example rollers mounted freely to rotate on the retractable part 6a and cooperating with rails secured to the fixed part 2a.
[0030] In the retracted position, the retractable backrests 13a are arranged under the fixed backrests considered 11a in the triangular section space 19, and the retractable seats 7a are arranged under the fixed seats considered 3a. Advantageously, the gripping edges 8a of the retractable seats 7a are flush with the longitudinal free edges 5a of the fixed seats considered 3a. The retractable part 6a is therefore completely integrated under the fixed part 2a, which represents a saving of space, and the gripping edge 8a is also easily accessible. To further facilitate gripping of the retractable part 6a, the latter may comprise a gripping means 10a secured to the gripping edge 8a of one or both of the retractable seats 7a.
[0031] In the embodiment of [Fig.l], the transverse free edges 4a, 9a respectively of the fixed seat 3a and of the retractable seat considered 7a are parallel to each other, while the longitudinal free edge 5a of the fixed seat 3a and the free gripping edge 8a of the retractable seat 7a are parallel to each other.
[0032] In the deployed position, the retractable seats 7a extend in a plane parallel to the plane P and slightly offset from the latter in the direction of the ground of the railway rolling stock. In addition, the transverse free edges 4a, 9a for receiving the back of the knees of the user respectively of the fixed seat considered 3a and of the retractable seat 7a in the extension of said fixed seat 3a are arranged in such a way that their projections in the plane P form a continuous line.
[0033] With reference to figures 2 to 6, the retractable seat system 1b according to a second embodiment will now be described.
[0034] The fixed part 2b is identical to that described for the first embodiment, that is to say comprising two fixed seats 12b back-to-back each comprising a fixed seat 3b and a fixed backrest 11b, but with the difference that this fixed part according to the second embodiment comprises a truncated conical formwork 18 which closes the space with a triangular section between the backrests 11b of the fixed seats 12b back-to-back. The function of this truncated conical formwork 18 will be specified later in the description.
[0035] The retractable part 6b comprises a retractable seat 7b which can pivot about an axis Z perpendicular to the plane P. This axis passes through the center of a column 17 for holding the formwork 18, one end of which is secured to the ground of the railway rolling stock. The axis of rotation Z also passes through the axis of symmetry of the truncated cone-shaped formwork 18.
[0036] The retractable part 6b therefore pivots around the column 17 around the axis Z. For example and in a non-limiting manner, an internal edge opposite the free edge 9b of the retractable seat 7b is secured to a hollow shaft mounted to rotate freely around the column, for example via ball bearings.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the seat system 1b does not include a column 17, and the pivot axis Z passes through a hollow shaft mounted to rotate freely in the truncated cone-shaped casing 18, and the internal edge opposite the free edge 9b of the retractable seat 7b is secured to one end of this hollow shaft.
[0038] The retractable seat 7b comprises a free edge 9b which has the shape of an angular sector of 180°, knowing that other angle values are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. This free edge 9b extends from the free end of the retractable seat which forms the gripping edge 8b of the retractable seat 7b to which gripping means 10b are secured. Advantageously, these gripping means 10b are a handle which also form an armrest.
[0039] In its retracted position (figures 2 and 5), the retractable seat 7b is arranged under the fixed seats 3b of the fixed part 2b. The gripping edge 8b is also flush with the longitudinal free edge 5b of one of the two fixed seats 3b.
[0040] [Fig.3] shows an intermediate position of the retractable seat 7b which is in fact being deployed.
[0041] In its deployed position (figures 4 and 6), the retractable seat 7b extends in a plane parallel to the plane P and slightly offset from the latter in the direction of the ground of the railway rolling stock. In addition, the gripping edge 8b is flush with the longitudinal free edge 5b of the other fixed seat 3b, and the free edge 9b of the retractable seat 7b forms a reception for the back of the users' knees.
[0042] Furthermore, the radius of the angular sector forming the retractable seat 7b is equal to half the distance separating the transverse free edges 4b from the fixed seats 3b. In other words, the projection in the plane P of the transverse free edges 4b of the fixed seats 3b and of the free edge 9b of the retractable seat 7b forms a continuous curve.
[0043] This second embodiment is particularly advantageous because, in the deployed position, the retractable seat 7b takes up little space while providing at least three additional seating places. In addition, the truncated cone-shaped formwork 18 forms a backrest for the users occupying the retractable seats 7b, while itself taking up little space.
[0044] Finally, in a variant applicable to both embodiments, the retractable seat system 1a, 1b may comprise a motorization controlled by control and command means. Thus, the transition from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa is controlled by the control and command means, either automatically, or by the driver of the railway rolling stock, or by the user himself via a man-machine interface included in the control and command means and arranged on the fixed part 2a, 2b of the retractable seat system 1a, 1b.
Claims
Claims
1. Retractable seat system (1b) for railway rolling stock, comprising a fixed part (2b) forming at least one fixed seat (3b) which extends in a plane P along a longitudinal axis (Xb) parallel to an anteroposterior axis of a user occupying said fixed seat (3b), and which has at least one transverse free edge (4b) forming a reception of the back of the knees of the user occupying the fixed seat (3b), and a longitudinal free edge (5b), and a retractable part (6a, 6b) forming at least one retractable seat (7b) comprising at least one free edge called a gripping edge (8b) and a free edge (9b) for receiving the back of the knees of the user occupying the retractable seat (7b), which retractable part (6b) is pivotally movable about an axis (Z) perpendicular to the plane P between a retracted position in which the retractable seat (7b) is under the fixed seat (3b),and a deployed position in which the retractable seat (7b) extends in the extension of the fixed seat (3b), characterized in that the fixed part (2b) comprises two fixed seats (12b) secured to each other and arranged back-to-back, each fixed seat (12b) comprising the fixed seat (3b) and a fixed backrest (11b) secured to said fixed seat (3b), and in that the free edge (9b) of the retractable seat (7b) has the shape of an angular sector which extends from the gripping edge (8b) of said retractable seat (7b), the radius of the retractable seat (7b) being equal to half the distance separating the transverse edges (4b) of the two fixed seats (3b), and in that the retractable seat (7b) is movable between a retracted position in which the gripping edge (8b) is flush with the longitudinal free edge (5b) of one of the fixed bases (3b),and a deployed position in which the gripping edge (8b) is flush with the longitudinal free edge (5b) of the other fixed seat (3b).,
2. System (1b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a motor and control and command means controlling the motorization of the movement of the retractable part (6a, 6b).
3. Railway rolling stock comprising a retractable seat system (1b), which system (1b) comprises a fixed part (2b) forming at least one fixed seat (3b) which extends in a plane P along a longitudinal axis (Xb) parallel to an anteroposterior axis of a user occupying said fixed seat (3b), and which has at least one transverse free edge (4b) forming a reception for the back of the knees of the user occupying the fixed seat (3b), and a longitudinal free edge (5b), and a retractable part (6b) forming at least one retractable seat (7b) comprising at least one free edge called a gripping edge (8b) and a free edge (9b) for receiving the back of the knees of the user occupying the retractable seat (7b), which retractable part (6b) is pivotally movable about an axis (Z) perpendicular to the plane P between a retracted position in which the retractable seat (7b) is under the fixed seat (3b), and a deployed position in which the retractable seat (7b) extends in the extension of the fixed seat (3b), characterized in that the fixed part (2b) comprises two fixed seats (12b) secured to each other and arranged back-to-back, each fixed seat (12b) comprising the seat fixed (3b) and a fixed backrest (11b) secured to said fixed seat (3b),and in that the free edge (9b) of the retractable seat (7b) has an angular sector shape which extends from the gripping edge (8b) of said retractable seat (7b), the radius of the retractable seat (7b) being equal to half the distance separating the transverse edges (4b) of the two fixed seats (3b), and in that the retractable seat (7b) is movable between a retracted position in which the gripping edge (8b) is flush with the longitudinal free edge (5b) of one of the fixed seats (3b), and a deployed position in which the gripping edge (8b) is flush with the longitudinal free edge (5b) of the other fixed seat (3b).,