Passenger transport vehicle seat and associated vehicle

Abstract

Passenger transport vehicle seat and associated vehicle The invention relates to a passenger transport vehicle seat comprising a support (14) movable between: a first position (A) in which the support (14) defines a backrest for a passenger (16) standing in the vehicle (12), a second position (B), in which the support (14) defines an ischial support for a passenger (16) in a semi-raised position in the vehicle (12), and a third position (C), in which the support (14) defines a seat for a passenger (16) sitting in the vehicle (12). The support (14) has a bucket shape capable of holding the passenger in position. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Passenger transport vehicle seat and associated vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger transport vehicle seat comprising a support movable between:

[0002] a first position in which the support defines a backrest for a standing passenger in the vehicle,

[0003] a second position, in which the support defines an ischial support for a passenger in a semi-raised position in the vehicle, and

[0004] a third position, in which the support defines a seat for a passenger seated in the vehicle.

[0005] In passenger transport vehicles, and in particular vehicles intended for intra-urban transport such as, for example, trams, metros or buses, it is possible to install different types of support for passengers depending on their travel positions and also depending on the space available and the density of passengers traveling in the vehicle.

[0006] For example, it is possible to install backrests or ischial supports for passengers in a standing or semi-raised position. Such supports allow the passenger to be supported while taking up little space, which is advantageous in particular in the event of a high passenger density in the vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, it is possible to install backrests for the passenger's back to rest against the backrest in a standing position. The passenger must, in a standing position, exert a fairly significant effort to maintain himself against said upright backrest, particularly in the event of jolts linked to successive accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle, which reduces his comfort.

[0008] It is also possible to install rotating folding seats that can move between a stowed position and a deployed position defining a seat for a passenger seated in the vehicle. Such a sitting position requires little holding force and is therefore more comfortable for the passenger, particularly if the passenger is tired or physically impaired, such as elderly people for example. However, a passenger seated in the vehicle takes up more space than a passenger in a standing or semi-erect position, which is disadvantageous in the event of a high passenger density in the vehicle.

[0009] Depending on the duration of the journey, fatigue, physical abilities, passenger density and the support available in the vehicle, the passenger chooses a suitable support position.

[0010] The seats currently installed in vehicles generally offer one or two of these positions, which limits the passenger's choice.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a space-saving passenger transport vehicle seat, capable of supporting the passenger in several positions depending on the duration of the journey, the fatigue and physical capabilities of the passenger as well as the density of travelers, while being capable of maintaining the passenger in each of his positions comfortably and safely.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle seat, in which the support has a bucket shape capable of holding the passenger in position.

[0013] Such a passenger vehicle seat offers passengers the possibility of choosing their support position. The bucket shape of the support makes it possible to maintain the passenger in each of the positions and thus guarantee their safety, particularly in the event of jolts and ensure their travel comfort.

[0014] The vehicle seat according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0015] - The support comprises a bottom suitable for serving as a support surface for a part of the passenger's body and two side edges inclined relative to the bottom suitable for enclosing part of the passenger's body.

[0016] - The support is fixed to a wall of the vehicle.

[0017] - In the first position, the support extends along the wall of the vehicle, in second position, the angle defined between the support and said wall is between 25° and 60°, and in the third position, the support extends substantially perpendicular to said wall.

[0018] - The seat comprises a notched compass, said notched compass comprising a first surface fixed on the wall, a second surface fixed on the support and a rod.

[0019] - One of the first and second surfaces and the rod comprises notches each defining a stop notch for one of the positions of the support and the other for one of the first and second surfaces and the rod comprises a stop suitable for being housed in each of the notches.

[0020] - The notched compass includes an automatic return spring from the support to the first position.

[0021] - One of the ends of the support is movable in translation on the wall of the vehicle, and more particularly in a sliding rail provided in the wall of the vehicle.

[0022] - The seat includes a safety belt fixed to the support.

[0023] The invention also relates to a passenger transport vehicle comprising at least one seat as described above.

[0024] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0025] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic side view of the seat in its first position, its second position and its third position according to the invention;

[0026] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of the seat of [Fig.l] in its first position; and

[0027] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic front view of the seat of [Fig.l] in its first position.

[0028] [Fig.l] illustrates a seat 10 installed in a vehicle 12 and comprising a support 14 movable between a first (A), a second (B) and a third (C) position. A passenger 16 is here leaning on said seat 10.

[0029] The vehicle 12 is a vehicle intended for the transport of passengers, in particular for the transport of passengers over short distances such as intra-urban transport for example.

[0030] The vehicle 12 is for example a railway vehicle such as a metro, a tram or a train.

[0031] Alternatively, the vehicle 12 is a bus, a shuttle or a cable car.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the support 14 has a bucket shape capable of holding the passenger 16 in position.

[0033] The support 14 extends along a support axis S between a first end 18 and a second end 20.

[0034] The bucket-shaped support 14 comprises a bottom 22 and two side edges 24.

[0035] The bottom 22 is suitable for serving as a support surface for a part of the body of the passenger 16.

[0036] The bottom 22 is advantageously flat.

[0037] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the bottom 22 extends substantially parallel to the support axis S.

[0038] The two lateral edges 24 each extend over one of the lateral ends of the bottom 22 and are inclined relative to the bottom 22 so as to form a tub. Preferably, the two lateral edges 24 extend over the entire length of the bottom 22, i.e. between the first and second ends 18, 20.

[0039] The two lateral edges 24 are symmetrical with respect to each other along a median plane passing through the axis of the support S and perpendicular to the bottom 22.

[0040] The two lateral edges 24 are suitable for enclosing the passenger 16, that is to say receiving between them the body of the passenger, and more particularly a part of the body of the passenger 16, with the aim of keeping him in position.

[0041] The width of the bottom 22 and the angle of inclination between each of the side edges 24 and the bottom 22 are chosen so that the seat 10 is capable of accommodating and maintaining passengers of different sizes and builds, and preferably for the entire panel of passengers from the 5th female percentile to the 95th male percentile.

[0042] The width of the bottom 22 is defined as the dimension of the bottom 22 measured between the two side edges 24 perpendicular to the support axis S. The angle a of inclination between each of the side edges 24 and the bottom 22 is chosen between 20° and 90°, preferably between 50° and 90°.

[0043] If the bottom 22 is chosen with a significant width, for example greater than 50 cm, the angle of inclination a between each of the lateral edges 24 and the bottom 22 is chosen close to 90°. A significant width of the bottom 22 makes it possible to accommodate passengers 16 of significant build and a significant angle of inclination of the lateral edges 24 makes it possible to also maintain and enclose passengers 16 of small build.

[0044] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the support 14 of the seat 10 is movable between three positions for supporting the passenger 16 on the seat 10.

[0045] In the first position (A), the support 14 defines a backrest for the passenger 16 standing in the vehicle 12.

[0046] In said first position (A), the axis S of the support is substantially vertical.

[0047] In the first position (A), the passenger 16 rests his back against the bottom 22 and the two side edges 24 are capable of enclosing the bust of the passenger 16, in order to keep it in position.

[0048] The passenger 16 is thus kept in a standing position and must exert little effort in order to remain standing, particularly in the event of jolts or when turning.

[0049] In the second position (B), the support 14 defines an ischial support for the passenger 16 in a semi-raised position in the vehicle 12.

[0050] In the second position (B), the passenger 16 presses his buttocks or the top of his thighs against the bottom 22 and the two lateral edges 24 are able to enclose the pelvis of the passenger 16, in order to keep him in position.

[0051] The passenger 16 is thus held in a semi-raised position and the two lateral edges 24 hold him in position in order to avoid, for example, slipping in the event of jolts or when turning.

[0052] Such a semi-raised position requires less maintenance effort than a standing position and is therefore more comfortable for the passenger 12.

[0053] In the third position (C), the support 14 defines a seat for the passenger 16 in a seated position in the vehicle 12.

[0054] In the third position (C), the passenger 16 sits on the bottom 22 and the two lateral edges 24 are able to enclose his pelvis and his thighs.

[0055] In said third position (C), the axis S of the support is substantially horizontal.

[0056] The passenger 16 is thus held in a seated position and the two lateral edges 24 hold him in position in order to avoid, for example, slipping in the event of jolts or when turning.

[0057] Optionally, in order to increase the comfort of the passenger 16, the support 14 is padded or padded.

[0058] Alternatively, the support 14 is rigid in order to facilitate its cleaning.

[0059] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the support 14 is fixed to a wall 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0060] The wall 26 of the vehicle 12 is advantageously fixed to a floor 28 of the vehicle 12 and extends perpendicular to the latter along a substantially vertical wall axis.

[0061] The wall 26 of the vehicle 12 is for example a side wall of the vehicle 12 or an interior partition of the vehicle 12.

[0062] In the first position (A), the support 14 extends along the wall 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0063] More particularly, the axis S of the support 14 and the bottom 22 extend along the wall 26 substantially parallel to the vertical wall axis.

[0064] In the first position (A), the angle [3 defined between the support 14 and said wall is substantially zero.

[0065] The passenger 16 thus extends upright parallel to the wall 26.

[0066] In the second position (B), the support 14 is inclined relative to the wall 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0067] More particularly, the first end 18 of the support 14 is closer to the wall 26 than the second end 20 of the support 14.

[0068] The axis S of the support 14 is inclined relative to the axis of the wall. Similarly, the bottom 22 extends inclined relative to the wall 26.

[0069] In the second position (B), the angle [3 defined between the support 14 and said wall is between 25° and 60°, and more particularly between 35° and 55°.

[0070] The passenger 16 lies leaning against the support 14 with his legs inclined relative to the wall 26 and his back substantially parallel to the wall 26, and more particularly leaning against it.

[0071] In the third position (C), the support 14 extends substantially perpendicular to the wall 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0072] More particularly, the first end 18 of the support 14 is on the wall 26 and the second end 20 of the support 14 is at a distance from the wall 26.

[0073] The axis of the support 14 is perpendicular to the axis of the wall. The bottom 22 thus extends perpendicular to the wall 26.

[0074] In the third position (C), the angle [3 defined between the support 14 and said wall is substantially equal to 90°.

[0075] Passenger 16 is seated on support 14.

[0076] Optionally, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the seat 10 also comprises a safety belt 30 fixed to the support 14.

[0077] The safety belt 30 is for example a lap belt fixed at two points.

[0078] Each attachment point of the belt 30 is located for example on one of the lateral edges 24 of the support 14.

[0079] Advantageously, the seat 10 also comprises a notched compass 32 mounted on the wall 26 and on the support 14.

[0080] The notched compass 32 is capable of moving the support 14 from one position to another and of locking the support 14 in each of the three positions.

[0081] The notched compass 32 comprises a first surface 34 fixed on the wall 26, a second surface 36 fixed on the support 14 and a rod 38 defining a first end 40 mounted on the first surface 34 and a second end 42 mounted on the second surface 36.

[0082] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the second surface 36 is fixed to the lower surface of the support 14, and more particularly of the bottom 22.

[0083] The second surface 36 comprises at least three notches 44 each defining a stop notch for one of the positions (A, B, C) of the seat 10.

[0084] The rod 38 is articulated on the first surface 34 at its first end 40 and comprises a stop 46 at its second end 42.

[0085] Advantageously, the rod 38 is of variable length.

[0086] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the stop 46 is suitable for being housed in each of the notches 44 of the second surface 36, each corresponding to a position (A, B or C) of the seat 10.

[0087] When the stop 46 is housed in a notch 44, the support 14 is locked in the corresponding position.

[0088] The seat 10 is capable of moving from one position to another by moving the stop 46 from one of the notches 44 to another.

[0089] For example, by exerting a force on the support 14, the stop 46 is able to come out of the notch 44 in which it is housed. By a movement of the support 14, for example upwards, the stop 46 is able to come and be housed in another notch 44, thus fixing the support 14 in another position.

[0090] Advantageously, the notched compass 32 also comprises a spring 48 for automatic return of the support 14 to the first position (A).

[0091] The spring 48 is fixed between the first surface 34 and the second surface 36.

[0092] For example, if the passenger exerts a force on the support 14, the stop 46 is suitable for come out of the notch 44 in which it is housed. And then once the stop 46 is out of the notch 44, if the support 14 is not subjected to any additional external stress, in particular if the passenger 16 does not force the support 14 into movement, the spring 48 is suitable for guiding the stop 46 so that it comes to be housed in the notch 44 corresponding to the first position (A), for example here the upper notch 44.

[0093] Such automatic storage of the support 14 in the first position (A) allows a gain space, especially when seat 10 is unused.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first end 18 of the support 14 is movable in translation along the wall 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0095] Preferably, a sliding rail 50 is provided in the wall 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0096] The end 18 is movable in translation in said sliding rail 50 between a high position corresponding to the first position A of the seat 10 and a low position corresponding to the third position C.

[0097] This translation in height of the end 18 of the support 14 makes it possible to adapt the height of said end 18 as a function of the position of the support 14.

[0098] For example, the distance between the floor 28 and the end 18 of the support 14 in the high position, that is to say when the support 14 defines a backrest, is between 900 mm and 1450 mm from the floor 28, so that the support 14 is placed at the level of the back of the passenger 16.

[0099] The distance between the floor 28 and the end 18 of the support 14 in the intermediate position, that is to say when the support 14 defines an ischial support, is between 700 mm and 1000 mm from the floor 28, so that the support 14 is placed at the level of the passenger's buttocks 18.

[0100] The distance between the floor 28 and the end 18 of the support 14 in the low position, that is to say when the support 14 defines a seat, is between 380 mm and 550 mm from the floor 28.

[0101] Such a seat 10 movable between three positions offers the passenger 16 the possibility of choosing his support and travel position (standing, semi-raised or seated) depending on the duration of the journey, the fatigue and physical capacities of the passenger as well as the density of travelers in the vehicle.

[0102] In addition, the notched compass 32 is easy to use and is robust. The passenger 16 can therefore move the seat 10 from one position to another simply and with minimal effort.

[0103] The automatic storage of the support 14 in the first position by means of the spring 48 allows space to be saved, in particular when the seat 10 is not in use.

[0104] Furthermore, the bucket shape of the seat 10 allows passive support of the passenger 16, and therefore reduces the effort required to maintain the passenger in position, particularly in the event of braking, tipping or when cornering. The passenger's comfort is therefore increased.

[0105] In addition, the bucket shape of the seat 10 and also the seat belt 30 keeps the passenger 16 safely, so that the passenger does not need to hold on, for example to a grab bar, in order to remain in position. Manual contact is therefore reduced, which is advantageous for hygienic reasons and in particular in the event of an epidemic to avoid the spread of viruses.

[0106] Alternatively, the support 14 does not comprise a bottom 22 and two lateral edges 24. inclined relative to the bottom 22, but consists of a single bottom 22 curved in a concave manner so as to form a passenger seating area.

[0107] According to another embodiment not shown, the notches 44 are not defined on the second surface 36, but on the first surface 34 fixed on the wall 26.

[0108] The stop 46 suitable for being housed in each of the notches 44 of the first surface 34 is defined on the first end 40 of the rod 38.

[0109] According to another embodiment not shown, the notches 44 are defined on one of the ends 40, 42 of the rod 38 and the stop 46 suitable for being housed in each of the notches 44 is defined on one of the surfaces 34, 36 of the notched compass 32.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described by way of example, but extends to all technically possible combinations of these embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. Seat (10) of a passenger transport vehicle (12) comprising a support (14) movable between: a first position (A) in which the support (14) defines a backrest for a passenger (16) standing in the vehicle (12), a second position (B), in which the support (14) defines an ischial support for a passenger (16) in a semi-raised position in the vehicle (12), and a third position (C), in which the support (14) defines a seat for a passenger (16) seated in the vehicle (12); characterized in that the support (14) has a bucket shape capable of holding the passenger in position.

2. Seat (10) of vehicle (12) according to claim 1, in which the support (14) comprises a bottom (22) suitable for serving as a support surface for a part of the body of the passenger (16) and two lateral edges (24) inclined relative to the bottom (22) suitable for enclosing a part of the body of the passenger (16).

3. A vehicle (12) seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support (14) is fixed to a wall (26) of the vehicle (12).

4. Seat (10) of vehicle (12) according to claim 3, wherein: in first position (A), the support (14) extends along the wall (26) of the vehicle (12), in second position (B), the angle (|3) defined between the support (14) and said wall (26) is between 25° and 60°, and in third position (C), the support (14) extends substantially perpendicular to said wall (26).

5. A vehicle (12) seat (10) according to claim 3 or 4 comprising a notched compass (32), said notched compass (32) comprising a first surface (34) fixed to the wall (26), a second surface (36) fixed to the support (14) and a rod (38).

6. Vehicle seat (10) (12) according to claim 5, wherein one of the first and second surfaces (34, 36) and the rod (38) comprises notches (44) each defining a stop notch for one of the positions (A, B, C) of the support (14) and the other of the first and second surfaces (34, 36) and the rod (38) comprises a stop (46) suitable for being housed in each of the notches (44).

7. A vehicle (12) seat (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the notched compass (32) comprises a spring (48) for automatic return of the support (14) to the first position (A).

8. Seat (10) of vehicle (12) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which one of the ends (18) of the support (14) is movable in translation on the wall (26) of the vehicle, and more particularly in a sliding rail (50) formed in the wall (26) of the vehicle (12).

9. A vehicle (12) seat (10) according to any preceding claim comprising a seat belt (30) secured to the support (14).

10. A passenger transport vehicle (12) comprising at least one seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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