NOISE REDUCING PANEL FOR A PIECE OF FURNITURE

Abstract

The invention relates to a noise-attenuating panel (30) for a piece of furniture comprising: - a cover plate (31), - a first layer of flexible material (32.1) having a first density (D1), - a second layer of flexible material (32.2) having a second density (D2), and - a third layer of flexible material (32.3) having a third density (D3). Figure 2b

Description

Title of the invention: NOISE REDUCING PANEL FOR A FURNITURE ELEMENT

[0001] The present invention relates to a noise-attenuating panel for a piece of furniture. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with "business class" and "first class" seating units in an aircraft cabin.

[0002] In a manner known per se, such a seating unit comprises a seat and a shell extending at least partially around the seat so as to delimit a space around the passenger. Such a configuration ensures the passenger's privacy.

[0003] The seat offers the passenger various comfort positions, from a "sitting" position to a "reclining" position, in which the seat defines a substantially horizontal sleeping surface so that the passenger can lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also offered, such as the "relax" position in which the seat back is significantly reclined. Generally, these intermediate positions are obtained by tilting the backrest, which pivots around a horizontal axis perpendicular to an extension axis of the seat. The passenger can then remain seated during transitions between the different positions. The seat generally consists of the backrest and a seat cushion and may include a leg rest and / or a footrest, which may be fixed or linked to a kinematic mechanism of the seat.

[0004] Noise that could disturb passengers' rest is an important environmental concern to consider when developing a seat unit. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the perceived noise level inside an aircraft cabin in order to optimize passenger acoustic comfort without reducing their living space.

[0005] The invention aims to effectively meet this need by providing a noise-reducing panel for a piece of furniture comprising:

[0006] - a dressing headdress,

[0007] - a first layer of flexible material having a first density,

[0008] - a second layer of flexible material having a second density, and

[0009] - a third layer of flexible material having a third density.

[0010] The invention thus makes it possible to obtain a porous sound trap that can be easily integrated into a seat environment element. Indeed, once the waves penetrate the stack of layers of flexible material, the multiple reflections reduce the intensity of noise perceived by the passenger at the seat.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second layer of flexible material is provided with a plurality of through openings.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first layer of flexible material, the second layer of flexible material, and the third layer of flexible material are made up of layers of foam.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first density, the second density, and the third density of the layers of flexible material are different from each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first density, the second density, and the third density of the layers of flexible material are equal to each other.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first layer of flexible material is permeable to sound and / or is perforated.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second layer of flexible material has a lattice structure.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third layer of flexible material is made of a material having superior sound absorption properties to the first layer of flexible material and the second layer of flexible material.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first density of the first layer of flexible material is between 1.5 pcf and 5.5 pcf, i.e. between 24.0 kg / m3 and 88.1 kg / m3.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second density of the second layer of flexible material is between 3 pcf and 7 pcf, i.e. between 48.0 kg / m3 and 112.1 kg / m3.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third density of the third layer of flexible material is between 3 pcf and 9 pcf, i.e. between 48.0 kg / m3 and 144.2 kg / m3.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third layer of flexible material is intended to be fixed directly onto one face of the furniture element.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, said noise-attenuating panel further comprises a support structure.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure includes removable fixing means for fixing the noise-attenuating panel to the face of the seat furniture element.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering headband is made of a sound-permeable material.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering headband has a multitude of perforations to facilitate the passage of sound.

[0026] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a piece of furniture and a noise-attenuating panel as defined above fixed to one face of the piece of furniture.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the furniture element is chosen from: a shell privacy intended to extend at least partially around a seat, console, ottoman, or monument in the front or back row of an airplane cabin.

[0028] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying figures, presented by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which:

[0029] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a siege unit comprising a noise attenuating panel according to the present invention;

[0030] [Fig.2a] Fig.2a is a side view of a noise-attenuating panel according to the present invention;

[0031] [Fig. 2b] Fig. 2b is a side view of a noise-attenuating panel showing the different layers of flexible material cut in a staggered fashion relative to each other;

[0032] [Fig.3a] Fig.3a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment according to which the noise-attenuating panel according to the invention is fixed to one face of a piece of furniture directly via the face of a layer of flexible material;

[0033] [Fig.3b] Fig.3b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second embodiment according to which the noise-attenuating panel according to the invention is fixed to one face of a piece of furniture by means of a support structure.

[0034] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0035] Furthermore, in the following description, the relative terms of the type "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat associated with the seat unit according to the invention would give them.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a seating unit 10 comprising a seat 12 associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12.

[0037] In addition, a shell 14, referred to as a privacy shell, extends at least partially around the seat 12 so as to delimit a space around the passenger. The privacy shell 14 is made, for example, of a composite material. Such a configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in the seat 12. A video screen 16 of a multimedia or IFE (Inflight Entertainment System) system may be mounted on a rear portion of the privacy shell 14 so as to be usable by a rear passenger.

[0038] The console 13 may include an upper wall 17 forming a table on which the passenger can place items on, as well as a storage space 18 containing one or more items such as a bookcase, a bottle holder, or a minibar. The choice of storage options is configurable according to the airline's requirements. The console 13 may also include a reading light 19 designed to direct light towards seat 12.

[0039] A cavity 21 is located under the upper wall 17. The cavity 21 is open laterally towards the seat 12. In addition, a horizontal face 22 of the console 13 has, in particular, an armrest function. For this purpose, the horizontal face 22 may locally have a curved cuff shape 23 conforming to the shape of part of the passenger's arm.

[0040] The console 13 also includes a control unit 25 for the seat 12 and its ancillary components (referred to as the "PCU" for "Passenger Control Unit"). The control unit 25 allows the passenger, in particular, to select a position for the seat 12 as well as ancillary components, such as a video system, a heating system, an ambient lighting system, or any other ancillary component that can be integrated into the seat 12.

[0041] The seat unit 10 may also conventionally include a movable meal tray 26 between a stored position (corresponding to that shown in [Fig.1]) in which the meal tray 26 is inside a housing provided in the console 13 and a deployed position in which the meal tray 26 is outside the housing to allow the passenger to place a meal tray on it.

[0042] The seat 12 is advantageously equipped with a mechanism allowing it to move between a "seated" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a seated position for a passenger, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously substantially horizontal. Intermediate comfort positions are also offered, such as the "relax" position in which a backrest of the seat 12 is significantly inclined.

[0043] In order to allow the passenger to lie down, the console 13 has a housing 27 seen by transparency on the [Fig.1] in which an ottoman 28 is placed. The ottoman 28 has a horizontal face forming a footrest on which a rear passenger can place his feet when the seat 12 is in the "lying down" position.

[0044] The seat 12 has an extension axis XI defined by the intersection between a horizontal plane and a vertical median plane of the seat 12 corresponding to a plane of symmetry of the seat 12. The extension axis XI of the seat 12 may form a non-zero angle with respect to a direction parallel to or coinciding with a central axis of the aircraft X2. In this case, the seat 12 is rotated in the direction of the axis X2. Alternatively, the seat 12 may be rotated in a direction opposite to the axis X2.

[0045] Advantageously, a noise-attenuating panel 30 is fixed to one face of the The privacy shell 14. The noise-reducing panel 30 may be fixed to a front face of the privacy shell 14 located on the side of seat 12. Alternatively or in addition, the noise-reducing panel 30 may be fixed to the rear face of the privacy shell 14. The noise-reducing panel 30 may also be fixed to a face of the side console 13 located on the side of seat 12 or around the ottoman 28. Thus, the noise-reducing panel 30 may be fixed to one or more furniture elements of seat 12, in particular selected from: the privacy shell 14, the console 13, or the ottoman 28. Alternatively, the furniture element to which the noise-reducing panel 30 is fixed may be a monument in the first or last row of an aircraft cabin. This monument may include storage and / or a footrest for a seat in the extreme row of an airplane cabin.

[0046] As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the noise-attenuating panel 30 comprises a cover cap 31, a first layer of flexible material 32.1 having a first density D1, a second layer of flexible material 32.2 having a second density D2, and a third layer of flexible material 32.3 having a third density D3. The first layer of flexible material 32.1, the second layer of flexible material 32.2, and the third layer of flexible material 32.3 are three distinct layers stacked one on top of the other. The second layer of flexible material 32.2 is preferably provided with a plurality of through-holes 33.

[0047] The first density Dl, the second density D2, and the third density D3 of the flexible material layers 32.1, 32.2, 32.3 may be different from each other. Alternatively, the first density Dl, the second density D2, and the third density D3 of the flexible material layers may be equal to each other. Alternatively, the first density Dl and the second density D2 may be equal to each other but different with respect to the third density D3. Alternatively, the third density D3 may be specific, i.e., different from, or equal to, the first density Dl or the second density D2.

[0048] Preferably, the first layer of flexible material 32.1, the second layer of flexible material 32.2, and the third layer of flexible material 32.3 are made of foam layers. Alternatively, a fibrous material, a non-woven material, a wadding-based material, or any other suitable flexible material may be used to form the layers 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, or a mixture of these materials.

[0049] More specifically, the cover 31 is made of a sound-permeable material. The material of the cover 31 is also chosen to give the assembly an aesthetic finish. The cover 31 may, for example, be made of a textile, leather, imitation leather, Alcantara, or any other flexible material suitable for the application. The material used may include a A multitude of perforations facilitate sound transmission. The upholstery cover 31 may feature decorative patterns on its visible parts when the noise-reducing panel 30 is installed on the furniture element 13, 14, 28 of seat 12. These decorative patterns may be customized according to the airline.

[0050] Preferably, the first layer of flexible material 32.1 is sound-permeable and / or perforated. The first layer of flexible material 32.1 may also have a finishing function so that the noise-attenuating panel 30 has a uniform external appearance without surface deformation due to the presence of through-holes 33 in the second layer of flexible material 32.2. The first density DI of the first layer of flexible material 32.1 is, for example, between 1.5 pcf and 5.5 pcf, i.e., between 24.0 kg / m³ and 88.1 kg / m³.

[0051] The second layer of flexible material 32.2 has a lattice structure, in particular with diamond-shaped mesh. This lattice structure comprises a plurality of arms 35 delimiting the through-openings 33. Two adjacent through-openings 33 are separated from each other by a common arm 35. The arms 35 have elongated rod shapes. The arms 35 are arranged in diamonds, and the corresponding through-openings 33 also have a diamond shape. However, the shape of the through-openings 33 is not limited to a diamond shape. Indeed, the through-openings 33 can have any possible geometric shape, such as a circular, rectangular, square, triangular, oval, hexagonal, or other shape. The second density D2 of the second layer of flexible material 32.2 is for example between 3 pcf and 7 pcf, i.e. between 48.0 kg / m3 and 112.1 kg / m3.

[0052] The third layer of flexible material 32.3 is made of a material having superior sound absorption properties compared to the first layer of flexible material 32.1 and the second layer of flexible material 32.2. The third density D3 of the third layer of flexible material 32.3 is, for example, between 3 pcf and 9 pcf, i.e., between 48.0 kg / m³ and 144.2 kg / m³. The third layer of flexible material 32.3 may be graphite-filled. This enables the noise-absorbing panel 30 to achieve the performance required to pass fire resistance tests.

[0053] Preferably, the second layer of flexible material 32.2 is arranged between the first layer of flexible material 32.1 and the third layer of flexible material 32.3. However, the positioning of the layers of flexible material 32.1, 32.2, 32.3 relative to each other within the stack may vary depending on the application.

[0054] As illustrated by [Fig. 3a], the noise-attenuating panel 30 constitutes a sound trap based on Helmholtz's principle of sound reflection. Indeed, a wave The sound 38 passes through the trim panel 31 and, after being partially attenuated by the first layer of flexible material 32.1, the background sound 38 is reflected within the second layer of flexible material 32.2 and the third layer of flexible material 32.3, which together act as a porous resonator. Due to these multiple reflections within the layers of flexible material, the intensity of the background sound 38 exiting the noise-attenuating panel 30 is very low. The noise perceived by the passenger at seat 12 is thus greatly reduced.

[0055] In the embodiment of [Fig. 3a], the third layer of flexible material 32.3 is fixed directly to one face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28, i.e., without an intermediate support structure 40. Preferably, the fixing of the third layer of flexible material 32.3 to the face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28 is achieved by gluing.

[0056] The total thickness E of the noise-attenuating panel 30 may be between 1 mm and 50 mm and is preferably between 12 mm and 15 mm inclusive. For a noise-attenuating panel 30 intended to be fixed to one side of a privacy screen 14, the thickness of the cover cap 31 is, for example, approximately 1 mm, the thickness of the first layer of flexible material 32.1 is approximately 2 mm, the thickness of the second layer of flexible material 32.2 is approximately 5 mm, and the thickness of the third layer of flexible material 32.3 is also approximately 5 mm. "Approximately" means a variation of plus or minus 60% around the stated value.

[0057] Alternatively, in the embodiment of [Fig. 3b], a support structure 40 is further provided for fixing to the face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28. In this embodiment, the cover 31 is provided with a flap fixed against an edge of the support structure 40. The flap can be fixed to the support structure 40 by gluing, riveting, insertion into a retaining groove, or any other fixing technique suitable for the application with or without gluing.

[0058] The support structure 40 is advantageously made of a plastic material, particularly a thermoformed one, a metallic material such as aluminum, or a very high-density foam material. The support structure 40 has a thin profile, for example, between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. According to one embodiment, a support structure 40 consisting of a plate made of a thermoplastic material is used. This plate is heated and then shaped using a die. Once cooled, the thermoformed plate retains the shape imprinted by the die.

[0059] Furthermore, the support structure 40 includes removable fastening means 41 for fixing the assembly "covering 31-layers 32.1, 32.2, 32.3-support structure 40" to the face of the furniture element 13, 14, 28. The choice of The means of fastening 41 depend in particular on the constraints of integrating the assembly and its positioning in the seat unit 12. In the case where the assembly is located in a visible area of ​​the seat unit 12, preferably discreet and removable fastening means 41 are used, such as snap fasteners, so-called "Velcro" fasteners (registered trademark) formed by complementary loops and hooks, snap buttons, magnetic fasteners, or any other fastening device suitable for the application.

[0060] If the assembly is located in a non-visible area of ​​the seating unit 12, particularly a technical area situated at the bottom of the seating unit 12, screws may be used to fix the support structure 40 to the furniture element 13, 14, 28. Alternatively, dowel pins or any other suitable fastening method may be used. This type of fastening method 41 ensures that the noise-dampening panel 30 remains secure during certification tests in which significant decelerations are applied to the seating unit 12.

[0061] A set 42 of a few millimeters, in particular between 1mm and 15mm and worth Preferably 3mm, is provided between the support structure 40 and the furniture element 13, 14, 28. Such a gap allows the parts to be certified independently.

[0062] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0063] 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 a person skilled in the art may consider 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

Demands

1. Noise attenuating panel (30) for a furniture item (13, 14, 28), characterized in that said noise attenuating panel (30) comprises: - a cover cap (31), - a first layer of flexible material (32.1) having a first density (D1), - a second layer of flexible material (32.2) having a second density (D2), and - a third layer of flexible material (32.3) having a third density (D3), - the first layer of flexible material (32.1), the second layer of flexible material (32.2), and the third layer of flexible material (32.3) being made up of layers of foam, - the second layer of flexible material (32.2) having a lattice structure.

2. Noise attenuating panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the second layer of flexible material (32.2) is provided with a plurality of through openings (33).

3. Noise attenuating panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first density (D1), the second density (D2), and the third density (D3) of the layers of flexible material are different from each other.

4. Noise attenuating panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first density (D1), the second density (D2), and the third density (D3) of the layers of flexible material are equal to each other.

5. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first layer of flexible material (32.1) is sound permeable and / or perforated.

6. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the third layer of flexible material (32.3) is made of a material having sound absorption properties superior to the first layer of flexible material (32.1) and the second layer of flexible material (32.2).

7. Noise-attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first density (Dl) of the first The flexible material layer (32.1) is between 1.5 pcf and 5.5 pcf, i.e. between 24.0 kg / m3 and 88.1 kg / m3.

8. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second density (D2) of the second layer of flexible material (32.2) is between 3 pcf and 7 pcf, i.e. between 48.0 kg / m3 and 112.1 kg / m3.

9. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the third density (D3) of the third layer of flexible material (32.3) is between 3 pc and 9 pcf i.e. between 48.0 kg / m3 and 144.2 kg / m3.

10. Noise-attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the third layer of flexible material (32.3) is intended to be fixed directly onto one face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

11. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a support structure (40).

12. Noise attenuating panel according to claim 11, characterized in that the support structure (40) includes removable fixing means (41) for fixing the noise attenuating panel (30) on the face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28) of the seat (12).

13. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the covering cap (31) is made of a sound-permeable material.

14. Noise attenuating panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the covering cap (31) has a multitude of perforations to facilitate the passage of sound.

15. Assembly comprising a furniture element (13, 14, 28) and a noise-attenuating panel (30) defined according to any one of the preceding claims fixed to a face of the furniture element (13, 14, 28).

16. Assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the furniture element is selected from: a privacy shell (14) intended to extend at least partly around a seat (12), a console (13), an ottoman (28), or a monument in the first or last row of an aircraft cabin.

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