ROTATIONAL RESTRAINT DEVICE FOR A MOVING PART OF A FURNITURE ELEMENT IN CASE OF HIGH ACCELERATION

Abstract

The present invention relates to a piece of furniture intended, in particular, for installation in an aircraft cabin, comprising: - a fixed part (11), and - a movable part (12) mounted for rotation on the fixed part (11) by means of a pivot joint, - said piece of furniture comprising a retaining device (75) for the movable part (12) under the action of a high acceleration experienced by the piece of furniture. Figure 10b

Description

Title of the invention: ROTATIONAL RESTRAINT DEVICE FOR A MOVING PART OF A FURNITURE ELEMENT IN CASE OF HIGH ACCELERATION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preventing the rotation of a moving part of a furniture component in the event of high acceleration. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in economy class aircraft seats. However, the invention can also be implemented in business class aircraft seats or in seats in other means of transport, such as seats installed in motor vehicles, trains, or boats.

[0002] To ensure a high level of safety, aircraft seats are subjected to tests representative of an air accident. Among these tests, important criteria are the trajectory and the level of impact force experienced by the passenger. In particular, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) corresponds to a score that must not exceed a threshold value. This HIC score depends on the maximum values ​​of the decelerations experienced by the passenger's head during an impact, as well as on the time limits of a deceleration curve calculated during the test.

[0003] In order to meet this impact criterion, it is important that the various rotatable components mounted on the seat cannot deploy unintentionally when the seat is subjected to high acceleration. For example, there is a need to lock the wings of a headrest in the raised position if they can be deployed in a lowered position in which the headrest is substantially parallel to the plane of the seat back, as described in document US2012 / 0139309. There is also a need to be able to lock a meal tray in the stored position, to lock a rotating armrest in the folded position, or to lock the seat back in the raised position, in order to ensure passenger safety.

[0004] The invention aims to effectively meet these needs by providing a piece of furniture intended in particular to be installed in an aircraft cabin comprising:

[0005] - a fixed part, and

[0006] - a movable part mounted for rotation on the fixed part by means of of a pivot joint,

[0007] - said furniture element comprising a device for retaining the movable part under the action of a strong acceleration experienced by the piece of furniture.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a movable element capable of moving, under the action of strong acceleration, towards a position active allowing the moving part to be locked in relation to the fixed part.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a ball associated with a rod mounted to slide between a default position and an active position in which the rod pushes said ball inside a housing to block the moving part in rotation relative to the fixed part, the passage from the default position to the active position of the rod occurring under the action of the strong acceleration suffered by the furniture element.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, an elastic element stresses the rod in the rest position when the furniture element is not subjected to strong acceleration.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a ball and a support piece fixed on the moving part, said support piece carrying a pivoting latch capable of rotating under the effect of a movement of the ball generated by the acceleration so as to block the moving part from rotating.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, an inclined face against which the ball is in contact is provided in the support piece or the latch.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining device is provided with a hard point so as to be able to be activated at the beginning of a rotation sequence following a determined angular range in which an effort applied to deploy the moving part is greater than an effort required to deploy the moving part over the rest of a rotation sequence extending from the end of the predetermined angular range to a deployed position of the moving part.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the furniture element consists of a seat.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable part is a headrest.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable part is a folder.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable part is an armrest.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the moving part is a meal tray.

[0019] The invention also relates to an aircraft cabin comprising a piece of furniture as previously defined.

[0020] 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:

[0021] [Fig. la][Fig. 1b] Figures la and 1b are respectively perspective views of the headrest according to the invention when the moving part is in the stored position and in the deployed position;

[0022] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the headrest according to the invention without the layers of flexible materials covering its structural parts;

[0023] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view of the headrest according to the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.4a][Fig.4b][Fig.4c] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c are perspective views illustrating different possible configurations of the headrest according to the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the rear part of the headrest according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the modular fastening interface disassembled with respect to the headrest according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the headrest according to the invention on a backrest structure;

[0028] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a view showing a passenger with one cheek resting against a fin of the headrest according to the invention in the deployed position;

[0029] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a perspective view of the headrest according to the invention illustrating an embodiment in which the fins have a trapezoidal cross-section;

[0030] [Fig. 10a] [Fig. 10b] Figures 10a and 10b illustrate a first embodiment of a device to retain the moving part when the headrest is subjected to strong acceleration;

[0031] [Fig. 11a][Fig. 11b] Figures 11a and 11b illustrate a second embodiment of a device to retain the moving part when the headrest is subjected to strong acceleration;

[0032] [Fig. 12a] [Fig. 12b] Figures 12a and 12b illustrate a third embodiment of a device to retain the moving part when the headrest is subjected to strong acceleration;

[0033] [Fig. 13a] [Fig. 13b] Figures 13a and 13b are front and perspective views rear of a seat according to the invention comprising rotational restraint devices to prevent unintentional rotation of the rotating elements of the seat.

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

[0035] The relative terms of the type "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", are understood by reference to their common meaning when the headrest is in the position of use on a seat.

[0036] Expressions such as "substantially horizontal" or "substantially vertical" or "substantially perpendicular" mean that there may be a slight angular offset, less than 20 degrees from the direction indicated.

[0037] Figures 1a and 1b show a headrest 10, also called a headrest, for a seat, in particular an aircraft seat. The headrest 10 comprises a central part 11 on which a passenger's head can rest and a movable part 12. The central part 11 and the movable part 12 are covered by a layer of flexible material 13, such as a layer of foam, itself covered by a cover 15.

[0038] The generally U-shaped movable part 12 is mounted on the central part 11 of the headrest 10 by means of at least one central pivot joint 18 with horizontal axis XI, clearly visible in the figures as well as in Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c. The central pivot joint 18 is located on a lower edge of the central part 11. The horizontal axis XI is parallel to the lower edge of the central part 11.

[0039] Thus, the movable part 12 is movable between a raised position in which the movable part 12 extends parallel to the central part 11, preferably in the same plane as the central part 11, and a deployed position in which the movable part 12 extends substantially perpendicularly to the central part 11. In the deployed position, the movable part 12 then extends substantially in a horizontal plane.

[0040] In this case, the central pivot joint 18 consists of a rotating friction member 19 to selectively hold the movable part 12 in the stored or deployed position. Preferably, the rotating friction member 19 is of the asymmetrical type, that is to say, it requires a greater torque in the direction of deployment than in the direction of retraction to the raised position.

[0041] The movable part 12 comprises two lateral fins 23 for head support. In this case, each of the lateral fins 23 consists of a plate with a generally trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the lateral fins 23 may, however, have a square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape suitable for the application.

[0042] Each lateral fin 23 is mounted on a corresponding end of a support 24 of the movable part 12 via an end pivot joint 27 having an end axis of rotation X2.

[0043] When the movable part 12 is in the raised position, the end rotation axis X2 is oriented substantially parallel to a lateral edge of the central part 11. It is thus possible to adjust the angular position of the fin 23 by rotating it laterally around the end rotation axis X2 so as to bring the fin 23 closer to the passenger's cheek, as shown in [Fig. 4a]. The lateral deflection angle Al of a fin around the axis X2 is between 30 and 90 degrees and is preferably on the order of 75 degrees. "On the order of" means a possible variation of 10% around the stated value.

[0044] When the movable part 12 is in the deployed position, the end rotation axis X2 has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the central part 11. The rotation axis X then extends in a substantially horizontal plane. Each lateral fin 23 is then movable between a default position in which the lateral fin 23 is in the same plane as the movable part 12 and a raised position in which the lateral fin 23 is directed upwards and forms a non-zero angle with a horizontal plane, as shown in [Fig. 4c]. The lateral fin 23 can thus be brought closer to the passenger's cheek to improve their comfort. The angle of movement A2 of the lateral fin 23 between the default position and the raised position is, for example, between 30 and 70 degrees and is preferably on the order of 55 degrees.

[0045] More specifically, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the central part 11 comprises a structural plate 28 on which a modular fastening interface 30 is mounted, allowing the headrest 10 to be attached to a backrest structure 31. The modular fastening interface 30, also visible in Figures 5 and 6, comprises a support plate 33 on which two glides 34 are attached. These glides 34 are designed to cooperate with each guide rail 35 carried by the backrest structure 31, as shown in [Fig. 7]. When the seat is in the raised position, the guide rails 35 are oriented substantially vertically. The headrest 10 is thus movable in translation relative to the backrest structure 31 between a high and a low position so as to be able to adapt to the different heights of the passengers.

[0046] Such a configuration has the advantage of requiring only the configuration of the fixing interface 30 to be modified, in particular the spacing between the pads 34, so that the headrest 10 can be adapted to different seat models where the spacing between the rails 35 is likely to vary from one model to another.

[0047] Preferably, the modular fastening interface 30 further comprises a clip 36 forming a stop intended to bear against a fixed element of the seat structure, for example a pin, when the headrest 10 is in its highest position. The clip 36 may be L-shaped and made of a metallic material such that the operator can deform the clip 36 in order to detach the headrest 10 from the backrest structure 31 during a maintenance operation.

[0048] The movable part 12 comprises an elongated support 24 extending longitudinally along the lower edge of the structural plate 28. The elongated support 24 is mounted on the central part 11 by means of the rotating friction member 19. For this purpose, the rotating friction member 19 comprises a body 39 and two end arms 40 that are rotatable relative to the body 39. The end arms 40 may comprise a non-circular section, in particular a rectangular section.

[0049] Each end arm 40 cooperates with a groove 41 formed in one end of a central bridge-shaped portion 42 of the elongated support 24. To ensure the mechanical connection between the end arms 40 and the elongated support 24, one or more clamping screws 44, visible in [Fig. 2], are inserted into through holes made in a wall of the groove 41 and a corresponding end arm 40. Each clamping screw 44 cooperates with a tapped hole in the elongated support 24. Alternatively, the mechanical connection between the end arms 40 and the elongated support 24 can be achieved by welding, bonding, or press-fitting the end arms 40 into the corresponding grooves 41.

[0050] Furthermore, the body 39 of the friction element is fixed to a central structural part 49 called the "nose". This nose 49 comprises two parallel parts 50, 51 separated by a spacer 52 inserted inside a notch 53 formed in a lower edge of the structural plate 28. The rear part of the nose 49 is fixed to the rear face of the structural plate 28 by screwing, riveting, welding, bonding, or any other fastening technique suitable for the application. The body 39 of the rotating element 19 is fixed to a front face of the nose 49 by means of fasteners, such as screws or rivets. Alternatively, the body 39 of the rotating element 19 may be welded or bonded to the nose 49. This depends on the application.

[0051] A cover 56 may cover at least part of the nose 49 and a front face of the structural plate 28. This cover 56 has an aesthetic function, insofar as its purpose is to mask the metallic structural parts of the headrest 10 when the movable part 12 is in the deployed position.

[0052] Each end of the central bridge-shaped portion 42 is extended by an end of the support 24 on which an end pivot joint 27 is mounted. In this case, each end pivot joint 27 consists of a hinge 59 having a first portion 61 fixed to the end of the support 24 and a second portion 62 fixed to the lateral fin 23. The two portions 61, 62 are articulated to each other about the end axis of rotation X2. The fasteners used to secure a portion 61, 62 of the hinge 59 to a corresponding element (support 24 or lateral fin 23) may be in the form of screws, rivets, or any other fastener suitable for the application. The hinge 59 may be a friction hinge.

[0053] Each end pivot joint 27 may be provided with a device 65 for limiting the angle of rotation of the corresponding lateral fin 23. This device 65 comprises two T-shaped pieces, each associated with a portion of the hinge 59 and bearing against each other when the lateral fin 23 has reached its limit angle of rotation.

[0054] A reinforcing plate 68 can be fixed to a corresponding side fin 23. The reinforcing plate 68 can be fixed to a rear face of the side fin 23 by screwing, riveting, welding, bonding, or any other fixing technique suitable for the application.

[0055] In the embodiment of [Fig. 9], when the movable part 12 is in the deployed position, an upper face 70 of a lateral fin 23 may form a fixed non-zero angle A3 with respect to a lower face 71 of said lateral fin 23. This makes it possible to limit the angular deflection of the lateral fins 23 when the movable part 12 is in the deployed position. The inclination of the upper face 70 with respect to the lower face 71 of the lateral fin 23 may be achieved by the layer of flexible material 13 having a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0056] The headrest 10 may include an elastic return element 73 visible in [Fig. 3]. This elastic return element 73 allows the movable part 12 to automatically move from the deployed position to the stored position when the passenger's head is not resting on the movable part 12. The elastic return element 73 may, for example, take the form of a torsion spring integrated inside the central pivot joint 18.

[0057] The operation of the headrest 10 according to the invention installed on a backrest structure 31 is described below. Initially, the passenger can adjust the vertical position of the headrest 10 by sliding it along the rails carried by the backrest structure 31 in the direction D shown in [Fig.7].

[0058] When the movable part 12 is in a raised position, the passenger can rotate the lateral fins 23 around the end rotation axes X2, which then have a vertical orientation. The passenger can thus choose either to leave the lateral fins 23 in the plane of the central part 11, or to bring the lateral fins 23 closer to their cheeks in order to improve the lateral support of their head, as illustrated by [Fig. 4a].

[0059] In order to be able to put his head in a comfortable position during a rest phase, the passenger pulls the movable part 12 downwards. The movable part 12 then rotates around the horizontal axis of rotation XI to move into the deployed position, as illustrated in Figures 1b and 4b.

[0060] The passenger can then rotate a side fin 23 around its end axis of rotation X2 so as to move it into a raised position, as illustrated by Figures 4c and 8. The upper face of the side fin 23 is then brought closer to the passenger's cheek to improve their comfort.

[0061] Alternatively, all pivot joints may have the same configuration, i.e. either all pivot joints may take the form of friction hinges 59 or friction rotating elements 19.

[0062] Advantageously, as illustrated by figures 10 to 12, the head 10 includes a retaining device 75 for the movable part 12 under the action of a strong acceleration experienced by the head 10. This retaining device 75 makes it possible in particular to avoid an uncontrolled movement of the movable part 12 of the head 10 during a shock experienced by the aircraft.

[0063] In the embodiment of figures 10a and 10b, the retaining device 75 comprises a ball 76 associated with a rod 77 mounted to slide relative to a fixed support 78 installed on the movable part 12. The rod 77 is thus mounted axially movable relative to the fixed support 78 between a default position and an active position in which the rod 77 pushes said ball 76 into a housing 79 provided in the central part 11 to lock the movable part 12 in rotation relative to the central part 11, the passage from the default position to the active position of the rod 77 occurring under the action of the strong acceleration experienced by the head 10.

[0064] To this end, the rod 77 includes a small-diameter section 77.1 positioned opposite the ball 76 when the rod 77 is in its default position, so that the ball 76 is free from the housing 79 formed in one of the parts, either the fixed central portion 11 or the movable portion 12 of the head 10. The rod 77 includes a large-diameter section 77.2 designed to apply a radial force to the ball 76 so as to push it into the housing 79 when the rod 77 is in its active position. The rod 77 is oriented along the direction of the acceleration experienced by the head 10.

[0065] An elastic element 80, such as a spring-loaded arm, exerts force on the rod 77 in its rest position when the head 10 is not subjected to strong acceleration. This elastic element 80 makes it possible to define the resistance force at which the rod 77 moves from the rest position to the active position.

[0066] Alternatively, the structure may be reversed, i.e. the fixed support 78 may be mounted on the central part 11 while the housing 79 intended to receive the ball 76 is provided in the movable part 12.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figures 11a and 11b, the retaining device 75 comprises a ball 82 and a support piece 83 fixed to the movable part 12 of the head 10. The piece 83 carries a pivoting latch 84 capable of rotating under the effect of a movement of the ball 82 generated by acceleration so as to lock the movable part 12 of the head 10. For this purpose, one end of the latch 84 may fit inside a recess 85 formed in the central part 11 of the head 10. In order to ensure the rotation of the latch 84, the ball 82 may roll against an inclined face 86 formed in the piece 83 or the latch 84.

[0068] The ball 82 is thus movable between a rest position in which the ball 82 is located on the side of the lowest level of the inclined face 86, so that the latch 84 is disengaged from the housing 85, and an active position in which the ball 82 is located on the side from the highest level of the inclined face 86, so that the latch 84 cooperates with the housing 85 provided in the central part 11.

[0069] Alternatively, the structure may be reversed, i.e. the support piece 83 may be mounted on the central part 11 while the housing 85 intended to receive the latch 84 is provided in the movable part 12.

[0070] Thus, in the first two embodiments, the retaining device 75 includes a movable element (the rod 77 or the ball 82) capable of moving, under the force of strong acceleration, towards an active position enabling the movable part 12 to be blocked relative to the central part 11.

[0071] In the embodiment of Figures 12a and 12b, the retaining device 75 is provided with a hard point 84 so as to be able to be activated at the beginning of a downward rotation sequence along a determined angular range in which an effort applied to deploy the movable part 12 of the head 10 is greater than the effort required to deploy the movable part 12 over the remainder of a rotation sequence extending from the end of the predetermined angular range to the deployed position.

[0072] To this end, the retaining device 75 comprises an arm 88 that rotates relative to the moving part 12 and an elastic element 89, such as a spring, which applies force to the arm 88 against the rigid point 84 formed on the central part 11. In this case, the rigid point 87 is formed by a rounded slope. To move the moving part 12 into the deployed position, it is necessary to compress at least part of the spring 89 so that the arm 88 can pass over the obstacle formed by the rounded slope. The need to compress the spring 89 increases the force required to deploy the moving part 12 over the determined angular range. The value of this angular range can be adjusted according to the shape and extent of the rounded slope.

[0073] In the embodiments of the preceding figures, the restraint device 75 is installed on the headrest 10 of the seat. However, the restraint device 75 can be installed on other rotatable mounted elements of the seat, such as, for example, a backrest, an armrest, or a seat tray.

[0074] Figures 13a and 13b show a seat 91 intended for installation in an aircraft cabin. The seat 91 comprises at least one seat cushion 92 and at least one backrest 93 defining a seat. In this case, the seat 91 comprises three seat cushions 92 and three backrests 93 defining three seats. This number of seats can, of course, be adjusted according to the need.

[0075] The seats 92 and backrests 93 are mounted on a seat structure 95. This seat structure 95 includes transverse reinforcing beams 96. Support legs 97 are intended to support the seat 92. These support legs 97 are equipped with locks 98 to ensure the seat 91 is clamped onto rails (not re- presented) arranged on the floor of the aircraft cabin.

[0076] Armrests 99, each carrying a support 100, are arranged between the seats 92 and at the ends of the seat 91. The armrests 100 can be mounted to rotate relative to the supports 99 about a pivot joint. The armrests 100 can move between a raised and a lowered position. A rotational retaining device 75 for the armrest 100 can be mounted between the armrest 100 and the corresponding support 99.

[0077] A backrest 93 can be mounted to rotate relative to the butt 99 via a structural part 101 called a connecting rod. The backrest 93 can be mounted to rotate about a pivot joint between an upright position and a relaxed position in which the backrest is inclined backward. A rotational retaining device 75 for the backrest 93 can be mounted between said backrest 93 and the connecting rod 101.

[0078] Furthermore, the seat 91 may include a meal tray 102, visible in [Fig. 13b], mounted to rotate about a pivot joint between a stored position in which the meal tray 102 is pressed against a rear face of the backrest in a substantially vertical plane, and an extended position in which the meal tray 102 extends in a substantially horizontal plane. A rotational retaining device 75 for the meal tray 102 may be mounted between said meal tray 102 and the backrest 93.

[0079] Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on a console associated with the seat, comprising one or more movable parts, such as a fold-out screen mount or a meal tray. More generally, the invention may be implemented with any other piece of furniture equipped with movable parts, possibly a bed, that can be installed inside an aircraft cabin.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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. A furniture element (91) intended in particular for installation in an aircraft cabin, comprising: - a fixed part (11, 99), and - a movable part (12, 93, 100, 102) mounted for rotation on the fixed part (11, 99) by means of a pivot joint, - said furniture element (91) comprises a retaining device (75) for the movable part (12, 93, 100, 102) under the action of a strong acceleration experienced by the furniture element (91), characterized in that the retaining device (75) comprises a ball (76) associated with a rod (77) mounted to slide between a default position and an active position in which the rod (77) pushes said ball (76) into a housing (79) to lock the movable part (12, 93, 100, 102) from rotation by in relation to the fixed part (11), the passage from the default position to the active position of the rod (77) occurs under the action of the strong acceleration suffered by the furniture element (91).

2. Furniture element according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining device (75) comprises a movable element (77, 82) capable of moving, under the action of a strong acceleration, towards an active position enabling the movable part (12, 93, 100, 102) to be locked in relation to the fixed part (11, 99).

3. Furniture element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an elastic member (80) stresses the rod (77) in the rest position when the furniture element (91) is not subjected to strong acceleration.

4. Furniture element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining device (75) comprises a ball (82) and a support piece (83) fixed on the movable part (12, 93, 100, 102), said support piece (83) carrying a pivoting latch (84) capable of rotating under the effect of a movement of the ball (82) generated by the acceleration so as to block the rotation of the movable part (12, 93, 100, 102).

5. Furniture element according to claim 4, characterized in that an inclined face (86) against which the ball (82) is in contact is provided in the support piece (83) or the latch (84).

6. Furniture element according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining device (75) is provided with a hard point (84) so ​​as to

7.

8.

9. can be activated at the beginning of a rotation sequence along a determined angular range in which an effort applied to deploy the moving part (12, 93, 100, 102) is greater than an effort required to deploy the moving part (12, 93, 100, 102) over the remainder of a rotation sequence extending from the end of the predetermined angular range to a deployed position of the moving part (12, 93, 100, 102). Furniture item according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it consists of a seat. Furniture element according to claim 7, characterized in that the movable part is a headrest (10). Aircraft cabin comprising a furniture element (91) as defined according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images