LOCKING DEVICE FOR A TABLET AND AN ADDITIONAL STAND

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat (10) comprising: a backrest (12), a tablet (18) mounted on the backrest (12), an additional support (20) mounted on the tablet (18), and a locking device (28) capable of selectively assuming: a locked state, in which the locking device (28) covers an upper edge of the tablet (18) and an upper edge of the additional support (20) to hold the tablet (18); a partially unlocked state, in which the locking device (28) covers the upper edge of the tablet (18) and is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support (20); and a fully unlocked state, in which the locking device (28) is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support (20) and the upper edge of the tablet (18). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: LOCKING DEVICE FOR A TABLET AND AN ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for a tablet and an additional support, in particular mounted on a seat. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with airplane seats, in particular economy class airplane seats.

[0002] An economy class airplane seat comprises, in a manner known per se, at least one seat, at least one backrest and a retractable tray arranged on a rear face of the backrest.

[0003] An economy class airplane seat is generally not equipped with a multimedia system, also known by the acronym "IFE" for "InFlight Entertainment" in English terminology. Consequently, to enjoy video and / or musical content, a passenger must use an additional portable electronic device, in particular a multimedia electronic device such as, for example, a mobile phone or a digital tablet that the passenger has brought with him.

[0004] For this purpose, a device for holding a portable electronic device comprising a portable electronic device support is positioned on the rear face of the backrest and movable between a folded position and a deployed position in which it is capable of supporting the portable electronic device. Such a holding device is described in document WO2016 / 165982.

[0005] When such a portable electronic device holder is located at mid-height of the tray table of a seat, it is necessary to provide two locking devices, namely a first locking device for the tray table and a second locking device for the portable electronic device holder, so that both can be held independently in a storage position.

[0006] The presence of these locking devices poses problems in meeting a head impact criterion, also known as "HIC" for "Head Injury Criterion" in English terminology. The "HIC" criterion depends on maximum deceleration values ​​experienced by the passenger's head during an impact test as well as time limits of a deceleration curve calculated during the test.

[0007] However, the greater the number of obstacles, such as a seat tray table and / or a portable electronic device support, in the path of a passenger's head, the more the associated impacts are likely to increase the "HIC" criterion beyond the limit thresholds acceptable by aeronautical standards.

[0008] The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing a seat comprising: a file, a tablet mounted on the backrest and movable between a stored position in which the tablet is pressed against the backrest, in particular against a rear face of the backrest, and a deployed position, in which the tablet is spaced apart from the backrest, an additional support, in particular configured to support in particular a portable electronic device, mounted on the tablet, in particular on a rear face of the tablet, and movable between a stored position, in which the additional support is pressed against the tablet, in particular against the rear face of the tablet, and a deployed position, in which the additional support is spaced away from the tablet, in particular from the rear face of the tablet, and a locking device capable of selectively taking: a locked state, in which the locking device covers an upper edge of the shelf and an upper edge of the additional support, to hold the shelf and the additional support in the stored position, a partially unlocked state, in which the locking device covers the upper edge of the shelf and is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support, to allow the additional support to move into the deployed position while maintaining the shelf in the stored position, and a fully unlocked state, in which the locking device is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support and the upper edge of the tablet, to allow the tablet to move into the deployed position.

[0009] The invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the locking device common to the tablet and the additional support, to eliminate an additional lock likely to collide with the head of a passenger. Thus configured, the invention therefore makes it easier to comply with the “HIC” criterion.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to simplify the integration of the tablet and the additional support at the rear of the seat back.

[0011] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the locking device comprises a single movable part, in rotation and / or in translation, relative to the backrest.

[0012] The locking device is then configured such that: in the locked state, the single part being in particular in a first angular position, the single part covers an upper edge of the tablet and an upper edge of the additional support, in the partially unlocked state, the single part being in particular in a second angular position, the single part covers the upper edge of the tablet and is clear of the upper edge of the additional support, and in the fully unlocked state, the single part being in particular in a third angular position, the single part is released from the upper edge of the tablet and from the upper edge of the additional support.

[0013] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the locking device comprises a first part movable relative to the backrest and a second part movable relative to the first part.

[0014] In particular, the first part is capable of being movable in rotation and / or in translation relative to the backrest.

[0015] Furthermore, the second part is capable of being movable in rotation and / or in translation relative to the first part.

[0016] The locking device is then configured such that: in the locked state, the first part covers an upper edge of the tablet and the second part covers an upper edge of the additional support, in the partially unlocked state, the first part covers the upper edge of the tablet and the second part is released from the upper edge of the additional support, and in the fully unlocked state, the first part is released from the upper edge of the tablet and the second part is released from the upper edge of the additional support.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tablet comprises a removable fixing device with the additional support.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat is an airplane seat.

[0019] The invention also relates to an airplane comprising a seat such as pre previously defined.

[0020] The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures, presented as non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its embodiment and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a rear view of a seat comprising a locking device for a tablet and an additional support according to the invention; - [Fig.2a][Fig.2b] Figures 2a and 2b are respectively front and side views of the locking device according to the invention in a locked state; - [Fig.3a] [Fig.3b] Figures 3a and 3b are respectively front and side of the locking device according to the invention in a partially unlocked state; - [Fig.4a][Fig.4b] Figures 4a and 4b are respectively front and side views of the locking device according to the invention in a fully unlocked state; - [Fig.5a][Fig.5b][Fig.5c] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate different possible configurations of the locking device and the additional support according to the invention; - [Fig.6a][Fig.6b][Fig.6c] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate a first variant embodiment of the locking device according to the invention respectively in a locked, partially unlocked and completely unlocked state; and - [Fig.7a][Fig.7b][Fig.7c] Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a second variant embodiment of the locking device according to the invention respectively in a locked, partially unlocked and completely unlocked state.

[0021] It should be noted that the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0022] In the remainder of the description, the relative terms of the type "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger installed on the seat according to the invention in the position of use would give them.

[0023] [Fig. 1] is a rear view of a seat 10, in particular intended to be installed in an airplane. The seat 10 comprises a seat 11 and a backrest 12. The backrest 12 comprises a front face 13, on which a passenger is intended to rest, and a rear face 14 opposite the front face 13. The rear face 14 of the backrest 12 is turned towards a passenger positioned behind the seat 10.

[0024] The backrest 12 can be articulated relative to the seat 11 to take inclined positions.

[0025] A storage compartment 16 may be arranged in the upper part of the backrest 12 and armrests 15 may be located on either side of the seat 10.

[0026] A tablet 18, also called a meal tablet 18, is positioned on the side of the rear face 14 of the backrest 12. The tablet 18 is mounted on the backrest 12. The tablet 18 is movable relative to the backrest 12 between a stored position, in which the tablet 18 is pressed against the rear face 14 of the backrest 12, and a deployed position, in which the tablet 18 is spaced apart relative to the backrest 12.

[0027] For this purpose, the tablet 18 is mounted on the rear face 14 of the backrest 12 by by means of at least one pivot connection, defining a horizontal axis of rotation XI. The pivot connection can be defined by arms 19 fixed to a structure of the seat 10.

[0028] In the deployed position, the shelf 18 extends, advantageously horizontally, to be able to support objects placed by the passenger, in particular a meal tray and / or personal objects.

[0029] The tablet 18 may consist of a plate of rectangular, square, trapezoidal shape or any other shape suitable for the application.

[0030] An additional support 20 is configured to support in particular a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a digital tablet, a DVD player, a laptop computer or any other electronic device that the passenger wishes to have available on board a flight.

[0031] The additional support 20 is mounted on a rear face 21 of the tablet 18. The additional support 20 is movable between a stored position, in which the additional support 20 is pressed against a rear face 21 of the tablet 18, when the tablet 18 is in the stored position, and a deployed position, in which the additional support 20 is spaced apart from the rear face 21 of the tablet 18.

[0032] For this purpose, the additional support 20 is mounted on the rear face 21 of the tablet 18 by means of at least one pivot connection, defining a horizontal axis of rotation X2.

[0033] The horizontal axis of rotation X2 of the additional support 20 is advantageously parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation XI of the tablet 18.

[0034] In the deployed position, the additional support 20 extends along a substantially horizontal plane to be able to support the portable electronic device.

[0035] The additional support 20 may consist of a plate of rectangular, square, trapezoidal shape or any other shape suitable for the application.

[0036] Furthermore, a locking device 28 is capable of selectively taking: a locked state, in which the locking device 28 covers an upper edge of the shelf 18 and an upper edge of the additional support 20, to maintain the shelf 18 and the additional support 20 in the stored position, a partially unlocked state, in which the locking device 28 covers the upper edge of the shelf 18 and is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support 20, to allow the additional support 20 to move into the deployed position while maintaining the shelf 18 in the stored position, and a fully unlocked state, in which the locking device 28 is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support 20 and from the upper edge of the tablet 18 to allow the tablet 18 to move into the deployed position.

[0037] Figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4a, 4b are front and side views of the locking device according to the invention respectively in a locked state, in a partially unlocked state and in a completely unlocked state.

[0038] In the embodiment of figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4a, 4b, the locking device 28 comprises a single part 29 movable relative to the backrest 12 of the seat 10.

[0039] According to the exemplary embodiment presented in figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4a, 4b, the single part 29 is movable in rotation relative to the backrest 12 by means of at least one pivot connection, defining an axis of rotation X3.

[0040] The pivot connection with rotation axis X3 is interposed between the single part 29 and the backrest 12 of the seat 10. Advantageously, the rotation axis X3 is perpendicular to the backrest 12.

[0041] Alternatively or in addition, the single part 29 is movable in translation relative to the backrest 12 along a translation axis substantially parallel perpendicular to the backrest 12.

[0042] As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, in a first position PI, corresponding to the locked state, the single part 29 covers an upper edge of the shelf 18 and an upper edge of the additional support 20. In the first position PI, the locking device 28 ensures that the shelf 18 and the additional support 20 are held in the stored position.

[0043] The first position PI is, for example, of the order of zero degrees relative to a reference direction Dref.

[0044] The reference direction Dref may in particular be a vertical axis, capable of substantially or completely corresponding to a longitudinal axis of extension of the backrest 12 of the seat 10.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, in a second position P2, corresponding to the partially unlocked state, the single part 29 covers the upper edge of the shelf 18 and is released from the upper edge of the additional support 20. In the second position P2, the locking device 28 ensures release of the additional support 20 in the deployed position and maintenance of the shelf 18 in the stored position.

[0046] The second position P2 is, for example, between 30 and 60 degrees, in particular of the order of 45 degrees, relative to the reference direction Dref.

[0047] The transition from the first position PI to the second position P2 is achieved by rotation of the single part 29 around the axis of rotation X3, represented by an arrow Fl in [Fig.3a].

[0048] As can be seen in [Fig.3b], the additional support 20 may comprise means for retaining the portable electronic device, such as at least one step 24 and / or at least one groove 25, against which a lower edge of the portable electronic device can come to bear.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, in a third position P3, corresponding to the completely unlocked state, the single part 29 is released from the upper edge of the shelf 18 and from the upper edge of the additional support 20. In the third position P3, the locking device 28 ensures release of the shelf 18 in the deployed position.

[0050] The third position P3 is, for example, between 60 and 180 degrees, in particular of the order of 90 degrees, relative to the reference direction Dref.

[0051] The transition from the second position P2 to the third position P3 is achieved by rotation of the single part 29 around the axis of rotation X3, represented by an arrow F2 in [Fig.4a].

[0052] In order to hold the additional support 20 against the rear face 21 of the shelf 18, when the shelf 18 is in the deployed position and thus prevent the additional support 20 from falling onto the passenger's knees, the shelf 18 may comprise a removable fixing device 32 for the additional support 20 on the shelf 18, as shown in FIGS. 2b, 3b and 4b.

[0053] The removable fastening device 32 may be chosen in particular from magnets, press studs, a hook-and-loop fastening system, a textile hook and loop fastening system, a snap-fastening device or any other device making it possible to ensure a connection between the additional support 20 and the tablet 18, when the tablet 18 is in the deployed position, while making it possible to easily detach the additional support 20 from the tablet 18 to move it into the deployed position when the locking device 28 is in a partially unlocked state.

[0054] The single part 29 may consist of a lock conventionally used to lock the tablet 18 in the stored position.

[0055] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate different possible configurations of the locking device 28 and the additional support 20 according to the invention.

[0056] As illustrated by [Fig.5a], the locking device 28, constituted by the single part 29, can be elongated, according to a longitudinal extension direction of the locking device 28 represented by an arrow F3 in [Fig.5a], relative to a standard lock so as to cover the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the upper edge of the additional support 20, when the locking device 28 is in a locked state.

[0057] Thus, compared to a standard lock which has a length of the order of 4 cm, the locking device 28 according to the invention has a length of between 5 cm and 8 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 6 cm.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the upper edge of the additional support 20 may be arranged close to the upper edge of the shelf 18. In the locked state, the locking device 28 may then cover the upper edges of the shelf 18 and of the additional support 20. In such a configuration, the locking device 28 according to the invention may have a standard length of the order of 4 cm.

[0059] According to the embodiment of [Fig.5b], the additional support 20 can be extended upwards, in a direction of extension of the additional support 20 represented by an arrow F4, to cooperate with the single part 29, in the locked state.

[0060] According to the embodiment of [Fig.5c], the additional support 20 is elongated locally, in a vertical extension direction of the additional support 20 (when the tablet 18 and the additional support 20 are in a stored state), in particular in a central part of the additional support 20, to cooperate with the single part 29, in the locked state.

[0061] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate a first variant embodiment of the locking device 28 according to the invention respectively in a locked, partially unlocked and completely unlocked state.

[0062] In the embodiment of figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, the locking device 28 comprises at least a first part 29.1 movable relative to the backrest 12 and at least a second part 29.2 movable relative to the first part 29.1.

[0063] In particular, the first part 29.1 can be movable in rotation relative to the backrest 12 and / or the second part 29.2 can be movable in rotation relative to the first part 29.1.

[0064] For this purpose, the locking device 28 comprises a first connection, in particular a first pivot connection, between the first part 29.1 and the backrest 12 and a second connection, in particular a second pivot connection, between the second part 29.2 and the first part 29.1.

[0065] The first pivot link defines an axis of rotation X4 and the second pivot link defines an axis of rotation X5.

[0066] The axis of rotation X4 between the first part 29.1 and the backrest 12 and the axis of rotation X5 between the second part 29.2 and the first part 29.1 may advantageously be substantially perpendicular to the backrest 12.

[0067] In addition, the axis of rotation X4 between the first part 29.1 and the backrest 12 and the axis of rotation X5 between the second part 29.2 and the first part 29.1 may be parallel to each other. The axes of rotation X4 and X5 are distinct from each other.

[0068] As illustrated in [Fig.6a], in the locked state, the first part 29.1 covers the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the second part 29.2 covers the edge upper part of the additional support 20.

[0069] The first part 29.1 is then aligned with the second part 29.2. The parts 29.1, 29.2 are also aligned with the reference direction Dref.

[0070] As illustrated in [Fig.6b], in the partially unlocked state, the first part 29.1 covers the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the second part 29.2 is clear of the upper edge of the additional support 20.

[0071] For this purpose, the second part 29.2 is moved relative to the first part 29.1, in particular in rotation in a direction represented by an arrow F5 according to the embodiment of figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, around the axis of rotation X5, so as to release the upper edge of the additional support 20.

[0072] The second part 29.2 of the locking device 28 then forms a non-zero angle with the reference direction Dref, while the first part 29.1 of the locking device 28 remains aligned with the reference direction Dref.

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig.6c], in the fully unlocked state, the first part 29.1 is released from the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the second part 29.2 is released from the upper edge of the additional support 20.

[0074] For this purpose, the first part 29.1 is moved relative to the backrest 12, in particular in rotation in a direction represented by an arrow F6 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c, around the axis of rotation X4, so as to release the upper edge of the shelf 18.

[0075] In particular, the first part 29.1 is moved relative to the backrest 12 by rotation relative to the reference direction Dref at an angle for example between 60 and 180 degrees, in particular of the order of 90 degrees.

[0076] The first part 29.1 and the second part 29.2 of the locking device 28 then form a non-zero angle with the reference direction Dref.

[0077] Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a second variant embodiment of the locking device 28 according to the invention respectively in a locked, partially unlocked and completely unlocked state.

[0078] In the embodiment of figures 7a, 7b, and 7c, the locking device 28 comprises at least a first part 29.1 movable relative to the backrest 12 and at least a second part 29.2 movable relative to the first part 29.1.

[0079] In particular, the first part 29.1 can be movable in rotation relative to the backrest 12 and / or the second part 29.2 can be movable in translation relative to the first part 29.1.

[0080] For this purpose, the locking device 28 comprises a first connection, in particular a pivot connection having an axis of rotation X6, between the first part 29.1 and the backrest 12. The locking device 28 comprises a second connection, in particular a sliding connection having an axis of translation extending along a direction of extension of the first part 29.1, between the second part 29.2 the first part 29.1, between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0081] As illustrated in [Fig.7a], in the locked state, the first part 29.1 covers the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the second part 29.2, in the extended position, covers the upper edge of the additional support 20.

[0082] The first part 29.1 and the second part 29.2 are then aligned with the reference direction Dref.

[0083] As illustrated in [Fig.7b], in the partially unlocked state, the first part 29.1 covers the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the second part 29.2, in the retracted position, is released from the upper edge of the additional support 20.

[0084] For this purpose, the second part 29.2, in particular having a tongue shape, is moved relative to the first part 29.1, in particular in translation in a direction represented by an arrow F7, according to the embodiment of figures 7a, 7b, and 7c.

[0085] In the partially unlocked state, the first part 29.1 remains aligned with the reference direction Dref.

[0086] As illustrated in [Fig.7c], in the fully unlocked state, the first part 29.1 is released from the upper edge of the shelf 18 and the second part 29.2 is released from the upper edge of the additional support 20.

[0087] For this purpose, the first part 29.1 is moved relative to the backrest 12, in particular in rotation in a direction represented by an arrow F8 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c, around the axis of rotation X6, so as to release the upper edge of the shelf 18.

[0088] In particular, the first part 29.1 is moved relative to the backrest 12 by rotation relative to the reference direction Dref at an angle for example between 60 and 180 degrees, in particular of the order of 90 degrees.

[0089] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first part 29.1 can be movable in translation relative to the backrest 12 and / or the second part 29.2 can be movable in rotation relative to the first part 29.1.

[0090] Finally, according to another alternative embodiment not shown, the first part 29.1 can be movable in translation relative to the backrest 12 and / or the second part 29.2 can be movable in translation relative to the first part 29.1.

[0091] The invention further relates to an airplane comprising a seat 10 equipped with a tray 18, an additional support 20, and a locking device 28 as previously described.

[0092] Of course, the various features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. of others.

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

Claims

Claims

1. Seat (10) comprising: a backrest (12), a tablet (18) mounted on the backrest (12) and movable between a stored position, in which the tablet (18) is pressed against the backrest (12), and a deployed position, in which the tablet (18) is spaced apart from the backrest (12), characterized in that the seat (10) further comprises: an additional support (20) mounted on the tablet (18) and movable between a stored position, in which the additional support (20) is pressed against the tablet (18), and a deployed position, in which the additional support (20) is spaced apart from the tablet (18), and a locking device (28) capable of selectively taking: a locked state, in which the locking device (28) covers an upper edge of the tablet (18) and an upper edge of the additional support (20), to maintain the tablet (18) and the additional support (20) in the stored position, a partially unlocked,wherein the locking device (28) covers the upper edge of the shelf (18) and is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support (20), to allow the additional support (20) to move into the deployed position while maintaining the shelf (18) in the stored position, and a fully unlocked state, wherein the locking device (28) is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support (20) and the upper edge of the shelf (18), to allow the shelf (18) to move into the deployed position.,

2. Seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (28) comprises a single part (29) which is movable, in rotation and / or in translation, relative to the backrest (12).

3. Seat (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking device (28) is configured such that: in the locked state, in which the single part (29) covers an upper edge of the shelf (18) and an upper edge of the additional support (20), in the partially unlocked state, the single part (29) covers the upper edge of the shelf (18) and is released from the upper edge of the additional support (20), and in the fully unlocked state, the single part (29) is released from the upper edge of the shelf (18) and from the upper edge of the additional support (20).

4. Seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (28) comprises a first part (29.1) movable relative to the backrest (12) and a second part (29.2) movable relative to the first part (29.1).

5. Seat (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first part (29.1) is movable in rotation and / or in translation relative to the backrest (12).

6. Seat (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the second part (29.2) is movable in rotation and / or in translation relative to the first part (29.1).

7. Seat (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the locking device (28) is configured in such a way that: in the locked state, the first part (29.1) covers an upper edge of the shelf (18) and the second part (29.2) covers an upper edge of the additional support (20), in the partially unlocked state, the first part (29.1) covers the upper edge of the shelf (18) and the second part (29.2) is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support (20), and in the completely unlocked state, the first part (29.1) is disengaged from the upper edge of the shelf (18) and the second part (29.2) is disengaged from the upper edge of the additional support (20).

8. Seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tablet (18) comprises a removable fixing device (32) with the additional support (20).

9. Seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the seat (10) is an airplane seat.

10. An aircraft comprising a seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.