SHARED ARMREST FOR A MULTI-SEATER SEAT

Abstract

The invention relates to an armrest (20) for a seat (10) comprising: - a support structure (21) having a longitudinal extension axis (X0), and - at least one pallet (23.1, 23.2) movable relative to the support structure (21) between a stored position in which the rear pallet (23.1) is vertically superimposed on the support structure (21) and a deployed position in which the rear pallet (23.1) is offset at least partially laterally relative to the support structure (21) so as to locally increase a bearing surface of the armrest (20). Figure 2b

Description

Title of the invention: SHARED ARMREST FOR A MULTI-SEATER SEAT

[0001] The present invention relates to a shared armrest for a multi-seater seat. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with airplane seats intended for economy classes. However, the invention may also be implemented with airplane seats intended for business classes or with the seats of other types of aircraft.

[0002] In a manner known per se, an economy class multi-seater seat comprises at least two seats each formed by a seat and a backrest. Each backrest can be mounted so as to tilt backwards relative to the corresponding seat. The seat can also comprise an armrest located at each end of the seat and at least one intermediate armrest arranged between two adjacent seats.

[0003] The armrests may be movable between a raised position in which the armrest extends vertically in a direction substantially parallel to the backrest and a lowered position in which the armrest extends in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the backrest.

[0004] The intermediate armrest is difficult to share by two passengers sitting side by side, since when one of the passengers has placed his arm on the armrest, the other passenger no longer has access to it.

[0005] The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing an armrest for an aircraft seat comprising: - a support structure having a longitudinal extension axis, and - at least one pallet movable relative to the support structure between a stored position in which the rear pallet is vertically superimposed with the support structure and a deployed position in which the rear pallet is offset at least partly laterally relative to the support structure so as to locally increase a support surface of the armrest.

[0006] The invention thus makes it possible to share a single armrest between two passengers by providing two separate support surfaces on each of which a passenger can rest his arm in a comfortable position. The invention allows a saving in mass, volume, and better passenger comfort. Its implementation is facilitated and simplified. The mechanism according to the invention is modular. The armrest according to the invention can easily be integrated into different types of seat assemblies.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, said armrest comprises a rear pallet movable relative to the support structure between a stored position in which the rear pallet is vertically superimposed with the support structure and a deployed position in which the rear pallet is offset at least partly laterally in a first lateral offset direction relative to the support structure, and - a front pallet longitudinally offset forward along the longitudinal extension axis relative to the rear pallet, said front pallet being movable relative to the support structure between a stored position in which the front pallet is vertically superimposed with the support structure and a deployed position in which the front pallet is offset at least partly laterally along a second lateral offset direction relative to the support structure, - the first lateral shift direction and the second lateral shift direction being opposite to each other.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear pallet is located at a lower level relative to the front pallet.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a separating wall between the rear pallet and the front pallet.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, each pallet is rotatably mounted relative to the support structure, such that in the stored position, each pallet has a longitudinal extension axis aligned with the longitudinal extension axis of the support structure and in the deployed position, the longitudinal extension axis of each pallet forms an angle other than zero degrees relative to the longitudinal extension axis of the support structure.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, a pivot connection between each pallet and the support structure is arranged at a rear end of each pallet.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, each pallet comprises a rotational guidance device.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotational guidance device comprises a stud secured to each pallet intended to slide inside a circular groove made in the support structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a rotating torque member for holding each pallet in the stored or deployed position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises an elastic return member allowing each pallet to be automatically returned to the stored position.

[0016] The invention also relates to an aircraft seat comprising an armrest as previously defined.

[0017] The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description comprising: embodiments given for illustrative purposes 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 implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0018] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an aircraft seat having shared armrests according to the present invention;

[0019] [Fig.2a][Fig.2b] Figures 2a and 2b show perspective views of a shared armrest according to the invention having paddles respectively in the stored position and in the deployed position;

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view of a shared armrest according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view illustrating the use of an armrest according to the invention by two passengers sitting side by side.

[0022] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0023] Furthermore, the relative terms of the type "horizontal", "vertical", "front", "rear" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat equipped with an armrest according to the invention would give them.

[0024] [Fig. 1] shows a multi-seater economy class seat 10 intended to be fixed on rails (not shown) mounted on a floor of an aircraft cabin. For this purpose, the seat 10 comprises legs 11 provided with fasteners 12 configured to cooperate with the rails arranged on the floor. A luggage bar 13 makes it possible to retain the luggage arranged under the seat 10.

[0025] The seat 10 comprises at least one seat 15 and at least one backrest 16. In this case, the seat 10 comprises three seats 15 and three backrests 16 so as to define three places. Of course, the seat 10 may comprise a different number of seats and backrests so as to define a number greater or less than 3 places, in particular 2, 4 or 5 places. Each backrest 16 may be mounted so as to tilt backwards relative to the corresponding seat 15. For this purpose, the backrest 16 is generally mounted on a crossbar 17 via a pivot connection. The crossbar 17, generally L-shaped, comprises at least one opening for the passage of a beam 18.

[0026] The seat 10 comprises two end armrests 20 located at the ends of the seat 10 and two intermediate armrests 20 each located between two adjacent places of the seat 10. An armrest 20 is mounted on a corresponding stock 17. An armrest 20 can be mounted fixed or movable relative to the stock 17 between a raised position in which the armrest 20 extends vertically substantially parallel to a plane of the backrest 16 and a lowered position in which the armrest 20 extends horizontally substantially perpendicular to a plane of the backrest 16.

[0027] As can be seen in Figures 2a and 2b, an intermediate armrest 20 comprises a support structure 21 having a longitudinal extension axis X0 as well as a rear pallet 23.1 and a front pallet 23.2 movable relative to the support structure 21. The front pallet 23.2 is offset longitudinally forward along the longitudinal extension axis X0 relative to the rear pallet 23.1.

[0028] Each pallet 23.1, 23.2 is constituted by an elongated plate extending in a plane parallel to the plane in which the upper face of the support structure 21 extends. The rear pallet 23.1 has a longitudinal extension axis XI and the front pallet 23.2 has a longitudinal extension axis X2. Each pallet 23.1, 23.2 has a width substantially equal to or slightly less than the width of the support structure 21. By "substantially equal" is meant a difference between the two widths less than 10% of the width of the support structure 21. The length of each pallet 23.1, 23.2 may be greater or less depending on the volume allocated for the armrest 20.

[0029] The pallets 23.1, 23.2 may have a generally rectangular shape having two longitudinal sides parallel to each other, a transverse side having a rounded shape and a transverse side of beveled shape. The beveled sides are arranged opposite each other. Alternatively, the pallets 23.1, 23.2 may have an oval or triangular shape or any other shape suitable for the application. The support structure 21 has an elongated shape, for example a generally parallelepiped shape with straight or rounded faces.

[0030] More specifically, the rear pallet 23.1 is movable relative to the support structure 21 between a stored position shown in [Fig.2a] and a deployed position shown in [Fig.2b]. In the stored position, the rear pallet 23.1 is vertically superimposed with the support structure 21, i.e. any straight line perpendicular to the rear pallet 23.1 and its extension plane intersects the support structure 21. A vertical gap between the rear pallet 23.1 and the support structure 21 is small, preferably zero.

[0031] In the deployed position, the rear pallet 23.1 is offset at least partly laterally in a first lateral offset direction DI relative to the support structure 21 so as to locally increase a rear support surface of the armrest 20. The rear support surface of the armrest 20 is then defined by a portion of the support structure 21 and at least a portion of the rear pallet 23.1 offset laterally relative to the support structure 21.

[0032] In the stored position and in the deployed position, the rear pallet 23.1 extends in a horizontal plane PL The transition from the stored position to the deployed position of the rear pallet 23.1 (and vice versa) is carried out by moving the rear pallet 23.1 in said horizontal plane PI.

[0033] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the rear pallet 23.1 is rotatably mounted relative to the support structure 21 about a vertical axis of rotation, in particular perpendicular to an upper face of the rear pallet 23.1. Thus, in the stored position, the longitudinal extension axis XI of the rear pallet 23.1 is aligned with the longitudinal extension axis X0 of the support structure 21 and in the deployed position, the longitudinal extension axis XI of the rear pallet 23.1 forms a first angle Al different from zero degrees relative to the longitudinal extension axis X0 of the support structure 21. The first angle Al is preferably between 5 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0034] Alternatively, the transition from one position to another of the rear pallet 23.1 can be carried out by translation, for example in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis X0 of the support structure 21.

[0035] The first lateral shift direction DI can therefore be either a translation direction or a rotation direction of the rear pallet 23.1.

[0036] Similarly, the front pallet 23.2 is movable relative to the support structure 21 between a stored position shown in [Fig.2a] and a deployed position shown in [Fig.2b]. In the stored position, the front pallet 23.2 is vertically superimposed with the support structure 21, i.e. any straight line perpendicular to the front pallet 23.2 and its extension plane intersects the support structure 21. A vertical gap between the front pallet 23.2 and the support structure 21 is small, preferably zero.

[0037] In the deployed position, the front pallet 23.2 is offset at least partly laterally in a second lateral offset direction D2 relative to the support structure 21 so as to locally increase a front support surface of the armrest 20. The first lateral offset direction DI and the second lateral offset direction D2 are opposite each other. The front support surface is then defined by a portion of the support structure 21 and at least a portion of the front pallet 23.2 offset laterally relative to the support structure 21.

[0038] In the stored position and in the deployed position, the front pallet 23.2 extends in a horizontal plane P2. The transition from the stored position to the deployed position of the front pallet 23.2 (and vice versa) is carried out by moving the front pallet 23.2 in said horizontal plane P2.

[0039] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the front pallet 23.2 is rotatably mounted relative to the support structure 21 around a vertical axis of rotation, in particular perpendicular to an upper face of the front pallet. 23.2. Thus, in the stored position, the longitudinal extension axis X2 of the front pallet 23.2 is aligned with the longitudinal extension axis XO of the support structure 21 and in the deployed position, the longitudinal extension axis X2 of the front pallet 23.2 forms a second angle A2 different from zero degrees with respect to the longitudinal extension axis XO of the support structure 21. The second angle A2 is preferably between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. With respect to the longitudinal extension axis XO of the support structure 21, the second angle A2 is opposite with respect to the first angle Al, that is to say that if the first angle Al is measured in a clockwise direction with respect to the axis XO then the second angle A2 is measured in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the axis XO or vice versa.

[0040] Alternatively, the transition from one position to another of the front pallet 23.2 can be carried out by translation, for example in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis XO of the support structure 21.

[0041] The second lateral shift direction D2 can therefore be either a translation direction or a rotation direction of the front pallet 23.2.

[0042] Preferably, the rear pallet 23.1 is located at a lower level relative to the front pallet 23.2. In addition, the support structure 21 comprises a separating wall 24 between the rear pallet 23.1 and the front pallet 23.2. This separating wall 24 makes it possible to avoid contact between the arms of the passengers located side by side. In other words, the rear pallet 23.1 and the front pallet 23.2 extend along two distinct horizontal planes PI, P2 parallel to each other. The horizontal plane PI in which the rear pallet 23.1 extends is located below the horizontal plane P2 in which the front pallet 23.2 extends or vice versa. The support structure 21 comprises a portion carrying the front pallet 23.2 raised relative to the portion carrying the rear pallet 23.1 (or vice versa). The two portions of the armrest 20 respectively carrying the front paddle 23.2 and the rear paddle 23.1 are separated from each other by the separating wall 24 providing a connection between the two portions of the support structure 21.

[0043] [Fig. 3] shows an exploded view of the armrest 20 comprising a support structure 21 formed by a structural element 25, a lower cover 26 and an upper cover 29.

[0044] A first pivot connection 30.1 between the rear pallet 23.1 and the support structure 21 is arranged at a rear end of the rear pallet 23.1. The first pivot connection 30.1 is constituted by a rod 31.1 coming from the rear pallet 23.1 cooperating with a housing 32.1 of corresponding shape made in the support structure 21, in particular the upper cover 29. Alternatively, the pivot connection 30.1 can be replaced by a connecting rod system or any other device adapted to the application.

[0045] A second pivot connection 30.2 between the front pallet 23.2 and the support structure 21 is arranged at the location of a rear end of the front pallet 23.2. The second pivot connection 30.2 is constituted by a rod 31.2 coming from the front pallet 23.2 cooperating with a housing 32.2 of corresponding shape made in the support structure 21, in particular the upper cover 29. Alternatively, the pivot connection 30.2 can be replaced by a connecting rod system, a slide system or any other device adapted to the application.

[0046] The rear pallet 23.1 and / or the front pallet 23.2 may comprise a rotation guide device 33. The rotation guide device 33 comprises a stud 34 secured to the pallet 23.1, 23.2 and intended to slide inside a circular groove 35 made in the support structure 21, in particular the upper cover 29. The circular groove 35 may be covered by a movable cover or any other equivalent system in order to be discreetly integrated into the armrest 20.

[0047] The armrest 20 also comprises a nut 38 allowing the armrest 20 to be mounted on a structural element of the seat 10, in particular a stock 17. The nut 38 is associated with a rivet 39, plastic washers 40 and friction washers 4L.

[0048] A button 44 is mounted on a button support 45 associated with a button stop 46. The assembly is mounted on a base 47 via a spring blade 48. The button 44 connected to a cable (not shown) makes it possible to control a function of the seat 10, in particular an inclination of the backrest 16.

[0049] A plug 50 closes an opening made in the lower cover 26 in order to ensure the aesthetic finish of the assembly.

[0050] [Fig. 4] illustrates the use of an intermediate armrest 20 by two passengers seated on two adjacent places of the seat 10. The passenger on the right 51 (relative to the seat) can rest his arm on the rear pallet 23.1 which is in the laterally deployed position on his side and the passenger on the left 52 can rest his arm on the front pallet 23.2 which is in the laterally deployed position on his side. Both passengers can thus simultaneously benefit from the armrest 20 without risk of interference between their arms.

[0051] The support structure 21 may comprise a rotating torque member for holding the front pallet 23.2 and / or the rear pallet 23.1 in the stored or deployed position.

[0052] The support structure 21 may also comprise an elastic return member allowing the front pallet 23.2 and / or the rear pallet 23.1 to be automatically returned to the stored position. The elastic return member may be activatable by means of a button.

[0053] Alternatively, the armrest 20 comprises a single paddle 23.1 or 23.2, so that a first passenger can rest his arm on the paddle 23.1 or 23.2 in the deployed position and a second passenger can rest his arm on the support structure 21.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 association.

Claims

Claims

1. Armrest (20) for an aircraft seat (10) characterized in that it comprises: - a support structure (21) having a longitudinal extension axis (X0), and - at least one pallet (23.1, 23.2) movable relative to the support structure (21) between a stored position in which the rear pallet (23.1) is vertically superimposed with the support structure (21) and a deployed position in which the rear pallet (23.1) is offset at least partly laterally relative to the support structure (21) so as to locally increase a support surface of the armrest (20).

2. Armrest according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rear pallet (23.1) movable relative to the support structure (21) between a stored position in which the rear pallet (23.1) is vertically superimposed with the support structure (21) and a deployed position in which the rear pallet (23.1) is offset at least partly laterally in a first lateral offset direction (Dl) relative to the support structure (21), and - a front pallet (23.2) longitudinally offset forwards along the longitudinal extension axis (X0) relative to the rear pallet (23.1), said front pallet (23.2) being movable relative to the support structure (21) between a stored position in which the front pallet (23.2) is vertically superimposed with the support structure (21) and a deployed position in which the front pallet (23.2) is offset at least partly laterally in a second lateral offset direction (D2) relative to the support structure (21), - the first lateral offset direction (D1) and the second lateral offset direction (D2) being opposite to each other.

3. Armrest according to claim 2, characterized in that the rear pallet (23.1) is located at a lower level relative to the front pallet (23.2).

4. Armrest according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the support structure (21) comprises a separating wall (24) between the rear pallet (23.1) and the front pallet (23.2).

5. Armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each pallet (23.1, 23.2) is rotatably mounted relative to the support structure (21), such that in the stored position each pallet (23.1, 23.2) has a longitudinal extension axis (XI, X2) aligned with the longitudinal extension axis (X0) of the support structure (21) and in the deployed position the longitudinal extension axis (XI, X2) of each pallet (23.1, 23.2) forms an angle other than zero degrees with respect to the longitudinal extension axis (X0) of the support structure (21).

6. Armrest according to claim 5, characterized in that a pivot connection (30.1, 30.2) between each pallet (23.1, 23.2) and the support structure (21) is arranged at a rear end of each pallet (23.1, 23.2).

7. Armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each pallet (23.1, 23.2) comprises a rotational guide device (33).

8. Armrest according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotation guide device (33) comprises a stud (34) integral with each pallet (23.1, 23.2) intended to slide inside a circular groove (35) made in the support structure (21).

9. An armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support structure (21) comprises a rotating torque member for holding each paddle in the stored or deployed position.

10. An aircraft seat (10) comprising an armrest (20) defined according to any one of the preceding claims.

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