Opening facilitating access to a seat for a person with reduced mobility or of large build

Abstract

The present invention relates to a deployment device (23) for an aircraft seat opening (22) comprising: - at least one connecting rod (25) having a first end mounted for rotation on the opening (22) and a second end mounted for rotation on a seat structure (13) or on the fixed skirt (21), and - a roller (26) provided with a pivot joint (27) adapted to be guided in translation along a slide (28) disposed on an upper edge of the fixed skirt (21) while allowing rotation of the opening (22) about an axis (X1) of the pivot joint (27), - such that a transition from a retracted position to a deployed position of the opening (22) is effected by a combined movement of rotation about the axis (X1) of the pivot joint (27) and translation along the slide (28) of the fixed skirt (21). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Opening facilitating access to a seat for a person with reduced mobility or LARGE BODY

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening that facilitates access to a seat for a person with reduced mobility or a large build. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of aeronautics, especially with aircraft seats lacking a kinematic movement mechanism.

[0002] Where a side panel used to provide passenger privacy is placed between the aisle and the seat, the panel blocks access to the seat for a person with reduced mobility in a wheelchair or a person of large build. It is therefore important to be able to retract the panel to allow the person with reduced mobility to transfer from their wheelchair to the aircraft seat.

[0003] Document WO2022 / 122802 discloses two embodiments of an aircraft seat privacy shell comprising a retractable side panel allowing access to the aircraft seat. These systems require the seat to be able to move from a sitting to a reclining position to facilitate the installation of a person with reduced mobility. The fact that the seat has a kinematic mechanism allowing it to be moved forward relative to an axis of the seat makes it possible to limit the degree of opening of the panel. However, existing systems are not suitable for fixed seats, because even in the deployed position, access to a fixed seat remains partial.

[0004] The invention aims to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing an assembly for a vehicle cabin comprising: - at least one seat with a seat and a backrest, and - a side panel located along one side of the seat comprising a fixed skirt and a movable opening relative to the fixed skirt between a retracted position and a deployed position, providing access to the seat, and - a deployment device for the opening comprising: - at least one connecting rod having a first end mounted for rotational movement on the opening and a second end mounted for rotational movement on a seat structure or on the fixed skirt, and - a roller equipped with a pivot joint capable of being guided in translation along a slide disposed on an upper edge of the fixed skirt while allowing rotation of the opening around an axis of the pivot joint, - so that the opening's transition from the retracted position to the deployed position is achieved by a combined movement of rotation around the axis of the pivot joint and translation along the skirt's zipper.

[0005] The invention thus makes it possible, thanks to the kinematics of the opening combining a rotational and translational movement, to optimize access space to a fixed seat by completely retracting the side panel relative to the seat. The invention therefore facilitates the transfer and installation of a person with reduced mobility from their wheelchair to their seat, including for fixed seating configurations. The combined movement kinematics according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be integrated into a confined space, with ease of handling for deploying and locking the opening. The invention also has the advantage of concealing the electrical and mechanical components located under the seat thanks to the presence of the fixed skirt. The invention also facilitates maintenance operations on the seating unit and reduces the overall size.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, said assembly comprises at least one locking and unlocking device for the opening relative to the fixed skirt, said locking and unlocking device being capable of taking a locked state in which the opening is immobilized relative to the fixed skirt and an unlocked state in which the opening can move relative to the fixed skirt.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening has on the side of its upper edge an access flap suitable for concealing the locking and unlocking device of the opening.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking and unlocking device is chosen from: a set of complementary pins, a latch lock, toggle bolts, an electromagnetic strike plate.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening comprises at least one functional element integrated on an internal face facing the seat.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the functional element is an armrest.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the armrest is mounted to rotate about an axis horizontal parallel to a wall of the opening or with respect to a horizontal axis perpendicular to a wall of the opening.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the functional element is a tablet.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening comprises a housing in which is arranged a movable door mounted in translation relative to the housing between a deployed position in which the door is outside the housing so as to block access between the seat and a traffic aisle and a stored position in which the door is inside the housing so as to free access between the seat and the traffic aisle.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deployment device comprises a first connecting rod rotationally linked on one side to an upper edge of the opening and on the other one part with the seat structure, and a second connecting rod linked in rotation on one side with a lower edge of the opening and on the other side with the fixed skirt.

[0015] The invention also relates to an aircraft cabin comprising at least one assembly as previously defined.

[0016] 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:

[0017] [Fig. 1a][Fig. 1b] Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views, from two different angles, of a seat equipped with an opening according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view of an opening according to the invention mounted mobile relative to a fixed skirt;

[0019] [Fig. 3a] [Fig. 3b] Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views illustrating a folding of an opening according to the invention to free up access space to the seat;

[0020] [Fig.4a][Fig.4b][Fig.4c][Fig.4d] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are top views illustrating the deployment of an opening according to the invention to free up the access space to the seat;

[0021] [Fig. 5a] [Fig. 5b] Figures 5a and 5b are detailed perspective views of a locking and unlocking device for the opening according to the invention taking the form of a latch lock respectively in a locked state and in an unlocked state.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Furthermore, in the following description, the relative terms of the type "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "horizontal" or "vertical" are understood by reference to the common meaning that a passenger sitting on a seat of the seating unit according to the invention would give them.

[0024] Figures 1a and 1b show a seat 10 intended to be installed inside a vehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin. The seat 10 comprises at least one seat cushion 11 and at least one backrest 12 defining at least one passenger space. The seat cushion 11 and the backrest 12 are fixed.

[0025] In this case, the seat 10 comprises two seats 11 extending in two directions opposite to each other with respect to the backrest 12. The two seats 11 are aligned laterally with respect to each other. A backrest 12 can be associated with each seat 11. Alternatively, a common backrest 12 is provided, comprising a first face associated with the first seat 11 to define a first place and a second face (opposite to the first face) associated with the second seat 11 to define a second place.

[0026] The seat 10 also includes a structure 13 supporting the seats 11 and the backrests 12. For this purpose, the seat structure 13 includes structural elements for supporting the seat or seats 11, and structural elements for supporting the backrest or backrests 12. The seat structure 13 also includes feet 15 equipped with fasteners 16 intended to secure the seat 10 to rails in the aircraft cabin (not shown).

[0027] A side panel 19 extends along one side of the seat 10. The side panel 19 extends along the side of an aircraft cabin aisle. The side panel 19 extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aisle. The side panel 19 extends to a height equal to or greater than the height of the seat back(s) 12 so as to provide privacy to the passenger seated in the seat 10 from the aircraft cabin aisle.

[0028] More specifically, the side panel 19 has a fixed skirt 21 and a movable opening 22 between a retracted position and a deployed position freeing access to the seat 10.

[0029] The fixed skirt 21 has a height measured from an aircraft cabin floor that is less than or equal to the height of an upper face of the seat 11 intended to come into contact with the passenger. The skirt 21 consists of a rectangular wall made, for example, of thermoplastic or composite material. The opening 22 consists of a rectangular wall made, for example, of thermoplastic or composite material.

[0030] The opening 22 of the side panel 19 is movable relative to the fixed skirt 21 between a retracted position shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 4a and an extended position shown in Figures 3b and 4d. In the retracted position, the opening 22 blocks access to the seat 10 from the aisle and provides privacy for the passenger. The opening 22 is then vertically superimposed with an upper edge of the fixed skirt 21. In the extended position, the opening 22 allows access to the seat 10 from the aisle. The opening 22 is then mostly offset laterally with respect to an upper edge of the fixed skirt 21.

[0031] As illustrated in [Fig.2], a deployment device 23 of the opening 22 comprises at least one connecting rod 25 having a first end mounted movably for rotation on the opening 22, in this case an upper edge of the opening 22, preferably near the center of the upper edge of the opening 22, and a second end mounted movably for rotation on the seat structure 13.

[0032] The connecting rod 25 has a shape adapted according to the configuration of The arrangement, in particular to avoid interfering with the seat structure 13 when the opening 22 is in the deployed position. The connecting rod 25 preferably comprises at least two portions forming a non-zero angle with each other.

[0033] A roller 26 carried by the opening 22 and equipped with a pivot joint 27 is able to be guided in translation along a direction D along a slide 28 disposed on an upper edge of the fixed skirt 21 while allowing rotation of the opening 22 around an axis XI of the pivot joint 27. The roller 26 is disposed at a lower rear corner of the opening 22. The roller 26 is fixed in translation relative to the opening 22.

[0034] Thus, a passage of the opening 22 from the retracted position to the deployed position is carried out by a combined movement of rotation, relative to the skirt 21, around the axis XI of the pivot joint 27 and of translation along the slide 28 of the fixed skirt 21. The guidance of the movement of the opening 22 is carried out by the connecting rod 25.

[0035] The opening 22 includes at least one functional element 36 integrated on an inner face facing the seat 10. The functional element may be an armrest 36. The armrest 36 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis X2 parallel to a wall of the opening 22. Alternatively, the armrest 36 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis X3 perpendicular to a wall of the opening 22. Alternatively, the functional element is a shelf. The opening 22 may also include a housing 39 in which a door 40 is located. This door is movable in translation relative to the housing 39 between an extended position in which the door 40 is located outside the housing 39 so as to block access between the seat 10 and a passageway, and a stored position in which the door 40 is located inside the housing 39 so as to allow access between the seat 10 and the passageway.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one locking and unlocking device 31 is provided for the opening 22 relative to the fixed skirt 21. The locking and unlocking device 31 is capable of taking a locked state in which the opening 22 is immobilized relative to the fixed skirt 21 and an unlocked state in which the opening 22 can move relative to the fixed skirt 21.

[0037] The locking and unlocking device 31 may include a pin 33.1, in particular a ball pin, disposed on the side of the lower edge of the opening 22 intended to cooperate with a complementary ball pin 33.2 carried by the fixed skirt 21.

[0038] Alternatively or in addition, as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, the locking and unlocking device 31 may include a latch lock 35. In a locked state, the latch lock 35 cooperates via a jaw with a locking pin 37, as shown in [Fig. 5a] while in an unlocked state, the latch lock 35 is disengaged from the locking pin 37 following an opening of the jaw of the latch lock 35.

[0039] The latch lock 35 can be operated by a handle connected to a control cable or a push button.

[0040] Alternatively, the locking and unlocking device 31 may take the form of toggle latches, or an electromagnetic strike plate.

[0041] Advantageously, as can be seen in [Fig.2], in order to conceal the locking and unlocking device 31 from the passenger, the opening 22 may have on its upper edge a flap 32 for accessing the device 31. The flap 32 is movable between a closed position in which the flap 32 covers the device 31 so as to conceal access to the device 31 and an open position in which the flap 32 is moved away by pivoting from the device 31 so as to allow access to the device 31.

[0042] The operation of the removable side panel 19 according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, 4a to 4d. The opening 22 is initially in the retracted position so as to block access to the seat 10 from the aisle, as shown in [Fig. 4a]. The lower front corner of the opening 22 is then located near the upper front corner of the skirt 21, and the lower rear corner of the opening 22 is then located near the upper rear corner of the skirt 21.

[0043] To facilitate access to seat 10 for a person with reduced mobility or a large build, a crew member can lift the flap 32 to access the locking and unlocking device 31. The crew member can then operate the locking and unlocking device 31 to detach the opening 22 from the skirt 21, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b. The crew member can fold the armrest 36 against the opening 22 along axis X2 or X3 to prevent the armrest 36 from interfering with the seat structure 13 when the opening 22 is deployed.

[0044] The crew member can then move the opening 22 away from the seat 10 by moving the opening 22 through a combined rotational movement around the axis XI of the pivot joint 27 and a translational movement along the slide 28 of the fixed skirt 21, as shown in Figures 3a, 4b, 4c and 4d. The rotational axis XI moves in translation along the slide 28.

[0045] During deployment, the angle Al of the sash 22 relative to the skirt 21 gradually increases to a maximum and then decreases to a minimum. When the sash 22 is in the deployed position shown in Figures 3b and 4d, the sash 22 forms a small angle Al in top view, in particular less than 20 degrees, or even zero, relative to the skirt 21. In other words, in the deployed position, the sash 22 can be located in the same plane or in a plane forming a small angle Al relative to the skirt 21.

[0046] When the opening 22 is in the deployed position, the lower front corner of the opening 22 is then located near the upper rear corner of the skirt 21. The lower rear corner of The opening 22 is then very far from the seat. Since the opening 22 is offset laterally relative to the skirt 21, this facilitates access to seat 10 from the aisle side. It is then possible for the crew member to easily transfer a passenger with reduced mobility from their wheelchair to seat 10.

[0047] Once the passenger has been transferred to seat 10, the crew member can perform the reverse operations and return the opening 22 to the retracted position to provide privacy for the passenger.

[0048] Alternatively, the deployment device 23 further comprises a second connecting rod 25 linked in rotation on one side with a lower edge of the opening 22 and on the other side with the fixed skirt 21.

[0049] Alternatively, the invention can be implemented with a seat 10 provided with a kinematics allowing it to be mobile between a "seated" position in which the seat 10 is configured to define a seated position of a passenger, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat 10 is configured to define a sleeping surface of the passenger, advantageously substantially horizontal.

[0050] Of course, the various features, variants, and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variants that a person skilled in the art might consider within the scope of the present invention, and in particular, all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, whether considered separately or in combination.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly for a vehicle cabin comprising: - at least one seat (10) comprising a seat base (11) and a backrest (12), and - a side panel (19) located along one side of the seat (10) comprising a fixed skirt (21) and an opening leaf (22) movable relative to the fixed skirt (21) between a retracted position and a deployed position providing access to the seat (10), characterized in that said assembly further comprises a deployment device (23) for the opening leaf (22) comprising: - at least one connecting rod (25) having a first end mounted so as to be able to rotate on the opening leaf (22) and a second end mounted so as to be able to rotate on a seat structure (13) or on the fixed skirt (21), - a roller (26) provided with a pivot connection (27) capable of being guided in translation along a slide (28) arranged on an upper edge of the fixed skirt (21) while allowing rotation of the opening (22) around an axis (XI) of the pivot connection (27),- so that a passage of the opening (22) from the retracted position to the deployed position is carried out by a combined movement of rotation around the axis (XI) of the pivot connection (27) and of translation along the slide (28) of the fixed skirt (21).,

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one device (31) for locking and unlocking the opening (22) relative to the fixed skirt (21), said locking and unlocking device (31) being capable of taking a locked state in which the opening (22) is immobilized relative to the fixed skirt (21) and an unlocked state in which the opening (22) can move relative to the fixed skirt (21).

3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening (22) comprises on its upper edge an access flap (32) capable of masking the device (31) for locking and unlocking the opening (22).

4. Assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the locking and unlocking device (31) is chosen from: a set of complementary pins (33.1, 33.2), a latch lock (35), spring clips, an electromagnetic strike.

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening (22) comprises at least one functional element (36) integrated on an internal face facing the seat (10).

6. Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the functional element is an armrest (36) or a tablet.

7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the armrest (36) is rotatably mounted relative to a horizontal axis (X2) parallel to a wall of the opening (22) or relative to a horizontal axis (X3) perpendicular to a wall of the opening.

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the opening (22) comprises a housing (39) in which is arranged a door (40) mounted movable in translation relative to the housing (39) between a deployed position in which the door (40) is located outside the housing (39) so as to block access between the seat (10) and a circulation corridor and a stored position in which the door (40) is located inside the housing (39) so as to free access between the seat (10) and the circulation corridor.

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the deployment device (23) comprises a first connecting rod (25) linked in rotation on the one hand with an upper edge of the opening (22) and on the other hand with the seat structure (13), and a second connecting rod linked in rotation on the one hand with a lower edge of the opening (22) and on the other hand with the fixed skirt (21).

10. Aircraft cabin comprising at least one assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

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