CONVERSION MODULE FOR A TRANSPORT VEHICLE CABIN

The fitting module with staggered bed seats optimizes space usage in transport vehicle compartments, balancing comfort and revenue by minimizing space requirements and ensuring efficient seat density.

FR3160392A1Active Publication Date: 2025-09-26SAFRAN SEATS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024002822
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-21
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2044-03-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge is to optimize the space occupied by sleeping seats in transport vehicle passenger compartments while maintaining an optimal seat density, balancing passenger comfort and carrier revenue.

Method used

A fitting module with two bed seats that can move from a seat to a bed position, arranged in a staggered manner with one seat in a higher passenger space, allowing vertical overlap and minimal lateral space usage, and featuring partitions and mechanisms for efficient space utilization.

Benefits of technology

The solution ensures optimal space utilization, providing comfort and privacy while maintaining seat density, thus enhancing passenger experience without compromising revenue potential.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Module (100) for fitting out a vehicle passenger compartment, comprising: - a first bed seat (10), capable of passing from seat to bed and housed in a first passenger space (30), comprising a first entrance (31) and a first floor, and - a second bed seat (20), capable of passing from seat to bed and housed in a second passenger space (40), independent of the first space, and comprising a second entrance (41) and a second floor (42) arranged higher than said first floor, said second floor being located at a height lower than a maximum height of the first space, said bed seats being parallel to a longitudinal axis (X), and being transversely arranged in an offset and head-to-tail manner so that front faces of the backrests (11, 21) of said bed seats are oriented opposite the same transverse plane passing between said backrests. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1
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Description

Title of the invention: FITTING MODULE FOR A TRANSPORT VEHICLE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting module for a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle comprising such a module. Technological background

[0002] Passenger transport vehicles such as trains, buses, airplanes generally have a plurality of seats in one or more cabins.

[0003] Generally, passengers want more comfort during journeys, especially when the journeys are long. Passengers may look for more space per seat, in particular to be able to stretch their legs, or to have more privacy. The improvement in comfort also comes into play in the possibility for passengers to be able to sleep in their seat by giving them the possibility of transforming it into a bed, in particular by moving the seat into a horizontal position. This is called a bed seat.

[0004] However, the increase in space per seat, and even more so when it comes to sleeper seats, impacts the density of seats available in the vehicle and therefore the number of passengers transported. This can represent a loss of revenue for the carrier.

[0005] Optimal density is therefore necessary to satisfy both passengers, in particular to improve their comfort, and carriers.

[0006] Also, an objective of the invention is to optimize the space occupied by sleeping seats in the passenger compartment of a transport vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0007] A fitting module is therefore proposed for a transport vehicle passenger compartment, the module comprising: - a first bed seat, capable of moving from a seat position to a bed position and housed in a first passenger space, the first passenger space comprising a first entrance and a first floor, and - a second bed seat, capable of moving from a seat position to a bed position and housed in a second passenger space, the second passenger space being independent of the first passenger space and comprising a second entrance separate from the first entrance and a second floor arranged higher than the first floor, the second floor being located at a height which is lower than a maximum height of the first passenger space, the first and second sleeping seats being oriented parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis, and are arranged in a staggered manner in a transverse direction and head to tail so that front faces of the backrests of the first and second sleeping seats are oriented opposite a same transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and passing between the backrests of the first and second sleeping seats.

[0008] Thus, thanks to the invention, an optimization of the space occupied by the bed seats is ensured on the one hand in the module and, by extension, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Indeed, the configuration of the bed seats in the module allows them to occupy a minimum space in order to reduce the dimensions of the module. It is understood that thanks to the invention a saving of space is obtained.

[0009] In the present application, the term "floor" or "ground" means a surface on which to walk.

[0010] In the present application, the term "passenger space" means a place inside which the passenger is installed during his journey. This passenger space ideally allows the passenger to be able to stand up.

[0011] In the present application, the term "bed seat" means a device capable of acting as a seat and a bed. In other words, designed so that a passenger can sit or lie down as needed.

[0012] In the present application, the term "maximum height of the first passenger space" means the dimension of the first passenger space which extends in a vertical or substantially vertical direction relative to the first floor.

[0013] The module according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation from one another or in combination with one another: - the first bed seat and the second bed seat overlap vertically when they are in bed position, so the space occupied laterally by two bed seats in the configuration of the invention is less than the space occupied by these same two bed seats taken side by side without any particular configuration. It is understood that thanks to the invention a saving of space is obtained, in particular lateral; - the height of the second floor is lower than a maximum height of the first bed seat; - the first and second bed seats are separated by at least one side partition, common to the first and second passenger spaces; - at least one side partition comprises: • a first recess extending from the first space passenger toward the second passenger space, the first recess being configured to receive a portion of the first sleeper seat when in the seating position, and • a second recess extending from the second passenger space toward the first passenger space, the second recess being configured to receive a portion of the second sleeper seat when in the seating position; the first entrance passes through at least one side partition; the at least one side partition has an inclined wall, the inclined wall being located at a height greater than a maximum height of the first bed seat when it is in the seat position, and the inclined wall being located partly above said first bed seat; the first inlet is located behind the second sleeper seat when it is in the seat position, and preferably partially below the second sleeper seat when it is in the bed position; the back of the second bed seat, when in the bed position, is at least partially supported on a supporting partition, the supporting partition forming a ceiling for the first entrance; the transverse plane passes between the first and second sleeping seats, and in particular between the seats of the sleeping seats; the module includes: • a first wall, defining a longitudinal end of the first passenger space, and facing the front face of the backrest of said first bed seat, and • a second wall, parallel to said first wall, defining a longitudinal end of the second passenger space, and facing the front face of the backrest of said second bed seat; the first wall and the second wall, when reported in the same plane, are configured to cooperate and present complementary shapes between them; the module comprises at least one storage compartment, capable of receiving cabin baggage for example, extending under the second passenger space and next to the first passenger space; the module forms a unitary or monobloc assembly; the first bed seat comprises at least the backrest, a seat and a legrest, further comprises a mechanism for transforming the seat position into the bed position, the mechanism being configured to translate the seat, the backrest and the legrest so that the backrest and the legrest legs are respectively aligned in the extension of the seat of the first bed seat; the second bed seat comprises at least the backrest, a seat and a legrest, further comprises another mechanism for transforming the seat position into the bed position, the other mechanism being configured to raise the seat, the backrest and the legrest so that the backrest and the legrest are respectively aligned in the extension of said seat of the second bed seat; each backrest, each seat and each legrest of each bed seat are aligned so as to form an inclined plane, each inclined plane having an angle of inclination of between 1 degree and 5 degrees relative to the first floor; the height of the second floor of the second passenger space is greater than a height of the seat of the first bed seat when it is in the seat position or in the bed position; the second floor is located at a height of approximately between 55 cm and 66 cm in relation to the first floor; the supporting partition is parallel to the second floor or inclined relative to the second floor at an angle between 1.0 degrees and 5.0 degrees; the first bed seat and the second bed seat, each in the seat position, are spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 15 cm, and preferably less than 12.5 cm, measured along the longitudinal axis of the module; the first sleeper seat and the second sleeper seat, each in the seat position, overlap by a lateral distance of no more than 10.2 cm; the first bed seat and the second bed seat, each in the seat position, are spaced laterally from each other by a distance of no more than 30 mm; the module comprises a panel extending vertically from the second floor of the second passenger space and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the module from the first entrance of the first passenger space towards the second entrance of the second passenger space; the at least one dwelling has minimum dimensions of 55.8 cm in width, 45.75 cm in depth and 50.8 cm in height; the module includes a means of ascent, such as steps or a ladder, to access the second passenger space; the at least one housing is closed on one side by the at least one side partition; the module includes, in each of said passenger spaces, a folding ottoman configured to, once opened, be located in the extension of the first and second sleeping seats when in bed position; - the module includes a storage niche, capable of receiving technical equipment from the module such as electrical boxes, extending under the second floor and behind the means of ascent.

[0014] In the present application, the term "ottoman" means a surface that can serve as a footrest or a side table. This surface may be padded for added comfort.

[0015] The invention also relates to a transport vehicle, such as an aircraft or a train, comprising a passenger compartment having a longitudinal axis, this passenger compartment comprising at least one fitting module as described above, this at least one module being arranged in the passenger compartment so that the longitudinal axis of the module is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the passenger compartment.

[0016] The vehicle according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation from one another or in combination with one another: - the vehicle comprising a plurality of series of modules in the passenger compartment, a first series of modules being arranged along a wall of the passenger compartment and a second series of modules being arranged parallel to the first series of modules, the wall of the passenger compartment being oriented along the longitudinal axis of the passenger compartment, so as to define a corridor between the first series of modules and the second series of modules; - the second series of modules is arranged along another wall of the cabin. Brief description of the figures

[0017] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig.l] represents a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fitting module for a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle,

[0019] [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of a bed seat of the module according to the invention,

[0020] [Fig. 3] represents a schematic top view of a configuration of the bed seats when they are in the seat position in the module according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig.4] represents a schematic top view of a configuration of the bed seats when they are in bed position in the module according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig. 5] represents a schematic perspective view of the module of [Fig. 1], in particular a view of the first bed seat housed in the first passenger space,

[0023] [Fig.6] represents a schematic perspective view of the module of [Fig.5] according to section plane AA,

[0024] [Fig.7] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the module of [Fig.5] along the section plane AA,

[0025] [Fig.8] represents a schematic side view of the module of [Fig.5], in particular the transformation kinematics of the first seat-bed when it passes from a seat position to a bed position,

[0026] [Fig.9] represents a schematic perspective view of [Fig.8], in particular when the bed seat is in the bed position,

[0027] [Fig. 10] represents a schematic perspective view of the module of [Fig. 1], in particular a view of the second bed seat housed in the second passenger space,

[0028] [Fig. 11] represents a schematic perspective view of the module of [Fig. 10] according to the section plane BB,

[0029] [Fig. 12] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the module of [Fig. 10] along the section plane BB,

[0030] [Fig.13] represents a schematic side view of the module of [Fig.10], in particular the transformation kinematics of the second seat-bed when it passes from a seat position to a bed position,

[0031] [Fig.14] represents a schematic perspective view of [Fig.13], in particular when the bed seat is in the bed position,

[0032] [Fig. 15] represents a schematic perspective view of the module according to the invention, in particular without a bed seat in the first passenger space,

[0033] [Fig. 16] represents a schematic perspective view of the module according to the invention, in particular without a bed seat in the second passenger space,

[0034] [Fig. 17] represents a very schematic view of the first and second walls of the module according to the invention, arranged in the same plane,

[0035] [Fig. 18] represents a schematic top view of an embodiment of a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle comprising at least one module, according to the invention, in particular when the vehicle comprises two series of modules,

[0036] [Fig. 19] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of [Fig. 18],

[0037] [Fig.20] represents a schematic top view of an embodiment of a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle comprising at least one module, according to the invention, in particular when the vehicle comprises three series of modules,

[0038] [Fig.21] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of [Fig.20],

[0039] [Fig.22] represents a schematic top view of another form of sheave construction of a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle comprising at least one module, according to the invention, in particular when the vehicle comprises four series of modules,

[0040] [Fig.23] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of [Fig.22],

[0041] [Fig.24] represents a schematic top view of another form of rea- construction of a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle comprising at least one module, according to the invention, in particular comprising three series of modules, one of which has at least a first doubled passenger space,

[0042] [Fig.25] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of [Fig.24]. Detailed description of the invention

[0043] [Fig.l] shows an embodiment of the module 100 for fitting out a passenger compartment of a transport vehicle. The module 100 according to the invention comprises a first bed seat 10 and a second bed seat 20. The first bed seat 10 is capable of moving from a seat position to a bed position and is housed in a first passenger space 30. The first passenger space 30 further comprises a first entrance 31 and a first floor 32. The second bed seat 20 is also capable of moving from a seat position to a bed position and is housed in a second passenger space 40. The second passenger space 40 is also independent of the first passenger space 30. The second passenger space 40 comprises a second entrance 41, which is separate from the first entrance 31 of the first passenger space 30, and a second floor 42 arranged higher than the first floor 32.

[0044] “Higher” is understood to mean that the first floor 32 and the second floor 42 are not in the same plane and that there is therefore a difference in height between the first and second floors 32, 42, and consequently between the first and second bed seats 10, 20; it being understood that the first and second bed seats 10, 20 are respectively arranged on the first and second floors 32, 42.

[0045] The second floor 42 is, furthermore, located at a height h which is lower than a maximum height Hmax of the first passenger space 30.

[0046] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, each of the first and second bed seats 10, 20 has at least one backrest 11, 21 and a seat 13, 23. The seat 13, 23 rests on a base which is arranged on the first or second floor 32, 42. Each bed seat 10, 20 may have a leg rest 14, 24 and armrests 17A, 17B, 27A, 27B, a right 17B, 27A and a left 17B, 27B. Each armrest 17A, 17B, 27A, 27B may be retractable along the seat 13, 23.

[0047] [Fig. 3] is of interest, which represents a top view of a configuration of the first and second bed seats 10, 20 in the module 100, when they are in the seat position. The first and second bed seats 10, 20 are oriented parallel to each other. The first and second bed seats 10, 20 are also oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the module 100 and arranged in an offset manner in the transverse direction Y. It is understood that the first and second bed seats 10, 20 are not aligned. Indeed, the first and second bed seats 10, 20 are arranged head to tail so that front faces 12, 22 of the respective backrests 11, 21 of the first and second bed seats 10, 20 are oriented opposite the same transverse plane PI perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and passing between the backrests 11, 21 of the first and second bed seats 10, 20.

[0048] The transverse plane PI can pass between the first and second bed seats 10, 20, and in particular between the seats 13, 23 of the bed seats 10, 20. In the example of [Fig. 3], the transverse plane PI is located equidistant from the seats 13, 23 of the first and second bed seats 10, 20 so that the bed seats 10, 20 do not intersect the transverse plane PI.

[0049] The first bed seat 10 and second bed seat 20, each in the seat position, are spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 15 cm, and preferably less than 12.5 cm, measured along the longitudinal axis X of the module 100.

[0050] In a variant, not shown, the first and second bed seats 10, 20 intersect the transverse plane PI, in particular the seats 13, 23 of the bed seats 10, 20. In other words, in this variant, the first and second bed seats 10, 20 can overlap vertically when they are in the seat position.

[0051] A longitudinal plane P2, orthogonal to the transverse plane PI, i.e. extending in the directions X and Z, is defined to pass through a first lateral side of any one of the bed seats 10, 20. The other of the bed seats 10, 20 is arranged such that its first lateral side intersects the longitudinal plane P2 or is laterally spaced therefrom by a predefined distance. In the example of [Fig. 3], the first lateral side is the right armrest 17A, 27A of each of the bed seats 10. In particular, in [Fig. 3], the longitudinal plane P2 passes through each of the right armrests 17A, 27A of the bed seats 10, 20.

[0052] In this way, the bed seats 10, 20 can, when they are each in the seat position, overlap over a lateral distance of at most 10.2 cm.

[0053] Alternatively, the bed seats 10, 20 may, when each is in the seat position, be laterally spaced from each other by a distance at most substantially equal to 30 mm.

[0054] With reference to [Fig. 4], when the bed seats 10, 20 move from a seat position to a bed position, the backrest 11, 21, the seat 13, 23 and the leg rest 14, 24, when present, of each bed seat 10, 20 are aligned to form a substantially horizontal surface, the backrest 11, 21 and the leg rest 14, 24 being substantially in line with the seat 13, 23. In the configuration of [Fig. 4], the first and second bed seats 10, 20 may overlap vertically when in the bed position. In other words, a portion of the second bed seat 20 is located above a portion of the first bed seat 10. This allows a gain in lateral space in order to optimize the space occupied by the module 100 in the passenger compartment 210 of the vehicle 200 in which the module 100 is intended to be installed.

[0055] In the bed position, the first bed seat 10 and the second bed seat 20 are arranged so that the leg rest 14, 24 of one of the bed seats 10, 20 are at the level of the backrest 11, 21 of the other bed seat 10, 20. In other words, the bed seats 10, 20 are head to tail.

[0056] The first bed seat 10 may further comprise a mechanism 15 for transforming the seat position into the bed position. As shown in [Fig. 8], this mechanism 15 is configured to translate the seat 13 (along the arrow T1), the backrest 11 (along the arrow T2) and the legrest 14 (along the arrow T3) so that the backrest 11 and the legrest 14 are respectively aligned in the extension of the seat 13 of the first bed seat 10.

[0057] The second bed seat 20 may further comprise another mechanism 25 for transforming the seat position into the bed position. As shown in [Fig. 13], the other mechanism 25 is configured to raise the seat 23 (along arrow M1), the backrest 21 (along arrow M2) and the legrest 24 (along arrow M3) so that the backrest 21 and the legrest 24 are respectively aligned in the extension of the seat 23 of the second bed seat 20.

[0058] When the bed seats 10, 20 are in the bed position, the armrests 17A, 17B, 27A, 27B can be retracted to improve passenger comfort.

[0059] The backrests 11, 21, the seats 13, 23 and the legrests 14, 24 of each of the bed seats 10, 20, when aligned in the bed position of the corresponding bed seat, can each form an inclined plane with an angle of between 1 degree and 5 degrees relative to the first floor 32. One of the bed seats, preferably the bed seat positioned with its back to the step of the vehicle in which the module is intended to be installed, has an inclined plane configured so that in the bed position, the legrest of the bed seat concerned is located at a height greater than the height of the backrest. The other of the bed seats, preferably the bed seat positioned facing the step of the vehicle in which the module is intended to be installed, has an inclined plane configured so that in the bed position, the backrest of the bed seat concerned is located at a height greater than the height of the legrest.In this way, the inclined planes formed by each of the bed seats in bed position are substantially parallel to each other.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the first bed seat is facing away from the vehicle, the backrest 11, the seat 13 and the leg rest 14 of the first bed seat 10, when aligned in the bed position of the first bed seat 10, together form a first inclined plane, this first inclined plane having an angle of inclination relative to the first floor of between 1 degree and 5 degrees. The first inclined plane is configured so that in the bed position, the leg rest 14 is located at a height greater than the height of the backrest 11. While the backrest 21, the seat 23 and the leg rest 24 of the second bed seat 20, when aligned in the position bed of the second bed seat 20, together form a second inclined plane, this second inclined plane having an angle of inclination relative to the first floor 32 of between 1 degree and 5 degrees. The second inclined plane is further configured so that in the bed position, the backrest 21 is located at a height greater than the height of the legrest 24.

[0061] This inclination presents an advantage when the module according to the invention is installed in a vehicle such as an aircraft, as will be described later.

[0062] The module 100 may comprise, in each of the passenger spaces 30, 40, a folding ottoman 16, 26. The term “ottoman” is understood to mean a surface which can serve as a footrest or a side table, this surface being able to be padded for greater comfort. This ottoman 16, 26 is advantageously configured so that, once opened (according to the arrow T4 or M4), it is located in the extension of the bed seat 10, 20 when it is in the bed position. In this way, the length of the bed can be increased in order to improve, if necessary, the comfort of tall passengers. When the bed seats 10, 20 are in the seat position, the ottoman 16, 26 can also serve as a shelf for placing objects.

[0063] We now turn to Figures 5 to 14 which illustrate views of the module 100 according to different orientations. Figures 5 to 9 show in particular the first passenger space 30 while Figures 10 to 14 show in particular the second passenger space 40.

[0064] In the module 100 according to the invention, the first and second bed seats 10, 20 are advantageously separated from each other by at least one lateral partition 50. This lateral partition 50 is common to the first and second passenger spaces 30, 40. The lateral partition 50 makes it possible to ensure minimal privacy between the first and second passenger spaces 30, 40.

[0065] The side partition 50 may have a thickness of between 5 and 30 mm.

[0066] When the first bed seat 10 and the second bed seat 20 are moved laterally apart from each other on the other of at most 30 mm, as described previously, it is understood that this spacing is at most equal to the upper limit of the thickness of the side partition 50.

[0067] Advantageously, the at least one side partition 50 comprises a first recess 51 which extends from the first passenger space 30 towards the second passenger space 40. This first recess 51 is configured to receive a portion of the first bed seat 10 when it is in the seat position. The side partition 50 also comprises a second recess 52 which extends from the second passenger space 40 towards the first passenger space 30. This second recess 52 is configured to receive a portion of the second bed seat 20 when it is in the seat position.

[0068] The part of the first bed seat 10 received by the first recess 51 may be at least the backrest 11 of the first bed seat 10, as can be seen in Figures 5, 8, 11 and 12. The part of the second bed seat 20 received by the second recess 52 may be at least the seat 23 of the second bed seat 20, as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 11. It is understood that the side partition 50 adopts a particular shape which is not flat over its entire extent. Thus, the first recess 51 forms a first boss on the side partition 50 seen from the second passenger space 40 while the second recess 52 forms a second boss on the side partition 50 seen from the first passenger space 30. In the following we will speak of recess / boss.

[0069] Advantageously, the second recess / boss 52 comprises at least two inclined sections - a first inclined section 54 and a second inclined section 56 - not parallel to each other and connected by a top edge 55 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the module 100 or substantially parallel to the seat of the second bed seat 20. The top edge 55 represents the zone of the second recess / boss 52 which is the most offset in the first passenger space 30. Advantageously, the second recess / boss 52 comprises at least two lateral sections - a first lateral section 57 and a second lateral section 58 - not parallel to each other and not parallel to the two aforementioned inclined sections 54, 56. Each of the side panels 57, 58 is connected by an edge to each of the inclined panels 54, 56.

[0070] The side panels 57, 58 may be inclined. In such a case, the side panels 57, 58 are not orthogonal to the aforementioned inclined panels 54, 56.

[0071] The first and second recesses / bosses 51, 52 each allow a portion of the bed seats 10, 20 to be received in the seat position to optimize the space occupied laterally by the module 100, while ensuring the privacy of the passengers in their respective passenger space.

[0072] Furthermore, the first boss formed by the first recess 51 in the second passenger space 40 is configured so as not to represent a hindrance for the passenger of the second passenger space 40. This first boss is preferably located at leg level when the passenger is seated in the second bed seat 20.

[0073] Advantageously, the leg rest 24 of the second bed seat has a lateral bevel 28. This lateral bevel 28 is located on the side of the side partition 50. This lateral bevel 28 is designed to substantially match the shape of the recess / boss 51 in the second passenger space 40. In particular, the lateral bevel 28 may be substantially parallel to the second lateral panel 58. In this way, the deployment of the leg rest 24 is facilitated by not being blocked by the recess / boss 51.

[0074] The boss formed by the second recess 52 in the first passenger space 10 is also configured so as not to present any discomfort to the passenger in the first passenger space 30. This second boss is preferably located at the front of the first sleeper seat 10 when it is in the seat position so as to be sufficiently distant from the passenger seated in the first sleeper seat 10. The term “sufficiently distant” means, an area in which the passenger's upper body can move without risk of collision with the second recess / bump 52, and without direct visual interference.

[0075] Advantageously, the side partition 50 has an inclined wall 53. This inclined wall 53 is located at a height greater than a maximum height H of the first seat-bed 10 when it is in the seat position. The inclined wall 53 may also be located partly above the first seat-bed 10. In this way, a passenger occupying the first passenger space 30 is allowed not to be hindered on the one hand when he is seated in the first seat-bed 10 and on the other hand when he is standing in the first passenger space 30. As a corollary, the configuration of the inclined wall 53 makes it possible to increase the space of the second passenger space 40, ensuring greater comfort for a passenger occupying this second passenger space 40.

[0076] The inclined wall 53 of the side partition 50 may be inclined, with reference to the first floor 32, with an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, and preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0077] The first entrance 31, which provides access to the first passenger space 30, advantageously passes through the at least one side partition 50.

[0078] Advantageously, the first inlet 31 is located behind the second bed seat 20 when this second bed seat 20 is in the seat position. Preferably, the first inlet 31 is also located partly under the second bed seat 20 when the latter is in the bed position.

[0079] With reference to figures 13 and 14, when the second bed seat 20 is in the bed position, the backrest 21 of the second bed seat 20 is advantageously at least partially supported on a support partition 60. This support partition 60 forms a ceiling for the first entrance 31. In this way, the first entrance 31 is located partly under the second bed seat 20 when the latter is in the bed position.

[0080] The support partition 60 may be parallel to the second floor 42 of the second passenger space 40. Alternatively, the support partition 60 may be inclined relative to the second floor 42 at an angle of between 1.0 degrees and 5.0 degrees, and preferably between 2.0 degrees and 4.0 degrees.

[0081] The positioning of the first inlet 31 under the second seat-bed 20 contributes to the compactness of the module 100 and to the optimization of space.

[0082] Advantageously, the first entrance 31 has a height, from the first floor 32, of between 125 cm and 140 cm. The first entrance may have a width of between 40 cm and 80 cm. Preferably, the first entrance has a height substantially equal to 132 cm, a width substantially equal to 76 cm at the level of the first floor 32 and a width substantially equal to 45.7 cm at the level of the top of the first entrance 31.

[0083] A transverse partition 62 may be located behind the second bed seat 20 for mark a separation between the second passenger space 40 and the first entrance 31. This transverse partition 62 may extend from the second floor 42 to the support partition 60. The transverse partition 62 may be configured to be substantially parallel to the backrest 21 of the second bed seat 20 when it is in the seat position. Advantageously, the transverse partition 62 is inclined towards the inside of the first entrance 31. The angle of inclination of the transverse partition 61 may be between 65 degrees and 75 degrees. In this way, the first entrance 31 is wider at its base, i.e. at the level of the first floor 32, than at its top. The top of the first entrance 31 may be the support partition 60 described above.

[0084] As described above, the second passenger space 40 has a second floor 42 arranged higher than the first floor 32 of the first passenger space 30. In other words, the second passenger space 40 is raised relative to the first passenger space 30. The second floor 42 is located at a height h which is less than a maximum height Hmax of the first passenger space 30. Advantageously, the second floor 42 is located at a height h which is less than a maximum height H of the first bed seat 10. Even more advantageously, the second floor 42 is located at a height h greater than a height h' of the seat 13 of the first bed seat 10 when it is in the seat position or in the bed position. In other words, the second floor 42 is located at a height h between the first floor 32 and the top of the first bed seat 10, and in particular between the seat 13 and the top of the first bed seat 10.Preferably, the second floor 42 is located at a height substantially equal to a height greater than the armrest 17A of the first bed seat 10.

[0085] The second floor 42 may be located at a height h of between 55 cm and 66 cm relative to the first floor 32.

[0086] Raising the second passenger space 40 relative to the first floor 32 of the first passenger space 30 makes it possible to free up a space under the second passenger space 40.

[0087] The module 100 according to the invention may comprise at least one storage housing 70 which extends under the second passenger space 40 and next to the first passenger space 30. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the module 100 comprises two storage housings 70 under the second passenger space 40. This number is not limiting. In addition, each storage housing 70 may be closed on one side by the at least one side partition 50. The side opposite the closed side may be left open or may be closed by a removable panel, such as a door.

[0088] This housing 70 may in particular allow the storage of cabin baggage, for example that of passengers occupying the module 100, or the storage of utility equipment. The housing 70 may also comprise at least one maintenance hatch, not shown, configured to provide access, for example, to boxes or cables electric, or mechanisms for handling bed seats 10, 20.

[0089] The housing 70 may have minimum dimensions of 55.8 cm in width, 45.75 cm in depth and 50.8 cm in height.

[0090] The module 100 according to the invention may also comprise an ascending means 71 for accessing the second passenger space 40. This ascending means 71 may be configured to open into the second entrance 41 of the second passenger space 40. This ascending means 71 may be a staircase formed of several steps or may be a ladder.

[0091] The module 100 according to the invention may also include a storage niche 73, capable of receiving technical equipment of the module such as electrical boxes, extending under the second floor 42 and behind the lifting means 71.

[0092] The module 100 may comprise a panel 61 extending vertically from the second floor 42 of the second passenger space 40 and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the module 100 from the first entrance 31 of the first passenger space 30 towards the second entrance 41 of the second passenger space 40. The panel 61 may have a height less than a maximum height of the second bed seat 20 when it is in the seat position but greater than a height of the seat 23. In this way, the passenger can be isolated from the outside while being able to see or be seen. As a variant, not shown, the panel 61 may have a height greater than a maximum height of the second bed seat 20 when it is in the seat position. In this way, the passenger can be entirely isolated from the outside, without being seen.

[0093] The module 100 may comprise a first wall 33, perpendicularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis X of the module 100. This first wall 33 further defines a longitudinal end of the first passenger space 30 and faces the front face 12 of the backrest 11 of the first bed seat 10. The module 100 may also comprise a second wall 43, parallel to the first wall 33. This second wall 43 further defines a longitudinal end of the second passenger space 40 and faces the front face 22 of the backrest 21 of the second bed seat 20. It is understood that the first wall 33 and the second wall 43 are located at opposite ends of the module 100.

[0094] With reference to [Fig. 15], the first wall and the second wall, when reported in the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the module 100, are advantageously configured to cooperate together. The first wall 33 has a shape complementary to the shape of the second wall 43, and vice versa. In this way, several modules 100 can be assembled one after the other, a first module being completed by a second and so on.

[0095] The folding ottomans 16, 26 described above can respectively be fixed to the first wall 33, in the case of the ottoman 16 of the first passenger space 30, and to the second wall 43, in the case of the ottoman 26 of the second passenger space 40.

[0096] The first and second walls 33, 43 may comprise display screens 72 or various accessories.

[0097] Advantageously, the module 100 as described above can form a unitary or monobloc assembly. This makes it easier to install the module 100 in the passenger compartment 210 of a transport vehicle 200.

[0098] With reference to figures 16 and 17, which represent the module 100 without the bed seats 10, 20, we are now interested in describing the arrangement of the different walls, partitions, sections or panels described previously in a particular example of embodiment of the module 100 according to the invention.

[0099] The first wall 33 extends from the first floor 32. The first wall 33 is connected by an edge to the inclined wall 53 of the side partition 50. The first wall 33 may also be connected by an edge to a first rim 63. This first rim 63 is connected on the one hand to the support partition 60 and on the other hand to the inclined wall 53 of the side partition 50.

[0100] The transverse partition 62 is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the first wall 33. The transverse partition 62 is further connected by an edge to the support partition 60 and by another edge to the lateral partition 50. In this way, the first entrance 31 is defined by at least the support partition 60, the transverse partition 62 and the first wall 33. The first rim 63 may form part of the ceiling of the first entrance 31.

[0101] The first rim 31 is connected by an edge to the first side panel 57. This first side panel 57 extends to the second floor 42 and is connected on the one hand to the transverse partition 62 and on the other hand to the first and second inclined panels 54, 56. The second inclined panel 56 extends from the second floor 42 and is connected by the top edge 55 to the first inclined panel 54. The second inclined panel 56 is also connected to the second side panel 58. The first inclined panel 54 is thus connected to the second inclined panel 56 by the top edge 55, to the first and second side panels 57, 58 and to the inclined wall 53. The first and second inclined panels 54, 56 and the first and second side panels 57, 58 define the second recess / boss 52 described previously.

[0102] The second side panel 58 is connected to a second rim 64 and to a straight panel 59 of the side partition 50. The straight panel 59 extends from the second floor 42 to the second rim 64. The straight panel 59, the second side panel 58 and the second rim 64 together define the first recess / boss 51 described previously.

[0103] The straight section 59, the second rim 64 and the inclined wall 53 of the side partition 50 each share an edge with the second wall 43. In this exemplary embodiment, the second wall 43 extends from the second floor 42.

[0104] The panel 61 extends from the second floor 42 and is connected to the partition transverse 62 on the one hand and to the support partition 60 on the other hand.

[0105] The module according to the invention may also comprise at least one shelf 74 in each of the passenger spaces 30, 40. Each shelf 74 is fixed to the side partition 50 and is configured to move from a stowed position, visible in Figures 9 and 14, to a deployed position, visible in Figures 5 and 10, by means of a pivot oriented in the direction X.

[0106] The invention also relates to a transport vehicle 200, such as an aircraft or a train, comprising at least one fitting module 100 as described above.

[0107] Conventionally, the transport vehicle 200 comprises a passenger compartment 210 which has a longitudinal axis X', the passenger compartment 210 being centered on this longitudinal axis X'. The passenger compartment 210 also comprises side walls 212A, 212B oriented along this longitudinal axis X'. The side walls 212A, 212B may merge with the external fairing of the vehicle 200. The side walls 212A, 212B may comprise windows or portholes.

[0108] With reference to figures 18 to 25, the passenger compartment 210 of the transport vehicle 200, in these examples an aircraft, comprises at least one module 100 which is arranged such that the longitudinal axis X of the module 100 is parallel to the longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment 210.

[0109] A series of modules 201, 202, 203, 204 is defined as being an alignment of several modules 100 along the direction X. In a series, the longitudinal axes X of the modules 100 are merged, so that each series of modules 201, 202, 203, 204 extends along a longitudinal axis XI, X2, X3, X4, parallel to the longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment 210.

[0110] Advantageously, when the vehicle 200 comprises a plurality of series of modules 201, 202, 203, 204 in the passenger compartment, a first series of modules 201 is arranged along a side wall 212A of the passenger compartment 210 and a second series of modules 202 is arranged parallel to the first series of modules 201. In this way, a corridor 213 is defined between the first series of modules 201 and the second series of modules 202. The term “corridor” means a passage suitable for free movement of passengers and their luggage in the passenger compartment 210. In other words, the corridor 213 has a space, in width and height, sufficient to allow this movement.

[0111] Advantageously, each of the first and second entrances 31, 41 of the modules opens into the aforementioned corridor 213. In addition, the second passenger space 40 of each module 100 is located on the side of the corridor 213.

[0112] When the modules 100 are installed in the passenger compartment 210 of the vehicle 200, each module 100 advantageously extends from the floor of the passenger compartment 210 to the ceiling of the passenger compartment 210. In particular, the side partition 50 can extend to the ceiling of the passenger compartment 210. The second wall 43 of the module 100 may also extend to the ceiling of the passenger compartment 210. Generally, transport vehicles such as trains or aircraft include baggage racks at the ceiling of their passenger compartment. Also, in the context of the invention, the baggage racks are absent from the passenger compartment 210. Their absence is compensated for by the presence of the storage housing 70 under the second floor 42.

[0113] In the example of Figures 18 and 19, the second series of modules 202 is arranged along the other side wall 212B of the passenger compartment 210. In such a configuration, the first passenger space 30 of all the modules 100 is located on the side of the side walls 212A, 212B of the modules 100. In particular, the first passenger space 30 of the modules 100 of the first series of modules 201 is located on the side of a first side wall 212A while the first passenger space 30 of the modules 100 of the second series of modules 202 is located on the side of the other side wall 212B of the passenger compartment 210. It is understood that the first and second series of modules 201, 202 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment 210 and that the corridor 213, defined by these two series of modules 201, 202, is merged with this longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment 210.

[0114] In the example of Figures 20 and 21, the second series of modules 202 is arranged along the longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment 210 so that the longitudinal axis X2 of the second series of modules 202 coincides with the longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment. The second series of modules 202 is central.

[0115] The vehicle 200 may comprise a third series of modules 203 which, in the example of FIGS. 20 and 21, is located along the other side wall 212B of the passenger compartment 210. In this configuration, the second series of modules 202 is located between the first series of modules 201 and the third series of modules 203 so as to define a first corridor 213A between the first and second series of modules 201, 202 and a second corridor 213B between the second and third series of modules 202, 203.

[0116] In this particular case, the first passenger space 30 of the modules 100 of the second series of modules 202 may comprise an additional partition 65 designed to separate the first passenger space 30 from the second corridor 212B, defined by the second series of modules 202 and the third series of modules 203. The additional partition 65 may comprise a passage, not shown, to provide communication between the first passenger space 30 and the second corridor 213B. In such a case, the first passenger space 30 may communicate with both the first corridor 213A and the second corridor 213B.

[0117] In the example of figures 22 and 23, the vehicle 200 comprises a third series of modules 203 and a fourth series of modules 204. These third and fourth series of modules 203, 204 are arranged symmetrically to the first and second series of modules 201, 202, relative to the longitudinal axis X' of the passenger compartment 210. It is understood that the third series of modules 203 is arranged along the other side wall 212B of the passenger compartment 210 while the fourth series of modules 204 is attached to the second series of modules 202. The second and fourth series of modules 202, 204 represent a central assembly.

[0118] In this example, an additional partition 65' may separate the first adjoining passenger spaces 30 from the second and fourth series of modules 202, 204 in order to ensure the privacy of the passengers in each passenger space.

[0119] As a variant, the first adjoining passenger spaces 30' of the second and fourth series of modules 202, 204 may communicate with each other so as to form a convivial space, in particular for passengers traveling in groups.

[0120] As a further variant, some of the first adjoining passenger spaces 30' of the second and fourth series of modules 202, 204 can communicate with each other while others are separated by additional partitions 65', as shown in [Fig.22].

[0121] In the example of Figures 24 and 25, similar to the example of Figures 20 and 21, each first passenger space 30' of the second series of modules 202 may comprise another first bed seat 10'. This other first bed seat 10' may be identical to the first bed seat 10 and is arranged next to the first bed seat 10 with an identical orientation. It is understood that in this configuration the first passenger space 30' of the second series of modules is doubled. An additional partition 65 may separate this first doubled passenger space 30' from the second corridor 212B, defined by the second series of modules 202 and the third series of modules 203.

[0122] The transport vehicle 200 may be an aircraft, in particular a commercial aircraft intended to transport passengers.

[0123] In the particular case of an aircraft, in practice, it flies with a pitch-up angle, the internal floor of the aircraft is therefore inclined with an angle equivalent to this pitch-up angle. The arrangement of the bed seats 10, 20 in the module 100 according to the invention makes it possible to compensate for this pitch-up angle to have bed seats 10, 20 which, in the bed position, are horizontal. As described previously, when the backrests 11, 21, the seats 13, 23 and the leg rests 14, 24 of the bed seats 10, 20 are aligned, they can together form an inclined plane with an angle of inclination of between 1 degree and 5 degrees relative to the first floor 32.

[0124] Advantageously, the second bed seat 20 is oriented facing the direction of travel of the aircraft, so that in the bed position the backrest 21 is located at a height greater than the height of the legrest 24. In this way, the pitching angle of the aircraft is compensated for the second bed seat 20. This also makes it possible to maximize the height of the first entrance 31, located under the second bed seat 20 in bed position.

[0125] Advantageously, the first bed seat 10 is oriented with its back to the direction of travel of the aircraft, so that in the bed position the leg rest 14 is located at a height greater than the height of the backrest 11. In this way, the pitching angle of the aircraft is compensated for the first bed seat 10.

Claims

Claims

1. Module (100) for fitting out a passenger compartment (210) of a transport vehicle (200), said module comprising: - a first bed seat (10), capable of moving from a seat position to a bed position and housed in a first passenger space (30), said first passenger space comprising a first entrance (31) and a first floor (32), and - a second bed seat (20), capable of moving from a seat position to a bed position and housed in a second passenger space (40), said second passenger space being independent of the first passenger space and comprising a second entrance (41) separate from said first entrance (31) and a second floor (42) arranged higher than said first floor (32), characterized in that said second floor (42) is located at a height (h) which is lower than a maximum height (Hmax) of the first passenger space and in that the first and second bed seats (10,20) are oriented parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis (X), and are arranged offset in the transverse direction (Y) and head to tail so that front faces (12, 22) of the backrests (11, 21) of the first and second sleeping seats (10, 20) are oriented opposite a same transverse plane (PI) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and passing between the backrests (11, 21) of the first and second sleeping seats (10, 20).,

2. The module (100) of claim 1, wherein the first bed seat (10) and the second bed seat (20) overlap vertically when in the bed position.

3. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the height (h) of the second floor (42) is less than a maximum height (H) of the first bed seat (10).

4. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first and second bed seats (10, 20) are separated by at least one lateral partition (50), common to the first and second passenger spaces (30, 40).

5. Module (100) according to claim 4, wherein said at least one lateral partition (50) comprises: - a first recess (51) extending from the first passenger space (30) towards the second passenger space (40), said first recess being configured to receive a portion of the first bed seat (10) when it is in the seat position, and - a second recess (52) extending from the second passenger space (40) towards the first passenger space, said second recess being configured to receive a portion of the second bed seat (20) when it is in the seat position.

6. Module (100) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said first inlet (31) passes through said at least one side partition (50).

7. Module (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said at least one side partition (50) has an inclined wall (53), said inclined wall being located at a height greater than a maximum height of the first bed seat (10) when it is in the seat position, and said inclined wall (53) being located partly above said first bed seat (10).

8. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first inlet (31) is located behind said second bed seat (20) when it is in the seat position, and preferably partly under the second bed seat when it is in the bed position.

9. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the backrest (21) of the second bed seat (20), when in the bed position, is at least partially supported on a support partition (60), said support partition forming a ceiling for said first entrance (31).

10. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said transverse plane (PI) passes between the first and second bed seats (10, 20), and in particular between seats (13, 23) of said bed seats (10, 20).

11. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: - a first wall (33), defining a longitudinal end of the first passenger space (30), and facing the front face (12) of the backrest (11) of said first bed seat (10), and - a second wall (43), parallel to said first wall (33), defining a longitudinal end of the second passenger space (40), and facing the front face (22) of the backrest (21) of said second bed seat (20).

12. Module (100) according to claim 11, wherein said first wall and said second wall, when reported in the same plane, are configured to cooperate and have complementary shapes between them.

13. Module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one storage housing (70), capable of receiving cabin baggage for example, extending under said second passenger space and next to said first passenger space (30).

14. Transport vehicle (200), such as an aircraft or a train, comprising a passenger compartment (210) having a longitudinal axis (X'), said passenger compartment comprising at least one fitting module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said at least one module (100) being arranged in the passenger compartment so that the longitudinal axis (X) of the module is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X') of the passenger compartment.

15. Vehicle (200) according to claim 14, comprising a plurality of series (201, 202, 203, 204) of modules (100) in the passenger compartment (210), a first series (201, 203) of modules being arranged along a side wall (212A) of the passenger compartment and a second series (202, 204) of modules being arranged parallel to said first series of modules, said side wall (212A, 212B) of the passenger compartment being oriented along the longitudinal axis (X') of the passenger compartment, so as to define a corridor (213, 213A, 213B) between said first series of modules and said second series of modules.

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