Full-height curtain divider between passenger suites in an aircraft cabin

Abstract

Separator (100) for an aircraft cabin (200), for separating two adjacent private passenger areas (210, 220) in a first class, comprising a curtain (10) suspended by its upper side (12) from an upper rod (20), said separator having an open position and a closed position, and being of full height, thus covering a height up to the ceiling of the aircraft cabin in which it is installed, and hung by its lower side (13) from a lower rod (30) opposite the upper rod, said lower rod being configured to allow the curtain to detach from below in the event of depressurization. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Full-height curtain divider between passenger suites in an aircraft cabin Technical field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of separation assemblies and systems in aircraft cabins, in particular dividers between passenger suites (better known in English as "dividers"), and relates more particularly to a full height curtain separator, i.e. covering the entire height of the cabin, from floor to ceiling.

[0002] The invention finds a direct, but not exclusive, application in the layout of first class cabins of airliners. State of the art

[0003] The level of comfort required in the upper classes (business and first class) of airliners must be able to offer passengers a great deal of privacy during the journey. Airlines use dividers for this purpose, which can be installed between classes or between different passenger areas. These dividers, or space dividers, have been known for a long time and exist in many designs to perform different functions.

[0004] In particular, passenger suite dividers are well known in airplanes. They are used in particular to divide seats in first class.

[0005] These dividers define a screening wall between adjacent seating areas, in order to visually separate them and thus ensure the privacy of the passengers occupying them.

[0006] Separators are often made of panels and therefore have rigid structures. They can be fixed or deployable at the passenger's discretion. In the latter case, the separators can include different deployment means, manual or automatic, such as sliding rails, pivoting hinges, guide tracks (in the form of a drawer for example), etc.

[0007] Document US2020262562 describes, for example, various partitions between two passenger seats, including a first partition which is stored in a piece of furniture and is deployed along a guide track outside the piece of furniture, in a direction of the first and second passenger seats to divide a first part of the seating area.

[0008] These solutions generally have a low height, thus only guaranteeing relative privacy when passengers are seated. In addition, due to their manufacturing materials, these same dividers made in greater height in would result in a considerable increase in their mass, which is not desirable in the field of air transport.

[0009] On the other hand, full-height rigid separators could pose a significant safety risk in the event of rapid cabin depressurization. Rapid decompression would pulverize the rigid separator, which would not allow air to pass through, into several ejected pieces, which could seriously injure passengers. This type of design is therefore very unlikely to pass the applicable qualification and certification tests.

[0010] However, there are dividers comprising a flexible curtain made of textile material, for example. The curtain effectively creates a privacy barrier without hindering movement between the seating areas.

[0011] These curtain separators are installed between classes and not between passenger suites of the same class. Documents EP3365229 and US2014158310 describe such separators.

[0012] Additionally, when privacy is not a priority, these curtains are pulled to the side where they are folded or arranged in an accordion fashion.

[0013] Some airlines invest time, money, and effort into the aesthetic design of their cabins, hoping to attract more passengers. For example, they sometimes opt for a modern or minimalist design. However, curtains that hang to one side can have the opposite effect by making the cabin look messy and cluttered, thus compromising the passenger experience.

[0014] It is therefore important that this type of separator has a harmonious appearance, both in the closed position and in the storage position on the side, for example by having regular and controlled undulations. Summary of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art set out above, by proposing a solution for separating passenger suites in first class which offers maximum privacy by covering the entire height of the cabin and which meets safety requirements in the event of rapid decompression.

[0016] To this end, the present invention relates to an aircraft cabin divider, intended to separate two adjacent private passenger areas in the same class, comprising a curtain suspended by its upper side from an upper rod, said divider having an open position and a closed position. This divider is remarkable in that it is of full height, thus covering a height up to the ceiling of the aircraft cabin in which it is installed, and in that it is hung by its lower side from a lower rod opposite the upper rod.

[0017] Being full height, this divider provides complete visual occultation between adjacent passenger areas. This allows passengers to feel more isolated and protected from unwanted views, thus improving their sense of privacy during the flight.

[0018] The configuration with two rods offers a kinematic advantage by allowing synchronized movement between the top and bottom of the curtain. This synchronization allows for smooth and coordinated handling of the curtain, thus creating a feeling of harmony in the cabin.

[0019] In addition, the use of a top rod and a bottom rod to support the curtain provides an aesthetic advantage by maintaining regular and controlled waves. This design thus contributes to an overall ambiance of comfort and sophistication.

[0020] It is important to note that the separator of the invention separates two private passenger areas in the same class, unlike previous solutions which are exclusively used to separate between the different classes.

[0021] The concept of class is used here as codified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

[0022] According to one embodiment, the curtain comprises a first part and a second separate part, said parts being configured so that their movements are synchronized and meet at a central closing line when said separator is in the closed position.

[0023] This two-part design of the curtain ensures that the curtain closes in a balanced and aesthetic manner, without leaving any space or gap in the center.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each rod, upper or lower, comprises a sliding rail and sliders physically connecting the curtain to the sliding rail, each slider comprising a sliding pad on the rail and a hook for hanging the curtain.

[0025] Particularly advantageously, the sliders of each rod are connected by a cord comprising stoppers placed at regular intervals, to maintain regular undulations of the curtain.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the separator comprises a motorized drive system for automatically actuating the opening and closing movements of said separator, said system being coupled in a synchronized manner to both an upper part and a lower part of the curtain.

[0027] More particularly, at least one proximal lateral side of the curtain is coupled to the motorized drive system by means of two connecting members: one in the upper part and the other in the lower part.

[0028] Thus, according to the design of the two-part curtain, the coupling with the system motorized drive is done at four points: two high points and two low points near the tops of the curtain.

[0029] According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the lower rod is configured to allow the curtain to detach from below in the event of rapid decompression, when said separator is in the closed position in an aircraft cabin.

[0030] For example, the lower rod has lower sliders for attaching the lower side of the curtain, and each lower slider has a hook that detaches from the curtain beyond a maximum tensile load, in order to release the curtain in the event of rapid decompression of the cabin.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the curtain is completely concealed in a reduced storage space when the separator is in the open position.

[0032] The present invention also relates to an aircraft cabin comprising two adjacent private suites, in particular in first class, and comprising a separator as shown, installed between said suites.

[0033] The fundamental concepts of the invention having just been set out above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of a passenger suite separator, in accordance with the principles of the invention. Presentation of the drawings

[0034] The figures are given purely for illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The various elements may be represented schematically and are not necessarily to scale. Throughout the figures, identical or equivalent elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0035] It is thus illustrated in:

[0036] [Fig-1]: a perspective view of a separator between two passenger suites, according to a embodiment of the invention;

[0037] [Fig.2a]: a perspective view of the insulated separator in the closed position;

[0038] [Fig.2b]: a perspective view of the insulated separator in the open position, with the curtain stored laterally in small spaces;

[0039] [Fig.3a]: a front view of the separator in the closed position;

[0040] [Fig.3b]: a front view of the separator in the open position;

[0041] [Fig.4]: the upper and lower groups of isolated sliders, connected by horns debts;

[0042] [Fig.5]: the upper sliders with a detail view of the upper sliders training;

[0043] [Fig.6]: the basic structure of the upper sliders;

[0044] [Fig.7]: an upper slider with its hook hooking an annular element of the curtain ;

[0045] [Fig.8]: the ring supporting the hook in a slider;

[0046] [Fig.9]: an upper slider positioned on the sliding rail, with a detail on the associated pair of stoppers;

[0047] [Fig. 10]: a partial view showing an upper drive slider;

[0048] [Fig. 11]: another partial view showing the upper drive slider at a different angle;

[0049] [Fig. 12]: the lower sliders with a detailed view of the lower drive sliders;

[0050] [Fig. 13]: the basic structure of the lower sliders;

[0051] [Fig. 14]: A partial view showing a lower drive slider. Detailed description of embodiments

[0052] It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are recalled here to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

[0053] In the embodiment described below, reference is made to an aircraft cabin separator, primarily intended to be arranged between first-class passenger suites. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not exclude the use of the separator in other classes, or even in other adapted passenger transport vehicles.

[0054] In this document, the term "separator" refers to a space separation assembly used within an aircraft cabin or the like to separate different passenger areas, in particular private areas such as first class passenger suites. The separator is better known in the jargon by its English name "divider". The term "passenger suite" refers to a private space within the cabin, generally in first class, comprising an armchair convertible into a bed to comfortably accommodate a passenger, and which may include specific arrangements such as storage, convenience elements and entertainment facilities for the passenger.

[0055] [Fig.l] shows an aircraft cabin divider 100, a portion of said cabin being designated by the reference 200 in the figure, said divider being installed between two adjacent passenger suites 210 and 220. Such adjacent suites are generally located in a central portion of the first class cabin.

[0056] For better visibility of the separator 100 in its environment, and a better understanding of its layout, a majority of the elements of the passenger suite, including the seat, are not shown.

[0057] The separator 100 is of full height, that is to say that it covers the entire useful height of the cabin. In other words, in a final configuration of the layout of the cabin 200, the separator 100 covers the entire height accessible to the passenger, up to the ceiling. Thus, in [Fig.l], the parts which appear to exceed the separator 100 will be fitted with ceiling elements so that said separator occupies the entire height accessible to the passenger in the final layout of the cabin.

[0058] According to the illustrated embodiment, the separator 100 covers the entire available height between a splashback separating the two passenger suites and the cabin ceiling.

[0059] The separator 100 has for example a height of 3m.

[0060] As a result, the separator 100 makes it possible to completely separate the spaces of the adjacent suites 210 and 220.

[0061] Figures 2a and 2b show the separator 100, alone, in a closed position and in an open position respectively.

[0062] The separator 100 comprises a curtain 10, an upper rod 20 to which the curtain is suspended by its upper side, a lower rod 30 opposite the upper rod and to which the curtain is hung by its lower side, a frame 40 allowing the separator to be fixed by its upper part to the cabin, and a motorized drive system 50 with a drive both from the top and from the bottom of the curtain 10.

[0063] The curtain 10, according to the illustrated embodiment, consists of two separate parts: a first part 10a and a second part 10b. The two parts of the curtain 10 have opposite movements and meet at a central closing line L when the separator 100 is in the closed position as shown in [Fig.l].

[0064] The curtain 10 has an upper side 12 by which it is suspended from the upper rod 20, a lower side 13 by which it is attached to the lower rod 30, a first proximal lateral side 14a and a second proximal lateral side 14b by which the curtain 10 is coupled to the motorized drive system 50 at four points materialized by the connecting members 55.

[0065] As shown in [Fig.2a], the connecting members 55 are distributed two by two between the top and the bottom of the curtain 10, each of said members being attached near a top of the curtain 10 which has a rectangular shape.

[0066] The curtain 10 also has a first distal lateral side 15a and a second distal lateral side 15b, opposite the proximal lateral sides 14a and 14b, which meet in the closed position at the junction line L.

[0067] The distal lateral sides 15a and 15b each comprise a lining providing stiffness to the structure of the curtain 10, especially during its closing movement, and may also include sets of magnets 151 to ensure easy closure that holds securely and thus limits light leakage at the closure line.

[0068] The curtain 10 defines undulations 11 with a regular pitch for better aesthetic appeal, both in the closed position and in the open position.

[0069] Figures 3a and 3b represent, in front view, respectively the closed position and the open position of the separator 100 and make it possible to visualize the regularity of the pitch of the undulations 11 of the curtain 10.

[0070] Indeed, the curtain 10 defines undulations 11 with a regular pitch: Pf in the closed position and Po in the open position of the separator 100.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the curtain 10 is made from an opacifying textile material that is sufficiently flexible to ensure the regularity of the pitch of the undulations 11 in the two positions of the separator 100.

[0072] The curtain 10 comprises, for example, in its internal structure a specific membrane which makes it possible to ensure the opacity function.

[0073] It should be noted that depending on its thickness, flexibility and weft orientation, the fabric chosen for the curtain 10 may have different behavior. It was therefore necessary to choose a fabric with an advantageous combination of these parameters to ensure both total opacity to block any passage of light between the two separate suites, a regular undulation for better aesthetic appeal, and less bulk when the curtain 10 is stored on the sides in the open position.

[0074] For example, the curtain 10 may be made from a flexible fabric on which the undulations produce “loft” style folds.

[0075] Regarding space-saving storage, the curtain 10 folds when it is withdrawn towards the lateral sides of the frame 40, and causes the corrugations 11 to settle, pressing against each other. It is therefore crucial that this settlement is carried out in an orderly manner, maintaining a substantially regular pitch in order to minimize the space required for storage.

[0076] [Fig.3b] illustrates the reduced width of the space required for storing the curtain 10 when the separator 100 is fully open.

[0077] Furthermore, Figures 3a and 3b show that the space required for storing the curtain 10 corresponds to the void V, left between the deployed curtain 10 and the frame 40 visible in [Fig.3a]. Therefore, boxes or crates (not shown) can be provided at these locations to receive the curtain 10 in the stored position and conceal it when the separator 100 is open, thus improving the passenger experience.

[0078] The curtain 10 is hung by its upper 12 and lower 13 sides to the upper 20 and lower 30 rods.

[0079] The rods 12 and 13 comprise sliding rails along which the curtain 10 moves, without excessive friction, by means of sliders 21 and 31 which ensure the physical connection between said curtain and said rods.

[0080] [Fig.4] shows these sliders 21 and 31 isolated. They are divided into upper sliders 21 and lower sliders 31 depending on whether they connect the curtain 10 to the upper rod 20 or lower rod 30.

[0081] The upper sliders 21 are connected by a cord 22. Similarly, the lower sliders 31 are connected by a cord 32.

[0082] [Fig.5] represents the line of upper sliders 21 connected by the cord 22, said sliders comprise two upper drive sliders 21a and 21b.

[0083] The upper sliders 21 are regularly spaced and distributed in two groups: a first group and a second group intended to hang respectively the first part 10a and the second part 10b of the curtain 10 (not shown in [Fig.5]).

[0084] The first upper drive slider 21a is located at the end of the first group, in order to hook the first part 10a of the curtain 10 by the corner located between its upper side 12 and its distal lateral side 15a.

[0085] Similarly, the second upper drive slider 21b is located at the end of the second group, in order to hook the second part 10b of the curtain 10 by the corner located between its upper side 12 and its distal lateral side 15b.

[0086] [Fig. 6] represents the basic structure of the upper sliders 21. Each slider 21 comprises a shoe 211 provided with a peripheral slot cooperating with the rail of the upper rod 20 and ensuring the sliding of said slider, a hook 212 for hanging the curtain 10 for example via eyelets provided on its upper side, and a ring 213 fixed to the shoe 211 and supporting the hook 212.

[0087] The cord 22 passes through the hooks 212 of the sliders 21 and comprises pairs of stoppers 221 placed on either side of each hook 212 to facilitate the folding of the cord and maintain a regular pitch between the undulations of the curtain 10.

[0088] In fact, each pair of stoppers blocks the slider associated with it on the cord and, due to the regular spacing between these pairs of stoppers, the length of cord between two successive sliders always remains the same, whether the cord is taut or loose. This therefore guarantees regularity of the curtain waves in any position.

[0089] [Fig. 7] shows an exemplary embodiment in which the upper slider 21 is attached to the curtain (not shown) by means of a button 121 which is fixed to said curtain. Indeed, the button 121 has an annular zone which is inserted into the lower loop of the hook 212. The upper loop of the hook 212 is inserted into the ring 213 and can pivot freely there, which facilitates the movement of the curtain more generally. The ring 213 has a structure adapted so that it is mounted rotating in the 211 skate, always with the aim of smoothing the overall movement of the curtain.

[0090] [Fig.8] illustrates precisely the shape of the ring 213.

[0091] [Fig.9] shows an upper slider 21 in place in the rail of the upper rod 20.

[0092] Detail C shows the positioning of the stoppers 221 relative to the hook 212. This positioning and their ball shape allow the stoppers 221 to angularly limit the rotation of the hook 212 to thus avoid a complete rotation which would cause interlacing of the cord 22 for example.

[0093] This ensures smooth movement of all the sliders 21, and therefore of the curtain 10, driven by the upper drive sliders 21a and 21b.

[0094] Figures 10 and 11 show the first upper drive slider 21a, as well as a portion of the second upper drive slider 21b, the two drive sliders joining when the curtain is closed.

[0095] Unlike the other upper sliders 21, the upper drive sliders 21a and 21b comprise a machined structure 215 extending the pad 211 to be coupled to the motorized drive system 50.

[0096] With reference to figures 2a to 3b, the motorized drive system 50 is placed laterally at the rear of the separator 100 and mainly comprises a motor, a mechanical shaft with a pulley and belt return system both in the upper part and in the lower part of the curtain 10. The belts are reinforced and cooperate with a belt tensioner.

[0097] The rotational movement of the drive motor is transmitted in a synchronized manner to the drive sliders 21a, 21b, 31a and 31b, the latter then drive all the other sliders 21 and 31 one after the other.

[0098] The rotation speed of the motor is adjusted so that the sliding of the curtain occurs smoothly. The closing and opening of the curtain 10 is activated automatically by a simple button, “all or nothing” or progressive.

[0099] Advantageously, the synchronized drive between the top and the bottom allows the lower part of the curtain 10 to follow the movement well to avoid problems when storing the curtain.

[0100] [Fig. 12] represents the line of lower sliders 31 connected by the cord 32, said sliders comprise two lower drive sliders 31a and 31b.

[0101] The lower sliders 31 are regularly spaced and distributed in two groups: a first group and a second group intended to hang respectively the first part 10a and the second part 10b of the curtain 10 (not shown in [Fig.12]).

[0102] The first lower drive slider 31a is located at the end of the first group, in order to hang the first part 10a of the curtain 10 by the corner located between its lower side 13 and its distal lateral side 15a.

[0103] Similarly, the second lower drive slider 31b is located at the end of the second group, in order to hook the second part 10b of the curtain 10 by the corner located between its lower side 13 and its distal lateral side 15b.

[0104] Thus, the lower drive sliders 31a and 31b are located opposite the upper drive sliders 21a and 21b respectively.

[0105] [Fig. 13] represents the basic structure of the lower sliders 31. This structure is identical to that of the upper sliders 21 previously described.

[0106] In fact, each slider 31 comprises a pad 311 provided with a peripheral slot cooperating with the rail of the lower rod 30 and ensuring the sliding of said slider, a hook 312 for hanging the curtain 10, and a ring 313 fixed to the pad 311 and supporting the hook 312.

[0107] The cord 32 passes through the hooks 312 of the sliders 31 and comprises pairs of stoppers 321 placed on either side of each hook 312 to facilitate the folding of the cord and maintain a regular pitch between the undulations of the curtain 10.

[0108] [Fig. 14] shows the first lower drive slider 31a which, unlike the other lower sliders 31, has a machined structure 315 extending the pad 311 to be coupled to the motorized drive system in the same way as the upper drive sliders. The second drive slider 31b is of course identical to the first, but arranged in an opposite direction as shown in detail D of [Fig. 12].

[0109] For safety reasons in the event of rapid decompression, the lower rod 30, in particular the lower sliders 31, is configured to allow rapid detachment of the curtain 10 from below.

[0110] If the curtain does not release easily at the bottom in the event of rapid decompression, it risks pulling the mechanical parts and thus injuring the passenger.

[0111] The release of the curtain 10 from below is regulated by the maximum value of the load supported by each hook 312. This value is for example 63N. Beyond this tensile load level, the hook 312 releases the curtain 10.

[0112] In return, the upper part of the curtain 10 is fixed on the upper rod 20 with higher detachment loads at the level of the hooks 212 so that the curtain only detaches from the bottom.

[0113] The divider 100 thus described is therefore designed to effectively separate the spaces between adjacent passenger suites in first class. This divider is full height, covering the entire usable height of the cabin, thus ensuring complete separation between adjacent suites. It is equipped with a motorized curtain which can be opened or closed automatically, thus providing flexibility of use and a Easy control for passengers. The curtain is designed with regular waves for a pleasant aesthetic appearance and made of an opaque textile material to ensure visual privacy between suites. In addition, the curtain storage system when open is optimized to minimize clutter, thus improving available space in the cabin. Finally, safety measures are integrated to allow for quick detachment of the curtain in the event of decompression, ensuring passenger safety. In short, the present invention offers a sophisticated solution to improve the comfort, privacy, and security of first-class passengers.

Claims

Claims

1. Separator (100) for an aircraft cabin (200), for separating two adjacent private passenger areas (210, 220) in the same class, comprising a curtain (10) suspended by its upper side (12) from an upper rod (20), said separator having an open position and a closed position, and characterized in that it is of full height, thus covering a height up to the ceiling of the aircraft cabin in which it is installed, and in that it is hung by its lower side (13) from a lower rod (30) opposite the upper rod.

2. Separator according to claim 1, wherein the curtain (10) comprises a first part (10a) and a second part (10b) separated, said parts being configured so that their movements are synchronized and meet at a central closing line (L) when said separator is in the closed position.

3. A divider according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each rod (20, 30) comprises a sliding rail and sliders (21, 31) physically connecting the curtain (10) to the sliding rail, each slider comprising a pad (211, 311) for sliding on the rail and a hook (212, 312) for hanging the curtain (10).

4. Separator according to claim 3, in which the sliders (21, 31) of each rod (20, 30) are connected by a cord (22, 32) comprising stoppers (221, 321) placed at regular intervals, to maintain regular undulations (11) of the curtain (10).

5. A separator according to any preceding claim, further comprising a motorized drive system (50) for automatically actuating the opening and closing movements of said separator, said system being coupled in a synchronized manner to both an upper part and a lower part of the curtain (10).

6. Separator according to claim 5, in which at least one proximal lateral side (14a, 14b) of the curtain (10) is coupled to the motorized drive system (50) by means of two connecting members (55): one in the upper part and the other in the lower part.

7. A divider according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower rod (30) is configured to allow the curtain (10) to detach from below in the event of rapid decompression, when said divider is in the closed position in an aircraft cabin (200).

8. A separator according to claim 7, wherein the lower rod (30) comprises lower sliders (31) for attaching the lower side (13) of the curtain (10), each lower slider comprising a hook (312) which detaches from the curtain (10) beyond a given maximum tensile load, in order to release the curtain in the event of rapid decompression of the cabin.

9. A divider according to any preceding claim, wherein the curtain (10) is completely concealed in a reduced storage space (V) when said divider is in the open position.

10. Aircraft cabin (200) comprising two adjacent private suites (210, 220), and characterized in that it comprises a separator (100) according to one of the preceding claims placed between said suites.

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