SEAT EQUIPPED WITH A BED EXTENSION WITH IMPROVED DEPLOYMENT KINEMATICS

Abstract

The invention relates to a seating unit (100) comprising: - a seat (10), - an ottoman (19), - a bed extension (17) comprising a first portion of the bed extension (17.1) and a second portion of the bed extension (17.2), - a device for moving the bed extension (18), - the first portion of the bed extension (17.1) and the second portion of the bed extension (17.2) extending one behind the other in two distinct vertical planes when the bed extension (17) is in the stored position, - the first portion of the bed extension (17.1) and the second portion of the bed extension (17.2) extending side by side in the same substantially horizontal plane and in line with the seat (13) and the ottoman (19) when the bed extension (17) is in the deployed position, so as to fill a space between the seat (13) and the ottoman (19). Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1b

Description

Title of the invention: SEAT EQUIPPED WITH A BED EXTENSION WITH IMPROVED DEPLOYMENT KINEMATICS

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat equipped with a bed extension featuring improved deployment kinematics. The invention finds particularly advantageous application in the field of aeronautics, especially with seats for first-class or business-class aircraft cabins.

[0002] In a manner known per se, a seat comprises at least a seat cushion and at least one backrest mounted on a frame. The frame is equipped with fasteners for securing the seat to rails in an aircraft cabin. The seat may be associated with a privacy shell extending at least partially around the seat. This ensures passenger privacy by creating a partially enclosed space around the seat unit to isolate the passenger from the external environment.

[0003] To create a sleeping surface for the passenger, a seat can be provided with a fixed seat cushion and a fixed backrest, combined with a removable bed extension designed to fill the gap between the seat cushion and an ottoman located in front of the seat. The seat cushion, the bed extension, and the ottoman then together form a sleeping surface on which the passenger can lie down. This configuration offers economic advantages because it eliminates the need for the various actuators typically integrated into a seat that allows it to transition from a sitting to a reclining position by tilting the backrest backward.

[0004] The bed extension may include a first panel located on the ottoman side and a second panel extending perpendicularly to the seat. The first panel is equipped with a handle and a mechanical locking device to partially fill the gap between the seat and the ottoman. The second panel is moved by means of an electric actuator that brings it from a vertical to a horizontal position so as to fill the remaining gap between the seat and the ottoman.

[0005] However, such a system requires a cumbersome two-step decomposition of the bed extension deployment function, involving the movement of the first panel followed by the movement of the second panel. Furthermore, this system creates a risk of a passenger's legs becoming trapped between the two panels of the bed extension. It should also be noted that the operation of such a system is not intuitive for the passenger, since the first panel requires manual intervention while the second panel moves automatically.

[0006] The invention aims to effectively remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a seat unit comprising: - a seat comprising a frame, at least one seat and at least one backrest, - an ottoman, - a bed extension, and - a bed extension movement device capable of moving the bed extension between a stored position and a deployed position, - The bed extension comprises a first section of bed extension and a second section of bed extension. - the first bed extension section and the second bed extension section extending one behind the other in two distinct vertical planes when the bed extension is in the stored position, - the first portion of the bed extension and the second portion of the bed extension extending side by side in the same substantially horizontal plane and in line with the seat and ottoman when the bed extension is in the deployed position, so as to fill a space between the seat and the ottoman.

[0007] The invention thus improves passenger comfort by filling the gap between a seat and an ottoman with a bed extension that can be deployed in a single operation without interfering with the passenger's body. The invention is also ergonomic and intuitive, as the bed extension gradually and naturally raises the passenger's legs from bottom to top to provide a fully reclined position. Furthermore, the invention provides the bed extension with sufficient rigidity to easily support the weight of a passenger.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bed extension movement device comprises a set of connecting rods connected to the first portion of the bed extension, the second portion of the bed extension and to a structural element chosen from the seat frame and the ottoman as well as an actuating device capable of actuating the bed extension movement device.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bed extension movement device comprises: - a first series of connecting rods linked on one side to the structural element and on the other side to the second portion of the bed extension, - a second series of connecting rods connected on one side to the first portion of bed extension and on the other side to the second portion of bed extension, and - a third series of connecting rods connected to the actuation device as well as to the first series of connecting rods and to the second series of connecting rods.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation device is of the manual type, such as a handle or a lever.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation device comprises an electric actuator such as an electric motor or an electric cylinder, capable of ensuring an automatic movement of the bed extension from the stored position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bed extension moving device being fixed on the seat side, the bed extension is disposed at least partly under the seat when the bed extension is in the stored position.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat includes a safety belt usable by the passenger in a seated position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, said seat unit comprises an ottoman unit having a housing inside which the ottoman is arranged, said ottoman unit having a safety belt usable by the passenger in a reclining position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ottoman furniture safety belt is associated with a retractor mounted on a side wall of the ottoman furniture.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ottoman furniture safety belt has a closing interface intended to cooperate with a belt buckle disposed on the ottoman when the ottoman furniture safety belt is in the closed state.

[0017] 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:

[0018] [Fig. la] [Fig.lb] Figures la and 1b are side views of a seating unit according to the invention comprising a bed extension respectively in a stored position and in a deployed position;

[0019] [Fig. 2a] [Fig. 2b] Figures 2a and 2b are side views of a device connecting rod movement of a bed extension according to the invention respectively in a stored position and in a deployed position;

[0020] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a side view of a seat unit according to the invention equipped of a seat belt associated with the seat and an additional seat belt associated with an ottoman;

[0021] [Fig. 4a] [Fig. 4b] Figures 4a and 4b are respectively perspective and from above illustrating a seat belt associated with an Ottoman piece of furniture.

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

[0023] Figures 1a and 1b show a seat unit 100 for an aircraft comprising a seat 10 including a frame 11 equipped with fasteners 12 for securing the seat 10 to rails in an aircraft cabin. Furthermore, at least one seat cushion 13 and at least one backrest 15 are mounted on the frame 11. Preferably, the seat cushion 13 and the backrest 15 are fixed relative to the frame 11. Alternatively, the backrest 15 may be slightly reclinable, but in all cases the seat 10 cannot be converted into a bed in a configuration where the backrest 15 is substantially in the same plane as the seat cushion 13.

[0024] The seat 10 may, in particular, be a single-seater or a two-seater, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b. In the case of a two-seater, the seat 10 comprises two seats 13 aligned laterally with respect to each other and extending in two opposite directions. The seat 10 may further comprise a single backrest 15 having a first face associated with a first seat and a second face, opposite the first face, associated with the second seat. Two passengers 16 may then sit back-to-back on the two seats of the seat 10.

[0025] The seat 10 includes a seat belt 26 usable by a passenger 16 in a seated position, as shown in [Fig. 3]. The seat belt 26 is preferably a three-point seat belt with two attachment points located on either side of the seat 13 and a third attachment point located at the top of the backrest 15. Alternatively, the seat belt 26 may be a two-point seat belt. In this case, the seat belt 26 lacks the attachment point located at the top of the backrest 15.

[0026] In order to provide privacy to passenger 16, the seat 10 can also be associated with a partition 14 allowing the passenger 16 to be isolated from a circulation aisle in the aircraft cabin or from a neighboring passenger 16.

[0027] Each seat 13 may include a seat frame and a comfort cushion. The backrest 15 may include a backrest frame and a comfort cushion. The comfort cushions of the seat 13 and the backrest 15 may be made of a foam material, for example, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, fiber foam, open-cell foam, inflatable foam, or any other material suitable for making comfort foam. The comfort cushions of the seat 13 and the backrest 15 may be covered with a cover made of a textile material, leather, imitation leather, or any other material desired for the overall finish.

[0028] The seat unit 100 also includes an ottoman 19, also called a footrest 19, on which the passenger can rest their feet and, if necessary, part of their legs. The ottoman 19 is fixed and extends in a horizontal plane. The ottoman 19 may include a rigid, flat structure and a comfort element of the same type. than those of the seat 13 or the backrest 15. The ottoman 19 can be arranged inside a compartment 29 made in an ottoman unit 28. The ottoman unit 28 can have side walls and a top wall delimiting the compartment 29. The top wall can form a table surface on which the passenger 16 can place his meal tray and personal items.

[0029] A bed extension 17 is intended to extend horizontally in line with the seat 13 when the bed extension 17 is in the deployed position so as to fill a space between the seat 13 and the ottoman 19. The bed extension 17 preferably extends from the seat 13 to the ottoman 19. A displacement device 18 for the bed extension 17 is suitable for moving the bed extension 17 between a stored position and the deployed position.

[0030] More specifically, the bed extension 17 comprises a first bed extension portion 17.1 and a second bed extension portion 17.2. Each bed extension portion 17.1, 17.2 has a flat shape. Each bed extension portion 17.1, 17.2 may include a flat structural element such as a rigid platform covered by a comfort element, such as a layer of foam, for example polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, fiber foam, convoluted foam, inflatable foam, or any other material suitable for making comfort foam. The second bed extension portion 17.2 may have a trapezoidal shape in cross-section.

[0031] As illustrated in [Fig. 2a], the first bed extension portion 17.1 and the second bed extension portion 17.2 extend behind each other in two distinct vertical planes PI, P2 when the bed extension 17 is in the stored position. Thus, the first bed extension portion 17.1 extends in a vertical plane PI and the second bed extension portion 17.2 extends in a vertical plane P2 distinct from the plane PL. The two bed extension portions 17.1, 17.2 overlap each other, so that there is at least one horizontal line passing through the first bed extension portion 17.1 and the second bed extension portion 17.2.

[0032] In the example shown, the displacement device 18 of the bed extension 17 being fixed on the side of the seat 13, the bed extension 17 is disposed at least partly under the seat 13 when the bed extension 17 is in the stored position (cf. [Fig.la]).

[0033] As illustrated in [Fig.2b], the first portion of bed extension 17.1 and the second portion of bed extension 17.2 extend side by side in the same substantially horizontal plane P3 and in a continuation of the seat 13 and the ottoman 19 when the bed extension 17 is in the deployed position, so as to fill a space between the seat 13 and the ottoman 19.

[0034] The displacement device 18 of the bed extension 17 may include a set of connecting rods 20.1-20.8 connected to the first portion of the bed extension 17.1, the second portion of bed extension 17.2 and to a structural element selected from the seat frame 11 and the ottoman 19 as well as an actuation device 23 suitable for actuating the displacement device 18 of the bed extension 17.

[0035] Advantageously, as can be seen in particular on [Fig.2b], the displacement device 18 of the bed extension 17 comprises a first series of connecting rods 21.1 connected on the one hand to the structural element 11 or 19 and on the other hand to the second portion of bed extension 17.2, a second series of connecting rods 21.2 connected on the one hand to the first portion of bed extension 17.1 and on the other hand to the second portion of bed extension 17.2, and a third series of connecting rods 21.3 connected to the actuation device 23 as well as to the first series of connecting rods 21.1 and to the second series of connecting rods 21.2.

[0036] In the example shown, the first series of connecting rods 21.1 comprises a connecting rod 20.1 having a first end connected by a pivot joint to the structural element 11 or 19 and a second end connected by a pivot joint to a first end of a connecting rod 20.2 having a second end connected by a pivot joint to the second portion of bed extension 17.2.

[0037] The second series of connecting rods 21.2 comprises a connecting rod 20.3 having a first end connected by a pivot joint to the first portion of bed extension 17.1 and a second end connected by a pivot joint to a first end of a connecting rod 20.4. The connecting rod 20.4 has a second end connected by a pivot joint to a first end of a connecting rod 20.5 which has a second end connected by a pivot joint to the second portion of bed extension 17.2.

[0038] The third series of connecting rods 21.3 comprises a connecting rod 20.6 having one end connected by a pivot joint to the actuating device 23 and a second end connected to a first end of a connecting rod 20.7 which has an intermediate connection point connected by a pivot joint to an intermediate connection point of the connecting rod 20.1. The connecting rod 20.7 has a second end connected by a pivot joint to a first end of a connecting rod 20.8 having an intermediate connection point connected by a pivot joint to an intermediate connection point of the connecting rod 20.2. The connecting rod 20.8 also has a second end connected by a pivot joint to a connection point between the connecting rods 20.4 and 20.5.

[0039] The actuation device 23 may be of the manual type, such as a handle or a lever. The passenger 16 can then manually operate the handle or lever to move the bed extension 17 from the stored position to the deployed position or vice versa.

[0040] Alternatively, the actuation device 23 comprises an electric actuator, such as an electric motor or an electric cylinder, capable of ensuring a displacement automatic extension of bed 17 from the stored position to the deployed position or vice versa.

[0041] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4a and 4b, the ottoman 28 may include a safety belt 30 usable by the passenger 16 in a reclining position. Since the seat 10 cannot be converted into a bed, the safety belt 26 is not usable by the passenger 16 in a reclining position. Therefore, the additional safety belt 30 is provided to ensure the safety of the passenger 16 when the latter is in a reclining position.

[0042] Advantageously, the seat belt 30 is associated with a retractor 31 mounted on a side panel of the ottoman 28. The seat belt 30 has a fastening interface 33 (see [Fig. 4a]), in particular in the form of a metal tab, designed to cooperate with a belt buckle 35 located on the ottoman 19 when the seat belt 30 of the ottoman 28 is in the closed position. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 4b], the passenger 16 can pull on the seat belt 30 along arrow F so as to extend it and allow the fastening interface 33 to cooperate with the belt buckle 35.

[0043] The operation of the displacement device 18 allowing the bed extension 17 to move from the stored position to the deployed position is described below.

[0044] Manual or electrical activation of the device 23 causes a relative displacement of the connecting rods 20.1-20.8 with respect to each other, such that the first portion of the bed extension 17.1 and the second portion of the bed extension 17.2 move relative to each other. The displacement of the first portion of the bed extension 17.1 and the second portion of the bed extension 17.2 is carried out according to a kinematic mechanism that allows them to end up side by side so as to fill the space between the seat 13 and the ottoman 19. A reverse displacement of the connecting rods 20.1-20.8 allows the bed extension 17 to return from the deployed position to the stored position.

[0045] It should be noted that the movement of the bed extension 17 is not necessarily continuous and without stopping from the stored position to the deployed position. In particular, the passenger 16 can stop the bed extension 17 in an intermediate position in which the bed extension 17, more precisely the two portions of the bed extension 17.1, 17.2, form a non-zero angle with respect to the seat 13. The passenger 16 can then enjoy a comfortable position in which their legs are slightly bent so that their calves rest on the bed extension 17.

[0046] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variants that a person skilled in the art may consider within the scope of the present invention, and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

Demands

1. A seating unit (100) comprising: - a seat (10) having a frame (11), at least one seat (13) and at least one backrest (15), - an ottoman (19), - a bed extension (17), and - a device for moving the bed extension (17) capable of moving the bed extension (17) between a stored position and an extended position, characterized in that the bed extension (17) comprises a first bed extension portion (17.1) and a second bed extension portion (17.2), - the first bed extension portion (17.1) and the second bed extension portion (17.2) extending one behind the other in two distinct vertical planes (P1, P2) when the bed extension (17) is in the stored position, - the first bed extension portion (17.1) and the second bed extension portion bed (17.2) extending side by side in the same plane (P3) substantially horizontal and in an extension of the seat (13) and the ottoman (19) when the bed extension (17) is in the deployed position, so as to fill a space between the seat (13) and the ottoman (19).

2. Seat unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement device (18) of the bed extension (17) comprises a set of connecting rods (20.1-20.8) connected to the first portion of the bed extension (17.1), the second portion of the bed extension (17.2) and to a structural element selected from the seat frame (11) and the ottoman (19) as well as an actuating device (23) capable of actuating the displacement device (18) of the bed extension (17).

3. Seat unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the displacement device (18) of the bed extension (17) comprises: - a first series of connecting rods (21.1) connected on the one hand to the structural element and on the other hand to the second portion of the bed extension (17.2), - a second series of connecting rods (21.2) connected on the one hand to the first portion of the bed extension (17.1) and on the other hand to the second portion of the bed extension (17.2), and - a third set of connecting rods (21.3) connected to the actuation device (23) as well as to the first set of connecting rods (21.1) and to the second set of connecting rods (21.2).

4. Seat unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuation device (23) is of the manual type, such as a handle or a lever.

5. Seat unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuation device (23) comprises an electric actuator such as an electric motor or an electric cylinder, capable of ensuring automatic movement of the bed extension (17) from the stored position to the deployed position and vice versa.

6. Seat unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the displacement device (18) of the bed extension (17) being fixed on the side of the seat (13), the bed extension (17) is disposed at least in part under the seat (13) when the bed extension (17) is in the stored position.

7. Seat unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the seat (10) comprises a safety belt (26) usable by the passenger (16) in a seated position.

8. Seat unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an ottoman (28) having a housing (29) within which the ottoman (19) is arranged, said ottoman (28) having a safety belt (30) usable by the passenger (16) in a reclining position.

9. Seat unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the seat belt (30) of the ottoman (28) is associated with a retractor (31) mounted on a side wall of the ottoman (28).

10. Seat unit according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the seat belt (30) of the ottoman (28) has a closing interface (33) intended to cooperate with a belt buckle (35) disposed on the ottoman (19) when the seat belt (30) of the ottoman (28) is in the closed state.

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