Aircraft seat with moveable table

Abstract

The invention relates to an aircraft seating arrangement comprising seat unit and a table moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A mechanical linkage comprises a plurality of arms

Description

[0001] Aircraft seat with moveable table

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention concerns an aircraft seating arrangement. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns an aircraft seat unit and moveable table. The invention also concerns other moveable seat accessories, such as vanity mirrors, video screens and the like.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Aircraft seating arrangements often include moveable tables for the use of a passenger using a seat unit. The moveable tables are typically moveable between a stowed position, for example during taxi, take-off, and landing (TTL), and a deployed position, for example to provide a table surface for use during meal service or supporting a laptop or smart device. Some moveable tables simply rotate between a stowed position and deployed position with a simple hinge arrangement. However, aircraft seat units in first class and business class cabins more often have a moveable table which is hidden in the stowed position, potentially giving the passenger more space when the table is stowed, potentially providing a higher quality of finish and passenger experience, and a safer environment for TTL. Often, moveable tables which are hidden in the stowed position are housed at least partially within the seat unit housing, or potentially the seat unit housing of an aircraft seat unit in front or behind the seat unit. The moveable tables typically comprise a table surface mounted on telescopic rails, allowing movement of the table between the stowed and deployed positions. Telescopic rails include a number of small bearings which can degrade over continued use, potentially creating a wobbling table. The arrangement with a large number of small bearings is mechanically complicated. Also, manufacturing tolerances are required to be small so that undesirable wobbling is avoided. Furthermore, to provide the necessary loading capacity without undue bending or wobbling, the telescopic rails are heavy, adding further weight to the seat unit. Often the table surface is rotated in orientation between the stowed and deployed positions, for example being stored vertically in the stowed position and being rotated into a horizontal orientation in the deployed position. In order to provide a relatively robust table, the pivot enabling the rotation of the table surface is required to be strong, and this adds further weight to the aircraft seat unit.

[0006] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, various restrictions on carbon emissions have been, are being or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies both to new types of aircraft but also to those in circulation that require the need to implement technological solutions in order to comply with the regulations in force. Civil aviation has been mobilizing for several years now to make a contribution to the fight against climate change.

[0007] Technological research efforts have already made it possible to significantly improve the environmental performance of aircraft. The Applicant shall consider the factors impacting in all phases of design and development in order to obtain aeronautical components and products that are more energy-efficient, more environmentally friendly and whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental consequences with a view to improving the energy efficiency of aircraft.

[0008] As a result, the Applicant is continuously working to reduce its negative climate impact through the use of virtuous development and manufacturing methods and processes that minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0009] This sustained research and development work focuses on new generations of aircraft engines, the reduction in weight of aircraft, in particular through the materials used and reduction in weight of on-board equipment, the development and the use of electric technologies and biofuels to drive propulsion.

[0010] The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved aircraft seat unit with moveable table.

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] The invention provides, according to a first aspect, an aircraft seating arrangement comprising a seat unit and a table moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a mechanical linkage comprising a plurality of arms, each arm being pivotally connected to at least one other arm in a scissor arrangement, wherein the mechanical linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the aircraft seat unit and at the other end is pivotally connected to the table, wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a first cam follower located in a first cam track to control movement of the mechanical linkage when moving the table between the stowed position and deployed position.

[0013] When in the stowed position, a passenger may be unable to use the table. When in the stowed position, the table may be housed within part of the seat unit, for example a seat unit shell. When in the stowed position, the table may be housed within part of the seat unit shell that also defines a footwell for the passenger. When in the stowed position, the table may be effectively hidden from the passenger, such that the table does not extend into the passenger space.

[0014] The first cam follower and first cam track may be located away from the connection of the mechanical linkage to the aircraft seat unit. Preferably, the distance between the first cam follower and first cam track is maximised within the allowable envelope for housing the table, in order to reduce amplification of any free play created by manufacturing tolerances.

[0015] The first cam follower and first cam track may be arranged to control the side to side movement, or yaw, of the table moving between the stowed position and deployed position. The first cam follower may be attached to, or form part of, one of the plurality of arms making up the mechanical linkage. The first cam track may be a curved cam track which is shaped to ensure a linear extension and contraction of the mechanical linkage as the table moves between the stowed position and deployed position. The same principles as employed by the first cam follower may be replicated at the other end of the mechanical linkage to control the orientation of the table.

[0016] The mechanical linkage may comprise a second cam follower located in a second cam track, the second cam track being formed in the table and arranged to control rotation of the table when moving between the stowed position and deployed position. The second cam track may comprise a linear portion and a curved portion. The linear portion may retain the table in a first orientation during the initial stages of movement from the stowed position to deployed position and the curved portion may enable the rotation of the table into a second orientation in the deployed position. The curved portion may comprise a detent which holds the table in the second orientation when in the deployed position. Movement of the table between the stowed position and the deployed position may be in a first plane. The table may be in a first orientation in the stowed position and rotate into a second orientation in the deployed position. Rotation of the table between the first orientation and the second orientation may be in the first plane. For example, the table may be in a horizontal orientation in the stowed position and rotate in a horizontal plane into the deployed position. For example, the table may present an approximately rectangular surface, and be in a lengthways orientation in the stowed position, rotating 90 degrees into a widthways orientation when in the deployed position, or vice versa. In a lengthways orientation, the longer dimension of the approximately rectangular surface is aligned with the front / back direction of the seat. In a widthways orientation, the longer dimension of the approximately rectangular surface is aligned perpendicular to the front / back direction of the seat. The skilled person will appreciate that the approximately rectangular surface may have rounded corners. The change in orientation may be determined by the space within which the aircraft seat unit houses the table when in the stowed position. If there is sufficient space to house the table in the stowed position, without requiring the table rotates during deployment, the orientation of the table in the stowed position may be the same as the orientation in the deployed position. The table may also move linearly in the horizontal plane between the stowed position and deployed position.

[0017] The mechanical linkage may comprise a third cam follower located in a third cam track, the third cam follower and third cam track providing a supporting function and reducing torsional loads experienced by the connection between the mechanical linkage and aircraft seat unit. For example, the third cam follower may be attached to one end of the first of the plurality of arms, the other end of the first of the plurality of arms being pivotally connected to the aircraft seat unit. The third cam follower may comprise a mushroom head or T-piece, and the third cam track may comprise a slotted track along which the cam follower may slide, but not be pulled through. Therefore, the third cam follower and third cam track may react against one another and relieve torsion loads which would otherwise be transmitted through the first of the plurality of arms to the pivotal connection to the aircraft seat unit. Such an arrangement may allow a smaller and / or less rigid pivotal connection to be provided, potentially reducing the weight and / or expense of the seat. Additionally by providing additional torsional support, the table may feel more robust in use, and / or require less maintenance and / or fewer replacement parts. The table may be moveable into a partially deployed position, for example moved out of a hidden position, such that part of the table surface extends beyond the seat unit shell. The partially deployed position may provide a passenger with a table surface on which to place a drink, without extending fully into the deployed position.

[0018] The aircraft seat unit may comprise a closeout or cover associated with the mechanical linkage, the closeout positioned to shield at least some of the plurality of arms of the mechanical linkage when the table is in the deployed position. Such an arrangement may reduce or remove the risk of a passenger trapping their fingers in the mechanical linkage, or other foreign object obstructing the mechanical linkage.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aircraft seating arrangement comprising a seat unit and a seat accessory moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a mechanical linkage comprising a plurality of arms, each arm being pivotally connected to at least one other arm in a scissor arrangement, wherein the mechanical linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the aircraft seat unit and at the other end is pivotally connected to the seat accessory, wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a first cam follower located in a first cam track to control movement of the mechanical linkage when moving the seat accessory between the stowed position and deployed position.

[0020] The seat accessory may be any of a table, a cup holder, a phone holder and / or charging point, a video screen, a vanity mirror, and / or a light, arm-rest, or leg-rest.

[0021] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa. In particular, any features described with reference to the first aspect of the invention may be incorporated into the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0022] Description of the Drawings

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0024] Figure 1 to 5 show a plan view of an aircraft table for an aircraft seating arrangement according to the invention; Figure 6 shows an aircraft seating arrangement according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 7 shows a plan view of part of the mechanical linkage of the aircraft table arrangement shown in figures 1 to 5,

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the same part of mechanical linkage shown in figure 7,

[0027] Figure 9 shows the underside of the aircraft table shown in figures 1 to 5, and Figures 10 and 11 show an aircraft seating arrangement and table according to the invention.

[0028] Detailed Description

[0029] Figures 1 to 5 show a table 10 which is moveable between a stowed position, as shown in figure 1, to a deployed position, as shown in figure 5. A mechanical linkage 12 is attached at one end 14 to part of an aircraft seat unit shell (shown in later figures) and at the other end 16 to the table 10. The mechanical linkage 12 comprises a plurality of arms 20, each arm connected to at least one other arm by a pivot 22, such that a scissor linkage is provided. As will be well understood by the skilled person, a scissor linkage can move between a compressed position, where the plurality of arms 20 are arranged close to one another, and an extended position where the plurality of arms 20 have been pulled away from the compressed position. None of the pivots 22 in the mechanical linkage is required to rotate more than 180 degrees and the wear on any bearings associated with the pivots 22 is low.

[0030] As can be seen in figures 1 to 3, when the table 10 is initially moved from the stowed position, the table 10 moves in a linear direction, with the orientation of the table 10 remaining the same. The mechanical linkage 12 comprises a first cam follower 24, extending from the fourth arm 70, as best shown in figure 7. The cam follower 24 is received with a first cam track 26, the first cam track 26 being part of the support structure 28 of the mechanical linkage 12.

[0031] The table 10 is pivotally connected to the mechanical linkage 12, and a second cam follower 34 extends from the end arm of the seventh of the plurality of arms 20 into a third cam track 36. The cam track 36 is shaped with an straight section, with the second cam follower 34 being arranged in the straight section when the table 10 is in the stowed position, such that as the table is initially being moved out of the stowed position, the orientation of the table remains the same. This allows the table 10 to be stored in a slot sized specifically for the width of the table 10 in the stowed position, and may also reduce the likelihood of the mechanism jamming during use. Once the table 10 has been extended a sufficient amount, the cam track 36 is curved, so that continued extension of the table 10 and mechanical linkage 12 causes the table 10 to rotate in orientation. As can be seen in figure 5, when the table 10 is in the deployed position, the table has rotated 90 degrees compared to the table orientation in the stowed position, and the second cam follower 34 is held against a small detent which holds the table 10 in the fully rotated position during the last portion of travel.

[0032] A third cam follower 30 is provided extending from the first arm in the plurality of arms 20, along with a curved third cam track 32 formed in the support structure 28. The third cam track is slotted, and the third cam follower 30 comprises a T-shaped head which is held within the slotted portion of the third cam track. The third cam follower 30 and the third cam track 32 abut one another, and react torsional forces that are present on the mechanical linkage 12. This arrangement reduces torsional load experienced at the pivotal connection 14.

[0033] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the table 10 in addition to a seat unit shell 60. The seat unit shell 60 comprises a footwell portion 62. As can be seen, the footwell portion 62 extends into the lower part of the space to the side of a passenger sitting in a seat 64 in front of the seat of the table user. The upper part of the space is not accessible to the user of the table 10, and instead forms part of the passenger space of the passenger sitting in front of the seat of the table user. The table 10 is housed within the seat unit shell 60, above the footwell portion 62. The footwell portion 62 can be seen in further detail in figures 10 and 11.

[0034] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show the mechanical linkage 12 in greater detail. As can be seen, in this embodiment the linkage comprises ten arms 20. The first arm is connected to the seat unit 60 at the pivot point 14. The ninth arm and tenth arm are connected to the table 10 via a support plate 90, such that movement of the nineth arm and tenth arm as the table 10 is moved between the stowed position and deployed position drives the rotation of the table 10 which is controlled by the second cam follower 34 and second cam track 36.

[0035] Figure 10 shows the seat unit 60, the table 10 in the deployed position, the footwell 62, and the exposed mechanical linkage 12. Figure 11 shows the same arrangement as in figure 10, with the addition of a cover or closeout 110 positioned on top of the mechanical linkage 110 in order to remove the risk of fingers or any other foreign objects being caught in the mechanical linkage during movement of the table 10 between the stowed position and deployed position. The cover 110 may be attached to one or more of the plurality of arms 20 or pivots 22 such that the cover moves in and out with the extension and compression of the mechanical linkage 12. The cover 110 may be a flexible covering such as a fabric, or a rigid covering such as a plastic or metal plate.

[0036] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

[0037] Where the invention has been described above, reference to a table may be replaced by other suitable seat accessories, for example a table, a cup holder, a phone holder and / or charging point, a video screen, a vanity mirror, and / or a light, arm rest, or leg rest.

[0038] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. An aircraft seating arrangement comprising a seat unit and a table moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a mechanical linkage comprising a plurality of arms, each arm being pivotally connected to at least one other arm in a scissor arrangement, wherein the mechanical linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the aircraft seat unit and at the other end is pivotally connected to the table, wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a first cam follower located in a first cam track to control movement of the mechanical linkage when moving the table between the stowed position and deployed position.

2. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein when in the stowed position, the table is housed within part of the seat unit.

3. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the table is housed within part of a seat unit shell that also defines a footwell for the passenger.

4. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first cam follower and first cam track restrict the side to side movement of the mechanical linkage when moving the table between the stowed position and deployed position.

5. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first cam follower is attached to one of the plurality of arms.

6. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first cam track is a curved cam track shaped to ensure a linear movement of the mechanical linkage when moving the table between the stowed position and deployed position.

7. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a second cam follower located in a second cam track, the second cam track being formed in the table and arranged to control rotation of the table when moving between the stowed position and deployed position.

8. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second cam track comprises a linear portion and a curved portion.

9. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein movement of the table between the stowed position and the deployed position is in a first plane.

10. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the table is in a first orientation in the stowed position and rotates into a second orientation in the deployed position.

11. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein rotation of the table between the first orientation and the second orientation is in the first plane.

12. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table is in a horizontal orientation in both the stowed position and deployed position, and the table moves linearly in the horizontal plane between the stowed position and deployed position.

13. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table is moveable into a partially deployed position14. An aircraft seating arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a closeout, the closeout positioned to shield at least some of the plurality of arms of the mechanical linkage when the table is in the deployed position.

15. An aircraft seating arrangement comprising a seat unit and a seat accessory moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a mechanical linkage comprising a plurality of arms, each arm being pivotally connected to at least one other arm in a scissor arrangement, wherein the mechanical linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the aircraft seat unit and at the other end is pivotally connected to the seat accessory, wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a first cam follower located in a first cam track to control movement of the mechanicallinkage when moving the seat accessory between the stowed position and deployed position.

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