Aircraft cabin

Abstract

A double bed compartment 5 for an aircraft cabin 3 and an aircraft cabin comprising a double bed compartment are disclosed. The double bed compartment includes two passenger access doors 9 and two passenger seats 31 arranged side by side adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, the double bed compartment includes an upright privacy screen 7c movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the privacy screen forms a wall partitioning the double bed compartment into individual compartments accessible through one of each access door. In one embodiment, each passenger seat is movable independently of the other seats, or a pair of seats is movable in unison. Also, in one embodiment, the double bed compartment has a wall 7b along the aisle 51 of the aircraft cabin, the wall defining two access doors and curving outwardly to form two spaces where passengers can stand between the seats and the access doors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger compartment in an aircraft.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a cabin of an aircraft having at least one passenger compartment.

[0003] It should be noted that throughout this specification, the terms "aircraft", "aeroplane", and "plane" are used interchangeably.

Background Art

[0004] The cabin of a commercial aircraft has passenger compartments such as first class.

[0005] International Application PCT / SG2005 / 000042 (International Publication WO2005 / 080196) in the name of the applicant of the present application, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an example of a cabin of an aircraft having a passenger compartment.

[0006] International Publication WO2005 / 080196 discloses a cabin of an aircraft having an outer row and an inner row of passenger compartments, with the compartments of each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. Each compartment is formed by walls defining a compartment space, is accessible through an entrance provided on one of the walls, and each compartment is provided with a passenger chair and an independent bed. The bed is of a foldable type and is stored in a cavity in the wall of the compartment when not in the bed configuration position within the compartment. The outer row is separated from the inner row by a longitudinally extending passageway. The outer row is arranged along the opposing sides of the aircraft, and the side walls of the aircraft form part of the compartment walls for these rows. The inner row includes at least a pair of adjacent passenger compartments, and each of the pair of compartments has an independent entrance allowing access to an adjacent passageway.

[0007] WO 2005 / 080196 discloses forming a double bed compartment option for passengers by combining at least a pair of adjacent compartments in an inner row. The beds of each pair of compartments are arranged to form a double bed when the compartments are in a double compartment configuration.

[0008] More specifically, WO 2005 / 080196 discloses that at least a pair of compartments are partitioned by a partition wall extending upward from the floor of the compartment to approximately waist height. There is an upper rail above this partition wall and a blind stored on the upper rail. This blind can be pulled down to be located between the compartments and engage with a part of the partition wall to completely separate the compartments into two individual compartments. Also, by storing the blind on the upper rail, the compartments can be changed from two independent compartments to a double bed compartment.

[0009] International Application PCT / SG2017 / 050475 (International Publication WO 2019 / 059841), in the name of the applicant of this application (incorporated herein by reference), discloses another aircraft cabin equipped with passenger compartments including a double bed compartment option for passengers.

[0010] International Publication WO 2019 / 059841 discloses an aircraft cabin having compartments in an outer row and an inner row, with the compartments in each row spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The outer row is arranged along opposite sides of the aircraft, and the side walls of the aircraft form the compartment wall portions of these rows. The inner row includes at least a pair of adjacent passenger compartments, and each compartment of the pair has an independent entrance for access to an adjacent aisle.

[0011] Each compartment includes a storage cassette for storing the bed in a vertical state along the longitudinal direction of the bed in the storage position, and the bed is movable between the storage position in the cassette and the use position where a sleeping platform is formed in the passenger space.

[0012] The double-compartment option of International Publication WO2019 / 059841 is composed of two of the above-described compartments separated by a common peripheral wall portion between the compartments.

[0013] The common wall is a telescopic wall and can vertically expand and contract between the position where the wall extends upward and the stored position. The beds of the compartments are arranged facing the common wall. When the telescopic wall is in the stored position, the beds can move from the storage position to the use position, and in the use position, a double-bed arrangement is formed.

[0014] The present invention provides an alternative to the passenger compartments disclosed in WO2005 / 080196 and WO2019 / 059841.

[0015] The above description does not deviate from the scope of common general knowledge.

Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present invention relates to an aircraft cabin comprising a plurality of passenger compartments including at least one double bed passenger compartment, wherein the double bed compartment is defined by a peripheral wall having two openings enabling access to the double bed compartment, a pair of passenger chairs arranged side by side adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen movable between: (a) a storage position in which the privacy screen is stored at least substantially outside the double bed compartment so that the movement of passengers within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen; and (b) a deployed position in which the privacy screen is between the passenger chairs of the double bed compartment and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, the privacy screen forming a common wall between the individual compartments, and each individual compartment being accessible through one of the openings.

[0017] Unlike the double bed compartments of International Publication WO2005 / 080196 and WO2019 / 059841, the double bed compartment of the preceding paragraph does not occupy valuable floor space and does not require a partition wall that restricts the movement of passengers within the double bed compartment. Therefore, when the privacy screen is in the storage position, more floor space can be utilized.

[0018] When the privacy screen is deployed, the privacy of passengers is ensured in two separate compartments.

[0019] When stored, the privacy screen is completely removed from the double bed compartment, forming a completely integrated two-person passenger space. Each integrated space allows passengers within the space to move freely. Specifically, when the chairs are not in the bed configuration, passengers can walk from one end of the integrated space to the other end.

[0020] Unlike the privacy screens of the compartments of International Publications WO2005 / 08196 and WO2019 / 059841, which are movable in the vertical direction, the privacy screen is movable horizontally between a storage position, which is at least substantially outside the double bed compartment, and a deployed position, in which the privacy screen is between the passenger chairs of the double bed compartment. In fact, usually (but not necessarily), the privacy screen means that it operates forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft from the stored position.

[0021] The surrounding wall can include a cavity for storing the privacy screen in the storage position.

[0022] This cavity may be arranged behind the passenger chair. However, the present invention is not limited to this direction, and as an example, it is also assumed that the cavity is installed in front of the passenger chair.

[0023] The privacy screen may be composed of a plurality of upright panels that are movable independently of each other between the storage position and the deployed position.

[0024] In the storage position, the panels can be installed outside the double bed compartment, with the face of one panel facing the face of an adjacent panel, for example, arranged side by side and overlapping.

[0025] In the deployed position, the panels may be arranged from end to end, that is, with the side edges of adjacent panels in contact, and each panel forms part of a common wall between independent individual compartments.

[0026] The privacy screen may be composed of a plurality of upright panels that are interconnected and stretchable between the storage position and the deployed position.

[0027] The height of the surrounding wall may be any suitable height.

[0028] As an example, the height is preferably from 1.5 m to 1.9 m, usually 1.7 m.

[0029] The privacy screen may extend up to the height of the surrounding wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

[0030] However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. As an example, it is also envisioned that the privacy screen may extend less than or more than the height of the surrounding wall.

[0031] The passenger compartment may include at least one rail for supporting and guiding a privacy screen that moves between a stowed position and a deployed position between the passenger seats.

[0032] The rail may be arranged at the height of the surrounding wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

[0033] The passenger compartment may include at least one lower rail arranged on the floor of the compartment. Preferably, the lower rail is recessed into the floor so that there is no risk of passengers tripping.

[0034] The privacy screen may be electrically operated.

[0035] Alternatively, the privacy screen may be manually operated.

[0036] The present invention also provides an aircraft comprising the above double - bed passenger compartment.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention provides a double-bed passenger compartment for an aircraft, the double-bed compartment being defined by a surrounding wall having two openings enabling access to the double-bed compartment, two passenger chairs arranged adjacent to and side by side with each other, and an upright privacy screen, the upright privacy screen being movable between: (a) a stowed position where the privacy screen is at least substantially stowed outside the double-bed compartment and the movement of passengers within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen; and (b) a deployed position where the privacy screen is within the double-bed compartment between the passenger chairs and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, and in the deployed position, the privacy screen forms a common wall between the individual compartments, and each individual compartment is accessible through one of the openings.

[0038] The present invention also provides a passenger cabin of an aircraft comprising a plurality of passenger chairs including at least a pair of passenger chairs arranged adjacent to and side by side with each other, each passenger chair of the pair being adjustable between an upright position and a reclining position, each passenger chair of the pair being individually operable by a passenger to adjust the position of the chair independently of the other pair of chairs, and the pair of chairs being operable in conjunction so that the positions of the pair of chairs can be adjusted simultaneously such that both chairs move in conjunction.

[0039] It should be noted that the arrangement described in the preceding paragraph is not limited to the passenger cabin of an aircraft equipped with a double-bed passenger compartment.

[0040] The arrangement described in the paragraph two paragraphs before this one provides flexibility regarding how a passenger wants to operate the chair. A pair of chairs can be operated separately, or for example, one passenger can operate both chairs so that they operate in conjunction to have the same inclination angle. This option of operating in conjunction means that for one pair of chairs, one passenger does not need to adjust them separately because they can adjust their own chair to match the angle of the other passenger's chair.

[0041] The angle adjustment of a pair of passenger chairs can be remotely controlled via a remote controller.

[0042] Preferably, the remote controller can independently adjust the angle of each passenger chair. The remote controller may be composed of a single controller. Alternatively, the remote controller may be composed of a plurality of controllers. The remote controller may be composed of a control panel mounted on the wall. The control panel may be arranged on the surrounding wall of the compartment. The remote controller may be composed of a hand-held controller. The hand-held controller may be a wireless unit.

[0043] The passenger chair has an inner armrest and an outer armrest, and at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest is height-adjustable.

[0044] In this specification, the terms "inner" and "outer" are understood to mean the position relative to the aisle. For example, the "outer armrest" refers to the armrest of each chair that is closer to the aisle adjacent to the compartment.

[0045] When the passenger chair is in the upright position, the inner armrest can be lowered to form a two-seater sofa configuration.

[0046] In this specification, the term "two-seater sofa configuration" is understood to mean something corresponding to a two-seater sofa formed by the chairs.

[0047] When the passenger chair is in the reclining position, the inner and outer armrests can be lowered to form a double bed configuration.

[0048] In this specification, the term "double bed configuration" is understood to mean something corresponding to a double bed formed by the chair.

[0049] At least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest can be electrically operated, for example, via an electric motor.

[0050] As another method, at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest can be pneumatically operated. This can be achieved by operating an air compressor or by controlling the release of compressed air from a storage tank to inflate an inflatable bladder such as a balloon or bag inside the armrest.

[0051] As another method, at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest can be hydraulically operated. This can be achieved by operating a pump that sends liquid into an inflatable bladder such as a balloon or bag inside the armrest.

[0052] The height of at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest may be adjustable via a remote controller.

[0053] At least one of the chairs is provided with a backrest consisting of a middle part and lateral wing parts rotatably attached to the middle part so that the curvature of the backrest can be adjusted.

[0054] The lateral wing parts can be inflated by operating an air compressor or by controlling the release of compressed air from a storage tank to inflate an inflatable bladder such as a balloon or bag inside the lateral wing parts.

[0055] Alternatively, a liquid may be injected into the inflatable bladder to inflate the bladder. In other words, the inflatable bladder can also be actuated by hydraulic pressure.

[0056] The above-described backrest arrangement is suitable for providing both a flat surface in the double bed configuration and a curved surface in the upright posture.

[0057] The passenger compartment may be composed of an ottoman provided with seats.

[0058] In this specification, the term "ottoman" is understood to typically mean a padded seat without a backrest or armrests, and also generally means a seat configured to define a storage space and hinged to form a lid for closing the storage space, but not necessarily so.

[0059] The ottoman and the chair may be configured to form a bed when the chair is in the bed configuration.

[0060] The ottoman may include a space for storing luggage.

[0061] This space may be provided below the ottoman seat.

[0062] The ottoman seat may be movable upward so as to access the storage space.

[0063] Normally, the ottoman is arranged separately from the chair and spaced in front of the chair. The ottoman seat can be lifted upward to expose the passenger luggage storage space under the seat. The passenger can access the storage space even while sitting on the chair with the safety belt fastened. This design maximizes the storage space and maintains an organized and minimalistic design.

[0064] The ottoman seat also functions as a "partner" seat, allowing one passenger to sit on the chair and the other to sit on the ottoman and face each other for a meal when the table is unfolded. When the privacy screen is stored, up to four passengers can enjoy a meal together.

[0065] The passenger compartment may be configured with a table that is movably connected to an arm protruding from the surrounding wall. Preferably, the table is slidable along a rail on the arm.

[0066] The feature of the table is that, in contrast to the floor and the chair, the table is connected to the surrounding wall. That is, when the table is folded, there are no obstacles that prevent passengers from walking within the compartment.

[0067] In one embodiment, the arm is telescopically movable.

[0068] The table may consist of several connected sections so that it can be folded from a compact table assembly into an extended table assembly.

[0069] The present invention also provides an aircraft including the pair of passenger seats arranged adjacent to each other.

[0070] The present invention also provides a passenger cabin of an aircraft having the following configuration. (a) At least two outer rows of passenger compartments on both sides of the passenger cabin of the aircraft, each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the passenger cabin of the aircraft, and the side wall of the aircraft forming part of each row of compartments (b) At least one inner row of two adjacent passenger compartments (c) At least two passageways extending in the longitudinal direction, enabling each compartment to be accessed via one of the passageways and separating the compartments in each row Each compartment includes a wall defining a compartment space and an entrance that enables access from one of the aisles to the compartment space. Each compartment includes at least a passenger chair configured such that the compartment functions as a chair and a bed, the wall along the aisle is a wall curved outward, and a region where a passenger can stand when the chair is in a bed configuration is formed between the chair and the entrance.

[0071] It should be noted that the arrangement in the preceding paragraph is not limited to the passenger cabin of an aircraft equipped with double-bed passenger compartments.

[0072] Each compartment may include a door that projects across the entrance and is movable between a closed position where the door closes the entrance and an open position where the door is separated from the entrance.

[0073] The entrances of the compartments facing the aisle may not be aligned because the entrances face the wall on the opposite side of the aisle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0074] The present invention will be further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] FIG. 1 is an overall layout view showing an example of a passenger cabin of an aircraft according to the present invention, including an embodiment of a passenger compartment according to the present invention. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0076] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the passenger compartment shown in FIG. 1 with the privacy screen in the deployed position.

[0077] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the passenger compartment shown in FIG. 1 with the privacy screen in the stowed position.

[0078] Figures 4A and 4B are external perspective views of the passenger compartment shown in FIG. 1 with the privacy screen partially deployed.

[0079] FIG. 5 is an internal view of the passenger compartment shown in FIG. 1 with the privacy screen in the stowed position.

[0080] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of the vehicle seat shown in FIG. 1 having a backrest with a flat surface formed thereon.

[0081] FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of the vehicle seat shown in FIG. 1 having a backrest with a curved surface formed thereon.

[0082] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the passenger compartment shown in FIG. 1 with the table in the stowed position.

[0083] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the passenger compartment of FIG. 1 with both tables deployed and in the folded position.

[0084] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the passenger compartment of FIG. 1 with both tables deployed and spread out.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer row of suite passenger compartments shown in FIG. 1 with the table deployed and spread out. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0086] FIG. 1 shows a passenger cabin 3 of an aircraft consisting of a plurality of passenger compartments 5 that define a multi-functional compartment space for passengers.

[0087] Compartment 5 is designed to be fully sealable so that passengers can maintain complete privacy.

[0088] Compartment 5 is designed, although not limited thereto, especially for long-haul flights, and passengers occupying the compartment can work, relax, or sleep.

[0089] The passenger compartment consists of the outer rows 11a, 11c outside Compartment 5 and the inner row 11b consisting of a double - bed compartment option formed by two adjacent Compartments 5. The Compartments 5 in each row are arranged at intervals in a direction extending in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, and each row is separated by a longitudinally extending passageway 51.

[0090] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the number of Compartments 5 shown in the figure, the number of rows 11a, 11b, 11c, and the number of passageways 51.

[0091] The Compartments 5 in each row 11a, 11b, 11c are accessible through the openings of the entrances 9 provided in the wall 7b (hereinafter referred to as the entrance wall 7b) that defines the passageway 51.

[0092] The entrance 9 is arranged in the center of the entrance wall 7b, dividing the wall 7b into two sections of equal size and being arranged one on each side of the wall 7b. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement of the centrally - located entrance.

[0093] The two outer rows 11a, 11c of Compartments 5 are arranged along the opposite side surfaces of the aircraft. The side wall 15 of the aircraft forms the outer side wall of Compartment 5. Each Compartment 5 in the outer rows 11a, 11c also includes a wall 7a extending inward from the side wall 15 of the aircraft. The wall 7a forms the end wall of Compartment 5. The entrance wall 7b extends from the end wall 7a and forms the inner side wall of Compartment 5. As a whole, the side wall 15 of the aircraft, the wall 7a, and the entrance wall 7b form the surrounding wall of each Compartment 5.

[0094] Each end wall 7a and the section of the entrance wall 7b extending in the opposite direction from the end wall 7a are basically in a T - shaped arrangement.

[0095] The inner row 11b of compartments 5 consists of a pair of compartments 5 arranged side by side. These compartments 5 have a curved front wall 7d, an access wall 7b, and an end wall 7a, which together form the peripheral wall of the compartment 5 as a whole. The access wall 7b curves outwardly towards the side wall 15 of the aircraft. Each pair of compartments 5 has an access opening 9 that opens into the aisle 51 on the opposite side of the inner row 11b. Due to the curved front wall 7d and the arcuate front wall 7d, the compartment 5 has an oval appearance in plan view.

[0096] It should be noted that the passenger cabin 3 of the aircraft may be composed of two or more inner rows 11b of a pair of compartments 5, and such a pair of compartments are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

[0097] The compartments 5 in the inner row 11b are the same as the compartments 5 in the outer rows 11a, 11c in terms of furniture and layout, but there are different table assemblies in the outer rows 11a, 11c (which will be described later in this specification).

[0098] The compartments 5 in the inner row 11b are separated by an upright privacy screen 7c that is horizontally movable between a deployed position within the compartment 5 and a stowed position within a cavity 6 (also referred to as a "slot" - see Figure 1 and other figures) outside the compartment 5 as described later, and the compartment 5 can be converted from separate single compartments 5 to an open double - bed compartment.

[0099] It should be noted that the present invention is also applicable to arrangements in which the compartment layouts of rows 11a, 11b, 11c are different from those shown in the figures.

[0100] The walls 7a, 7b, 7d are of any suitable height that can ensure the privacy of passengers within the compartment 5. For example, the walls 7a, 7b, 7d are 1.7 m in height.

[0101] The passageway 51 is formed as a curved passageway. The curved passageway affects the appearance of the entire passenger compartment. The curved passageway 51 is formed with the entrance / exit wall 7b as a convex wall as viewed from the passageway 51, and the position of the compartment 5 is shifted so that the entrances 9 of the compartments 5 on the opposite side of the passageway 51 are not aligned.

[0102] The compartments 5 in rows 11a, 11b, and 11c are shifted along the length of the passageway 51 such that the entrances 9 of the compartments on one side of the passageway 51 face the entrance / exit wall 7b on the other side of the passageway 51, and vice versa.

[0103] As described above, forming the entrance / exit wall 7b as a curved wall as viewed from the passageway 51 means that there is additional space in these parts of the compartment 5, as will be further explained below. This is an advantage in that the available space within the compartment 5 can be utilized more efficiently.

[0104] Each compartment 5 is composed of a sliding door assembly for closing the entrance 9. The sliding door assembly of each compartment 5 consists of a door 8 that is attached so as to slide between a retracted position where the door 8 is located within a frame (not shown) of the entrance / exit wall 7b and a closed position where it extends across the entrance 9 to close the compartment 5. In the closed position, the door 8 and the entrance / exit wall 7b are curved outwardly of their respective passageways 51. By curving the door 8 outwardly, additional space is created within the compartment 5. This additional space is useful because when the door is closed and the chair 31 is reclined into a bed configuration (further explained below), there is space between the bed and the closed door 8, allowing passengers to stand beside the bed configuration or place their feet comfortably.

[0105] Each door 8 is provided with fixed louvers.

[0106] Each passenger compartment 5 houses various furniture items that passengers require, especially for long - distance flights.

[0107] This furniture is composed of the above-mentioned chair 31, ottoman 36 with a seat, and table assembly 38 arranged in the compartment 5.

[0108] This furniture is interactively designed and arranged so that various functional configurations required by passengers, especially for long-haul flights, can be selectively arranged.

[0109] The chair 31 is located on one side of the entrance / exit, arranged facing the end wall 7a on one side of the entrance / exit 9. The ottoman 36 is located on the other side of the entrance / exit 9. The table assembly 38 is housed in the end wall 7a adjacent to the ottoman 36 and is movable between a storage position where the table is housed in the cavity of the end wall 7a and an operating position where the table assembly 38 extends horizontally in the space between the chair 31 and the ottoman 36. The table assembly 38 is arranged adjacent to the side wall 15 of the aircraft in the case of the outer rows 11a and 11c of the compartment 5. The table assembly 38 is arranged adjacent to the front wall 7d on one side of the entrance / exit 9 in the case of the inner row 11b of the compartment 5.

[0110] The ottoman 36 has a space for storing luggage under the seat of the ottoman 36. When the seat is lifted up, the luggage stored in that space can be visually recognized.

[0111] The chair 31 is multifunctional. Specifically, the chair 31 is foldable between an upright position suitable for a person to sit on the chair 31 and a fully reclined position where the chair 31 forms a bed. Note that the chair 31 is adjustable to any position between the upright position and the fully reclined position.

[0112] In one embodiment, the ottoman 36 can be provided alongside the end of the bed to extend the length of the bed. In this regard, the ottoman 36 has a top surface at the same height as the upper surface of the bed to provide a flat surface for lying down.

[0113] Figures 2 to 4 are internal views of a pair of compartments 5 of the internal row 11b.

[0114] In Figure 2, the pair of compartments 5 are separated by an upright privacy screen 7c consisting of three independently movable, i.e., individual upright panels 53, which are in the above-described deployed position within the compartments 5. In this position, the panels 53 form a continuous privacy screen 7c that separates the pair of compartments 5 as shown in the figure. In other words, in this position, the panels 53 are arranged end-to-end, i.e., such that the side edges 55 of adjacent panels are in contact, and each panel 53 occupies a part of the common wall between the compartments 5. Each panel 53 extends, for example, 1.7 m over the entire height of the surrounding wall. The privacy screen 7c prevents access across the compartments 5 such that passengers in the pair of compartments 5 cannot see each other when the privacy screen 7c is in the deployed position. The privacy screen 7c also functions as a soundproof wall when the privacy screen 7c is in the deployed position. In this regard, the privacy screen 7c may include sound-absorbing materials to further attenuate noise transmitted between the compartments.

[0115] As described above, the upright privacy screen 7c can be moved from the deployed position within the compartments 5 to a stowed position outside the compartments 5, and the compartments 5 can be converted from separate single compartments to a large double-bed compartment. In the configuration of the double-bed compartment, the privacy screen 7c does not restrict movement within the large double-bed compartment.

[0116] The panel 53 of the privacy screen 7c is horizontally movable independently of each other between a deployed position (the position shown in FIG. 2) and a stored position (see FIG. 2 etc.) in the cavity 6 via an electric drive system (not shown). In the stored position, the panels 53 are in an overlapping arrangement, i.e., the panels 53 are arranged side by side and the surface of one panel 53 faces the surface of an adjacent panel 53 with which it overlaps.

[0117] Figures 4A and 4B show the privacy screen 7c in two partially deployed configurations. These partially deployed configurations provide a certain level of privacy to the passengers in the opposing compartments. For example, in FIG. 4A, the passengers in one compartment 5 are blocked from seeing below the waists of the passengers in the other compartment 5. In FIG. 4B, the passengers in one compartment 5 can visually confirm the passengers in the other compartment 5, but are blocked from seeing the screen disposed on the front wall of the compartment 5.

[0118] Figures 3 and 5 show the compartment 5 with the privacy screen 7c in a storage position within the cavity 6, which is part of the end wall 7a located behind the chair 31.

[0119] The cavity 6 is, for example, an elongated slot (hereinafter referred to as slot 6) extending over the entire height of a 1.7 m passenger compartment. The depth of the slot 6 is determined by the depth of the panels forming the privacy screen 7c. In other words, the slot 6 must have a depth sufficient to accommodate a single panel without the panel protruding from the slot 6. The width of the slot 6 is determined by the maximum thickness of the panel located closest to the slot 6. Preferably, each panel of the privacy screen 7c has the same thickness.

[0120] However, it is also assumed that the thickness of the panel becomes smaller for the panel farther from slot 6 than for the panel closer to the slot when the privacy screen is in the deployed position. For example, the terminal panel located farthest from slot 6 in the deployed position may have the smallest thickness. In some forms (not shown) of the privacy screen 7c, due to the change in thickness, the panels of the privacy screen 7c expand and contract with each other when stored in the storage position. Therefore, each panel except the terminal panel needs to have a thickness large enough to accommodate the adjacent panel.

[0121] The privacy screen 7c moves along a pair of rails 10 via an electric drive system (not shown) and moves between the pair of rails 10. The pair of rails 10 is located at the height of the passenger compartment (i.e., 1.7 m) and extends between the passenger chairs 31.

[0122] The privacy screen 7c is electrically operated via a remote controller. The remote controller may be a handheld remote controller or a control panel mounted on the wall.

[0123] Figures 6A and 6B are explanatory views of the chair 31 used in each passenger compartment 5. The chair 31 can be rotatably adjusted between an upright position (shown in Figures 6A and 6B), a fully reclined position (not shown), and any suitable position therebetween. In the reclined position, the chair 31 becomes a bed suitable for the passenger to lie on their side.

[0124] The adjacent passenger seats 31 are rotatably connected so that when the angle of one passenger seat 31 is adjusted, the angle of the other passenger seat 31 is also adjusted simultaneously. When the adjacent passenger seats 31 are operated in tandem, as described above, the passenger's partner can adjust the angles of both passenger seats 31 simultaneously. With this configuration, the passenger's partner does not need to carefully adjust their own seat 31 to match the angle of the partner's seat 31.

[0125] The angle adjustment of the passenger seat 31 is remotely controlled via a remote controller. The remote controller may have a secondary operation mode in which the angles of each passenger seat 31 can be adjusted independently. This remote controller is preferably the same remote controller used for operating the privacy screen 7c. However, the remote controller may be made a separate remote controller.

[0126] For safety reasons, it is desirable that the cabin crew can access the remote controller and select whether to operate the seat 31 in either the tandem or independent operation mode. The seat 31 must be in an upright position during takeoff and landing. Therefore, the cabin crew may want to disable the control of the seat 31 and return all or part of the seat 31 to the upright position.

[0127] Each passenger seat 31 is provided with a pair of armrests 32. The armrests 32 are electrically operated and can adjust the height of each armrest. When the pair of passenger seats 31 are in the upright position, the armrest located between the seats (the inner armrest) can be lowered to form a configuration corresponding to a "two-seater sofa" from the adjacent pair of seats. When the pair of seats are in the reclining position, the armrest closest to the privacy screen 7c (the outer armrest) can be lowered to form a configuration corresponding to a "double bed" from the adjacent pair of seats.

[0128] At least one height of the armrest 32 is adjustable via a remote controller. This remote controller is preferably the same remote controller used to operate the angle of the chair. However, it is also conceivable that the remote controller is a different remote controller.

[0129] Each chair 31 includes a seat 33, a backrest 34, and a legrest 35.

[0130] The backrest 34 consists of an intermediate portion 34a and side wings 34b rotatably connected to the intermediate portion. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the curvature of the backrest can be adjusted by the side wings 34b. It is desirable to provide a flat surface when the chair 31 is in the "double bed" configuration and a curved surface when the chair 31 is in the upright position.

[0131] Each chair 31 also has a legrest 35 rotatably connected to the base of the chair 31. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the chair 31 is in the upright position, the legrest 35 is substantially perpendicular to the base of the chair 31 and is housed under the passenger's legs. However, when the chair 31 is in the reclining position, the upper surface of the legrest 35 is at the same height as the seat 33 and the backrest 34.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, each of the compartments 5 in the inner row 11b has a table assembly 38 connected to the arm 39 via a bracket 40.

[0133] The arm 39 has a proximal end connected to the front wall 7d and a distal end connected to the bracket 40. The arm 39 is telescopic in a first direction along a first axis extending between adjacent seats.

[0134] The arm 39 extends from the end wall 7a rather than from the floor. With this configuration, when the table assembly 38 is in the storage configuration, obstacles that pose a tripping hazard to passengers crossing the floor can be minimized.

[0135] Bracket 40 consists of a bottom fixedly connected to the distal end of arm 39, and bracket 40 is adapted to move with arm 39 when arm 39 extends in a first direction along a first axis.

[0136] Table assembly 38 is a folding table consisting of two table leaves 38a, 38b hinged to each other, and the leaves are pivotally movable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

[0137] As seen in FIG. 7A, a part of the front wall 7d in front of the chair 31 is composed of an elongated slot extending horizontally that defines a storage pocket 31. Storage pocket 41 is sized such that in the storage configuration, table assembly 38 can be fully received within storage pocket 41.

[0138] In the arranged configuration, table assembly 38 is configured to support meals and other items.

[0139] Table assembly 38 can be electrically shifted from the storage configuration to the deployed configuration via a remote controller. Alternatively, table assembly 38 can also be manually shifted from the storage configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0140] To move table assembly 38, extend bracket 40 in a first direction along the first axis and position table assembly 38 between chair 31 and ottoman 36, resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 7B. Next, one of table leaves 38a, 38b can be rotated about the second axis to deploy table assembly 38, resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 7C.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 8, each compartment 5 of the outer rows 11a, 11c includes a table assembly 41 that consists of a table 42 having two table leaves 42a, 42b that are hinged to each other. The table 42 is connected to an arm 43 that is slidably attached to a bracket 44. The bracket 44 is attached along the side wall 15 of the aircraft. To stow the table assembly 41, the passenger folds the table leaves 42a, 42b and slides the table assembly 41 forward toward a storage pocket in front of the seat 31 within the compartment.

[0142] With this configuration, when the table assembly 41 is in the stowed state, obstacles that could pose a tripping hazard to passengers walking on the floor can be minimized.

[0143] From the above, the passenger cabin of the aircraft according to the present invention optimizes the use of space, enhances the luxurious experience, and minimizes the risks of travel within the passenger cabin.

[0144] In the following claims and the foregoing description of the invention, unless the context requires otherwise by express statement or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense. That is, it is used to specify the presence of the recited features but not to exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0145] It should be understood that when prior art documents are referred to in this specification, such reference does not admit that the document forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. A passenger cabin of an aircraft comprising a plurality of passenger compartments including at least one double-bed passenger compartment, wherein the double-bed passenger compartment is defined by a peripheral wall having two openings enabling access to the double-bed compartment, and two passenger seats arranged side by side adjacent to each other, The upright privacy screen is, (a) a storage position in which the privacy screen is stored at least substantially outside the double-bed compartment so that the movement of a passenger within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen; and (b) a deployed position in which the privacy screen is within the double-bed compartment between the passenger seats and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, and is movable between the two positions, The privacy screen forms a common wall between the individual compartments, Each individual compartment is accessible through one of the openings.

2. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall has a cavity for storing the privacy screen in the storage position.

3. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to claim 2, wherein the cavity is arranged behind the passenger seats.

4. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the privacy screen consists of a plurality of upright panels and is movable independently of each other between the storage position and the deployed position.

5. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the privacy screen extends to the height of the peripheral wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

6. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger compartment has at least one rail for supporting and guiding the privacy screen moving between the storage position and the deployed position between the passenger seats.

7. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to claim 6, wherein the at least one rail has an upper rail arranged at the height of the peripheral wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

8. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the privacy screen is an electrically operable privacy screen.

9. A double-bed passenger compartment for an aircraft, the double bed passenger compartment being defined by a peripheral wall having two openings allowing access to the double bed compartment and comprising two passenger seats arranged adjacent to each other side by side; Upright privacy screens are (a) a stowed position in which the privacy screen is stored at least substantially outside the double bed compartment such that movement of passengers within the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen, and (b) a deployed position in which the privacy screen is within the double bed compartment between the passenger chairs and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments; the privacy screen forms a common wall between the individual compartments; Each individual compartment is accessible through one of the openings.

10. 1. An aircraft cabin comprising a plurality of passenger chairs including at least one pair of passenger chairs arranged adjacent to one another, each of the pair of passenger chairs is adjustable between an upright position and a reclined position; each of the pair of passenger chairs is separately operable by a passenger to adjust a position of the chair independently of the other chair of the pair; The pair of chairs are operable together and the positions of the pair of chairs can be adjusted simultaneously, so that both chairs can be moved in unison to the same inclination angle.

11. 11. The aircraft cabin according to claim 10, wherein the angle adjustment of the passenger seats can be remotely controlled via a remote controller.

12. 12. The aircraft cabin of claim 11, wherein the remote controller is capable of individually adjusting the angle of the pair of passenger chairs.

13. 13. An aircraft cabin as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each passenger chair comprises an inboard armrest and an outboard armrest, and at least one of the inboard armrest and the outboard armrest is height adjustable.

14. 14. The aircraft cabin of claim 13, wherein when the passenger chair is in an upright position, the inner armrests are lowered to form a loveseat configuration.

15. 15. The aircraft cabin of claim 14, wherein when the passenger chair is in a reclined position, the inboard armrest and the outboard armrest are lowered to form a double bed configuration.

16. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest is electric.

17. The cabin of an aircraft according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the height of at least one of the inner armrest and the outer armrest can be adjusted by the remote controller.

18. The cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the chairs includes a backrest composed of an intermediate portion and side wings rotatably connected to the intermediate portion so that the curvature of the backrest can be adjusted.

19. The cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an ottoman supported by the floor.

20. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 17, wherein the ottoman has a space for storing luggage.

21. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 18, wherein the storage space is below the ottoman seat, and the ottoman seat is a hinged seat, and when lifted, the luggage stored in the storage space can be seen.

22. The cabin of an aircraft according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a table movably connected to an arm protruding from the surrounding wall.

23. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 22, wherein the arm is telescopic.

24. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the table is foldable.

25. The cabin of an aircraft has the following configuration. (a) At least two outer rows of passenger compartments on both sides of the cabin of the aircraft, each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the cabin of the aircraft, and the side walls of the aircraft forming part of each row of compartments (b) At least one inner row of two adjacent passenger compartments (c) At least two passages extending in the longitudinal direction, enabling each compartment to be accessed via one of the passages and separating the compartments of each row (d) Each compartment includes a wall defining a compartment space and an entrance enabling access from one of the passages to the compartment space. Each compartment is provided with at least a passenger chair configured to function as a chair and a bed, the wall along the passage is a wall curved outward, and a region where a passenger can stand is formed between the chair and the entrance when the chair is in the bed configuration.

26. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to claim 25, wherein each compartment comprises a door movable between a closed position closing across the access opening and an open position away from the access opening.

27. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the access openings of the compartments on the opposite surfaces of the passageway are not aligned because the access openings face the access opening walls on the opposite side of the passageway.

28. An aircraft comprising the passenger cabin of an aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 27.

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