Fixture with a device for rotatably deploying a movable element

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a fixture (30) for an aircraft seat, comprising: a frame (31), a movable element (26), a pivot connection (34) for rotating the movable element (26) relative to the frame (31) between a stowed position and a deployed position, a locking finger (38), a cam (43) with a locking recess (44), and a resilient member (40) for biasing the locking finger (38) under tension into the locking recess (44) when the movable element (26) is in the stowed position. By pressing on the movable element (26), the resilient member (40) rotates the movable element (26) and releases the locking finger (38) from the locking recess (44), allowing the movable element (26) to rotate in a second rotational direction towards the deployed position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture item comprising a device for rotatably deploying a movable element, the invention having particular, but not exclusive, application to meal tray tables installed in "business class" and "first class" type aircraft seat units. [Background technology]

[0002] In a manner known per se, a "push-pull" type deployment system makes it possible to easily open a movable element of an appliance, such as a drawer, an appliance door, or a shelf. For this purpose, the user exerts a pressing force on the movable element, activating an elastic member that pushes the movable element away from its closed position. The user can then pull the movable element towards its open position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, existing devices are bulky and generally operate according to translational kinematics. Therefore, there is a need for a push-pull type deployment system for a rotating, moving element.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to efficiently meet this need by proposing a fixture, in particular for aircraft seats, comprising a frame, a movable element, and a pivot connection between the movable element and the frame for rotating the movable element relative to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position, the fixture further comprising a locking finger, a cam having a locking recess, and a resilient member, the resilient member being under tension and biasing the locking finger into the locking recess when the movable element is in the stowed position, such that pressing the movable element causes it to rotate in a first rotational direction, and releasing the locking finger from the locking recess by the resilient member causes it to rotate in a second rotational direction towards the deployed position, the first and second rotational directions being opposite to each other.

[0005] The invention makes it possible to integrate a system for deploying a "push-pull" type mobile element around a pivot connection. The invention is simple and robust to implement, since different functional shapes can be machined into the mobile element. The invention also has an aesthetic feature, in that the push-pull system is not visible to the user from the outside of the fixture.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixture comprises a return spring that can be compressed when pressing against the movable element and then decompressed to eject the movable element from the frame.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, said fixture comprises a spring blade for cooperating with a limit stop when said mobile element is in said deployed position.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the limit stopper is composed of a protrusion that constitutes a hard point and a portion for receiving the spring blade.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the limit stop has an S-shape.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mobile element integrates the cam and the limit stop, so that the mobile element, the cam and the limit stop form one piece.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the limit stop and the locking recess of the cam is approximately 270 degrees.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cam comprises at least one lateral slope for guiding the locking finger towards the locking recess while compressing the elastic member when the movable element moves from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movable element is a tray table.

[0014] The invention also relates to an aircraft seat unit including a piece of furniture as defined above.

[0015] The invention will be better understood, and other features and advantages will appear, on reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of example only and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and which will serve to complete the understanding of the invention and the description of its implementation, and ultimately contribute to its definition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a seat unit having a tray table according to the present invention;

[0017] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray table according to the present invention in a stowed position.

[0018] [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of the internal structure of a frame including a tray table according to the present invention; FIG.

[0019] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the positioning of the locking fingers within the locking recesses of the cam when the tray table is in the stowed position.

[0020] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the relative positioning of the locking fingers to the limit stops of the tray table according to the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 6] 10 is a side view illustrating the release of the locking finger from the locking recess of the cam after applying a pressing force to the tray table according to the present invention. FIG.

[0022] [Figure 7]10 is a perspective view showing the positioning of the tray table according to the present invention after ejection by a return spring. FIG.

[0023] [Figure 8] 10 is a side view showing the trajectory of the locking finger when the tray table is ejected by the return spring according to the present invention. FIG.

[0024] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray table according to the present invention in an extended position.

[0025] [Figure 10a] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view showing the positioning of the stop blade at the hard point of the limit stop.

[0026] [Figure 10b] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view showing the positioning of the stop blade at the hard point of the limit stop.

[0027] [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view showing the trajectory of the locking finger along the slope of the locking cam when the tray table moves from the deployed position to the stowed position so as to apply tension to the elastic member. FIG.

[0028] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the guidance of the locking finger toward the locking recess of the cam as the tray table moves from the deployed position to the stowed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] It should be noted that structural and / or functional elements that are common to different embodiments have the same reference numerals, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, such elements have the same structural, dimensional and material characteristics.

[0030] Furthermore, in the remainder of this specification, relative terms of the type "bottom," "top," "left," "right," "horizontal," and "vertical" are understood with reference to the ordinary meaning that a passenger in a seat with which the fixture according to the invention is associated would give them.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a seat unit 10 comprising a seat 12 associated with a side console 13 extending along one side of the seat 12 .

[0032] More specifically, the seat 12 comprises a seat pan 12.1 and a backrest 12.2. The seat 12 has an extension axis X1 defined by the intersection of the horizontal plane of the seat 12 and a vertical central plane corresponding to the plane of symmetry of the seat 12. The extension axis X1 of the seat 12 may form a non-zero angle with respect to a direction parallel to or coincident with the central axis X2 of the aircraft. In this case, the seat 12 is rotated in the direction of the axis X2. Alternatively, the seat 12 may be rotated in the direction opposite to the axis X2 or extend parallel to the axis X2.

[0033] The seat 12 advantageously includes a movement mechanism that enables it to be moved between a "sitting" position, in which the seat 12 is configured to define a seating position for a passenger, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat pan 12.1 and backrest 12.2 advantageously define a substantially horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger. Intermediate comfort positions are also proposed, such as a "relaxed" position, in which the backrest of the seat 12 is strongly inclined.

[0034] The privacy shell 14 extends at least partially around the periphery of the seat 12 to define a space around the passenger. The privacy shell 14 may be made of, for example, a composite material. This configuration ensures privacy for the passenger within the seat 12.

[0035] A multimedia system or IFE (for "in-flight entertainment system") video screen 16 may be mounted at the rear of the privacy shell 14 for use by rear seat passengers.

[0036] The console 13 may include an upper wall 17 forming a table on which passengers can place items, and a storage space 18 including one or more of the following: a literature pocket, a bottle holder, and a minibar. The selection of storage equipment is configurable according to the airline's preferences. The console 13 may also include a reading light 19 facing the seat 12.

[0037] A cavity 21 is located below the upper wall 17. The cavity 21 opens laterally towards the seat 12. Furthermore, a horizontal surface 22 of the console 13 has, in particular, an armrest function. For this purpose, the horizontal surface 22 can locally have a curved cuff shape 23 that corresponds to the shape of part of the passenger's arm.

[0038] The console 13 also includes a control unit 25 (called "PCU" for "Passenger Control Unit") for the seat 12 and its additional components. The control unit 25 allows, among other things, the passenger to select the position of the seat 12 as well as to control additional components such as a video system, a heating system, a lighting atmosphere system or any other additional components that may be integrated into the seat 12.

[0039] To allow the passenger to recline, the console 13 may include a hollow space 27 in which an ottoman 28 is placed, as shown in partial perspective in Figure 1. The ottoman 28 includes a horizontal surface that forms a footrest on which the rear passenger can place their feet when the seat 12 is in the "recline" position.

[0040] The seat unit 10 also includes a tray table 26 that the passenger can use to place, among other items, a meal tray, a drink, a computer, or any type of personal item that the passenger wishes to have available during the journey.

[0041] As can be seen in Figure 2, tray table 26 resides in fixture 30 which includes a frame 31 which defines a housing 33. As shown in Figure 3, a pivot connection 34 about axis X3 is disposed between tray table 26 and frame 31. Pivot connection 34 allows tray table 26 to rotate relative to frame 31 between a stowed position in which tray table 26 is inside housing 33 within frame 31 and a deployed position in which tray table 26 is outside housing 33 within frame 31, as shown in Figure 9.

[0042] The tray table 26 extends in a horizontal plane. The tray table 26 includes a handle 36 that protrudes from the body of the tray table 26. As described below, the handle 36 can be grasped by a passenger after the tray table 26 is ejected to move the tray table 26 to the deployed position.

[0043] 3, 5, and 6, an arm 37 fixed to the frame 31 has a locking finger 38. The locking finger 38 is formed by a stud protruding from one end of the arm 37. The locking finger 38 extends in the horizontal longitudinal direction. The arm 37 has at least a portion formed by a resilient member 40. The resilient member 40 may be formed, for example, by one or more overlapping flexible metal blades.

[0044] Cam 43, clearly shown in FIG. 4, is provided with locking recesses 44 for receiving locking fingers 38 when tray table 26 is in the stowed position. Indeed, as will be explained in more detail below, resilient member 40, under tension, biases locking fingers 38 into locking recesses 44 when tray table 26 is in the stowed position. Locking recess 44 has a shape complementary to that of locking fingers 38. In side view, locking recess 44 has, for example, an arcuate shape. Other shapes for locking recess 44 that match the shape of locking fingers 38 are also contemplated.

[0045] The cam 43 has a rounded tip 47 at one end. The locking recess 44 is located on the opposite side of the rounded tip 47.

[0046] The cam 43 further includes an upper lateral bevel 48 and a lower lateral bevel 49. Each lateral bevel 48, 49 extends between the rounded tip 47 and the locking recess 44. The two lateral bevels 48, 49 form a non-zero angle with respect to each other.

[0047] The upper lateral slope 48 is intended to guide the locking finger 38 toward the locking recess 44 while applying tension to the elastic member 40 when the tray table 26 moves from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0048] The cam 43 may be associated with a guide stop 45. The guide stop 45 is intended to ensure that the locking finger 38 engages with the locking recess 44 during vertical movement of the locking finger 38. The guide stop 45 guides the locking finger 38 laterally toward the locking recess 44 during this vertical movement. The guide stop 45 may have a chamfered surface that facilitates guiding the locking finger 38 toward the locking recess 44.

[0049] 5, 10a and 10b, the spring blade 50 is intended to cooperate with a limit stop 51 when the tray table 26 is in the extended position. The spring blade 50 is fixed relative to the frame 31. The spring blade 50 preferably has a U-shape. The limit stop 51 is mechanically connected to the tray table 26.

[0050] More specifically, the limit stop 51 includes a protrusion 53 that forms a hard point and a receiving portion 54 for the spring blade 50. The receiving portion 54 has a shape complementary to that of the spring blade 50. The hard point 53 is close to the extended position of the tray table 26 and corresponds to a region where extending the tray table 26 requires more force from the passenger than the remainder of the extension movement from the stowed position to the extended position. For this purpose, the protrusion 53 of the limit stop 51 is configured to deform the spring blade 50 before the spring blade 50 slides into the receiving portion 54. The limit stop 51 has an S-shape, with the curved portion of the S forming the hard point 53 and the hollow portion of the S forming the receiving portion 54 for the spring blade 50.

[0051] Advantageously, tray table 26 integrates cam 43 and limit stop 51 such that tray table 26, cam 43, and limit stop 51 form a single part. Cam 43 and limit stop 51 may be integrally molded with tray table 26. Tray table 26 may be made, for example, from a plastic material or a composite material.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5 , the angle A1 between the limit stop 51 and the locking recess 44 of the cam 43 corresponds to the deployment angle of the tray table 26. The angle A1 is measured in the second rotational direction R2. The angle A1 is measured counterclockwise from the locking recess 44 in a top view. In this case, the angle A1 is approximately 270 degrees. Here, "approximately" refers to a possible variation of plus or minus 10% from the indicated value. Alternatively, the angle A1 may be approximately 90 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, or another angle suitable for use to enable deployment of the tray table 26. Preferably, the limit stop 51 and the locking finger 38 are arranged along the same circumference relative to the axis X3 of the pivot connection 34.

[0053] A return spring 56 shown in Figures 3, 7 and 9 is fixed to the frame 31. The return spring 56 is compressed when pressing against the tray table 26, and then the pressure is released, causing the tray table 26 to be ejected from the frame 31. The return spring 56 has the shape of a curved blade.

[0054] The operation of the "push-pull" system for moving the tray table 26 from the stowed position to the deployed position is now described.

[0055] When the tray table 26 is in the storage position inside the housing 33 in the frame 31, the resilient member 40 under tension biases the locking finger 38 into the locking recess 44 (see FIG. 4). The spring blade 50 is in a free state, i.e., disengaged from the limit stop 51, as shown in FIG.

[0056] When a user presses on tray table 26 to move it to the deployed position, tray table 26 rotates in a first rotational direction R1 about axis X3 within frame 31. To enable this rotation, frame 31 may include clearance 57 (see FIG. 3 ) through which handle 36 moves when a force is applied along arrow F1 toward inner housing 33 within frame 31.

[0057] The locking finger 38 is then released from the locking recess 44 by the resilient member 40 exerting a downward force from the locking recess 44 along arrow F2, as shown in Figure 6. The return spring 56 is also compressed, exerting a force toward the outside of the housing 33 within the frame 31.

[0058] When the user releases the force applied to the tray table 26, the tray table 26 is ejected outward from the housing 33 due to decompression of the return spring 56, as shown in Figure 7. During this ejection, the tray table 26 rotates in a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1 about the axis of the pivot connection 34. The locking finger 38 moves along the lower lateral slope 49 of the cam 43, following the path of the arrow F3 shown in Figure 8.

[0059] By pulling the handle 36, the user can continue to rotate the tray table 26 in the second rotation direction R2 to the deployed position. In this manner, the user can manually rotate the tray table 26 to the hard point 53. The spring blade 50 deforms at the hard point 53, as shown in FIG. 10a, and then slides on the limit stop 51 until it cooperates with the receiving portion 54 of the limit stop 51, as shown in FIG. 10b. The tray table 26 is then deployed to the deployed position as shown in FIG. 9.

[0060] To return tray table 26 to the storage position, the user pulls handle 36 to deform spring blade 50, causing spring blade 50 to move out of receptacle 54 and through hardpoint 53. The user can then manually rotate tray table 26 into housing 33 in a first rotational direction R1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 11, the locking finger 38 contacts the cam 43 with its rounded tip 47. The locking finger 38 then rises along the upper lateral slope 48 of the cam 43 (see arrow F4), which has the effect of bending and thus tensioning the elastic member 40. Under the action of the tensioned elastic member 40, the locking finger 38 is subjected to a downward vertical force in the direction of the locking recess 44. When the locking finger 38 contacts the guide stopper 45, the guide stopper 45 guides the locking finger 38 laterally, and the locking finger 38 is inserted into the locking recess 44, as shown in Figure 12.

[0062] The tray table 26 is then stored in the storage position, and the return spring 56 is slightly compressed.

[0063] The present invention has been described with respect to an airplane seat tray table 26. However, the above-described apparatus for deploying the tray table 26, including the "locking finger 38-cam 43-resilient member 40" assembly, can be successfully incorporated into any item of furniture that includes a rotating, movable element, such as a furniture door or rotating shelf.

[0064] Of course, different features, variants and / or embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, unless they are mutually exclusive or incompatible.

[0065] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which are provided by way of example only, and encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that those skilled in the art may envision in the context of the present invention, and in particular any combination of the above-described various operating modes may be employed, either separately or in combination.

Claims

1. A fixture (30), in particular for an aircraft seat, comprising: A frame (31); a movable element (26); a pivot connection (34) between the movable element (26) and the frame (31) for rotating the movable element (26) relative to the frame (31) between a stowed position and a deployed position; The fixture (30) further comprises: an arm (37) fixed to said frame (31), said arm (37) having a locking finger (38); a cam (43) having a locking recess (44); the arm (37) comprises at least one portion constituted by a resilient member (40), the resilient member being under tension to bias the locking finger (38) into the locking recess (44) when the movable element (26) is in the retracted position; Pressing the movable element (26) causes the movable element (26) to rotate in a first rotational direction (R1), and releasing the locking finger (38) from the locking recess (44) by the elastic member (40) causes the movable element (26) to rotate in a second rotational direction (R2) towards the deployed position; The first rotation direction (R1) and the second rotation direction (R2) are opposite to each other.

2. 2. The fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a return spring (56) which is compressed when pressing the movable element (26) and can then be decompressed to eject the movable element (26) from the frame (31).

3. 3. Fitment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a spring blade (50) for cooperating with a limit stop (51) when the mobile element (26) is in the deployed position.

4. 4. The fixture according to claim 3, wherein the limit stop (51) comprises a protrusion (53) constituting a hard point and a receiving portion (54) for the spring blade (50).

5. 5. Fitment according to claim 4, characterized in that the limit stop (51) has an S-shape.

6. 6. Fitting according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the movable element (26) integrates the cam (43) and the limit stop (51), and the movable element (26), the cam (43) and the limit stop (51) form one piece.

7. 7. Fitment according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the angle (A1) between the limit stop (51) and the locking recess (44) of the cam (43) is approximately 270 degrees.

8. 8. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the cam (43) comprises at least one lateral slope (48) for guiding the locking finger (38) towards the locking recess (44) while compressing the elastic member (40) when the movable element (26) passes from the deployed position to the retracted position.

9. 9. An item according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the movable element (26) is a tray table (26).

10. An aircraft seat unit comprising a fixture (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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