Seat with headrest storage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat. The seat includes a seat surface, a backrest (15), and a headrest (17) movable relative to the backrest (15). The backrest (15) is rotatable relative to the seat (13) and translatable relative to at least one support column (22) of the seat structure when the seat (11) moves between a sitting position and a reclining position. The storage device (30) for the headrest (17) includes a return member (31) disposed between the backrest (15) and the support column (22) and a cable (32) mechanically connected to the headrest (17). The storage device (30) is configured to allow the return member (31) to freely move between the sitting position and a predetermined intermediate position. The return member (31) is configured to move parallel to the support column (22) when the backrest (15) moves parallel to the support column.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat with a retractable device for a headrest. The invention finds particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application in "business class" and "first class" type seat units in aircraft cabins. The invention can also be implemented in seats installed in other vehicles, in particular automobiles and ships. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, such seat units consist of a seat with a privacy shell that is at least partially contiguous with the seat to provide a semi-enclosed space around the passenger, thereby ensuring the passenger's privacy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The seat offers passengers a variety of comfort positions, from a "sitting position" to a "lying position," in which the seat pan and backrest form a substantially horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie on. Intermediate comfort positions are also available, such as a "reclined position" in which the backrest is tilted farther back. Typically, these intermediate positions are achieved by tilting the swivel seat back about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of extension of the seat.

[0004] The seat back is fitted with a headrest that can move parallel to the backrest and can be moved between a deployed and a stowed position. This allows the occupant to adjust the height of the headrest depending on the position of their head on the seat. When the seat is moved towards the reclining position, the headrest in the deployed position may interfere with the privacy shell. This could result in damage to the headrest, especially if the headrest is equipped with a speaker and the speaker's electronics must be protected from impacts around the seat.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a seat that effectively overcomes this drawback. The seat includes a seat pan, a backrest, and a storage device. The backrest has a headrest that is movable relative to the backrest. The backrest is rotatable relative to the seat pan and translatable relative to at least one support column (longitudinal frame) of the seat structure as the seat moves between the sitting and reclining positions. The storage device includes a return member disposed between the seat back and the support post, and a cable mechanically connected to the headrest. The storage device is configured such that the return member allows dead travel between the seat position and a predetermined intermediate position, whereby relative translational movement between the backrest and the support column causes the return member to generate a traction force on the cable, and stores the headrest at the end of the dead travel in a storage space in the backrest between the intermediate position and the reclining position of the seat.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention allows the headrest to be moved away from the privacy shell of the seat when the seat moves from the sitting position to the lying position due to the presence of the headrest storage device, thus avoiding the risk of interference between the headrest and the privacy shell.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the return member includes a cable guide associated with a cable stopper fixed to a first end of the cable, the cable having an overtravel corresponding to the free run between the cable guide and the cable stopper, such that at the end of the free run, the cable stopper abuts against the cable guide, generating a pulling force on the cable that causes the headrest to retract.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the cable is mechanically coupled to a carriage fixed to the headrest, the carriage being slidable within a channel in the seat back between a high position corresponding to the retracted position of the headrest and a low position.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one return spring is mounted between the carriage and the backrest.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two return springs are installed between the carriage and the backrest to avoid the struts.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a travel limit spring is attached between the support column and the cable guide to absorb the travel limit of the backrest until the backrest reaches the reclining position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of the travel limit spring is greater than the equivalent stiffness of the return spring.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cable guide is mechanically coupled to a piston that is slidable within a guide support that is fixed to a vertical column.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve secured to the cable guide is provided to cover the cable overtravel.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, the return member is a pinion mechanically connected to the backrest and arranged to cooperate with a rack fixed to the support post, the pinion being connected to a pulley which is mechanically connected to a cable, the pinion carrying a slidable stud in a circular slot in the pulley.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a spiral spring (or wound spring) has a first end rotatably connected to the pulley and a second end rotatably connected to the platform to absorb the limit of movement of the backrest to the reclining position.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the cable has a stopper at the end within a housing formed in the pulley.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat includes an actuator for automatically moving the seat from the sitting position to the lying position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the headrest is provided with a speaker.

[0020] The invention also relates to a seat unit comprising the seat described above and a shell enclosing at least a portion of the seat.

[0021] The invention will be better understood, and other features and advantages will become apparent, from a reading of the following detailed description, which includes embodiments shown, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to supplement the understanding of the invention and to illustrate embodiments thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1a] Figure 1a shows a side view of a seat unit according to the invention in a sitting position and a lying position, respectively. [Figure 1b] Figure 1b shows a side view of a seat unit according to the invention in the sitting and lying positions, respectively.

[0023] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a headrest translatable relative to the rear of the seat according to the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows a graph of headrest retraction movement versus backrest tilt when a seat according to the present invention moves from a sitting position to a lying position.

[0025] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the components of the headrest retraction device according to the present invention, seen from behind the seat back.

[0026] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the components of the headrest storage device according to the present invention as seen from behind the seat.

[0027] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the connection between the travel limit spring and the cable guide of the headrest retraction device according to the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the carriage of the headrest retraction device according to the present invention, the carriage being slidable within a groove in the seat back.

[0029] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the mechanical connection between the carriage and headrest of FIG. 7 in a headrest seat according to the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a headrest storage device according to the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the headrest storage device of FIG.

[0032] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the headrest storage device of FIG. 9, with the drive pinion removed.

[0033] [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view showing the mechanical connection between the cable and the pulley of the headrest retraction device of FIG. 9. FIG.

[0034] [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view showing a travel limit spring between the pulley and the platform of the headrest retraction device of FIG. 9. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] In the drawings, structural and / or functional elements that are common to different embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and therefore have the same structural, dimensional and material characteristics, unless otherwise stated.

[0036] In the following description, relative terms such as seating position Pas, lying position Pal, intermediate position Pint, etc. are understood with reference to the general meaning given to them by a person seated in a seat according to the invention.

[0037] 1a and 1b show a seat unit 10 including a privacy shell 12 that extends to surround at least a portion of the seat 11 to provide a semi-enclosed space around the passenger, and the seat 11 associated with the privacy shell 12. This configuration ensures privacy for the passenger sitting in the seat 11.

[0038] More precisely, the seat 11 is composed of a seat pan 13 and a backrest 15 equipped with a headrest 17. The headrest 17 may be provided with a speaker 18. As shown in Figure 2, the headrest 17 is translatable along a direction D1 between a deployed position in which the headrest 17 at least partially projects beyond the upper end surface of the backrest 15 and a retracted position in which the headrest 17 is retracted from or flush with the upper end surface of the backrest 15. For this purpose, the backrest 15 is provided with a storage space 19 for accommodating the headrest 17 when the headrest 17 is in the retracted position.

[0039] The seat 11 preferably includes a movement mechanism for movement between a "sitting position," in which the seat 11 is configured to define a "sitting position" (Pas) for a passenger, and a "lying position" (Pal), in which the seat pan 13 and backrest 15 define a flat, preferably substantially horizontal, surface for the passenger to sleep on. According to one embodiment, the backrest 15 can form an angle of 10 to 25 degrees with respect to the vertical when the seat 11 is in the sitting position (Pas). The backrest 15 can form an angle of 80 to 90 degrees with respect to the vertical when the seat 11 is in the lying position (Pal).

[0040] The seat 11 can also assume at least one intermediate comfort position Pint, referred to as the "recline" position, in which the backrest 15 of the seat 11 is tilted strongly backward. In the predetermined intermediate position Pint, in which the backrest 15 is close to the privacy shell 12, the backrest 15 can form an angle of 35 to 55 degrees with respect to the vertical.

[0041] The backrest 15 is mounted rotatably with respect to the seat pan 13 and translatably with respect to the seat structure so that the seat 11 can be moved from the "sitting position Pas" to the "lying position Pal". More precisely, the backrest 15 is mounted on at least one support post 22 of the seat structure so that it can be rotated and moved with respect to the seat pan 13. For this purpose, a sliding mechanism is arranged between the backrest 15 and the support post 22. Furthermore, a pivot connection is interposed between the support post 22 and the seat pan 13.

[0042] Preferably, the movement of the seat 11 from one position to another is effected by an actuator 25, in particular an actuator with an electric motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic gas cylinder or a linear motor, which is attached to the backrest 15 and drives a pinion 26 which engages with a rack 27 fixed to the support post 22.

[0043] The seat structure has a seat pan 13 mounted on rails, and according to known kinematics, when actuator 25 is actuated, seat pan 13 moves forward and backrest 15 tilts rearward, moving seat 11 from sitting position Pas to reclining position Pal, as shown in Figure 1b. Alternatively, after unlocking seat 10, seat 11 can be manually moved from one position to another by applying a rearward force to backrest 15.

[0044] The storage device 30 for the headrest 17 is composed of a return member 31 provided between the backrest 15 and the support pillar 22 of the seat structure, and a cable 32 mechanically connected to the headrest 17. The storage device 30 is configured so that the return member 31 can move within a free-running range between the "seating position Pas" of the seat 11 and a predetermined "intermediate position Pint." In the free-running range, the headrest 17 remains in its initial position, and the return member 31 does not generate a traction force on the cable 32.

[0045] In addition, the storage device 30 is configured such that, as the backrest 15 moves in a translational manner relative to the support pillar 22 of the seat structure, the return member 31 generates a traction force on the cable 32, thereby causing the storage device 30 to store the headrest 17 in the storage space 19 of the backrest 15 between the "middle position Pint" and the "lying position Pal" of the seat 11 at the end of free running.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the retraction of the headrest 17 relative to the tilt of the backrest 15 when the seat 11 according to the present invention moves from the "seating position Pas" to the "lying position Pal." FIG. 3 shows that the headrest 17 remains in the deployed position when the seat 11 moves from the "seating position Pas" to the "intermediate position Pint" within a first range of the tilt angle P1 of the backrest 15. Within a second range P2 of the tilt angle of the backrest 15, the headrest 17 moves to the stowed position due to the tension of the cable 32 generated by the return member 31. Within a third range P3 of the tilt angle of the backrest 15, the headrest 17 is maintained in the stowed position. As described below, a travel limit spring 51 can be used to absorb the end of the travel range of the backrest 15. The retraction of the headrest 17 is, for example, 4 inches (102 mm).

[0047] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the return member 31 includes a cable guide 35 associated with a cable stop 36 fixed to a first end of the cable 32. The cable 32's sheath 37 is fixed to the backrest 15 by a connection 40, formed, for example, by a metal plate fixed to the backrest 15. The cable 32 has an overtravel between the cable guide 35 and the cable stop 36, corresponding to the cable's free run. At the end of the overtravel, the cable stop 36 abuts against the cable guide 35, generating a traction force on the cable 32, thereby retracting the headrest 17. For this purpose, the cable guide 35 has a slot having a width equal to or greater than the diameter of the cable 32 but less than the dimensions of the cable stop 36. In particular, if the cable stop 36 is spherical, the width of the slot is the diameter of the cable stop 36. A sleeve 41 fixed to the cable guide 35 is provided to cover the cable's overtravel 32.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the second end of the cable 32 is mechanically coupled to a carriage 43 fixed to the headrest 17. The carriage 43 is slidable in a groove 44 in the seat back 15 between a high position corresponding to the deployed position of the headrest 17 and a low position corresponding to the retracted position of the headrest 17. At least one return spring 46 is attached between the carriage 43 and the seat back 15. In this case, two return springs 46 are provided on either side of the carriage 43. The carriage 43 has a pin 47 inserted into a groove 48 in a blade 49 fixed to the headrest 17, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0049] The travel limit spring 51 is disposed between the upper support pillar 22 of the seat structure and the cable guide 35, and is configured to absorb the end of the travel of the backrest 15 when it moves to the "lying position Pal." The travel limit spring 51 is a helical tension spring. One end of the travel limit spring 51 is fixed to the support pillar 22 of the seat structure by an additional spring support portion 52. Alternatively, the spring support portion 52 may be formed integrally with the support pillar 22 of the seat structure.

[0050] The stiffness of the travel limit spring 51 is greater than the equivalent stiffness of the return spring 46. With this configuration, the return spring 46 extends before the travel limit spring 51 when the backrest 15 translates relative to the support column 22 of the seat structure.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the cable guide 35 is mechanically coupled to a piston 54 that is slidable within a guide support 55 that is fixed to the seat structure when a travel limit spring 51 is extended.

[0052] The operation of the headrest 17 storage device 30 when the seat 11 moves from the "seating position Pas" to the "lying position Pal" is described below. The backrest 15 tilts backward while translating relative to the support posts 22 of the seat structure, and the cable guide 35 moves relative to the cable stop 36 up to the end of the cable overtravel 32. This operation can be observed within a range of tilt angles P1 of the backrest 15. When the seat 11 is in the "intermediate position Pint," as shown in FIG. 6, the cable stop 36 contacts the cable guide 32. This pulls the cable 32, which in turn pulls the carriage 43. By moving along the groove 44, the carriage 43 moves the headrest 17 from the deployed position to the retracted position by a backward movement distance that can be observed within a range of tilt angles P2 of the backrest 15.

[0053] When the headrest 17 reaches the storage position, the travel limit spring 51 expands and absorbs the end of the travel of the backrest 15 up to the reclining position Pal. The expansion of the travel limit spring 51 can be observed in the tilt angle range P3 of the backrest 15. During the expansion of the travel limit spring 51, the piston 54 slides within the guide support portion 55.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, for a total translational travel of 226 mm of the backrest 15 relative to the support posts 22 of the seat structure, the free run is 94 mm, the headrest 17 retraction distance is 102 mm, and the end of the travel absorbed by the travel limit spring 51 is 30 mm. Of course, these values ​​are indicative only and may vary depending on the configuration and kinematics of the seat 11.

[0055] In the embodiment of Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, the return member 31 is a pinion 26 mechanically connected to the backrest 15. The pinion 26 cooperates with a rack 27 fixed to the support post 22 of the seat structure. The pinion 26 can be rotated by an actuator 25. The pinion 26 is connected to a pulley 58 which is mechanically connected to a cable 32. For this purpose, the cable 32 is provided at one end with a stopper 59. In this case, the ball-shaped stopper 59 is arranged in a housing 60 of the pulley 58. The other end of the cable 32 is mechanically connected to the headrest 17. The cable 32 can be connected to the headrest 17 via the aforementioned cartridge 43.

[0056] The pinion 26 and pulley 58 are configured to be rotatably mounted on a common shaft 63 fixed to a platform 64 that is attached to the backrest 15, as shown in FIG.

[0057] The pinion 26 has a stud 65 that is slidable within a circular slot 67 in the pulley 58. The circular slot 67 has an arcuate shape. The circular slot 67 allows the pinion 26 to run freely until the seat 11 reaches the "intermediate position Pint."

[0058] A spiral spring 68 or wound spring has a first end rotatably connected to the pulley 58 and a second end rotatably connected to the platform 64. The spiral spring 68 is capable of absorbing the end of the movement of the backrest 15 up to the "lying position Pal".

[0059] 9 to 13 when the seat 11 moves from the "sitting position Pas" to the "lying position Pal." When the actuator 25 is actuated, the pinion 26 meshing with the rack 27 moves linearly along the rack 27 while rotating around the shaft 63, and at the same time, the backrest 15 tilts backward.

[0060] During observable free running over a range of tilt angles of the backrest 15, the stud 65 of the pinion 26 moves freely within the slot 67 until it contacts the end face of the slot 67.

[0061] When the stud 65 abuts the end of the slot 67, the pinion 26 rotates the pulley 58, which generates a traction force on the cable 32 and pulls in the carriage 43. As the carriage 43 moves along the groove 44, it moves the headrest 17 from the deployed position to the retracted position by a visible storage travel distance within the tilt angle range P2 of the backrest 15.

[0062] When the headrest 17 is in the retracted position, the spiral spring 68 is wound around the axis 63 and absorbs the end of the movement of the backrest 15 up to the "lying position Pal." The winding of the spiral spring 68 can be observed in the tilt angle range P3 of the backrest 15.

[0063] It will be understood that different features, variations and / or embodiments of the invention can be used in combination with each other in various combinations, unless they are mutually inconsistent or mutually exclusive.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which are provided merely as examples. It includes various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that may occur to those skilled in the art in the context of the present invention. In particular, the various combinations of the above-described operation modes may be employed alone or in combination.

Claims

1. A sheet (11) comprising: A seat pan (13), A backrest (15), A headrest (17) movable relative to the backrest (15), a backrest (15) that is rotatable relative to the seat pan (13) and that is translatable relative to at least one support column (22) of the seat structure when the seat (11) moves between a sitting position (Pas) and a lying position (Pal); The seat includes a headrest storage device (30), a return member (31) disposed between the backrest (15) and the support post (22); a storage device including a cable (32) mechanically connected to the headrest (17); The storage device (30) is configured such that the return member (31) runs freely between a seating position (Pas) of the seat (11) and a predetermined intermediate position (Pint), and the return member (31) generates a traction force on the cable (32) as the backrest (15) translates relative to the support column (22), thereby storing the headrest (17) at the end of the free run in a storage space (19) in the backrest (15) located between the intermediate position (Pint) and the reclining position (Pal) of the seat (11).

2. The return member (31) comprises a cable guide (35) associated with a cable stopper (36) fixed to a first end of the cable (32); The cable (32) has an overtravel corresponding to the free running between the cable guide (35) and the cable stopper (36), 2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the cable stopper (36) abuts against the cable guide (35) at the end of the free running state, generating a traction force on the cable (32) and causing the headrest (17) to move backward.

3. a second end of the cable (32) mechanically coupled to a carriage (43) fixed to the headrest (17); 3. A seat according to claim 2, characterized in that the carriage (43) is slidable in a groove (44) in the backrest (15) between a high position and a low position corresponding to the retracted position of the headrest (17).

4. 4. A seat according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one return spring (46) mounted between the carriage (43) and the backrest (15).

5. 5. A seat according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a travel limit spring (51) attached between the support pillar (22) and the cable guide (35) so as to absorb the end of the travel of the backrest (15) to the reclining position (Pal).

6. 6. A seat according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the stiffness of the travel limit spring (51) is greater than the equivalent stiffness of the return spring (46).

7. 7. A seat according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the cable guide (35) is mechanically connected to a piston (54) that is slidable inside a guide support (55) fixed to the support column (22).

8. the return member (31) is a pinion (26) mechanically connected to the backrest (15) and adapted to cooperate with a rack (27) fixed to the support post (22); 2. The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the pinion (26) is connected to a pulley (58) that is mechanically connected to the cable (32), the pinion (26) is connected to the pulley (58) that is mechanically connected to the cable (32), the pinion (26) carrying a slidable stud (65) in a circular slot (67) of the pulley (58), the circular slot corresponding to the free running.

9. 9. The seat according to claim 8, characterized in that a spiral spring (68) is rotatably connected at one end to the pulley (58) and at the other end to a platform (64) and is configured to absorb the end of the movement of the backrest (15) up to the reclining position (Pal).

10. The seat (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a shell surrounding at least a portion of the seat (11).

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