Aircraft cabin

Abstract

We provide aircraft cabins with double bed compartments and aircraft cabins equipped with double bed compartments. [Solution] The double bed compartment comprises two passenger doorways 9 and two passenger seats 31 arranged adjacent to each other, and in one embodiment, an upright privacy screen 7c that is movable between a stowed position and an extended position. In the extended position, the privacy screen forms a wall that divides the double bed compartment into separate compartments accessible through one of the respective doorways. In one embodiment, each passenger seat is movable independently of the other seats, or a pair of seats are movable in conjunction. In one embodiment, there is a wall 7b along the aisle 51 of the aircraft cabin, which defines two doorways and curves outward to form two spaces where passengers can stand between the seats and the doorways.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

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

Background Art

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

[0005] International Application PCT / SG2005 / 000042 (International Publication WO2005 / 080196) cited herein by way of reference discloses an example of a passenger cabin of an aircraft having a passenger compartment.

[0006] International Publication W02005 / 080196 discloses a passenger cabin of an aircraft having an outer row and an inner row of passenger compartments, the compartments of each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. Each compartment is composed of walls defining a compartment space, is accessible through an entrance provided on one of the walls, and each compartment has a passenger chair and an independent bed installed therein. The bed is a folding 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 side surfaces 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, each of the pair of compartments having an independent entrance enabling access to an adjacent passageway.

[0007] W02005 / 080196 discloses a method of combining at least one pair of adjacent compartments in an inner row to form a double-bed compartment option for passengers. The beds in each of the pair of compartments are arranged to form a double bed when the compartments are configured as a double compartment.

[0008] More specifically, International Publication W02005 / 080196 discloses that at least one pair of compartments are separated by a bulkhead extending upward from the compartment floor to approximately waist height. Above this bulkhead is an upper rail, on which a blind is stored. This blind can be lowered to be positioned between the compartments and engage with a portion of the bulkhead to completely separate the compartment into two separate compartments. The compartment can also be converted from two separate compartments into a double-bed compartment by storing the blind in the upper rail.

[0009] International application PCT / SG2017 / 050475 (International Publication WO2019 / 059841) in the name of the present applicant (as incorporated herein by reference) discloses a passenger cabin of another aircraft, with passenger compartments including a double-bed compartment option for passengers.

[0010] International Publication WO2019 / 059841 discloses an aircraft cabin having outer row and inner row compartments, where the compartments of each row are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The outer rows are arranged along opposing sides of the aircraft, and the side walls of the aircraft form the compartment walls of these rows. The inner rows include at least one pair of adjacent passenger compartments, where each compartment of the pair has an independent doorway allowing access to an adjacent aisle.

[0011] Each compartment includes a storage cassette for storing the bed vertically along the longitudinal direction of the bed in its storage position, and the bed is movable between the storage position within the cassette and the use position that forms a sleeping berth within the passenger space.

[0012] The double compartment option of International Publication WO2019 / 059841 consists of two compartments separated by a common surrounding wall between them.

[0013] The common wall is a retractable wall that can extend vertically between an extended and retracted position. The compartment beds are positioned opposite the common wall. When the retractable wall is in the retracted position, the beds can be moved from the retracted position to the usable position, where they form a double bed configuration.

[0014] The present invention provides an alternative to the passenger compartments disclosed in W02005 / 080196 and WO2019 / 059841.

[0015] The above explanation does not deviate from common sense. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0016] The present invention relates to an aircraft cabin comprising a plurality of passenger compartments, each including at least one double-bed passenger compartment, the double-bed compartment being defined by a surrounding wall having two openings that allow entry into and exit from the double-bed compartment, and comprising a pair of passenger seats arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen movable between (a) a stowed 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) an deployed position in which the privacy screen is between the passenger seats of the double-bed compartment and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, wherein the privacy screen forms a common wall between the separate compartments, and each separate compartment is accessible through one of the openings.

[0017] Unlike the double-bed compartments described in international publications W02005 / 080196 and WO2019 / 059841, the double-bed compartment described above does not require a partition wall that occupies valuable floor space and restricts passenger movement within the compartment. Therefore, more floor space can be utilized when the privacy screen is in its stowed position.

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

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

[0020] Unlike the compartment privacy screens in International Publications W02005 / 08196 and WO2019 / 059841, which are vertically movable, the privacy screen is horizontally movable between a stowed position at least substantially outside the double-bed compartment and an deployed position where the privacy screen is between the passenger seats in the double-bed compartment. In practice, this usually (but not always) means that the privacy screen moves forward and backward along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft from its stowed position.

[0021] The surrounding wall may include a cavity for housing the privacy screen in its storage position.

[0022] This cavity may be positioned behind the passenger seat. However, the present invention is not limited to this orientation, and as an example, it is also conceivable that the cavity may be positioned in front of the passenger seat.

[0023] The privacy screen may consist of multiple upright panels that can move independently of each other between a retracted position and an deployed position.

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

[0025] In the deployed position, the panels may be arranged so that they extend from end to end, i.e., the side edges of adjacent panels are in contact, and each panel constitutes part of a common wall between independent individual compartments.

[0026] The privacy screen may consist of multiple upright panels that are interconnected and extendable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0027] The height of the surrounding walls may be any appropriate height.

[0028] As an example, the height may be 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 assumed 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 storage 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] The present invention also provides a double-bed passenger compartment for an aircraft, which is defined by a surrounding wall having two openings that allow entry into and exit from the double-bed compartment, and comprises two passenger seats arranged adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen that is movable between (a) a stowed position in which the privacy screen is stored at least substantially outside the double-bed compartment and the movement of passengers in the compartment is not restricted by the privacy screen, and (b) an unfolded position in which the privacy screen is located within the double-bed compartment between the passenger seats and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, and the unfolded position in which 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 an aircraft cabin comprising a plurality of passenger seats, including at least one pair of passenger seats arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each pair of passenger seats is adjustable between an upright position and a reclined position, each pair of passenger seats is individually operable by a passenger to adjust its position independently of the other pair of seats, and the pair of seats is operable in conjunction to adjust their positions simultaneously so that both seats move in conjunction.

[0039] Please note that the configuration described in the previous section is not limited to aircraft cabins equipped with double-bed passenger compartments.

[0040] The arrangement described in the paragraph two paragraphs prior to this one provides flexibility in how passengers want to operate their seats. The pair of seats can be operated separately, or, for example, one passenger can operate both seats in conjunction so that they are at the same tilt angle. This coordinated operation option means that one passenger does not need to adjust their seat separately to match the angle of the other passenger's seat.

[0041] The angle of a pair of passenger seats can be adjusted remotely via a remote controller.

[0042] Preferably, the remote controller can independently adjust the angle of each passenger seat. The remote controller may consist of a single controller, or it may consist of multiple controllers. The remote controller may consist of a control panel mounted on a wall, or it may be located on the surrounding wall of the compartment. The remote controller may consist of a handheld controller, which may be a wireless unit.

[0043] The passenger seats have 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 “inside” and “outside” are understood to mean the position relative to the aisle. For example, “outside armrest” refers to the armrest of each chair that is closer to the aisle adjacent to the compartment.

[0045] When the passenger seats are in an upright position, the inner armrests can be lowered to create a two-seater sofa configuration.

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

[0047] When the passenger seats are in the reclining position, the inner and outer armrests can be lowered to create a double bed configuration.

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

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

[0050] Alternatively, at least one of the inner and outer armrests can be pneumatically operated. This can be achieved by inflating an inflatable bladder, such as a balloon or bag, within the armrest by operating an air compressor or by controlled release of compressed air from a storage tank.

[0051] Alternatively, at least one of the inner and outer armrests can be hydraulically operated. This can be achieved by operating a pump that injects fluid into an inflatable bladder, such as a balloon or bag, within the armrest.

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

[0053] At least one of the chairs has a backrest comprising a middle section and lateral wing sections rotatably attached to the middle section, so as to allow adjustment of the curvature of the backrest.

[0054] The lateral wing section can inflate an inflatable bladder, such as a balloon or bag, within the lateral wing section by operating an air compressor or by controlled release of compressed air from a storage tank.

[0055] Alternatively, the inflatable bladder may be inflated by injecting it with liquid. In other words, the inflatable bladder can also be operated by hydraulics.

[0056] The aforementioned arrangement of the backrests is suitable for providing both a flat surface when configured as a double bed and a curved surface when in an upright position.

[0057] Passenger compartments may sometimes consist of ottomans with seats.

[0058] In this specification, the term “ottoman” is understood to mean an upholstered seat that typically does not include a backrest or armrests, and generally means a seat that is configured to define a storage space and is hinged to form a lid for closing off the storage space, but is not necessarily required to be so.

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

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

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

[0062] The ottoman seat may be movable upwards to allow access to the storage space.

[0063] Typically, the ottoman is positioned separately from the seat, spaced in front of it. The ottoman seat can be lifted upwards, revealing the luggage storage space underneath. Passengers can access the storage space while seated with their seatbelt fastened. This design maximizes storage space while maintaining a neat and minimalist aesthetic.

[0064] The ottoman seat also functions as a "partner" seat, allowing one passenger to sit in the chair and the other in the ottoman while the table is extended, enabling them to dine facing each other. When the privacy screen is retracted, up to four passengers can enjoy a meal together.

[0065] The passenger compartment may consist of a table that is movably connected to an arm projecting from the surrounding wall. Preferably, the table is slidable along a rail on the arm.

[0066] A key feature of the tables is that, in contrast to the floor and chairs, they are attached to the surrounding walls. This means that when the tables are folded down, there are no obstacles that would hinder passengers from walking around the compartment.

[0067] In one embodiment, the arm is retractable.

[0068] A table may consist of several interconnected sections that allow it to fold from a compact table assembly to an extended table assembly.

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

[0070] Furthermore, the present invention provides an aircraft cabin having the following configuration. (a) The aircraft's cabin has at least two outer rows of passenger compartments on each side, each row being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft's cabin and forming part of the compartment of each row of aircraft's side walls (b) At least one inner row of two adjacent passenger compartments (c) At least two aisles extending longitudinally, allowing each compartment to be accessed via one of the aisles, and separating the compartments in each row. (d) Each compartment comprises a wall defining the compartment space and an entrance / exit that allows access to the compartment space from one of the aisles. Each compartment is equipped with at least passenger seats configured to function as both seats and beds, the walls along the aisle are curved outwards, and an area is formed between the seats and the doorway where passengers can stand when the seats are in bed configuration.

[0071] Please note that the arrangement described in the preceding paragraph is not limited to aircraft cabins equipped with double-bed passenger compartments.

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

[0073] The entrances and exits to compartments facing the aisle may not be aligned because the entrances and exits are located on the opposite wall of the aisle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

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

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

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

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

[0079] Figure 5 is an interior view of the passenger compartment shown in Figure 1, with the privacy screen in its stowed position.

[0080] Figure 6A is a front perspective view of the vehicle chair shown in Figure 1, which has a backrest with a flat surface.

[0081] Figure 6B is a front perspective view of the vehicle chair shown in Figure 1, which has a curved backrest.

[0082] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the passenger compartment shown in Figure 1, with the table in its stored position.

[0083] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the passenger compartment shown in Figure 1, with both tables in the unfolded and folded positions.

[0084] Figure 7C is a perspective view of the passenger compartment shown in Figure 1, with both tables extended and spread out.

[0085] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the outer row suite passenger compartment shown in Figure 1, with the table unfolded and extended. Embodiment of the Invention

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

[0087] Compartment 5 is designed to be completely sealed off, ensuring passengers have perfect privacy.

[0088] Compartment 5 is not limited to this, but is specifically designed for long-haul flights, allowing passengers occupying the compartment to work, relax, or sleep.

[0089] The passenger cabin consists of outer rows 11a and 11c of compartment 5 and an inner row 11b consisting of a double bed compartment option formed from two adjacent compartments 5. The compartments 5 in each row are spaced apart in the direction extending along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, and each row is separated by a longitudinally extending aisle 51.

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

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

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

[0093] The two outer rows 11a and 11c of compartment 5 are arranged along opposing sides of the aircraft. The aircraft's side wall 15 forms the outer side wall of compartment 5. Each of the outer rows 11a and 11c of compartment 5 also includes a wall 7a extending inward from the aircraft's side wall 15. Wall 7a forms the end wall of compartment 5. The entrance wall 7b extends from the end wall 7a and forms the interior side wall of compartment 5. Overall, the aircraft's side wall 15, wall 7a, and entrance wall 7b form the surrounding wall of each compartment 5.

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

[0095] The inner row 11b of compartment 5 consists of a pair of compartments 5 arranged side by side. These compartments 5 are equipped with a curved front wall 7d, an entrance wall 7b, and an end wall 7a, which together form the surrounding wall of compartment 5. The entrance wall 7b curves outward toward the aircraft's side wall 15. Each pair of compartments 5 has an entrance 9 that opens to the aisle 51 on the opposite side of the inner row 11b. The curved front wall 7d and the arched front wall 7d give compartment 5 an oval shape in plan view.

[0096] The aircraft cabin 3 may consist of two or more inner rows 11b of a pair of compartments 5, and it should be noted that such a pair of compartments are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft.

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

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

[0099] It should be noted that the present invention also applies to compartment layouts of columns 11a, 11b, and 11c that differ from those shown in the figure.

[0100] Walls 7a, 7b, and 7d are of any appropriate height that ensures the privacy of passengers within compartment 5. For example, walls 7a, 7b, and 7d are 1.7m high.

[0101] The corridor 51 is formed as a curved corridor. The curved corridor affects the overall appearance of the passenger compartment. The curved corridor 51 is formed so that the entrance wall 7b is a convex wall when viewed from the corridor 51, and the position of compartment 5 is offset so that the entrances 9 of compartment 5 on the opposite side of the corridor 51 are not aligned.

[0102] Compartments 5 in rows 11a, 11b, and 11c are offset along the length of the passage 51 such that the compartment entrances 9 on one side of the passage 51 face the entrance wall 7b on the other side of the passage 51, and vice versa.

[0103] As described above, forming the entrance wall 7b as a curved wall when viewed from the passage 51 means that there is additional space in these parts of compartment 5, as will be further explained below. This has the advantage of allowing for more efficient use of the available space within compartment 5.

[0104] Each compartment 5 is comprised 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 mounted to slide between a stowed position where the door 8 is located within the frame (not shown) of the entrance wall 7b and a closed position where it extends across the entrance 9 and closes compartment 5. In the closed position, the door 8 and the entrance wall 7b curve outwards toward the respective passage 51. Curving the door 8 outwards creates additional space within compartment 5. This additional space is useful because when the door is closed and the chair 31 is reclined into a bed configuration (described further below), there is space between the bed and the closed door 8, allowing passengers to stand beside the bed configuration or comfortably rest their feet.

[0105] Each door 8 is fitted with a fixed louver.

[0106] Each passenger compartment (5) is equipped with various furnishings that passengers may need, especially on long-haul flights.

[0107] This furniture consists of the aforementioned chair 31, an ottoman 36 with a seat, and a table assembly 38 placed within the compartment 5.

[0108] This furniture is interactively designed and arranged to allow passengers to selectively configure various functional settings that they may need, especially on long-haul flights.

[0109] The chair 31 is located on one side of the doorway and is positioned opposite the end wall 7a on one side of the doorway 9, the ottoman 36 is located on the other side of the doorway 9, and the table assembly 38 is housed in the end wall 7a adjacent to the ottoman 36 and is movable between a housed position in which the table is housed within the cavity of the end wall 7a and an operational position in which the table assembly 38 extends horizontally into the space between the chair 31 and the ottoman 36. In the case of the outer rows 11a and 11c of compartment 5, the table assembly 38 is positioned adjacent to the side wall 15 of the aircraft. In the case of the inner row 11b of compartment 5, the table assembly 38 is positioned adjacent to the front wall 7d on one side of the doorway 9.

[0110] The Ottoman 36 has storage space under the seat for luggage. When the seat is lifted, the luggage stored in that space can be seen.

[0111] Chair 31 is multifunctional. Specifically, chair 31 is foldable between an upright position suitable for a person to sit in and a fully reclined position where chair 31 forms a bed. Note that 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 attached to the end of the bed to extend the length of the bed. In this respect, the ottoman 36 has a top surface that is at the same height as the top surface of the bed to provide a flat surface for lying down.

[0113] Figures 2 to 4 are interior views of a pair of compartments 5 in 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, in the deployed position described above 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 so that they extend from end to end, i.e., the side edges 55 of adjacent panels are in contact, and each panel 53 occupies part of the common wall between the compartments 5. Each panel 53 extends, for example, 1.7 m, across the entire height of the surrounding wall. The privacy screen 7c prevents passengers in the pair of compartments 5 from seeing each other and prevents access across the compartments 5 when the privacy screen 7c is in the deployed position. The privacy screen 7c also functions as a sound barrier when the privacy screen 7c is in the deployed position. In this regard, the privacy screen 7c may include sound-absorbing material to further reduce noise transmitted between compartments.

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

[0116] The panels 53 of the privacy screen 7c are independently movable horizontally between an deployed position (shown in Figure 2) and a retracted position (see Figure 2, etc.) within the cavity 6 via an electrically driven system (not shown). In the retracted position, the panels 53 are arranged in an overlapping configuration, i.e., the panels 53 are arranged side by side, with the face of one panel 53 facing the face of an adjacent overlapping panel 53.

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

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

[0119] The cavity 6 is, for example, an elongated slot (hereinafter referred to as slot 6) that extends across the entire height of the 1.7 m guest room. The depth of slot 6 is determined by the depth of the panels forming the privacy screen 7c. In other words, slot 6 must be deep enough to accommodate a single panel without the panel protruding from slot 6. The width of slot 6 is determined by the maximum thickness of the panel closest to slot 6. Preferably, each panel of the privacy screen 7c has the same thickness.

[0120] However, it is conceivable that the thickness of the panels may be smaller for panels further from slot 6 than for panels closer to slot 6 when the privacy screen is in the deployed position. For example, the terminal panel located furthest from slot 6 in the deployed position may have the smallest thickness. In some forms of the privacy screen 7c (not shown), the variation in thickness causes the panels of the privacy screen 7c to expand and contract relative to each other when stored in the retracted position. Therefore, each panel, excluding the terminal panels, 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 are located at the height of the passenger cabin (i.e., 1.7 m) and extend between the passenger seats 31.

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

[0123] Figures 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams 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 in between. In the reclined position, the chair 31 becomes a bed suitable for passengers to lie down on.

[0124] Adjacent passenger seats 31 are rotatably connected so that adjusting the angle of one passenger seat 31 simultaneously adjusts the angle of the other passenger seat 31. When adjacent passenger seats 31 are operated in tandem, as described above, a passenger's partner can adjust the angles of both passenger seats 31 at the same time. This configuration eliminates the need for a passenger's partner to carefully adjust their own seat 31 to match the angle of their partner's seat 31.

[0125] The angle of the passenger seats 31 is remotely controlled via a remote controller. The remote controller may have a secondary operating mode that allows the angle of each passenger seat 31 to be adjusted independently. Preferably, this remote controller is the same remote controller used to operate the privacy screen 7c. However, a different remote controller may be used.

[0126] For safety reasons, it is desirable that cabin crew have access to the remote controller and be able to select whether to operate seat 31 in tandem or independent mode. Seat 31 must be in an upright position during takeoff and landing. Therefore, cabin crew may want to disable the control of seat 31 and return all or part of 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 the height of each armrest can be adjusted. When the pair of passenger seats 31 are in the upright position, the armrest located between the seats 31 (the inner armrest) can be lowered to form a configuration equivalent 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 equivalent to a "double bed" from the adjacent pair of seats.

[0128] The height of at least one of the armrests 32 is adjustable via a remote controller. Preferably, this remote controller is the same one used to control the chair's angle. However, it is also possible that the remote controller is a different remote controller.

[0129] Each chair 31 is equipped with a seat 33, a backrest 34, and a leg rest 35.

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

[0131] Furthermore, each chair 31 has a leg rest 35 that is rotatably connected to the base of the chair 31. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, when the chair 31 is in the upright position, the leg rest 35 is almost perpendicular to the base of the chair 31 and is stored under the passenger's legs. However, when the chair 31 is in the reclined position, the upper surface of the leg rest 35 is at the same height as the seat 33 and backrest 34.

[0132] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, each of the compartments 5 in the inner row 11b has a table assembly 38 connected to an 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 extendable and retractable 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. This configuration minimizes the obstacle that could cause a tripping hazard for passengers crossing the floor, as the table assembly 38 is in a retractable configuration.

[0135] The bracket 40 consists of a base that is fixedly connected to the distal end of the arm 39, and the bracket 40 is movable together with the arm 39 when the arm 39 extends in a first direction along the first axis.

[0136] The table assembly 38 is a folding table consisting of two table leaves 38a and 38b that are hinged together, and the leaves are rotatable about a second axis that is perpendicular to a first axis.

[0137] As shown in Figure 7A, a portion of the front wall 7d in front of the chair 31 is made up of a horizontally extending, elongated slot that defines the storage pocket 31. The storage pocket 41 is sized such that, in the storage configuration, the table assembly 38 can be completely stored inside the storage pocket 41.

[0138] In the configured arrangement, the table assembly 38 is set up to support meals and other items.

[0139] The table assembly 38 can be electrically moved from the stored position to the deployed position via a remote controller. Alternatively, the table assembly 38 can be manually moved from the stored position to the deployed position.

[0140] To move the table assembly 38, the bracket 40 is extended in a first direction along the first axis to position the table assembly 38 between the chair 31 and the ottoman 36, resulting in the arrangement shown in Figure 7B. Next, one of the table leaves 38a, 38b is rotated around the second axis to unfold the table assembly 38, resulting in the arrangement shown in Figure 7C.

[0141] As shown in Figure 8, each compartment 5 in the outer rows 11a and 11c is equipped with a table assembly 41 consisting of a table 42 having two table leaves 42a and 42b that are hinged together. The table 42 is connected to an arm 43 which is slidably mounted to a bracket 44. The bracket 44 is mounted along the side wall 15 of the aircraft. To store the table assembly 41, the passenger folds the table leaves 42a and 42b and slides the table assembly 41 forward toward a storage pocket in front of the seat 31 in the compartment.

[0142] This configuration minimizes the risk of tripping hazards for passengers walking on the floor when the table assembly 41 is in its stored position.

[0143] Based on the above, the aircraft cabin according to the present invention optimizes space utilization, enhances the luxury experience, and minimizes the risks of travel within the cabin.

[0144] In the following claims and the description of the invention described herein, unless otherwise required by the context, express expression, or necessary implied meaning, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in a comprehensive sense; that is, they are used to identify the presence of the described features, but not to exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0145] Where prior art documents are referenced in this specification, it should be understood that such references do not imply that those documents constitute part of the general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. The aircraft cabin has the following configuration: (a) The aircraft has at least two outer rows of passenger compartments on both sides of the cabin, each row being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin and forming part of the compartment of each row of aircraft side walls (b) At least one inner row of two adjacent passenger compartments (c) At least two aisles extending longitudinally, allowing each compartment to be accessed via one of the aisles, and separating the compartments in each row. (d) Each compartment comprises a wall defining the compartment space and an entrance / exit that allows access to the compartment space from one of the aisles. Each compartment is equipped with at least passenger seats configured to function as both seats and beds, the walls along the aisle are curved outward, and an area is formed between the seats and the doorway where passengers can stand when the seats are in bed configuration.

2. The passenger cabin of an aircraft according to claim 1, wherein each compartment has a door that is movable between a closed position that closes across the doorway and an open position that moves away from the doorway.

3. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the doorways of compartments on the opposite side of the aisle are not aligned because the doorways face the doorway wall on the opposite side of the aisle.

4. An aircraft cabin comprising multiple passenger compartments, including at least one double-bed passenger compartment, The double bed compartment is defined by a surrounding wall having two openings that allow entry and exit to the double bed compartment. A pair of passenger seats are arranged side-by-side, adjacent to each other, Each of the pair of passenger seats is adjustable between an upright position and a reclined position. Each of the pair of passenger seats can be operated separately by the passenger to adjust its position independently of the other seat in the pair. Since the pair of chairs can be operated together, their positions can be adjusted simultaneously, so that both chairs move in conjunction to achieve the same tilt angle. The upright privacy screen is (i) 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, (ii) The privacy screen is located between the passenger seats of the double bed compartment and has an unfolded position that divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, It is possible to move between them. The privacy screen forms a common wall between individual compartments. Each individual compartment is accessible through one of the openings.

5. The aircraft cabin has the following configuration: (a) The aircraft has at least two outer rows of passenger compartments on both sides of the cabin, each row being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin and comprising a side wall of the aircraft that forms part of the compartment of each row, (b) at least one row inside a double-bed passenger compartment, each double-bed passenger compartment defined by a surrounding wall having two openings that allow entry and exit to the double-bed passenger compartment, with two passenger seats arranged side by side adjacent to each other, and an upright privacy screen movable between (i) a stowed 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 (ii) an extended position in which the privacy screen is between the passenger seats of the double-bed compartment and divides the compartment into two separate passenger compartments, the privacy screen forming a common wall between the separate compartments, each separate compartment being accessible through one of the openings, (c) Extending longitudinally and comprising at least two aisles separating the compartments of each row, with each compartment accessible through one of the aisles, (d) Each compartment comprises a wall defining the compartment space and an entrance allowing access to the compartment space from one of the aisles, and each compartment comprises at least a passenger seat configured to function as both a seat and a bed, the wall along the aisle being an outwardly curved wall, forming an area between the seat and the entrance where a passenger can stand when the seat is in a bed configuration.

6. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the surrounding wall has a cavity for housing the privacy screen in a stowed position.

7. The cabin of an aircraft according to claim 6, wherein the cavity is located behind the passenger seats.

8. The aircraft cabin according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the privacy screen comprises a plurality of upright panels that can move independently of each other between a stowed position and an deployed position.

9. The aircraft cabin according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the privacy screen extends to the height of the surrounding wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

10. The passenger compartment of an aircraft cabin according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the passenger compartment has at least one rail for supporting and guiding the privacy screen between the passenger seats as it moves between the stowed position and the deployed position.

11. The aircraft cabin according to claim 10, wherein the at least one rail is an upper rail positioned at the height of the surrounding wall adjacent to the privacy screen.

12. The aircraft cabin according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the privacy screen is an electrically operable privacy screen.

13. An aircraft including an aircraft cabin as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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