Armrest with swivel adjustment system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an armrest (18) for a seat, comprising a disengagement device (35) operable by an actuation means, said disengagement device (35) being capable of being in a locked state in which a notch (29.2) of a movable element (30) faces a notch (29.1) of a fixed element (28) in an angular stop position, preventing rotation of the armrest body (20) in a first rotational direction (R1) while allowing rotation of the armrest body (20) in a second rotational direction (R2), and an unlocked state in which the notch (29.2) of the movable element (30) is axially spaced from the notch of the fixed element (28) and allowing rotation of the armrest body (20) in the first rotational direction (R1) to modify the angular stop position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest provided with a rotation adjustment system. The present invention is particularly advantageously applicable to airplane seats, especially those of "first class" or "business class" airplanes, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] In a method known per se, a business class seat is composed of a seat pan and a backrest hinged to the seat pan by a pivot connection. The seat may also include a legrest hinged to the seat by a pivot connection. The seat pan and the backrest are attached to a seat structure fixed to the floor of the aircraft by fixed rails.

[0003] The seat preferably comprises a movement mechanism so as to be movable between a raised position and a bed position. In the raised position, the backrest forms a non-zero angle with respect to the seat pan. The raised position is a position suitable for takeoff, landing, or parking of the aircraft. In the bed position, the backrest and the seat pan, and optionally the footrest, are located on an extension line of the seat pan, forming a substantially horizontal bed for the passenger. Intermediate comfortable positions are also provided, such as a "reclining" position where the backrest of the seat is largely inclined backward. Generally, these intermediate positions are obtained by tilting the rotatable backrest around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the extension axis of the seat.

[0004] The seat may be provided with a movable armrest that can take several positions according to the orientation of the seat. When the backrest moves backward towards a comfortable seat position, it is desirable to keep the armrest in a horizontal position.

[0005] Reference US6467847 describes an armrest comprising a mounting shaft and an adjustment mechanism between the ends of the armrest. The mounting shaft includes two end slots. The adjustment mechanism can store the angular position of the armrest so that it can return the armrest to a stored position.

[0006] Document EP0655365 describes an armrest folding mechanism applicable to the armrests of vehicle seats. This mechanism allows for a first horizontal position and a second fully folded position. The transition from one position to the other is performed by pressing a button.

[0007] Reference US5597209 describes a ratchet mechanism for adjusting the tilt of a vehicle seat armrest. This mechanism allows the armrest to be moved from a high position to a low position without pressing any buttons.

[0008] However, these latest devices do not allow for fine adjustment of the armrest angle.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to effectively improve this drawback, in particular, by providing an armrest for a seat having the following configuration. The armrest for the seat is Armrest arm, An armrest body that can support a part of the occupant's body, Supported by the armrest arm, and comprising a shaft that defines the axis of rotation of the armrest body with respect to the armrest arm, The armrest further includes a device for adjusting the rotation of the armrest body, The aforementioned device is A fixing element fixed to the aforementioned armrest arm, comprising a fixing element including a notch, A movable element that is rotatably connected to the armrest body while being able to translate relative to the armrest body along the axis of rotation of the armrest, the movable element having a notch having a shape complementary to the notch of the fixed element, It includes an engagement release device that can be operated by an operating means, The engagement release device is The notch of the movable element faces the notch of the fixed element at the angular stop position, preventing the armrest body from rotating in the first rotational direction, while allowing the armrest body to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, in a locked state. The notch of the movable element is positioned axially apart from the notch of the fixed element, and it can be in an unlocked state that allows the armrest body to rotate in the first rotational direction to correct the angular stop position. The armrest body is characterized in that it is possible to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state by the translational motion of the movable element along the rotation axis of the armrest body.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention enables precise angle adjustment of the armrest, so that the armrest can extend in a horizontal plane regardless of the seat position and the corresponding inclination of the backrest, through notches in the fixed and movable elements.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the disengagement device comprises a disengagement rod that is translationally movable relative to the armrest body, and a connecting rod having a first end that is rotatably movable relative to the disengagement rod and a second end that is rotatably movable relative to the movable element.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the disengagement device includes an elastic return member between the disengagement rod and the armrest body.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the notches of the movable element and the notches of the fixed element has a plurality of stepped notches.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the notch of the fixed element is made in a portion of the fixed element that protrudes in the axial direction, and the notch of the movable element is made in a portion of the movable element that protrudes in the axial direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the notches of the fixed element and the notches of the movable element are made on a helical surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the notch is sized to allow the angle pitch of the armrest body to be between 2 and 5 degrees, preferably 2.5 degrees.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation means is a button provided on one surface of the armrest body.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the armrest includes a friction disc fixed to the armrest arm which cooperates with the armrest body.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the armrest body supports rods that are inserted into guide slots of corresponding shapes provided on the outer circumferential surface of the movable element.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the armrest body is covered with a finishing coating.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly comprising an airplane seat and an armrest as defined above.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seats of the aircraft are movable between an elevated position and a bed position.

[0023] The present invention further relates to an aircraft comprising an assembly as defined above.

[0024] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, and other features and advantages will appear. This detailed description includes embodiments given by way of example for illustrative purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, presented as non-limiting examples, which may help to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its embodiments and ultimately contribute to its definition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat with a rotatably adjustable armrest according to the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of different positions that the armrest according to the present invention can take depending on the position of the seat of FIG. 1.

[0027] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotatably adjustable armrest according to the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotatably adjustable armrest according to the present invention without a finishing cover and with its internal mechanism shown transparently.

[0029] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the internal components of a rotatably adjustable armrest according to the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the disengaging device of the armrest according to the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 7]Figures 7a and 7b are partial perspective views of the armrest according to the present invention when the disengagement device is in the locked and unlocked states, respectively.

[0032] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view showing the stopping process of the armrest rotation adjustment device when the armrest is in the raised position.

[0033] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an armrest arm according to the present invention, which includes a friction disc for cooperating with the armrest body.

[0034] [Figure 10] Figures 10a, 10b, and 10c are schematic top views illustrating the operation of the armrest release device according to the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the change in the overlapping region between the fixed and movable elements of the rotation adjustment device as a function of different angular positions of the armrest. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Note that in the figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments may have the same reference. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, such elements have the same structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a seat 10, particularly for an aircraft cabin, comprising a seat pan 11 and a backrest 12 connected to the seat pan 11 by a pivot connection to a horizontal axis. Optionally, the seat 10 may also include a leg rest 13 connected to the seat pan 11 by a pivot connection to a horizontal axis.

[0038] The seat 10 also includes a seat structure 14 that is fixed to rails in the aircraft cabin. For this purpose, the seat structure 14 includes a lock 15 that can cooperate with the rails in the aircraft cabin.

[0039] The seat 10 is advantageously equipped with a motion mechanism that allows it to move between an elevated position and a bed position. The motion mechanism comprises a set of actuators, connecting parts, and joints for moving different components of the seat relative to each other when moving from one position to another. The seat 10 can also take an intermediate position.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the seat 10 can take on a dining position P_din, in particular, with the backrest 12 raised at a sharp angle so that passengers can sit and enjoy meals comfortably; a TTL (Taxi, Take-off, Landing) position P_ttl, which the seat 10 takes during the aircraft's takeoff, landing, or parking phases; or a reclining position P_rel, in which the backrest 12 of the seat 10 is tilted significantly backward. In the dining position, TTL position, and reclining position, the backrest 12 can form angles A1 of, for example, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, and 40 degrees, respectively, with respect to the vertical reference direction.

[0041] The armrest 18 attached to the seat 10 is rotatably adjustable so that it can extend in the horizontal plane regardless of the position of the seat 10. The armrest 18 comprises an armrest arm 19 having a fixing interface 25 with the seat structure 14. The fixing interface 25 may have an opening for passing fasteners such as screws or rivets or other fasteners suitable for the application.

[0042] The armrest body 20 shown in Figure 4 has an upper surface capable of supporting a part of the passenger's body, particularly the arm. The shaft 23 supported by the armrest arm 19 defines the axis of rotation X1 of the armrest body 20 relative to the armrest arm 19. The shaft 23 can take the form of a rod that is fitted or screwed onto the armrest arm 19, for example.

[0043] The armrest body 20 is preferably covered by a finishing cover 24, as shown in Figure 3. The finishing cover 24 can be made of cloth, leather, velvet, Alcantara, or other material suitable for finishing the armrest 18.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the rotation adjustment device 27 of the armrest body 20 includes a fixing element 28 fixed to the armrest arm 19. The fixing element 28 includes a notch 29.1 for cooperating with a correspondingly shaped notch 29.2 of the movable element 30, which will be described in detail below. More precisely, the fixing element 28 includes an annular portion 28.1 having an opening for passing the shaft 23, so as to mount the fixing element 28 around the shaft 23. The fixing element 28 is fixed to the armrest arm 19 by fixing members such as screws, rivets, chemical fastening means such as adhesive, or other fastening means appropriate for the application. According to some embodiments, the fixing element 28 can constitute part of the armrest arm 19.

[0045] The notch 29.1 of the fixing element 28 is formed in a projection 28.2 that protrudes axially from the end face of the annular portion 28.1. In this specification, the terms “axial” and “radial” are understood with respect to the longitudinal direction of the axis 23. The notch 29.1 is formed on the lateral surface of the projection 28.2 of the fixing element 28. The surface of the fixing element 28 in which the notch 29.1 is formed has a helical shape.

[0046] Furthermore, the movable element 30 is It is rotatable around axis 23. Also, the movable element 30 is The armrest 18 is capable of translational movement relative to the armrest body 20 along its rotation axis X1. So that Armrest body 2 0 They are connected. For this purpose, the armrest body 20 carries a plurality of rods 32, which are shown penetrating in Figure 4, each of which is inserted into a guide slot 33 of a corresponding shape. The guide slots 33, shown in Figure 6, are located on the outer circumference of the movable element 30. Each rod 32 is oriented axially with respect to the axis 23.

[0047] The movable element 30 has a notch 29.2 that is complementary in shape to the notch 29.1 of the fixed element 28. The fixed element 28 and the movable element 30 are mounted coaxially to each other.

[0048] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the movable element 30 includes an annular portion 30.1 having an opening for the passage of the shaft 23. The notch 29.2 of the movable element 30 is formed in a projection 30.2 that protrudes axially from the end face of the annular portion 30.1. The notch 29.2 is made on the lateral surface of the projection of the movable element 30. The surface of the movable element 30 on which the notch 29.2 is formed has a helical shape.

[0049] As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the protrusion 28.2 of the fixed element 28 and the protrusion 30.2 of the movable element 30 face each other. Therefore, the protrusion 28.2 of the fixed element 28 is directed toward the movable element 30, and the protrusion 30.2 of the movable element 30 is directed toward the fixed element 28.

[0050] Each of the notches 29.2 of the movable element 30 and 29.1 of the fixed element 28 has a plurality of stepped notches. Each notch corresponds to a step. The notches 29.1 and 29.2 are sized such that the angular pitch is between 2 and 5 degrees, preferably 2.5 degrees.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the disengagement device 35 is operable by an actuation means 36. According to a preferred embodiment, the actuation means 36 is a button located on the front of the armrest body 20. Alternatively, the button may be located on the side or top of the armrest body 20. Alternatively, the actuation button 36 may be replaced with a lever or other actuation means suitable for the application.

[0052] The disengagement device 35 can be locked in an angular stop position corresponding to the usage position of the armrest 18, with the notch of the movable element 30 facing the notch of the fixed element 28 (see Figure 7a). This configuration prevents the armrest body 20 from rotating in a first rotational direction R1 around the rotation axis X1, while allowing the armrest body 20 to rotate around the rotation axis X1 in a second rotational direction R2 opposite to the first rotational direction R1. Preferably, the first rotational direction R1 corresponds to a clockwise direction when the armrest 18 is viewed from the right. Therefore, the second rotational direction R2 corresponds to a counterclockwise direction when the armrest 18 is viewed from the right. In the locked state, the armrest body 20 can no longer rotate downward, and the occupant can rest their arms on the armrest body 20.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the armrest can be in a retracted position where the armrest 18 makes an angle A2 of 0 degrees relative to the backrest 12. The armrest 18 can be used in, for example, a "meal" position where the armrest 18 makes an angle of 105 degrees relative to the backrest 12, a so-called TTL position (Taxi, Take-off, Landing) where the armrest 18 makes an angle of 110 degrees relative to the backrest 12, or a reclining position where the armrest 18 makes an angle of 130 degrees relative to the backrest 12. The armrest 18 is shown with reference to the corresponding position on the seat 10.

[0054] In the locked state, the notch 29.2 of the movable element 30 at least partially overlaps the notch 29.1 of the fixed element 28 along the overlapping region 39. In this overlapping region 39, several notches of the movable element 30 cooperate with corresponding shaped notches of the fixed element 28. The length of the overlapping region 39 is variable depending on the angular position of the armrest body 20.

[0055] In the second rotation direction R2, the fixed element 28 is free from obstructions so that the armrest body 20 can move freely backward to the stowed position where the armrest 18 is located on the extended portion of the backrest 12. As shown in Figure 8, the movable element 30 may include an angle stopper 40 that prevents the armrest body 20 from rotating in the stowed position. The angle stopper 40 of the movable element 30 is provided to contact the surface of the projection 28.2 of the fixed element 28 that is opposite to the surface forming the notch 29.1.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7b, the release device 35 can also be in an unlocked state where the notch 29.2 of the movable element 30 is axially spaced away from the notch 29.1 of the fixed element 28. This allows the armrest body 20 to be rotated downward in the first rotational direction R1 to correct the angular stop position.

[0057] In fact, when the movable element 30 is moved away from the fixed element 28, the forward rotation of the armrest body 20 in the first rotational direction R1 allows for an angular offset of the notch 29.2 of the movable element 30 relative to the notch 29.1 of the fixed element 28. Subsequently, by releasing the actuation means 36, the notch 29.2 of the movable element 30 can be made to cooperate with the notch 29.1 of the fixed element 28, and the disengagement device 35 returns to the locked state. In this way, the angular stopping position of the armrest 18 is changed by adapting the length of the overlapping region 39.

[0058] For this purpose, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the disengagement device 35 comprises a disengagement rod 41 that is translationally movable relative to the armrest body 20, and a connecting rod 42 whose first end is rotatably movable relative to the disengagement rod 41 and whose second end is rotatably movable relative to the movable element 30.

[0059] The disengagement device 35 includes an elastic return member 43, such as a spring or other element capable of performing this function, between the disengagement rod 41 and the armrest body 20. In this case, the elastic return member 43 faces, on the one hand, a ring 44 fixed to the disengagement rod 41, and on the other hand, a guide element 47 for translating and guiding the disengagement rod 41. The guide element 47 is fixed to the armrest body 20. The guide element 47 has, for example, a parallelepiped shape and an opening for the disengagement rod 41 to pass through. The guide element 47 is removable (for maintenance) and is designed to perform the functions of guiding the rod 41, returning the two main parts forming the armrest body 20, and supporting the elastic return member 43. Thus, the guide element 47 can have any shape other than a parallelepiped shape that enables the aforementioned functions, in particular a cylindrical shape with or without grooves, shoulders, or flat surfaces.

[0060] The operation of the armrest 18, which is initially in the eating position (see Figure 10a), will be explained below with reference to Figures 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0061] If a passenger wants to move the armrest 18 upward from its stowed position, the passenger can push the armrest body 20 upward without pressing the actuation mechanism 36.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10b, when a passenger wants to move the armrest body 20 downward to the TTL position or recline position, the passenger pushes the actuarial means 36 along arrow F1. This has the effect of translating the disengagement rod 41 toward the movable element 30 along arrow F2 and compressing the elastic return member 43. The movement of the disengagement rod 41 causes the connecting rod 42 to rotate around its first end, thereby moving the movable element 30 toward the fixed element 28 along arrow F3. The passenger can then move the armrest body 20 to the desired position.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10c, once the desired position is reached, the passenger can release the actuation button 36, which depressurizes the elastic return member 43 and causes the release rod 41 to translate in the opposite direction to the movable element 30 (see arrow F4). The movement of the release rod 41 causes the connecting rod 42 to rotate around the first end, and the movable element 30 approaches the fixed element 28 along arrow F5. The notch 29.2 of the movable element 30 then cooperates with the notch 29.1 of the fixed element 28 to maintain the armrest body 20 in the desired position.

[0064] As the armrest 18 is moved further downward, the length of the overlapping region 39 between the notches 29.1 and 29.2 of the fixed element 28 and the movable element 30 decreases. Thus, as shown in Figure 11, the length of the overlapping region 39 between the notch of the movable element 30 and the notch of the fixed element 28 is maximum in the dining position P_din, while the length of the overlapping region 39 between the notch of the movable element 30 and the notch of the fixed element 28 is minimum in the reclining position P_rel. The length of the overlapping region 39 is intermediate in the TTL position. In Figure 11, the angle A3 between the armrest and the vertical reference direction is 105 degrees, 110 degrees, and 130 degrees for the dining position P_din, TTL position P_ttl, and reclining position P_rel, respectively.

[0065] Preferably, the force applied to the actuarial means 36 to switch the disengagement device 35 from the locked state to the unlocked state is 10 Newtons or less.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the armrest 18 may also include a friction disc 48 fixed to the armrest arm 19 in cooperation with the armrest body 20. This provides some resistance, particularly when moving the armrest 18 from one position to another while maintaining it in an intermediate position. The friction disc 48 is located on the side opposite to the side that constitutes the device 27 for adjusting the rotation of the armrest 18.

[0067] Of course, different features, modifications, and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or exclusive with one another.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is provided only as examples. The present invention encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that those skilled in the art may conceive of in the context of the present invention, and in particular, any combination of the various operating modes described above can be employed individually or in combination.

Claims

1. It is an armrest for the seat, Armrest arm, An armrest body that can support a part of the occupant's body, Supported by the armrest arm, and comprising a shaft that defines the axis of rotation of the armrest body with respect to the armrest arm, The armrest further includes a device for adjusting the rotation of the armrest body, The aforementioned device is A fixing element fixed to the aforementioned armrest arm, comprising a fixing element including a notch, A movable element that is rotatable about the aforementioned axis and connected to the armrest body so as to be able to translate relative to the armrest body along the rotation axis of the armrest, the movable element having a notch having a shape complementary to the notch of the fixed element, It includes an engagement release device that can be operated by an operating means, The aforementioned movable element is a single component, The engagement release device is The notch of the movable element faces the notch of the fixed element at the angular stop position, preventing the armrest body from rotating in the first rotational direction, while allowing the armrest body to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, in a locked state. The notch of the movable element is positioned at an axial distance from the notch of the fixed element, and the armrest body can be in an unlocked state that allows rotation in the first rotational direction to correct the angular stop position. An armrest characterized in that it is possible to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state by the translational motion of the movable element along the rotation axis of the armrest body.

2. The armrest according to claim 1, characterized in that the disengagement device comprises a disengagement rod that is translationally movable relative to the armrest body, and a connecting rod whose first end is rotatably movable relative to the disengagement rod and whose second end is rotatably movable relative to the movable element.

3. The armrest according to claim 2, characterized in that the disengagement device includes an elastic return member between the disengagement rod and the armrest body.

4. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the notches of the movable element and the fixed element has a plurality of stepped notches.

5. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the notch of the fixed element is formed in a portion of the fixed element that protrudes in the axial direction, and the notch of the movable element is formed in a portion of the movable element that protrudes in the axial direction.

6. The fixing element includes an annular portion having an opening for the shaft to pass through, and a protruding portion projecting in the axial direction from the end face of the annular portion of the fixing element, The movable element includes an annular portion having an opening for the shaft to pass through, and a protruding portion that protrudes in the axial direction from the end face of the annular portion of the movable element. The notch of the fixing element is formed on the side surface of the protruding portion of the fixing element. The notch of the movable element is formed on the side surface of the protruding portion of the movable element. The lateral surface of the protruding portion of the fixed element has a helical shape centered on the axis. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lateral surface of the protruding portion of the movable element has a helical shape centered on the axis.

7. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the notches of the fixed element and the notches of the movable element are sized to give the armrest body an angle pitch between 2 and 5 degrees.

8. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating means is a button provided on one surface of the armrest body.

9. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising a friction disc fixed to the armrest arm which cooperates with the armrest body.

10. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the armrest body supports rods inserted into correspondingly shaped guide slots provided on the outer circumference of the movable element.

11. The armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the armrest body is covered with a finishing coating.

12. It is an assembly, Airplane seats, An assembly comprising an armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the aircraft seat is movable between an elevated position and a bed position.

14. An aircraft characterized by comprising the assembly described in claim 12.

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