Passenger accommodation structure and aircraft provided with the structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure (1) for passengers (SPU, LPU, SPD, LPD), which comprises a bottom right berth (C1) provided with a first seat (B1), a bottom left berth (C2) provided with a second seat (B2), and an upper berth (C3) provided with a third seat (B3) that is arranged higher with respect to the right berth (C1) and left berth (C2) and with respect to the right berth (C1) and left berth (C2). The structure comprises a first central container (V1) that is arranged above a central partition (S12) and is open towards the upper berth (C3), and a second container (V2) that is arranged below the third berth and is open towards the bottom right berth (C1) and bottom left berth (C2), the central partition (S12) extending through the second container (V2) to form spaces (E1, E2) for the legs of passengers (LPD) in the first seat (B1) and second seat (B2) of an identical structure (1) arranged behind.

Description

[0001] STRUCTURE FOR THE ACCOMMODATION OF PASSENGERS AND AIRCRAFT PROVIDED WITH THIS STRUCTURE

[0002] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0003] The invention focuses on passenger accommodation structures that offer passengers great comfort by maximizing the available vertical space in an aircraft. Specifically, the described structure is intended for installation in the center row of the premium cabin in wide-body aircraft.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Passenger accommodation structures with seats arranged at different heights are well known, designed to optimize the available space in aircraft.

[0006] One can cite in particular the object of publication WO2023218116A1, by the same inventor.

[0007] This document describes a structure / monument that optimizes the available space so that, in some versions, six passengers can travel comfortably, taking advantage of the vertical spaces in the cabin.

[0008] However, it is well known that airplanes offer different types of seats, with varying degrees of comfort, and that some seats are even arranged in cabins, intended to increase the privacy and comfort of passengers.

[0009] The present invention offers an alternative to that described in the cited document, based on similar concepts of space utilization.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention proposes a structure for passenger accommodation, in which a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a vertical direction are defined, comprising:

[0012] - a lower right cabin equipped with a first seat oriented along the longitudinal direction;

[0013] - a lower left cabin provided with a second seat oriented in the longitudinal direction, the lower left cabin being arranged next to the lower right cabin in the transverse direction;

[0014] - an upper cabin provided with a third seat oriented along the longitudinal direction, arranged at a higher height with respect to the right and left cabins and set back along the longitudinal direction with respect to the right and left cabins; characterized in that the third seat is centered with respect to the first and second seats, the lower right and lower left cabins being separated by a central partition contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal and vertical directions, the structure comprising:

[0015] - a first central accommodation arranged above the central partition and open towards the upper cabin so as to constitute legroom for a passenger in the third seat; and

[0016] - a second accommodation arranged under the third cabin and open towards the lower left and lower right cabins, and the central partition extending through the second accommodation so that separate legrooms are formed for each of the passengers in the first and second seats of an identical structure arranged behind along the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Being partially raised off the ground, the structure optimizes vertical space in the cabin. The space freed up under the upper seat becomes legroom and a bed for the seats below. When several modules are placed end-to-end, each passenger gains significantly more personal space, as the alternating heights allow them to use the space in front of them more effectively.

[0018] Thanks to the invention, the lower part of the structure is divided into two exclusive zones separated by a central wall. Each zone has direct access to the aisle and the wall in the center of the structure, which it shares with the passenger in the adjacent seat. The suite is easily accessible as it is at the same level as the aircraft cabin floor and is unobstructed.

[0019] The layout of the cabins described (one elevated and superior, and two at ground level but with independent access) provides the passenger with unparalleled privacy, even allowing changing clothes in a personal, private space without moving from the cabin) by simply closing the curtains that divide it from the corridor.

[0020] In some implementations the structure comprises:

[0021] - a right-side partition that delimits on the right exterior side the lower right cabin and the upper cabin, the right-side partition being provided with a lower front opening for access to the lower right cabin and a higher rear opening that constitutes a first access to the upper cabin;

[0022] - a left side partition that delimits on the left exterior side the lower left cabin and the upper cabin, the left side partition being provided with a lower front opening for access to the lower left cabin and a rear upper opening that constitutes a second access to the upper cabin.

[0023] In some embodiments the structure comprises a horizontal floor element that separates the second accommodation from the upper cabin and serves as the floor for the latter.

[0024] The presence of external partitions and a dividing partition allows, with the help of curtains, the creation of three comfortable accommodations that guarantee the privacy of their occupants.

[0025] In some embodiments the structure includes on each side steps that go from the lower part of the access to the upper cabin to the horizontal floor element.

[0026] In some embodiments of the structure, the right and left side partitions are in turn divided into two parts: a rear partition part comprising the accesses to the third cabin and a front partition part comprising the accesses to the lower cabins.

[0027] In some embodiments, each part of the rear partition is curved inwards towards the third cabin so that it delimits a space for steps that lead from a corridor adjacent to the structure to the horizontal floor element.

[0028] In some embodiments the structure comprises a rear closure panel of the third cabin located behind the third seat and above the legrooms of each of the passengers in the first and second seats, thus defining surfaces for the arrangement of screens for the lower cabins.

[0029] In some versions, the structure includes, delimited by the third seat, the rear closing panel and the horizontal floor element, storage spaces for the upper cabin.

[0030] In some embodiments, the structure includes tables in the lower cabins, arranged on either side of the central partition and preferably supported by it. In some embodiments, the structure includes two transversely extendable tables positioned above the tables for passengers in the lower cabins.

[0031] In some versions, the structure includes two small tables arranged on either side of the third seat, which house various openings for the use of the passenger in the third seat.

[0032] In some versions, the structure includes a table housed in the space of the upper cabin, extendable longitudinally towards the passenger in the upper seat.

[0033] In some embodiments the structure comprises a horizontal lid arranged in the first accommodation, so that it defines storage spaces on a raised plane, with access from each of the cabins for each of the seats.

[0034] In some embodiments the structure includes a horizontal translation system arranged in front of the storage space of the upper seat, which allows the incorporation of a screen for the upper cabin.

[0035] In some embodiments the structure includes means for horizontal translation of each of the seats in the longitudinal direction, so that it allows the passengers housed in each of the cabins to move from a sitting position to a lying position.

[0036] In some implementations the structure includes a horizontal board arranged in the second volume, so that separate storage spaces are defined for the luggage of each of the lower cabins.

[0037] The invention also relates to an aircraft provided with one or more structures according to any of the variants of the invention.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0039] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. These drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but simply as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures: Figure 1 shows a side view of a sequence of three structures according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the portion of the structure that includes the seat in the upper cabin.

[0041] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the portion of the structure comprising the lower seats. It is noteworthy that the cabins result from joining, along the longitudinal direction, the portions shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a plan view of three consecutive structures, according to the invention.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a front elevation according to a TV plane containing the transverse T and vertical V directions.

[0044] Figure 6 is a side elevation of an assembly comprising three consecutive structures according to the invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective from behind of the portion of the structure that contains the elevated seat.

[0046] Figure 8 shows a front perspective of a succession of structures, cut by a TV plane that allows the storage spaces to be appreciated.

[0047] Figures 9 to 16 are views that allow one to appreciate the arrangement of passengers in the seats / beds in the three cabins.

[0048] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the invention relates to a structure 1 for passenger accommodation SPU, LPU, SPD, LPD, in which a longitudinal direction L, a transverse direction T and a vertical direction V are defined, comprising:

[0050] - a lower right cabin C1 provided with a first seat B1 oriented along the longitudinal direction L;

[0051] - a lower left cabin C2 provided with a second seat B2 oriented along the longitudinal direction L, the lower left cabin C2 being adjacent to the lower right cabin C1 along the transverse direction T; - an upper cabin C3 provided with a third seat B3 oriented along the longitudinal direction L arranged at a higher height with respect to the right cabin C1 and left cabin C2 and set back along the longitudinal direction L with respect to the right cabin C1 and left cabin C2.

[0052] These characteristics being partly known, according to the invention the third seat B3 is centered with respect to the first seats B1 and second seats B2, the lower right cabin C1 and lower left cabin C2 being separated by a central partition S12 contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal L and vertical V directions, the structure comprising:

[0053] - a first central accommodation V1 arranged above the central partition S12 and open towards the upper cabin C3 so as to constitute a legroom E3 for an LPU passenger in the third seat B3; and

[0054] - a second accommodation V2 arranged under the third cabin and open towards the lower right cabin C1 and lower left cabin C2, and the central partition S12 extending through the second accommodation V2 so that spaces E1, E2 are formed for the legs of each of the LPD passengers in the first B1 and second B2 seats of an identical structure 1 arranged behind along the longitudinal direction L.

[0055] In other words, the invention allows for an elevated C3 cabin that offers a spacious personal area, with a large single seat offering direct access from both sides to both aisles. Once in the suite, the seat in the upper row can be over 1 meter wide, allowing for comfortable travel, changing position, and even inviting a second person to use the seat simultaneously for a period of time.

[0056] As can be seen, for example, in figures 4 or 8, the structure comprises:

[0057] - a right side partition W1 that delimits on one right outer side the lower right cabin C1 and the upper cabin C3, the right side partition W1 being provided with a lower front opening A1 for access to the lower right cabin C1 and a rear upper opening that constitutes a first access A31 to the upper cabin C3;

[0058] - a left side partition W2 that delimits on the left outside the lower left cabin C2 and the upper cabin C3, the left side partition W2 being provided with a lower front opening A2 for access to the lower left cabin C2 and a rear upper opening that constitutes a second access A32 to the upper cabin C3.

[0059] These partitions allow the lower seats, B1 and B2, to have a soft, curved backrest that covers two walls, enveloping the passenger and allowing them to change position for greater comfort. On the other side of the seat, there is also a long armrest that follows the shape of the auxiliary unit containing the tray table.

[0060] As can be seen in figures 2 and 8, the structure comprises a horizontal floor element H3 that separates the second accommodation V2 from the upper cabin C3 and serves as the floor for the latter.

[0061] As can be seen in figures 5 or 8, the structure comprises on each side steps ST1, ST2 that run from the lower part of access points A31, A32 to the upper cabin C3 and the horizontal floor element H3. Two deep steps can be seen for easy access to the seating area, making the cabin similar to a suite.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the right side partition W1 and left side partition W2 are in turn divided into two parts W11, W12, W21, W22, a rear partition part W11, W21 comprising accesses A31, A32 to the third cabin C3 and a front partition part W12, W22 comprising accesses A1, A2 to the lower cabins C1, C2.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, each part of the rear partition W11, W21 is curved inwards into the third cabin C3 so as to delimit a space for steps ST1, ST2 that lead from a corridor adjacent to the structure to the horizontal floor element H3.

[0064] Figure 7 shows that the structure comprises a rear closure panel TP of the third cabin C3 arranged behind the third seat B3 and above the spaces E1, E2 for the legs of each of the passengers LPD of the first seats B1 and second seats B2, so that they define surfaces TV1, TV2 for the arrangement of screens for the lower cabins C1, C2.

[0065] In the perspective view of Figure 8, it can be seen that the structure comprises, delimited by the third seat B3, the rear closure panel TP, and the horizontal floor element H3, storage spaces LV1, LV2, DV1, and DV2 for the upper cabin C3. These volumes define, on either side of the sofa, a storage module LV1 and LV2 with sufficient space for a large carry-on suitcase, two backpacks, and two additional storage areas with charging points. The volumes DV1 and DV2 located beneath the sofa seat can be fitted with two spacious drawers for storing bedding, for example. In some embodiments, bedside tables DT are provided for the lower cabins C1 and C2, positioned on either side of the central partition S12 and preferably supported by it.These tables can be complemented by two transversely extendable tables T1, T2 arranged on the DT tables for passengers in the lower cabins C1, C2.

[0066] For passengers in the upper cabin C3, two UT tables are provided on either side of the third seat B3, with various storage compartments underneath for the passenger in seat B3. Additionally, a large table is available in the upper cabin space V1, extendable lengthwise (L) towards the passenger in seat B3. This table can be lowered / slid diagonally towards the passenger to the desired height. The table can be quite large, offering ample space for eating and working. Below the table is a footrest and bed area, also spacious and illuminated with LEDs. An additional footrest can be provided, which can be tilted and adjusted to offer greater posture variation and comfort for the passenger. A comfortable, integrated RP armrest can also be provided on either side of the sofa-style seat.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, a horizontal cover HV1 is positioned above the first storage compartment V1, defining elevated storage spaces EA1, EA2, and EA3, accessible from each of the cabins C1, C2, and C3 for each of the seats B1, B2, and B3. Optionally, a horizontal sliding mechanism located in front of the storage space EA3 for the upper seat B3 allows for the installation of a TV3 screen, up to 40 inches, which can slide to either side. Directly below this area is the space created for the footrest / bed of the upper cabin C3, utilizing the vertical space between the two lower compartments.

[0068] As can be seen for example in figures 9 to 11, the structure comprises horizontal translation means for each of the seats of the B1, B2, B3 seats in the longitudinal direction L, so that it allows the passengers housed in each of the cabins C1, C2, C3 to move from a sitting position SPD, SPU to a lying position LPD, LPU.

[0069] Also advantageously, as can be seen in Figure 7, a horizontal shelf H2 can be provided in the second volume, thus defining storage spaces L1 and L2 for luggage from each of the lower cabins. LUGGAGE CAPACITY

[0070] Thanks to the invention, the luggage capacity per passenger increases to two large hand luggage bags and two additional handbags / backpacks, with all storage within the seat area so that luggage can be accessed at any time if needed.

[0071] In the lower seats B1 and B2, suitcases are stored in the space under the footrest, which comfortably fits two large hand luggage, plus a backpack, handbags, etc. Additionally, there is a deep drawer directly under the seat that can hold more luggage and outerwear.

[0072] In the upper B3 armchair, the compartments on either side of the seat have doors that open and retract into the structure. Each compartment can accommodate a large carry-on suitcase and a small bag. Additionally, two deep drawers are located beneath the armchair for storing linens and more luggage. Furthermore, various storage modules for personal items are provided on either side of the sofa.

[0073] SECURITY

[0074] The oxygen masks are stored within the modules. For the lower seats B1 and B2, the oxygen masks are integrated into the TP panel (Figure 7) located in front of and to the side of the passenger (ensuring easy access and use in case of emergency). The oxygen masks for the upper seat B3 will drop from the ceiling using the existing system currently in place in the cabins.

[0075] The evacuation procedure will remain simple, as all upper C3 seats will have one or two direct aisle access points. For passengers in the upper row, this means they can exit their seats via either of the steps on either side, facing forward or backward, as the two steps are wide and deep, with integrated LED lights to enhance visibility. One advantage of this is that passengers can assess which aisle will provide the quickest and safest access, while also reducing congestion in the other aisle.

[0076] Passengers in the lower cabins C1, C2 have immediate access to the corridor without any obstruction, and can use the LED lighting to find the emergency exits efficiently.

[0077] In this text, the term "compares" and its derivatives (such as "compares", etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include other elements.

[0078] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but also encompasses any variation that may be considered by any person skilled in the art within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Structure (1) for passenger accommodation (SPU, LPU, SPD, LPD), in which a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T) and a vertical direction (V) are defined, comprising: - a lower right cabin (C1) provided with a first seat (B1) oriented along the longitudinal direction (L); - a lower left cabin (C2) provided with a second seat (B2) oriented along the longitudinal direction (L), the lower left cabin (C2) being arranged next to the lower right cabin (C1) along the transverse direction (T); - an upper cabin (C3) provided with a third seat (B3) oriented along the longitudinal direction (L) arranged at a higher height with respect to the right (C1) and left (C2) cabins and set back along the longitudinal direction (L) with respect to the right (C1) and left (C2) cabins; characterized in that the third seat (B3) is centered with respect to the first (B1) and second (B2) seats, the lower right (C1) and lower left (C2) cabins being separated by a central partition (S12) contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal (L) and vertical (V) directions, the structure comprising: - a first central accommodation (V1) arranged above the central partition (S12) and open towards the upper cabin (C3) so as to constitute a legroom (E3) for a passenger (LPU) in the third seat (B3); and - a second accommodation (V2) arranged under the third cabin and open towards the lower right (C1) and lower left (C2) cabins, and the central partition (S12) extending through the second accommodation (V2) so that two spaces (E1, E2) are formed for the legs of each of the passengers (LPD) in the first (B1) and second (B2) seats of an identical structure (1) arranged behind along the longitudinal direction (L).

2. Structure according to claim 1, comprising: - a right side partition (W1) that delimits on a right outer side the lower right cabin (C1) and the upper cabin (C3), the right side partition (W1) being provided with a lower front opening (A1) for access to the lower right cabin (C1) and a rear upper opening that constitutes a first access (A31) to the upper cabin (C3); - a left side partition (W2) that delimits on the left outside the lower left cabin (C2) and the upper cabin (C3), the left side partition (W2) being provided with a lower front opening (A2) for access to the lower left cabin (C2) and a rear upper opening that constitutes a second access (A32) to the upper cabin (C3).

3. Structure according to claim 2, comprising a horizontal floor element (H3) that separates the second accommodation (V2) from the upper cabin (C3) and serves as the floor for the latter.

4. Structure according to claims 2 and 3, comprising on each side steps (ST1, ST2) that run from the lower part of the accesses (A31, A32) to the upper cabin (C3) and the horizontal floor element (H3).

5. Structure according to claim 2, wherein the right side partition (W1) and left side partition (W2) are in turn divided into two parts (W11, W12, W21, W22), a rear partition part (W11, W21) comprising the accesses (A31, A32) to the third cabin (C3) and a front partition part (W12, W22) comprising the accesses (A1, A2) to the lower cabins (C1, C2).

6. Structure according to claims 4 and 5, wherein each rear partition part (W11, W21) is curved inwards into the third cabin (C3) so as to delimit a space for steps (ST1, ST2) leading from a corridor adjacent to the structure to the horizontal floor element (H3).

7. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a rear closure panel (TP) of the third cabin (C3) arranged behind the third seat (B3) and above the leg spaces (E1, E2) for each of the passengers (LPD) of the first (B1) and second (B2) seats, so as to define surfaces (TV1, TV2) for the arrangement of screens for the lower cabins (C1, C2).

8. Structure according to claim 7, comprising, delimited by the third seat (B3), the rear closure panel (TP) and the horizontal floor element (H3), storage spaces (LV1, LV2, DV1, DV2) for the upper cabin (C3).

9. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising bedside tables (DT) in the lower cabins (C1, C2) arranged on both sides of the central partition (S12) and preferably supported by it.

10. Structure according to any of the preceding claims comprising two transversely extendable tables (T1, T2) arranged on the small tables (DT) for passengers in the lower cabins (C1, C2).

11. Structure according to any of the preceding claims comprising two small tables (UT) arranged on either side of the third seat (B3), under which are two storage spaces for the exclusive use of the passenger of the upper seat (B3).

12. Structure according to any of the preceding claims comprising a table housed in the space of the upper cabin (V1), extendable longitudinally (L) towards the passenger in the upper seat (B3).

13. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a horizontal cover (HV1) disposed in the first housing (V1), so as to define storage spaces on a raised plane (EA1, EA2, EA3), with access from each of the cabins (C1, C2, C3) for each of the seats (B1, B2, B3).

14. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a horizontal translation system arranged in front of the storage space (EA3) of the upper seat (B3), which allows the incorporation of a screen (TV3) for the upper cabin.

15. Structure according to any of the preceding claims comprising horizontal translation means for each of the seats of the armchairs (B1, B2, B3) in the longitudinal direction (L), so as to allow the passengers housed in each of the cabins (C1, C2, C3) to move from a sitting position (SPD, SPU) to a lying position (LPD, LPU).

17. Structure according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a horizontal board (H2) arranged in the second volume, so that two storage spaces (L1, L2) are defined for the luggage of each of the lower cabins.

18. Aircraft provided with one or more structures (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17.

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