Ottoman panel provided with a wire structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a footrest panel (23) for an aircraft seat comprising: - a wire structure (25) comprising a peripheral wire (28) defining a metal frame (26) and a plurality of reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) extending inside the frame (26), - a layer of flexible material (30) covering the wire structure (25), and - a trim cover (32) giving the footrest panel (23) an aesthetic finish.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: OTTOMAN PANEL WITH A WIRE STRUCTURE

[0001] The present invention relates to an ottoman panel with a wire structure. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of aeronautics, especially with "business class" and "first class" type seating units in an aircraft cabin.

[0002] As is well known, such a seating unit comprises a seat combined with a privacy shell that extends at least partially around the seat to create a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. This configuration ensures passenger privacy.

[0003] The seat offers the passenger various comfort positions, from a "sitting" position to a "lying" position, in which the seat cushion and backrest create a nearly horizontal sleeping surface for the passenger to lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also available, such as the "relax" position in which the seat backrest is significantly reclined.

[0004] The seat unit also includes a console with a housing in which is placed a footrest also called an "ottoman" on which a rear passenger can rest their feet, particularly when their seat is in a reclined position.

[0005] As illustrated in Figure 1, a footrest panel 1 is formed by a structural layer 2 comprising a central core made of a honeycomb material and two composite material plates arranged on either side of the central core. The composite material plates may have a fibrous or woven reinforcement based on carbon or glass fibers, coated with a resin.

[0006] The structural layer 2 is covered by a comfort layer 3, notably made of foam, which can itself be covered by a layer of fire-resistant material 4. The whole can be covered by a covering cap 5.

[0007] Composite panels are generally incinerated at the end of their lifecycle because they are difficult to recycle due to their multiple components. The materials used in their construction are also not made from recycled materials. The materials used in the footrest panel were identified in an ATI (Aerospace Technology Institute) report on aircraft seat components as a priority for replacement in order to improve the environmental footprint of aircraft seats. Therefore, there is a need to replace the composite structural layer of the footrest panel with an easily recyclable material.

[0008] The invention aims to effectively address this need by providing a footrest panel for an aircraft seat comprising: - a wire structure comprising a peripheral wire defining a metal frame and a plurality of reinforcing wires extending inside the frame, - a layer of flexible material covering the wire structure, and - a trim cap providing an aesthetic finish to the footrest panel.

[0009] The invention, through the use of a wire structure, enables the recycling of metallic material from the footrest panel. The invention offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to the composite material currently used. The invention also reduces tooling costs, as the wire structure can be produced using manual or CNC bending machines. This also represents savings in materials and development time compared to manufacturing a mold to produce a honeycomb composite structure.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises two longitudinal members extending parallel to each other and two cross members extending parallel to each other, the cross members providing a connection between the longitudinal members.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wire structure made of a metallic material comprises transverse reinforcing wires and / or longitudinal reinforcing wires and / or reinforcing wires extending in a direction forming an angle between 0 degrees excluded and 90 degrees excluded with respect to a side of the frame.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wire structure made of a metallic material comprises a plurality of corrugated reinforcing wires, two adjacent reinforcing wires alternately comprising two portions mechanically linked together and two portions distant from each other.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing wires are made of a polymer material, these reinforcing wires being stretched relative to the frame in the manner of a tennis racket's mesh.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes flattened fixing portions provided with an opening for the passage of a fixing element to ensure a fixing of the wire metal structure with a structural element.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, each flattened fastening portion (39) is a deformed portion of the peripheral wire.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flattened fixing portions are arranged vertically recessed downwards relative to a plane in which the frame extends.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, each flattened portion of the fixing extends in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the frame extends.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, said footrest panel comprises a load distribution plate disposed between the wire metal structure and the layer of flexible material.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wire metal structure is made of an aluminum-based material.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, said footrest panel comprises a layer of fire-resistant material.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible material layer is made of a material selected from foam, fibrous material, non-woven material, felt, wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

[0022] The invention also relates to a seating unit, particularly for an aircraft, comprising a seat and a console including a footrest panel as previously defined.

[0023] The present invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying figures, presented by way of non-limiting examples, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the explanation of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] Figure 1, already described, is a cross-sectional view of a footrest panel according to the prior art;

[0025] [Fig. 2a] [Fig. 2b] Figures 2a and 2b are front and rear perspective views of an aircraft seat unit comprising a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig. 4a] Figure 4a is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wire metal structure of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig. 4b] Figure 4b is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wire metal structure of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig. 4c] Figure 4c is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a wire metal structure of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0030] [Fig. 4d] Figure 4d is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a wire metal structure of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig. 4e] Figure 4e is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a wire metal structure of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 4f] Figure 4f is a cross-sectional view of the wire metal structure according to the invention of Figure 4e illustrating the welds between two adjacent portions of wire parallel to each other;

[0033] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of a flattened fixing area of ​​a wire metal structure frame of a footrest panel according to the invention;

[0034] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a top view of a wire structure comprising a frame and reinforcing wires having a sieve configuration of a tennis racket.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0036] The relative terms of the type "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", are understood by reference to the common meaning that would be given to them by a person seated on a seat located at the rear of the seat according to the invention and looking at the footrest which is associated with the seat according to the invention.

[0037] Figures 2a and 2b show a seating unit 10 comprising a seat 11 and a privacy shell assembly 12 including a console 13 positioned next to the seat 11 and a privacy shell 15 extending at least partially around the seat 11 so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. This configuration ensures the privacy of the passenger seated in seat 11.

[0038] More specifically, seat 11 comprises a seat 16 and a backrest 17. Seat 11 is advantageously equipped with a mechanism allowing it to move between a "seated" position, in which seat 11 is configured to define a passenger's seating position, and a "reclined" position, in which the seat 16 and backrest 17 define a sleeping surface for the passenger, advantageously substantially horizontal. Seat 11 can also assume at least one intermediate comfort position, known as the "relaxed" position, in which the backrest of seat 11 is significantly inclined backward.

[0039] The console 13 has side panels 20 and a top panel 21 on which the passenger can place objects. The console 13 has an internal compartment 22 in which a footrest panel 23 is located. The internal compartment 22 is open at the rear so that a rear passenger can rest their feet on the footrest panel 23.

[0040] The footrest panel 23 has an X-axis (see Figure 2b) corresponding to the intersection between the footrest 23 and a vertical median plane. The X-axis can be parallel to the direction of the leg orientation of a reclining passenger whose feet are resting on the footrest 17.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 3, the footrest panel 23 comprises a wire frame 25, a layer of flexible material 30 covering the wire frame 25, a layer of fire-resistant material 31, and a finishing cap 32 providing an aesthetic finish to the footrest panel 23. If the layer of flexible material 30 is itself fire-resistant, layer 31 can be omitted. The footrest panel may also include a load-bearing plate 33 positioned between the wire frame 25 and the layer of flexible material 30. The load-bearing plate 33 prevents deformation of the layer of flexible material 30 within the openings of the wire frame 25. The load-bearing plate 33 is a solid plate. The load-bearing plate 33 is made of metal or plastic.The use of a load distribution plate 33 is not essential.

[0042] More specifically, the wire mesh structure 25 comprises a peripheral wire 28 defining a frame 26 and a plurality of reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 extending inside the frame 26. The peripheral wire 28 and the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 may have a diameter between 3 mm and 10 mm. The peripheral wire 28 may have a diameter greater than the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2.

[0043] Advantageously, the wire mesh structure 25, comprising the frame 26 and the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2, is made of a metallic material. Preferably, the wire mesh structure 25 is made of an aluminum-based material. Aluminum offers a good compromise between its mechanical strength and mass, providing a lightweight solution. Alternatively, the wire mesh structure 25 can be made of steel or any other metallic material suitable for the application.

[0044] The frame 26 comprises two longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2 extending parallel to each other and two cross members 36.1, 36.2 extending parallel to each other. The cross members 36.1, 36.2 provide a connection between the longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2. The longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2 may extend parallel to an X-axis of the panel 23. The frame 26 may have rounded corners.

[0045] The peripheral wire 28 can be shaped by a bending machine. The ends of the peripheral wire 28 can be welded together. The peripheral wire 28, as well as the reinforcing wires 27.1 and 27.2, can be solid or tubular, i.e., hollow. The peripheral wire 28 and the reinforcing wires 27.1 and 27.2 can be of the same type (solid or tubular) or of different types; that is, the peripheral wire 28 can be tubular while the reinforcing wires 27.1 and 27.2 can be solid, or vice versa. The reinforcing wires 27.1 and 27.2 can also be of the same type or of different types.

[0046] The perimeter wire 28 and the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 may have a round, rectangular, or square cross-section, or any other cross-section suitable for the application. The perimeter wire 28 is preferably a single piece. Alternatively, the perimeter wire 28 may consist of several sections joined together.

[0047] In the embodiment of Figure 4a, the wire metal structure 25 comprises only transverse reinforcing wires 27.1 extending parallel to the cross members 36.1, 36.2. The transverse reinforcing wires 27.1 can be spaced regularly apart.

[0048] In the embodiment of Figure 4b, the wire metal structure 25 comprises only longitudinal reinforcing wires 27.2 extending parallel to the stringers 35.1, 35.2. The longitudinal reinforcing wires 27.2 can be spaced regularly apart.

[0049] In the embodiment of Figure 4c, the wire metal structure 25 includes transverse reinforcing wires 27.1 and longitudinal reinforcing wires 27.2 so as to present a lattice configuration.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figure 4d, the wire metal structure 25 includes reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 extending in a direction forming an angle A1, A2 between 0 degrees excluded and 90 degrees excluded with respect to a side of the frame 26, in particular an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees and preferably of the order of 45 degrees. A side of the frame 26 may be a stringer 35.1, 35.2 or a cross member 36.1, 36.2.

[0051] The first reinforcing wires 27.1 parallel to each other form an angle A1 measured in the counterclockwise direction and the second reinforcing wires 27.2 parallel to each other form an angle A2 measured in the clockwise direction with respect to a cross member 36.1. The reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 have a lattice configuration.

[0052] The ends of the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 can be welded to the corresponding stringers 35.1, 35.2 and / or cross members 36.1, 36.2.

[0053] In the embodiment of Figure 4e, two adjacent reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 alternately comprise two portions 37.1, 37.2 mechanically connected to each other and two portions 38.1, 38.2 separated from each other. The portions 37.1, 37.2 can be connected to each other by welding, screwing, riveting, chemical bonding, or any other bonding technique suitable for the application.

[0054] We thus observe two connected portions 37.1, 37.2 followed by two distant portions 38.1, 38.2 followed by two connected portions 37.1, 37.2 and so on. The distant portions 38.1, 38.2 can be welded to a portion of the frame 26 (for the end reinforcing wires closest to the frame 26) or welded to a portion of another adjacent reinforcing wire for the other reinforcing wires arranged between the end reinforcing wires.

[0055] The connected portions 37.1, 37.2 are parallel to each other. The connected portions 37.1, 37 may be parallel or coincide with a longitudinal extension direction of the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2. The longitudinal extension direction of the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 may be parallel to a side of the frame 26 (spars 35.1, 35.2 or cross members 36.1, 36.2) or form a non-zero angle with respect to the side of the frame 26. The reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 may have a corrugated shape in the plane of the frame 26.

[0056] Figure 4f shows that the overall thickness E of reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 corrugated in the same plane with parallel bonded portions 37.1, 37.2 is limited compared to a lattice configuration. For the same overall thickness E, it is therefore possible to use reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 with a larger diameter in the corrugated wire configuration with parallel bonded portions 37.1, 37.2.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 4a-4c, the frame 26 has flattened fastening portions 39 with an opening for a fastener 40 into which a fastener can be inserted to secure the wire structure 25 to a structural element, such as a side wall of the bracket 13. The fastener can be a screw, a rivet, or any other fastener suitable for the application. Each flattened fastening portion 39 can be formed by a local deformation of the peripheral wire 28.

[0058] The flattened fixing portions 39 are arranged vertically recessed downwards relative to a plane P in which the frame 26 extends. The plane P passes through the longitudinal members 35.1, 35.2 of the frame 26. Such a configuration makes it easier to install the entire footrest panel 23.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, each flattened fastening portion 39 extends in a plane P' perpendicular to the plane P in which the frame 26 extends. Each flattened fastening portion 39 has a thin rectangular or square plate shape. Each flattened fastening portion 39 has a first end connected to a first downward-inclined, deformed peripheral wire section 41.1 and a second end connected to a second downward-inclined, deformed peripheral wire section 41.2. The first peripheral wire section 41.1 and the second peripheral wire section 41.2 form a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal extension direction of the side of the frame 26 in which the sections 41.1, 41.2 are formed. The side of the frame 26 can be a longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 or a cross member 36.1, 36.2.

[0060] In this case, each longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 has two flattened fixing portions 39. Alternatively, each longitudinal member 35.1, 35.2 may have more than two flattened fixing portions 39 or only one flattened fixing portion 39. Alternatively, a cross member 36.1, 36.2 may have one or more flattened fixing portions 39.

[0061] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the wire structure 25 comprising a metal frame 26 and reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 made of a polymer material. The reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 can be made of nylon. These reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 are tensioned relative to the frame 26 in the manner of the strings of a tennis racket. Thus, horizontally oriented reinforcing wires 27.1 and vertically oriented reinforcing wires 27.1 are distinguished. The tension of the reinforcing wires 27.1, 27.2 can be determined so that the footrest panel is either rigid to the touch or, conversely, flexible to provide passenger comfort.

[0062] The flexible material layer 30 is preferably made of a material selected from foam, fibrous material, non-woven material, felt, wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

[0063] The fire-resistant material layer 31 may be a non-woven material, a woven material, and / or a knitted fabric. The fire-resistant material layer 31 may be made from fire-resistant fibers or yarns, for example, FR acrylic (for Fire-Resistant), FR viscose, FR polyester, aramids (including para-aramids, meta-aramids, and ortho-aramids), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPD-T), poly(m-phenyleneisophthalamide) (MPD-I), and pre-oxidized (OxPAN) or oxidized polyacrylonitrile. Such materials may be produced, in particular, by weaving, needle punching, laminating, quilting, stitching, and / or pressing. Alternatively, the fire-resistant material layer 31 may be made from an intumescent material. Such an intumescent material has the property of being expandable, that is to say, it swells or expands above a threshold temperature.The layer of fire-resistant material 31 has a thickness of between 0.5mm and 7mm and is preferably on the order of 1.5mm.

[0064] The trim piece 32 provides an aesthetically pleasing finish to the footrest panel 23. The trim piece 32 can, for example, be made of a material chosen from textiles, suede, leather, imitation leather, and / or any other flexible material suitable for finishing the panel. The trim piece 32 may feature decorative patterns on its visible parts. Such decorative patterns can be customized, particularly according to the requirements of an airline. The trim piece 32 can have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably in the order of 1 mm. "In the order of" means a possible variation of plus or minus 10% from the stated value.

[0065] The dressing headgear 32 can be fixed to the wire metal structure 25 by means of a removable fixing device chosen from: self-gripping textile fastening strips with hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro fasteners (trade name), snap fasteners, or magnets.

[0066] Of course, the different features, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0067] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms, and other variations that a person skilled in the art may envision within the scope of the present invention, and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be considered separately or in combination.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Footrest panel (23) for an aircraft seat (11) characterized in that said footrest panel (23) comprises: - a wire structure (25) comprising a peripheral wire (28) defining a metal frame (26) and a plurality of reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) extending inside the frame (26), the peripheral wire (28) and the reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) having a diameter between 3 mm and 10 mm, - a layer of flexible material (30) covering the wire structure (25), and - a finishing cap (32) providing an aesthetic finish to the footrest panel (23) - the frame (26) comprising flattened fixing portions (39) provided with a passage opening (40) for a fixing device to ensure a fixing of the wire metal structure (25) with a structural element, - each flattened fixing portion (39) being a deformed portion of the peripheral wire (28).

2. Footrest panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (26) comprises two longitudinal members (35.1, 35.2) extending parallel to each other and two cross members (36.1, 36.2) extending parallel to each other, the cross members (36.1, 36.2) providing a connection between the longitudinal members (35.1, 35.2).

3. Footrest panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wire structure (25) made of a metallic material comprises transverse reinforcing wires (27.1) and / or longitudinal reinforcing wires (27.2) and / or reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) extending in a direction forming an angle between 0 degrees excluded and 90 degrees excluded with respect to a side of the frame (26).

4. Footrest panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wire structure (25) made of a metallic material comprises a plurality of corrugated reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2), two adjacent reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) alternately comprising two portions (37.1, 37.2) mechanically linked together and two portions (38.1, 38.2) distant from each other.

5. Footrest panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) are made of a polymer material, these reinforcing wires (27.1, 27.2) being stretched relative to the frame (26) in the manner of a tennis racket's mesh.

6. Footrest panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flattened fixing portions (39) are arranged vertically recessed downwards from a plane in which the frame (26) extends.

7. Footrest panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each flattened fixing portion (39) extends in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the frame (26) extends.

8. Footrest panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a load distribution plate (33) disposed between the wire metal structure (25) and the layer of flexible material (30).

9. Footrest panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wire metal structure (25) is made of an aluminum-based material.

10. Footrest panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a layer of fire-resistant material (31).

11. Footrest panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the layer of flexible material (30) is made of a material selected from foam, fibrous material, non-woven material, felt, wadding-based material and / or a mixture of such materials.

12. Seating unit (10), in particular for an aircraft, comprising a seat (11) and a console (13) comprising a footrest panel (23) defined according to any one of the preceding claims.

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