EP2881014B1 - Lie-flat, convertible, motorised seat - Google Patents

Lie-flat, convertible, motorised seat Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2881014B1
EP2881014B1 EP14004020.5A EP14004020A EP2881014B1 EP 2881014 B1 EP2881014 B1 EP 2881014B1 EP 14004020 A EP14004020 A EP 14004020A EP 2881014 B1 EP2881014 B1 EP 2881014B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
fixed
foldable
configuration
panel
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EP14004020.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2881014A1 (en
Inventor
Jose Martinez
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Altres
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Altres
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/16—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest
    • A47C17/17—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest with coupled movement of back-rest and seat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/16—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest
    • A47C17/161—Seating furniture changeable to beds by tilting or pivoting the back-rest with back-rest made of multiple movable cushions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type.
  • a convertible sofa bed perpendicular is also called sofa, sofa bed or sofa bed type "BZ".
  • the document FR 2,743,275 discloses a motorized seat in which the actuating system comprises a rotary motor driving in rotation a pinion cooperating with a chain link whose free end is coupled to the front panel.
  • the actuating system comprises a rotary motor driving in rotation a pinion cooperating with a chain link whose free end is coupled to the front panel.
  • Such a solution is however unsuitable for use in housing, because the system with pinion and chain is a source of noise, sometimes with leakage of the lubricant necessary for the proper gearing between the pinion and the chain, not to mention the complexity and the costs induced by the chain which must measure at least one meter fifty centimeters.
  • the document DE 935 275 also discloses a motorized seat in which the actuating system comprises a rotary motor driving a pinion in rotation, via a transmission belt, wherein the pinion is in mesh with a toothed sector mounted on the rear panel.
  • This system with belt, pinion and toothed sector has the same disadvantages as for the bench of the FR 2,743,275 , namely noise, lubricant leaks, complexity and cost.
  • the document FR 2,614,773 discloses another motorized seat in which the actuation system comprises an electric winch which winds and unrolls cables attached to the front and rear ends of the front panel.
  • This system with winch and cable has several disadvantages in terms of noise, safety and cost, not to mention the complexity to manage the cable windings.
  • the document WO 01/60212 discloses another convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type, employing a double cylinder system and a single cylinder system for the folding / unfolding of the bench.
  • this tray has a complex foldable structure, implementing a first pivoting frame hinged to the frame and a second frame hinged to the first frame, leading to a complex kinematics that requires the use of three jacks, generating prohibitive costs.
  • this bench uses a central wheel intended to roll on a rail secured to the frame to prevent tilting of the frame.
  • this simple roulette solution has the disadvantage that the wheel rolls on a rail much too short, so that this wheel causes a support on the rail on a particularly short race, thus not preventing the frame from sliding on the ground during the folding / unfolding phases, except that the frame is sufficiently heavy.
  • the present invention aims to solve all or part of these disadvantages by providing a convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type which is equipped with an actuating system of simple and inexpensive design, and quiet use and leak-free of lubricant.
  • Another object of the present invention is to allow the fixed structure to remain in place on the floor, without slipping, during the folding / unfolding phases, even if this fixed structure is light.
  • the bench further comprises support means of the foldable structure on the fixed structure, said support means ensuring a support of the foldable structure on the fixed structure in the bench configuration, and said means of support being shaped to maintain a sliding or rolling support between the foldable structure and the fixed structure along the longitudinal direction along at least one longitudinal element of the fixed structure and / or the foldable structure in order, on the one hand, to maintain supporting the foldable structure on the fixed structure during part of the folding / unfolding and, secondly, guiding the foldable structure of the coating configuration to the bench seat configuration.
  • These support means thus have a dual function, with a first function of stabilizing the bench on the ground, and more particularly to immobilize it on the ground during the folding / unfolding movements, thanks to a support of the foldable structure on the structure fixed at the start of the seat configuration (in the direction of unfolding) or at the finish in the seat configuration (in the direction of folding). Indeed, these two situations of departure and arrival can be critical in terms of weight transfer, because the cylinder can both move the fixed structure (if it is not anchored or weighted on the ground) that the foldable structure .
  • These support means are designed so that the foldable structure is supported on the fixed structure, while following the movement of folding or unfolding (thanks to these rolling or sliding bearings), and thus keep the fixed structure in place on the ground. In this way, the jack displaces only the foldable structure, with the fixed structure which is immobilized by means of support.
  • the second function is to guide the foldable structure, essentially from the bench seat configuration (in the unfolding direction). Indeed, as the unfolding is motorized and nobody does not pull on the structure (as is customary with a non-motorized convertible seat), it is important that the front panel is driven or guided in longitudinal translation forwards and, thanks to the rolling or sliding support means a guide in longitudinal translation is carried out which will enable this guidance to be carried out.
  • the cylinder rod moves the foldable structure in a folding / unfolding movement, and thus the rod and the cylinder body undergo the reaction of the foldable structure (weight, resistance to rotation). level of joints and weight transfers between panels), at the risk of moving the fixed structure on the ground.
  • the support means therefore make it possible to transfer the weight of the moving panels to the fixed support, thus ensuring the plating and the immobilization of the fixed support on the ground; the sliding or rolling supports of the support piece or pieces ensuring a sustained support during the movement of the panels and thus the aforementioned guidance.
  • the sliding or rolling support is achieved by means of this (these) part (s) of support, on at least one longitudinal element defining a longitudinally extended contact surface so that the support is maintained for a certain length in the critical periods, starting from the seat configuration (in the direction of unfolding) or arriving in the seat configuration (in the direction of folding).
  • the supports made by the support pieces are distributed between the right and the left, thus balancing the weight transfer of the panels on the fixed support and the guide of the foldable structure in the aforementioned critical periods.
  • the front and rear support pieces slide or roll over almost the entire length of the longitudinal element (of the fixed structure or the foldable structure), which makes it possible to maintain the transfer of the weight of the panels long enough to immobilize. efficiently the fixed support in the aforementioned critical periods.
  • the front and rear support pieces also ensure that weight transfer and guidance of the foldable structure are maintained, even if one of the support pieces leaves contact with the contact surface, the other piece of support would maintain contact to ensure weight transfer and guidance.
  • the front and rear support pieces are also offset from each other in the transverse direction, and the front and rear contact surfaces are also offset from each other in the transverse direction; the advantage of these offsets being to offer distinct contact surfaces and distinct profiles of interest for guiding the foldable structure.
  • the support means are shaped to, in the bench configuration, raise a front side of the front panel, opposite to a rearward hinged side on the central panel, so that said front panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and lock said seat in this raised configuration.
  • the support means ensure that, in the bench seat configuration, the front of the seat (the front panel) is raised, so that this seat is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal for reasons of comfort. sitting, and also stability and holding the bench in this configuration.
  • this raised configuration (in other words with raised seat) is locked or mechanically locked, in addition to the blocking intrinsically made by the cylinder, for the sake of obvious mechanical strength.
  • the or each front support piece has dimensions in a vertical direction orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions greater than those of the or each rear support piece, and the or each front contact surface has a locking ramp on which bears the relevant front support piece in the bench configuration to ensure the locking of the seat in this raised configuration.
  • the front wheels are of greater diameter than the rear wheels, to raise the front of the seat in the bench seat configuration.
  • the locking ramp mechanically locks the seat in the bench seat configuration, because the corresponding front support piece should go up the ramp to get out of the bench seat configuration, which is mechanically impossible with the seat raised and with the cylinder stopped.
  • the or each front contact surface has a plate extended longitudinally on one side by the locking ramp and on the other side by a guide ramp designed to guide the relevant front support piece during folding the sleeping configuration to the bench seat configuration.
  • the or each support piece comprises a wheel rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the hinge pins.
  • the support means constitute support means of the front panel of the foldable structure on the fixed structure.
  • these support means provide rolling or sliding support of the front panel on the fixed structure during the aforementioned critical periods, knowing that the front panel is essentially guided in translation during the folding / unfolding movements which facilitates the realization longitudinal support or rolling or sliding between the front panel and the fixed structure.
  • the support means constitute support means for the central panel of the foldable structure on the fixed structure.
  • This variant is more complex, however, because the central panel moves in a complex movement combining translation and rotation, so that the contact surface or surfaces must have a complex section to ensure the support and guidance of the central panel on the structure fixed.
  • the rear panel is hinged to the fixed structure along an axis of articulation parallel to the hinge pins, and the body of the jack is articulated on the fixed structure or on the rear panel and the end of the rod. is articulated inversely on the back panel or on the fixed structure.
  • the jack acts on the rear panel to control the folding / unfolding movements of the foldable structure.
  • This is the rotation of the rear panel, driven by the cylinder, which is at the origin of all the movements of folding / unfolding of the bench.
  • the support means are therefore particularly important in this case, because the folding / unfolding movement from the rear, and the support means will allow to hunt / guide in translation the front panel to the before (when unfolding), which is convenient because the front panel advances only because the central panel pushes it at their joint joint (the support means avoiding precisely a blockage at this articulation between front panel and central panel ).
  • the rear panel has a frame, and the articulation of the rod or the cylinder body on the rear panel is on a lever arm secured to the frame of the rear panel.
  • the foldable structure is wider (in the direction of the transverse direction) than the fixed structure, so that the support pieces (respectively the contact surfaces) are located on the inside of the foldable structure while, conversely, the contact surfaces (respectively the support parts) are located on the fixed structure, and in particular on the outside of the fixed structure and / or on the top of the fixed structure.
  • the support pieces are mounted on the inside of the foldable structure (in particular on the inside of the front panel) in order to cooperate with contact surfaces provided on the fixed structure.
  • the foldable structure is narrower (in the direction of the transverse direction) than the fixed structure, so that the support pieces (respectively the contact surfaces) are located on the outside of the foldable structure while conversely, the contact surfaces (respectively the support pieces) are located on the fixed structure, and in particular on the inside of the fixed structure and / or on the top of the fixed structure.
  • This variant corresponds in particular to a situation where the fixed structure is composed of two lateral armrests, preferably connected by a transverse bar.
  • the support pieces are mounted on the outside of the foldable structure (especially on the outside of the front panel) to cooperate with contact surfaces provided on the inside of the fixed structure.
  • the lateral beams 20 each have a substantially flat top surface (the top of the side beams 20) which form contact surfaces.
  • the fixed structure 2 also comprises two front supports 25, respectively right and left, fixed on the respective lateral beams 20.
  • Each front support 25 is attached to the front end of the corresponding side beam 20, and each front support 25 is attached to the outer side of the corresponding side beam 20, i.e. the opposite of the inside the frame of the fixed structure.
  • These Front supports 25 each have an upper surface which form contact surfaces.
  • each front support 25 is made in the form of a rigid plate, in particular of steel, which has a flat central plate 251 and parallel to the upper surface of the corresponding lateral beam 20, this central plate 251 being for example coplanar with in other words, at the same level as the upper surface of the corresponding lateral beam.
  • the plate 251 For each support before 25, the plate 251 is surrounded by two ramps respectively before 250 (or guide ramp) and rear 252 (or locking ramp), which are descending relative to the plate 251; in other words, the plate 251 represents the apex of these ramps 250, 252.
  • the bench 1 also comprises a foldable structure 3 comprising hinged panels, namely a front panel 4, a central panel 5 and a rear panel 6.
  • the central panel 5 has two opposite transverse sides (parallel to the transverse beams 21) articulated respectively on the front panel 4 and the rear panel 6 along parallel axes of articulation A, B.
  • the front panel 4 is also provided with four feet 42 terminated by wheels 420 or sliding pads, these feet being arranged at the front and rear ends of the lateral beams 40 and provided to abut (rolling or sliding) on the ground, when longitudinal translation movements forward and back during unfolding and folding phases respectively.
  • the inner width LA is substantially greater than the outer width LS of the frame of the fixed structure 2 plus twice the width of the front supports 25 (the two supports having the same width). So, and as visible on the figure 6 , the panel frame before 4 can fit on the fixed structure 2 (with the mounting games near) in the bench seat configuration.
  • the front panel 4 also incorporates two front wheels 43 and two rear wheels 44, in particular of the roller skate type, which are rotatably mounted on the lateral beams 40, and more specifically rotatably mounted on the inner or lower sides of the side beams 40, with a front wheel 43 and a rear wheel 44 by lateral beam 40.
  • the right front wheel 43 is mounted on the lateral beam 40 facing (or symmetrically to) the left front wheel 43 which is mounted on the left lateral beam 40
  • the right rear wheel 44 is mounted on the side beam 40 opposite (or symmetrically to) the left rear wheel 43 which is mounted on the left side beam 40.
  • the wheels 43, 44 do not protrude from the top of the frame of the front panel 4, so as not to hinder the reception of a mattress.
  • the wheels 43, 44 are directed towards the inside of the front panel frame 4, with the rear wheels 44 more offset from their respective lateral beams 40 than the front wheels 43 in the Y direction; in other words, each front wheel 43 is closer to its lateral beam 40 than the rear wheel 44, the front wheel 43 being substantially pressed against the lateral beam 40 (with the necessary assembly clearance necessary for the good rotation of the front wheel 43), while the rear wheel 44 is offset transversely of the lateral beam 40 by a gap substantially corresponding to the width of the front supports 25.
  • each rear wheel 44 is located closer to the rear ends of the respective lateral beams 40, while the front wheels 43 are located closer to the front ends of the respective lateral beams 40. However, each rear wheel 44 is disposed at a predefined distance from the rear end of the corresponding lateral beam 40, to facilitate the forward hunting of the front panel 4 when the foldable structure 3 is unfolded.
  • the front wheels 43 have a larger diameter than the rear wheels 44, and the front wheels 43 have their axes of rotation offset downwardly relative to the rear wheels 44.
  • the front wheels 43 provide rolling bearing surfaces located in lower than the rolling surfaces of support provided by the rear wheels 44.
  • the central panel 5 is made in the form of a frame of internal width LA, provided with two lateral beams 50, respectively right and left, extending along the axis X and connected by a transverse beam 51 before extending according to the Y axis.
  • the central panel 5 also comprises a central beam 52 parallel to the lateral beams 50.
  • the central panel 5 does not include such a central beam 52 but has a rear transverse beam extending along the Y axis and connecting the two beams.
  • lateral 50
  • the front panel 4 is articulated on the central panel 5 along an axis of rotation A (parallel to the axis Y), by means of two hinges or hinges 53 provided between the rear ends of the lateral beams 40 of the front panel and the 4 ends front lateral beams 50 of the central panel 5.
  • the rear panel 6 also comprises a central beam 62 parallel to the lateral beams 60 and extending between the two transverse beams 61, or even several internal beams extending along the Y axis and connecting the two transverse beams 61.
  • the rear panel 6 is articulated on the central panel 5 along an axis of rotation B (parallel to the axis Y), by means of two hinges or hinges 54 provided between the front ends of the side beams 60 of the rear panel 6 and the ends rear of the lateral beams 50 of the central panel 5.
  • central beams 52, 62 it may also be provided to have a third hinge or hinge 54 between the front end of the central beam 62 and the rear end of the central beam 52.
  • the rear panel 6 is also articulated on the fixed structure 2 along an axis of rotation C (parallel to the Y axis). More specifically, the rear panel 6 is articulated on the rear of the fixed structure 2, by means of at least one arm 63 integral with the transverse beam 61 rear of the rear panel 6 and articulated on the fixed structure 2, for example on the lateral beams 20.
  • the rear panel 6 is hinged to the fixed structure 2 by means of several arms 63 secured to the transverse beam 61 rear of the rear panel 6 and articulated on the fixed structure 2, for example on both Lateral beams 20.
  • the or each arm 63 has an end fixed to the rear transverse beam 61 of the rear panel 6 and an opposite end hinged to the fixed structure 2.
  • the bench 1 also comprises a motorized and electric cylinder 7 having a body 70 inside which is movable in translation a rod 71.
  • the body 70 is articulated on the fixed structure 2 along an axis of rotation D (parallel to the axis Y), and is for example positioned in the middle of the seat 1, so that the body 70 can be articulated on the middle of the seat.
  • the body 70 is thus positioned on the front of the fixed structure 2, on the transverse beam 21 before.
  • the rod 71 has an articulated end on the rear panel 6 along an axis of rotation E (parallel to the axis Y), in order to move the rear panel 6 in rotation around the axis of rotation C, and consequently to cause the unfolding / folding foldable structure 3.
  • the articulation of the rod 71 on the rear panel 6 is on a lever arm 64 integral with the frame of the rear panel 6, and more specifically secured to the rear transverse beam 61.
  • the lever arm 64 has an end secured to the rear transverse beam 61 and an opposite end articulated in rotation on the end of the rod 71.
  • the lever arm 64 extends substantially at right angles to the rear transverse beam 61 and also with the central beam 62.
  • the lever arm 64 is located in the middle of the bench 1, and comes in continuity and at right angles to the central beam 62.
  • the rod 71 In the coating configuration, the rod 71 is deployed out of the body 70 of the jack 7, while in the bench configuration the rod 71 is retracted inside the body 70.
  • the front panel 4 rests on its feet 42
  • the central beam 52 of the central panel 5 rests on the transverse beam 21 of the fixed structure 2
  • the transverse beam 61 of the rear panel 6 rests on the lateral beams 20 and central 23 of the fixed structure 2.
  • the front wheels 43 are dimensioned and arranged so that, despite the lowering of the fulcrum because of the rear ramps 252, these front wheels 43 raise the front of the front panel 4 which forms the seat ; in other words, the lateral beams 40 are no longer horizontal, but are inclined with their front ends higher than their rear ends, which provides improved seating comfort.
  • the fixed structure comprises two lateral armrests, respectively right and left, possibly connected at the rear by a transverse bar.
  • these armrests have lateral beams on their respective internal faces.
  • the front supports are provided on the inner sides of these side beams, and the front and rear wheels of the front panel are directed outwardly of the frame to cooperate with these side beams.
  • the body of the jack is fixed on other points of the fixed structure, and a variant with at least two synchronized cylinders is possible.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Special Chairs (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à une banquette convertible du type à couchage perpendiculaire.The present invention relates to a convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type.

De façon connue, dans le domaine de l'ameublement et en particulier dans le domaine des banquettes convertibles, une banquette convertible à couchage perpendiculaire est également appelée banquette, canapé convertible ou canapé-lit du type « BZ ».In a known manner, in the field of furniture and in particular in the field of convertible benches, a convertible sofa bed perpendicular is also called sofa, sofa bed or sofa bed type "BZ".

Une telle banquette comprend classiquement une structure fixe supportant une structure pliable qui comporte trois panneaux dont un panneau central présentant deux côtés opposés articulés respectivement sur un panneau avant et un panneau arrière selon des axes d'articulation parallèles, où la structure pliable est mobile en pliage/dépliage (généralement appelé en accordéon) entre :

  • une configuration banquette dans laquelle le panneau avant forme une assise, le panneau central forme un dossier et le panneau arrière est replié sur le panneau central ; et
  • une configuration de couchage dans laquelle les trois panneaux sont sensiblement coplanaires pour former un sommier.
Such a bench seat conventionally comprises a fixed structure supporting a foldable structure which comprises three panels including a central panel having two opposite sides articulated respectively on a front panel and a rear panel along parallel axes of articulation, where the foldable structure is movable in folding / unfolding (usually called accordion) between:
  • a bench configuration in which the front panel forms a seat, the central panel forms a backrest and the rear panel is folded over the central panel; and
  • a sleeping configuration in which the three panels are substantially coplanar to form a bed base.

Cependant, les opérations de pliage/dépliage s'avèrent souvent fastidieuses lorsque réalisées manuellement, d'où le développement de banquettes motorisées intégrant un système d'actionnement du pliage/dépliage de la structure pliable entre la configuration banquette et la configuration de couchage et inversement.However, the folding / unfolding operations are often tedious when done manually, hence the development of motorized benches incorporating a system for actuating the folding / unfolding of the foldable structure between the bench seat configuration and the sleeping configuration and conversely .

Le document FR 2 743 275 décrit une banquette motorisée dans lequel le système d'actionnement comporte un moteur rotatif entraînant en rotation un pignon coopérant avec une chaîne à maillons dont l'extrémité libre est accouplée au panneau avant. Une telle solution est cependant inadaptée pour un usage en habitation, car le système avec pignon et chaîne est source de bruit, avec parfois des fuites du lubrifiant nécessaire au bon engrenage entre le pignon et la chaîne, sans compter la complexité et les coûts induits par la chaîne qui doit mesurer au moins un mètre cinquante centimètres.The document FR 2,743,275 discloses a motorized seat in which the actuating system comprises a rotary motor driving in rotation a pinion cooperating with a chain link whose free end is coupled to the front panel. Such a solution is however unsuitable for use in housing, because the system with pinion and chain is a source of noise, sometimes with leakage of the lubricant necessary for the proper gearing between the pinion and the chain, not to mention the complexity and the costs induced by the chain which must measure at least one meter fifty centimeters.

Le document DE 935 275 décrit également une banquette motorisée dans lequel le système d'actionnement comprend un moteur rotatif entraînant en rotation un pignon, via une courroie de transmission, où le pignon est en engrènement avec un secteur denté monté sur le panneau arrière. Ce système avec courroie, pignon et secteur dentée présente les mêmes inconvénients que pour la banquette du FR 2 743 275 , à savoir le bruit, les fuites de lubrifiant, la complexité et le coût.The document DE 935 275 also discloses a motorized seat in which the actuating system comprises a rotary motor driving a pinion in rotation, via a transmission belt, wherein the pinion is in mesh with a toothed sector mounted on the rear panel. This system with belt, pinion and toothed sector has the same disadvantages as for the bench of the FR 2,743,275 , namely noise, lubricant leaks, complexity and cost.

Le document FR 2 614 773 divulgue une autre banquette motorisée dans lequel le système d'actionnement comporte un treuil électrique qui enroule et déroule des câbles fixés sur les extrémités avant et arrière du panneau avant. Ce système avec treuil et câble présente plusieurs inconvénients en termes de bruit, sécurité et coût, sans compter la complexité pour gérer les enroulements des câbles.The document FR 2,614,773 discloses another motorized seat in which the actuation system comprises an electric winch which winds and unrolls cables attached to the front and rear ends of the front panel. This system with winch and cable has several disadvantages in terms of noise, safety and cost, not to mention the complexity to manage the cable windings.

Le document WO 01/60212 divulgue une autre banquette convertible du type à couchage perpendiculaire, employant un système de double vérins et un système à simple vérin pour les opérations de pliage/dépliage de la banquette. Cependant, cette baquette présente une structure pliabe complexe, mettant en oeuvre un premier cadre pivotant articulé sur le bâti et un deuxième cadre articulé sur ce premier cadre, conduisant à une cinématique complexe qui impose d'employer trois vérins, engendrant des coûts rédhibitoires. En outre, cette banquette met en oeuvre une roulette centrale destinée à venir rouler sur un rail solidaire du bâti pour éviter le basculement de ce bâti. Cependant, cette solution à simple roulette présente l'inconvénient que la roulette roule sur un rail beaucoup trop court, de sorte que cette roulette provoque un appui sur le rail sur une course particulièrement réduite, n'empêchant ainsi pas le bâti de glisser sur le sol lors des phases de pliage/dépliage, sauf à ce que le bâti soit suffisamment lourd.The document WO 01/60212 discloses another convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type, employing a double cylinder system and a single cylinder system for the folding / unfolding of the bench. However, this tray has a complex foldable structure, implementing a first pivoting frame hinged to the frame and a second frame hinged to the first frame, leading to a complex kinematics that requires the use of three jacks, generating prohibitive costs. In addition, this bench uses a central wheel intended to roll on a rail secured to the frame to prevent tilting of the frame. However, this simple roulette solution has the disadvantage that the wheel rolls on a rail much too short, so that this wheel causes a support on the rail on a particularly short race, thus not preventing the frame from sliding on the ground during the folding / unfolding phases, except that the frame is sufficiently heavy.

Il est aussi connu du document US 6 668 395 de prévoir une banquette convertible du type à couchage perpendiculaire, proposant d'employer des roulettes montées sur l'avant des poutres longitudinales de la structure fixe afin de coopérer avec des cames montées sur l'avant du panneau avant de la structure pliable. Ce système roulette/came est pratique pour permettre de soulever l'avant du panneau avant dans la configuration banquette, mais les cames ne viennent coopérer avec les roulettes qu'en bout de course, c'est-à-dire lorsque la banquette est quasiment pliée. Ainsi, pendant tout le début de la phase de pliage, les cames ne coopèrent pas avec les roulettes, de sorte qu'aucun appui n'est exercée de la part de structure pliable sur la structure fixe, risquant ainsi de voir la structure fixe glisser sur le sol, sauf )à être suffisamment lourde.It is also known from the document US 6,668,395 to provide a convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type, proposing to use casters mounted on the front of the longitudinal beams of the fixed structure to cooperate with cams mounted on the front of the front panel of the foldable structure. This caster / cam system is convenient for lifting the front of the front panel the bench seat configuration, but the cams come to cooperate with the casters at the end of the race, that is to say when the seat is almost folded. Thus, during all the beginning of the folding phase, the cams do not cooperate with the rollers, so that no support is exerted by the foldable structure on the fixed structure, thus risking to see the fixed structure slide on the floor, except) to be sufficiently heavy.

La présente invention a pour but de résoudre en tout ou partie ces inconvénients, en proposant une banquette convertible du type à couchage perpendiculaire qui soit équipée d'un système d'actionnement de conception simple et peu coûteuse, et d'utilisation silencieuse et sans fuite de lubrifiant.The present invention aims to solve all or part of these disadvantages by providing a convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type which is equipped with an actuating system of simple and inexpensive design, and quiet use and leak-free of lubricant.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de permettre à la structure fixe de rester en place sur le sol, sans glisser, durant les phases de pliage/dépliage, et ce même si cette structure fixe est légère.Another object of the present invention is to allow the fixed structure to remain in place on the floor, without slipping, during the folding / unfolding phases, even if this fixed structure is light.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne une banquette convertible du type à couchage perpendiculaire, ladite banquette comprenant une structure fixe supportant une structure pliable qui comporte trois panneaux dont un panneau central présentant deux côtés opposés articulés respectivement sur un panneau avant et un panneau arrière selon des axes d'articulation parallèles à une direction transversale, où la structure pliable est mobile en pliage/dépliage selon une direction longitudinale entre :

  • une configuration banquette dans laquelle le panneau avant forme une assise, le panneau central forme un dossier et le panneau arrière est replié sur le panneau central ; et
  • une configuration de couchage dans laquelle les trois panneaux sont sensiblement coplanaires pour former un sommier ;
ladite banquette comprenant en outre un système d'actionnement du pliage/dépliage de la structure pliable entre la configuration banquette et la configuration de couchage et inversement ;
ladite banquette étant remarquable en ce que le système d'actionnement comporte au moins un vérin motorisé comportant un corps à l'intérieur duquel est déplaçable en translation une tige, où le corps est articulée sur l'une des deux structures fixe et pliable et l'extrémité de la tige est articulée sur l'autre des deux structures fixe et pliable, le déplacement de la tige entraînant le dépliage/pliage de la structure pliable, où le panneau arrière est articulé sur la structure fixe selon un axe d'articulation parallèle aux axes d'articulation, et le corps du vérin est articulé sur la structure fixe ou sur le panneau arrière et l'extrémité de la tige est articulée à l'inverse sur le panneau arrière ou sur la structure fixe. Ainsi, l'invention propose de motoriser la banquette au moyen d'un vérin motorisé qui assure un pliage/dépliage motorisé et donc sans effort pour l'utilisateur, le vérin motorisé étant avantageusement pilotable au moyen d'une télécommande filaire ou sans fil.To this end, the invention relates to a convertible bench of the perpendicular coating type, said bench comprising a fixed structure supporting a foldable structure which comprises three panels including a central panel having two opposite sides hinged respectively on a front panel and a rear panel according to axes of articulation parallel to a transverse direction, where the foldable structure is movable in folding / unfolding in a longitudinal direction between:
  • a bench configuration in which the front panel forms a seat, the central panel forms a backrest and the rear panel is folded over the central panel; and
  • a sleeping configuration in which the three panels are substantially coplanar to form a bed base;
said seat further comprising a system for actuating the folding / unfolding of the foldable structure between the bench seat configuration and the sleeping configuration and vice versa;
said seat being remarkable in that the actuating system comprises at least one motorized cylinder having a body inside which is movable in translation a rod, wherein the body is articulated on one of the two fixed and foldable structure and the end of the rod is hinged to the other of the two fixed and foldable, the displacement of the rod causing the unfolding / folding of the foldable structure, where the rear panel is hinged to the fixed structure along an axis of articulation parallel to the hinge pins, and the body of the jack is hinged to the structure fixed or on the back panel and the end of the rod is hinged to the reverse on the rear panel or on the fixed structure. Thus, the invention proposes to motorize the seat by means of a motorized cylinder which provides a motorized folding / unfolding and therefore effortless for the user, the motorized cylinder being advantageously controllable by means of a wired remote control or wireless.

Dans une réalisation avantageuse, la banquette comporte en outre des moyens d'appui de la structure pliable sur la structure fixe, lesdits moyens d'appui assurant un appui de la structure pliable sur la structure fixe dans la configuration banquette, et lesdits moyens d'appui étant conformés pour maintenir un appui glissant ou roulant entre la structure pliable et la structure fixe selon la direction longitudinale le long d'au moins élément longitudinal de la structure fixe et/ou de la structure pliable afin, d'une part, de maintenir l'appui de la structure pliable sur la structure fixe pendant une partie du pliage/dépliage et, d'autre part, guider la structure pliable de la configuration de couchage vers la configuration banquette.In an advantageous embodiment, the bench further comprises support means of the foldable structure on the fixed structure, said support means ensuring a support of the foldable structure on the fixed structure in the bench configuration, and said means of support being shaped to maintain a sliding or rolling support between the foldable structure and the fixed structure along the longitudinal direction along at least one longitudinal element of the fixed structure and / or the foldable structure in order, on the one hand, to maintain supporting the foldable structure on the fixed structure during part of the folding / unfolding and, secondly, guiding the foldable structure of the coating configuration to the bench seat configuration.

Ces moyens d'appui ont ainsi une double fonction, avec une première fonction de stabiliser la banquette au sol, et plus particulièrement de l'immobiliser au sol pendant les mouvements de pliage / dépliage, grâce à un appui de la structure pliable sur la structure fixe au départ de la configuration banquette (dans le sens du dépliage) ou à l'arrivée dans la configuration banquette (dans le sens du pliage). En effet, ces deux situations de départ et d'arrivée peuvent être critiques en termes de transfert de poids, car le vérin peut aussi bien déplacer la structure fixe (si elle n'est pas ancrée ou lestée sur le sol) que la structure pliable. Ces moyens d'appui visent à ce que la structure pliable appuie sur la structure fixe, tout en suivant le mouvement de pliage ou de dépliage (grâce à ces appuis roulant ou glissant), et donc maintienne la structure fixe en place sur le sol. De la sorte, le vérin déplace uniquement la structure pliable, avec la structure fixe qui est immobilisé grâce aux moyens d'appui.These support means thus have a dual function, with a first function of stabilizing the bench on the ground, and more particularly to immobilize it on the ground during the folding / unfolding movements, thanks to a support of the foldable structure on the structure fixed at the start of the seat configuration (in the direction of unfolding) or at the finish in the seat configuration (in the direction of folding). Indeed, these two situations of departure and arrival can be critical in terms of weight transfer, because the cylinder can both move the fixed structure (if it is not anchored or weighted on the ground) that the foldable structure . These support means are designed so that the foldable structure is supported on the fixed structure, while following the movement of folding or unfolding (thanks to these rolling or sliding bearings), and thus keep the fixed structure in place on the ground. In this way, the jack displaces only the foldable structure, with the fixed structure which is immobilized by means of support.

La seconde fonction est de guider la structure pliable, essentiellement au départ de la configuration banquette (dans le sens du dépliage). En effet, comme le dépliage est motorisé et que personne ne tire sur la structure (comme il est en d'usage avec une banquette convertible non motorisé), il est important que le panneau avant soit chassé ou guidé en translation longitudinale vers l'avant et, grâce aux moyens d'appui roulant ou glissant, on réalise un guidage en translation longitudinale qui va justement permettre de réaliser ce guidage.The second function is to guide the foldable structure, essentially from the bench seat configuration (in the unfolding direction). Indeed, as the unfolding is motorized and nobody does not pull on the structure (as is customary with a non-motorized convertible seat), it is important that the front panel is driven or guided in longitudinal translation forwards and, thanks to the rolling or sliding support means a guide in longitudinal translation is carried out which will enable this guidance to be carried out.

En d'autres termes, pendant l'actionnement du vérin, la tige du vérin déplace la structure pliable selon un mouvement de pliage/dépliage, et ainsi la tige et le corps du vérin subissent la réaction de la structure pliable (poids, résistance au niveau des articulations et lors des transferts de poids entre les panneaux), au risque de déplacer la structure fixe sur le sol. Les moyens d'appui permettent donc de transférer le poids des panneaux en mouvement sur le support fixe, assurant ainsi le plaquage et l'immobilisation du support fixe sur le sol ; les appuis glissant ou roulant de la ou des pièces d'appui garantissant un appui soutenu pendant le mouvement des panneaux et donc le guidage susmentionné.In other words, during the actuation of the jack, the cylinder rod moves the foldable structure in a folding / unfolding movement, and thus the rod and the cylinder body undergo the reaction of the foldable structure (weight, resistance to rotation). level of joints and weight transfers between panels), at the risk of moving the fixed structure on the ground. The support means therefore make it possible to transfer the weight of the moving panels to the fixed support, thus ensuring the plating and the immobilization of the fixed support on the ground; the sliding or rolling supports of the support piece or pieces ensuring a sustained support during the movement of the panels and thus the aforementioned guidance.

Selon une caractéristique, les moyens d'appui comportent :

  • au moins une pièce d'appui glissante ou roulante montée sur l'une des deux structures fixe et pliable ; et
  • au moins un élément longitudinal intégré à l'autre des deux structures fixe et pliable, s'étendant selon la direction longitudinale et définissant une surface de contact avec la ou chaque pièce d'appui, le contact étant maintenu sur une longueur prédéfinie le long dudit élément longitudinal.
According to one characteristic, the support means comprise:
  • at least one sliding or rolling support member mounted on one of the two fixed and foldable structures; and
  • at least one longitudinal element integrated with the other of the two fixed and foldable structures, extending in the longitudinal direction and defining a contact surface with the or each support piece, the contact being maintained along a predefined length along said longitudinal element.

Ainsi, l'appui glissant ou roulant est réalisé au moyen de ce(s) pièce(s) d'appui, sur au moins un élément longitudinal définissant une surface de contact étendue longitudinalement afin que l'appui soit maintenu sur une certaine longueur dans les périodes critiques, au départ de la configuration banquette (dans le sens du dépliage) ou à l'arrivée dans la configuration banquette (dans le sens du pliage).Thus, the sliding or rolling support is achieved by means of this (these) part (s) of support, on at least one longitudinal element defining a longitudinally extended contact surface so that the support is maintained for a certain length in the critical periods, starting from the seat configuration (in the direction of unfolding) or arriving in the seat configuration (in the direction of folding).

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens sont répartis de manière symétrique selon un plan médian et longitudinal de la banquette, lesdits moyens d'appui comportant :

  • au moins une pièce d'appui droite montée sur l'une des deux structures fixe et pliable et coopérant avec au moins un élément longitudinal droit intégré à l'autre des deux structures fixe et pliable ; et
  • au moins une pièce d'appui gauche montée sur l'une des deux structures fixe et pliable et coopérant avec au moins un élément longitudinal gauche intégré à l'autre des deux structures fixe et pliable.
According to another characteristic, the means are distributed symmetrically along a median and longitudinal plane of the seat, said support means comprising:
  • at least one straight support piece mounted on one of the two fixed and foldable structures and cooperating with at least one element longitudinal right integrated to the other of the two fixed and foldable structures; and
  • at least one left support piece mounted on one of the two fixed and collapsible structures and cooperating with at least one left longitudinal element integrated with the other of the two fixed and foldable structures.

De cette manière, les appuis réalisés par les pièces d'appui sont répartis entre la droite et la gauche, équilibrant ainsi le transfert du poids des panneaux sur le support fixe et le guidage de la structure pliable dans les périodes critiques précitées.In this way, the supports made by the support pieces are distributed between the right and the left, thus balancing the weight transfer of the panels on the fixed support and the guide of the foldable structure in the aforementioned critical periods.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens d'appui sont répartis entre avant et arrière et comportent :

  • au moins une pièce d'appui avant montée sur l'une des deux structures fixe et pliable et coopérant avec une surface de contact avant intégré à l'autre des deux structures fixe et pliable ; et
  • au moins une pièce d'appui arrière montée sur l'une des deux structures fixe et pliable et coopérant avec une surface de contact arrière intégré à l'autre des deux structures fixe et pliable ;
où lesdites pièces d'appui avant et arrière sont décalées l'une de l'autre selon la direction longitudinale.According to another characteristic, the support means are distributed between front and rear and comprise:
  • at least one front support piece mounted on one of the two fixed and foldable structures and cooperating with a front contact surface integrated with the other of the two fixed and foldable structures; and
  • at least one rear support piece mounted on one of the two fixed and foldable structures and cooperating with a rear contact surface integrated with the other of the two fixed and foldable structures;
wherein said front and rear support pieces are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction.

Ainsi, les pièces d'appui avant et arrière glissent ou roulent sur quasiment toute la longueur de l'élément longitudinal (de la structure fixe ou de la structure pliable), ce qui permet de maintenir le transfert du poids des panneaux suffisamment longtemps pour immobiliser efficacement le support fixe dans les périodes critiques précitées. Les pièces d'appui avant et arrière garantissent également que le transfert de poids et le guidage de la structure pliable soient maintenus, même si l'une des pièces d'appui quitte le contact avec la surface de contact, l'autre pièce d'appui maintiendrait le contact pour assurer le transfert de poids et le guidage.Thus, the front and rear support pieces slide or roll over almost the entire length of the longitudinal element (of the fixed structure or the foldable structure), which makes it possible to maintain the transfer of the weight of the panels long enough to immobilize. efficiently the fixed support in the aforementioned critical periods. The front and rear support pieces also ensure that weight transfer and guidance of the foldable structure are maintained, even if one of the support pieces leaves contact with the contact surface, the other piece of support would maintain contact to ensure weight transfer and guidance.

De manière avantageuse, les pièces d'appui avant et arrière sont également décalées l'une de l'autre selon la direction transversale, et les surfaces de contact avant et arrière sont également décalées l'une de l'autre selon la direction transversale ; l'avantage de ces décalages étant d'offrir des surfaces de contact distinctes et de profils distincts intéressante pour le guidage de la structure pliable.Advantageously, the front and rear support pieces are also offset from each other in the transverse direction, and the front and rear contact surfaces are also offset from each other in the transverse direction; the advantage of these offsets being to offer distinct contact surfaces and distinct profiles of interest for guiding the foldable structure.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens d'appui sont conformés pour, dans la configuration banquette, relever un côté avant du panneau avant, opposé à un côté arrière articulé sur le panneau central, afin que ledit panneau avant soit incliné par rapport à l'horizontal, et verrouiller ladite banquette dans cette configuration relevée.According to another feature, the support means are shaped to, in the bench configuration, raise a front side of the front panel, opposite to a rearward hinged side on the central panel, so that said front panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and lock said seat in this raised configuration.

Ainsi, les moyens d'appui assurent que, dans la configuration banquette, l'avant de l'assise (le panneau avant) soit relevé, de sorte que cette assise est légèrement incliné par rapport à l'horizontale pour des raisons de confort d'assise, et également de stabilité et de maintien de la banquette dans cette configuration. En outre, cette configuration relevée (autrement dit avec assise relevée) est verrouillée ou bloquée mécaniquement, en complément du blocage intrinsèquement réalisé par le vérin, dans un souci de tenue mécanique évident.Thus, the support means ensure that, in the bench seat configuration, the front of the seat (the front panel) is raised, so that this seat is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal for reasons of comfort. sitting, and also stability and holding the bench in this configuration. In addition, this raised configuration (in other words with raised seat) is locked or mechanically locked, in addition to the blocking intrinsically made by the cylinder, for the sake of obvious mechanical strength.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la ou chaque pièce d'appui avant présente des dimensions selon une direction verticale orthogonale aux directions longitudinale et transversale supérieures à celles de la ou de chaque pièce d'appui arrière, et la ou chaque surface de contact avant présente une rampe de verrouillage sur laquelle vient en appui la pièce d'appui avant concernée dans la configuration banquette afin d'assurer le verrouillage de la banquette dans cette configuration relevée.According to another feature, the or each front support piece has dimensions in a vertical direction orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions greater than those of the or each rear support piece, and the or each front contact surface has a locking ramp on which bears the relevant front support piece in the bench configuration to ensure the locking of the seat in this raised configuration.

A titre d'exemple, si la ou les pièces d'appui sont des roues, les roues avant sont de diamètre supérieur aux roues arrière, pour relever l'avant de l'assise dans la configuration banquette.For example, if the support piece or pieces are wheels, the front wheels are of greater diameter than the rear wheels, to raise the front of the seat in the bench seat configuration.

En outre, la rampe de verrouillage bloque mécaniquement la banquette dans la configuration banquette, car la pièce d'appui avant correspondante devrait remonter la rampe pour sortir la banquette de cette configuration banquette, ce qui est mécaniquement impossible avec l'assise relevée et avec le vérin à l'arrêt.In addition, the locking ramp mechanically locks the seat in the bench seat configuration, because the corresponding front support piece should go up the ramp to get out of the bench seat configuration, which is mechanically impossible with the seat raised and with the cylinder stopped.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la ou chaque surface de contact avant présente un plateau prolongé longitudinalement d'un côté par la rampe de verrouillage et de l'autre côté par une rampe de guidage conçue pour guider la pièce d'appui avant concernée pendant le pliage de la configuration de couchage vers la configuration banquette.According to another characteristic, the or each front contact surface has a plate extended longitudinally on one side by the locking ramp and on the other side by a guide ramp designed to guide the relevant front support piece during folding the sleeping configuration to the bench seat configuration.

La ou les rampes de guidage permettent ainsi de guider les pièces avant vers les plateaux, pour une continuité dans les mouvements des panneaux, sans à-coup, avant de basculer sur la rampe de verrouillage.The guide rail or guides and guide the front parts to the trays, for continuity in the movement of the panels, smoothly, before switching to the locking ramp.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la ou chaque pièce d'appui comprend une roue montée rotative autour d'un axe parallèle aux axes d'articulation.According to another characteristic, the or each support piece comprises a wheel rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the hinge pins.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens d'appui constituent des moyens d'appui du panneau avant de la structure pliable sur la structure fixe.According to another characteristic, the support means constitute support means of the front panel of the foldable structure on the fixed structure.

Autrement dit, ces moyens d'appui assurent l'appui roulant ou glissant du panneau avant sur la structure fixe pendant les périodes critiques précitées, sachant que ce panneau avant est essentiellement guidé en translation pendant les mouvements de pliage/dépliage ce qui facilite la réalisation du ou des appuis longitudinaux roulant ou glissant entre le panneau avant et la structure fixe.In other words, these support means provide rolling or sliding support of the front panel on the fixed structure during the aforementioned critical periods, knowing that the front panel is essentially guided in translation during the folding / unfolding movements which facilitates the realization longitudinal support or rolling or sliding between the front panel and the fixed structure.

Ainsi, selon une caractéristique, les moyens d'appui comportent :

  • au moins une pièce d'appui glissante ou roulante montée sur le panneau avant ou sur la structure fixe ; et
  • au moins un élément longitudinal intégré à l'inverse sur la structure fixe ou sur le panneau avant.
Thus, according to one characteristic, the support means comprise:
  • at least one slider or rolling support member mounted on the front panel or on the fixed structure; and
  • at least one longitudinal element integrated in reverse on the fixed structure or on the front panel.

En variante, les moyens d'appui constituent des moyens d'appui du panneau central de la structure pliable sur la structure fixe.As a variant, the support means constitute support means for the central panel of the foldable structure on the fixed structure.

Cette variante est cependant plus complexe, car le panneau central se déplace selon un mouvement complexe combinant translation et rotation, de sorte que la ou les surfaces de contact doivent présenter un profilé complexe pour assurer l'appui et le guidage du panneau central sur la structure fixe.This variant is more complex, however, because the central panel moves in a complex movement combining translation and rotation, so that the contact surface or surfaces must have a complex section to ensure the support and guidance of the central panel on the structure fixed.

Selon l'invention, le panneau arrière est articulé sur la structure fixe selon un axe d'articulation parallèle aux axes d'articulation, et le corps du vérin est articulé sur la structure fixe ou sur le panneau arrière et l'extrémité de la tige est articulée à l'inverse sur le panneau arrière ou sur la structure fixe.According to the invention, the rear panel is hinged to the fixed structure along an axis of articulation parallel to the hinge pins, and the body of the jack is articulated on the fixed structure or on the rear panel and the end of the rod. is articulated inversely on the back panel or on the fixed structure.

Ainsi, le vérin agit sur le panneau arrière pour contrôler les mouvements de pliage/dépliage de la structure pliable. C'est donc la rotation du panneau arrière, pilotée par le vérin, qui est à l'origine de tous les mouvements de pliage/dépliage de la banquette. Les moyens d'appui s'avèrent donc particulièrement importants dans ce cas de figure, car le mouvement de pliage/dépliage part de l'arrière, et les moyens d'appui vont permettre de chasser/guider en translation le panneau avant vers l'avant (lors du dépliage), ce qui est pratique car le panneau avant avance uniquement car le panneau central le pousse au niveau de leur articulation commune (les moyens d'appui évitant justement un blocage au niveau de cette articulation entre panneau avant et panneau central).Thus, the jack acts on the rear panel to control the folding / unfolding movements of the foldable structure. This is the rotation of the rear panel, driven by the cylinder, which is at the origin of all the movements of folding / unfolding of the bench. The support means are therefore particularly important in this case, because the folding / unfolding movement from the rear, and the support means will allow to hunt / guide in translation the front panel to the before (when unfolding), which is convenient because the front panel advances only because the central panel pushes it at their joint joint (the support means avoiding precisely a blockage at this articulation between front panel and central panel ).

Selon une autre caractéristique, le panneau arrière comporte un cadre, et l'articulation de la tige ou du corps de vérin sur le panneau arrière se fait sur un bras de levier solidaire du cadre du panneau arrière.According to another feature, the rear panel has a frame, and the articulation of the rod or the cylinder body on the rear panel is on a lever arm secured to the frame of the rear panel.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la structure pliable est plus large (dans le sens de la direction transversale) que la structure fixe, de sorte que les pièces d'appui (respectivement les surfaces de contact) sont situées sur l'intérieur de la structure pliable tandis que, à l'inverse, les surfaces de contact (respectivement les pièces d'appui) sont situées sur la structure fixe, et notamment sur l'extérieur de la structure fixe et/ou sur le dessus de la structure fixe.According to another characteristic, the foldable structure is wider (in the direction of the transverse direction) than the fixed structure, so that the support pieces (respectively the contact surfaces) are located on the inside of the foldable structure while, conversely, the contact surfaces (respectively the support parts) are located on the fixed structure, and in particular on the outside of the fixed structure and / or on the top of the fixed structure.

A titre d'exemple, les pièces d'appui sont montées sur l'intérieur de la structure pliable (notamment sur l'intérieur du panneau avant) afin de coopérer avec des surfaces de contact prévues sur la structure fixe.By way of example, the support pieces are mounted on the inside of the foldable structure (in particular on the inside of the front panel) in order to cooperate with contact surfaces provided on the fixed structure.

En variante, la structure pliable est moins large (dans le sens de la direction transversale) que la structure fixe, de sorte que les pièces d'appui (respectivement les surfaces de contact) sont situées sur l'extérieur de la structure pliable tandis que, à l'inverse, les surfaces de contact (respectivement les pièces d'appui) sont situées sur la structure fixe, et notamment sur l'intérieur de la structure fixe et/ou sur le dessus de la structure fixe.Alternatively, the foldable structure is narrower (in the direction of the transverse direction) than the fixed structure, so that the support pieces (respectively the contact surfaces) are located on the outside of the foldable structure while conversely, the contact surfaces (respectively the support pieces) are located on the fixed structure, and in particular on the inside of the fixed structure and / or on the top of the fixed structure.

Cette variante correspond notamment à une situation où la structure fixe est composée de deux accoudoirs latéraux, de préférence reliés par une barre transversale.This variant corresponds in particular to a situation where the fixed structure is composed of two lateral armrests, preferably connected by a transverse bar.

A titre d'exemple, les pièces d'appui sont montées sur l'extérieur de la structure pliable (notamment sur l'extérieur du panneau avant) afin de coopérer avec des surfaces de contact prévues sur l'intérieur de la structure fixe.For example, the support pieces are mounted on the outside of the foldable structure (especially on the outside of the front panel) to cooperate with contact surfaces provided on the inside of the fixed structure.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui suit pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique de dessus d'une banquette conforme à l'invention, en configuration de couchage ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique de la banquette de la figure 1 en configuration de couchage, selon le plan de coupe II-II ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de la banquette de la figure 1 dans une première configuration intermédiaire, pendant le pliage de la banquette à partir de la configuration de couchage de la figure 2, selon le même plan de coupe latérale II-II ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique de la banquette de la figure 1 dans une seconde configuration intermédiaire faisant suite à la première configuration intermédiaire de la figure 3, pendant le pliage de la banquette, selon le même plan de coupe II-II ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique de la banquette de la figure 1 en configuration banquette, selon le même plan de coupe II-II ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue schématique partielle de dessus de la banquette de la figure 1, en configuration banquette ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue de la zone VII de la figure 6, selon un plan de coupe transversal ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue de la zone VIII de la figure 6, selon un plan de coupe transversal ;
  • les figures 9a à 9b sont des vues schématiques de côté d'une banquette conforme à l'invention, pendant son pliage jusqu'à la configuration banquette (Figure 9d), à plusieurs moments pour illustrer le guidage réalisé par les supports avant.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic top view of a seat according to the invention, in sleeping configuration;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic view of the bench of the figure 1 in sleeping configuration, according to the sectional plane II-II;
  • the figure 3 is a schematic view of the bench of the figure 1 in a first intermediate configuration, during the folding of the seat from the sleeping configuration of the figure 2 along the same lateral section plane II-II;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic view of the bench of the figure 1 in a second intermediate configuration following the first intermediate configuration of the figure 3 during the folding of the seat, according to the same section plane II-II;
  • the figure 5 is a schematic view of the bench of the figure 1 in bench configuration, according to the same section plane II-II;
  • the figure 6 is a partial schematic view from above of the bench seat of the figure 1 , in a bench seat configuration;
  • the figure 7 is a view of zone VII of the figure 6 , according to a transverse sectional plane;
  • the figure 8 is a view of the VIII zone of the figure 6 , according to a transverse sectional plane;
  • the Figures 9a to 9b are schematic side views of a bench according to the invention, during its folding to the bench seat configuration ( Figure 9d ) at several times to illustrate the guidance provided by the front supports.

Pour la suite de la description, nous nous référerons utilement au repère (X, Y, Z) comprenant :

  • l'axe longitudinal X définissant la direction longitudinale X s'étendant de l'avant vers l'arrière de la banquette, et établie selon la plus grande longueur du sommier (la notion « avant » faisant référence à l'avant de la banquette (côté assise) et la notion « arrière » faisant référence à l'arrière de la banquette (côté dossier)) ;
  • l'axe transversal Y définissant la direction transversale Y s'étendant de la droite à la gauche de la banquette, et établie selon la largeur de la banquette de droite à gauche, les axes X et Y définissant le plan horizontal lorsque la banquette repose sur un sol horizontal ;
  • l'axe vertical Z définissant la direction verticale Z s'étendant de bas en haut, et établie selon la hauteur de la banquette lorsque la banquette est en situation classique, autrement dit posée sur un sol horizontal.
For the rest of the description, we will usefully refer to the reference (X, Y, Z) comprising:
  • the longitudinal axis X defining the longitudinal direction X extending from the front to the rear of the bench, and established along the greatest length of the bed base (the notion "before" referring to the front of the bench seat ( sitting side) and the notion "rear" referring to the back of the bench (back side));
  • the transverse axis Y defining the transverse direction Y extending from the right to the left of the bench, and established according to the width of the bench from right to left, the X and Y axes defining the horizontal plane when the bench rests on a horizontal ground;
  • the vertical axis Z defining the vertical direction Z extending from bottom to top, and established according to the height of the seat when the bench is in a conventional situation, ie placed on a horizontal floor.

En référence aux figures, une banquette 1 conforme à l'invention comporte une structure fixe 2 qui se compose d'un cadre de largeur extérieure LS (selon la direction Y) pourvu de :

  • deux poutres latérales 20, respectivement droite et gauche, s'étendant selon la direction X ;
  • deux poutres transversales 21, respectivement avant et arrière, s'étendant selon la direction Y et reliant les deux poutres latérales 20 ;
  • quatre pieds 22 aux extrémités avant et arrière des poutres latérales 20.
With reference to the figures, a bench 1 according to the invention comprises a fixed structure 2 which consists of a frame of outer width LS (in the Y direction) provided with:
  • two lateral beams 20, respectively right and left, extending in the direction X;
  • two transverse beams 21, respectively front and rear, extending in the direction Y and connecting the two lateral beams 20;
  • four feet 22 at the front and rear ends of the side beams 20.

Les poutres latérales 20 présentent chacune une surface supérieure sensiblement plane (le dessus des poutres latérales 20) qui forment des surfaces de contact.The lateral beams 20 each have a substantially flat top surface (the top of the side beams 20) which form contact surfaces.

La structure fixe 2 comporte également deux supports avant 25, respectivement droite et gauche, fixés sur les poutres latérales 20 respectives. Chaque support avant 25 est fixé sur l'extrémité avant de la poutre latérale 20 correspondante, et chaque support avant 25 est fixé sur le côté extérieur de la poutre latérale 20 correspondante, c'est-à-dire à l'opposé de l'intérieur du cadre de la structure fixe. Ces supports avant 25 présentent chacune une surface supérieure qui forment des surfaces de contact.The fixed structure 2 also comprises two front supports 25, respectively right and left, fixed on the respective lateral beams 20. Each front support 25 is attached to the front end of the corresponding side beam 20, and each front support 25 is attached to the outer side of the corresponding side beam 20, i.e. the opposite of the inside the frame of the fixed structure. These Front supports 25 each have an upper surface which form contact surfaces.

Comme visible sur les figures 9a à 9d, chaque support avant 25 est réalisé sous la forme d'une plaque rigide, notamment en acier, qui présente un plateau 251 central plat et parallèle à la surface supérieure de la poutre latérale 20 correspondante, ce plateau central 251 étant par exemple coplanaire avec (autrement dit au même niveau que) la surface supérieure de la poutre latérale 20 correspondante.As visible on Figures 9a to 9d each front support 25 is made in the form of a rigid plate, in particular of steel, which has a flat central plate 251 and parallel to the upper surface of the corresponding lateral beam 20, this central plate 251 being for example coplanar with in other words, at the same level as the upper surface of the corresponding lateral beam.

Pour chaque support avant 25, le plateau 251 est encadré par deux rampes respectivement avant 250 (ou rampe de guidage) et arrière 252 (ou rampe de verrouillage), qui sont descendantes par rapport au plateau 251 ; autrement dit le plateau 251 représente le sommet de ces rampes 250, 252.For each support before 25, the plate 251 is surrounded by two ramps respectively before 250 (or guide ramp) and rear 252 (or locking ramp), which are descending relative to the plate 251; in other words, the plate 251 represents the apex of these ramps 250, 252.

La banquette 1 comporte également une structure pliable 3 comportant des panneaux articulés, à savoir un panneau avant 4, un panneau central 5 et un panneau arrière 6. Le panneau central 5 présente deux côtés transversaux opposés (parallèles aux poutres transversales 21) articulés respectivement sur le panneau avant 4 et sur le panneau arrière 6 selon des axes d'articulation A, B parallèles.The bench 1 also comprises a foldable structure 3 comprising hinged panels, namely a front panel 4, a central panel 5 and a rear panel 6. The central panel 5 has two opposite transverse sides (parallel to the transverse beams 21) articulated respectively on the front panel 4 and the rear panel 6 along parallel axes of articulation A, B.

Le panneau avant 4 est réalisé sous la forme d'un cadre de largeur intérieure LA (selon la direction Y), muni de :

  • deux poutres latérales 40, respectivement droite et gauche, s'étendant selon la direction X ;
  • deux poutres transversales 41, respectivement avant et arrière, s'étendant selon la direction Y et reliant les deux poutres latérales 40.
The front panel 4 is in the form of an inner width frame LA (in the Y direction), provided with:
  • two lateral beams 40, respectively right and left, extending in the direction X;
  • two transverse beams 41, respectively front and rear, extending in the direction Y and connecting the two lateral beams 40.

Le panneau avant 4 est également muni de quatre pieds 42 terminés par des roues 420 ou des patins glissants, ces pieds étant disposés aux extrémités avant et arrière des poutres latérales 40 et prévus pour venir en appui (roulant ou glissant) sur le sol, lors des mouvements de translation longitudinale vers l'avant et l'arrière pendant les phases respectivement de dépliage et pliage.The front panel 4 is also provided with four feet 42 terminated by wheels 420 or sliding pads, these feet being arranged at the front and rear ends of the lateral beams 40 and provided to abut (rolling or sliding) on the ground, when longitudinal translation movements forward and back during unfolding and folding phases respectively.

La largeur intérieure LA est sensiblement supérieure à la largeur extérieure LS du cadre de la structure fixe 2 plus deux fois la largeur des supports avant 25 (les deux supports ayant la même largeur). Ainsi, et comme visible sur la figure 6, le cadre du panneau avant 4 peut venir s'emboîter sur la structure fixe 2 (avec les jeux de montage près) dans la configuration banquette.The inner width LA is substantially greater than the outer width LS of the frame of the fixed structure 2 plus twice the width of the front supports 25 (the two supports having the same width). So, and as visible on the figure 6 , the panel frame before 4 can fit on the fixed structure 2 (with the mounting games near) in the bench seat configuration.

Le panneau avant 4 intègre également deux roues avant 43 et deux roues arrière 44, notamment du type patin rouleur, qui sont montées rotatives sur les poutres latérales 40, et plus spécifiquement montées rotatives sur les côtés intérieurs ou inférieurs des poutres latérales 40, avec une roue avant 43 et une roue arrière 44 par poutre latérale 40. La roue avant droite 43 est montée sur la poutre latérale 40 en face de (ou de manière symétrique à) la roue avant gauche 43 qui est montée sur la poutre latérale 40 gauche, et la roue arrière droite 44 est montée sur la poutre latérale 40 en face de (ou de manière symétrique à) la roue arrière gauche 43 qui est montée sur la poutre latérale 40 gauche. Les roues 43, 44 ne dépassent pas du dessus du cadre du panneau avant 4, pour ne pas gêner la réception d'un matelas.The front panel 4 also incorporates two front wheels 43 and two rear wheels 44, in particular of the roller skate type, which are rotatably mounted on the lateral beams 40, and more specifically rotatably mounted on the inner or lower sides of the side beams 40, with a front wheel 43 and a rear wheel 44 by lateral beam 40. The right front wheel 43 is mounted on the lateral beam 40 facing (or symmetrically to) the left front wheel 43 which is mounted on the left lateral beam 40, and the right rear wheel 44 is mounted on the side beam 40 opposite (or symmetrically to) the left rear wheel 43 which is mounted on the left side beam 40. The wheels 43, 44 do not protrude from the top of the frame of the front panel 4, so as not to hinder the reception of a mattress.

Les roues 43, 44 sont dirigées vers l'intérieur du cadre du panneau avant 4, avec les roues arrière 44 plus décalées de leurs poutres latérales 40 respectives que les roues avant 43 selon la direction Y ; autrement dit chaque roue avant 43 est plus proche de sa poutre latérale 40 que la roue arrière 44, la roue avant 43 étant sensiblement plaquée contre la poutre latérale 40 (au jeu de montage près nécessaire pour la bonne rotation de la roue avant 43), tandis que la roue arrière 44 est déportée transversalement de la poutre latérale 40 d'un écart correspondant sensiblement à la largeur des supports avant 25.The wheels 43, 44 are directed towards the inside of the front panel frame 4, with the rear wheels 44 more offset from their respective lateral beams 40 than the front wheels 43 in the Y direction; in other words, each front wheel 43 is closer to its lateral beam 40 than the rear wheel 44, the front wheel 43 being substantially pressed against the lateral beam 40 (with the necessary assembly clearance necessary for the good rotation of the front wheel 43), while the rear wheel 44 is offset transversely of the lateral beam 40 by a gap substantially corresponding to the width of the front supports 25.

Les roues arrière 44 sont situées plus proches des extrémités arrière des poutres latérales 40 respectives, tandis que les roues avant 43 sont situées plus proches des extrémités avant des poutres latérales 40 respectives. Cependant, chaque roue arrière 44 est disposée à une distance prédéfinie de l'extrémité arrière de la poutre latérale 40 correspondante, pour faciliter le chassage vers l'avant du panneau avant 4 lorsqu'on déplie la structure pliable 3.The rear wheels 44 are located closer to the rear ends of the respective lateral beams 40, while the front wheels 43 are located closer to the front ends of the respective lateral beams 40. However, each rear wheel 44 is disposed at a predefined distance from the rear end of the corresponding lateral beam 40, to facilitate the forward hunting of the front panel 4 when the foldable structure 3 is unfolded.

En outre, les roues avant 43 présentent un diamètre supérieur aux roues arrière 44, et les roues avant 43 ont leurs axes de rotation décalés vers le bas par rapport aux roues arrière 44. Ainsi, les roues avant 43 offrent des surfaces roulantes d'appui situées en contrebas par rapport aux surfaces roulantes d'appui offertes par les roues arrière 44.In addition, the front wheels 43 have a larger diameter than the rear wheels 44, and the front wheels 43 have their axes of rotation offset downwardly relative to the rear wheels 44. Thus, the front wheels 43 provide rolling bearing surfaces located in lower than the rolling surfaces of support provided by the rear wheels 44.

Le panneau central 5 est réalisé sous la forme d'un cadre de largeur intérieure LA, muni de deux poutres latérales 50, respectivement droite et gauche, s'étendant selon l'axe X et reliées par une poutre transversale 51 avant s'étendant selon l'axe Y.The central panel 5 is made in the form of a frame of internal width LA, provided with two lateral beams 50, respectively right and left, extending along the axis X and connected by a transverse beam 51 before extending according to the Y axis.

Le panneau central 5 comporte également une poutre centrale 52 parallèle aux poutres latérales 50. En variante, le panneau central 5 ne comporte pas une telle poutre centrale 52 mais comporte une poutre transversale arrière s'étendant selon l'axe Y et reliant les deux poutres latérales 50The central panel 5 also comprises a central beam 52 parallel to the lateral beams 50. As a variant, the central panel 5 does not include such a central beam 52 but has a rear transverse beam extending along the Y axis and connecting the two beams. lateral 50

Le panneau avant 4 est articulé sur le panneau central 5 selon un axe de rotation A (parallèle à l'axe Y), au moyen de deux charnières ou articulations 53 prévues entre les extrémités arrière des poutres latérales 40 du et panneau avant 4 les extrémités avant des poutres latérales 50 du panneau central 5.The front panel 4 is articulated on the central panel 5 along an axis of rotation A (parallel to the axis Y), by means of two hinges or hinges 53 provided between the rear ends of the lateral beams 40 of the front panel and the 4 ends front lateral beams 50 of the central panel 5.

Le panneau arrière 6 est réalisé sous la forme d'un cadre de largeur intérieure LA, muni de :

  • deux poutres latérales 60, respectivement droite et gauche, s'étendant selon l'axe X ;
  • deux poutres transversales 61, respectivement avant et arrière, s'étendant selon l'axe Y et reliant les deux poutres latérales 60.
The rear panel 6 is in the form of an inner width frame LA, provided with:
  • two lateral beams 60, respectively right and left, extending along the axis X;
  • two transverse beams 61, respectively front and rear, extending along the Y axis and connecting the two lateral beams 60.

De manière optionnelle, le panneau arrière 6 comporte également une poutre centrale 62 parallèle aux poutres latérales 60 et s'étendant entre les deux poutres transversales 61, voire plusieurs poutres internes s'étendant selon l'axe Y et reliant les deux poutres transversales 61.Optionally, the rear panel 6 also comprises a central beam 62 parallel to the lateral beams 60 and extending between the two transverse beams 61, or even several internal beams extending along the Y axis and connecting the two transverse beams 61.

Le panneau arrière 6 est articulé sur le panneau central 5 selon un axe de rotation B (parallèle à l'axe Y), au moyen de deux charnières ou articulations 54 prévues entre les extrémités avant des poutres latérales 60 du panneau arrière 6 et les extrémités arrière des poutres latérales 50 du panneau central 5.The rear panel 6 is articulated on the central panel 5 along an axis of rotation B (parallel to the axis Y), by means of two hinges or hinges 54 provided between the front ends of the side beams 60 of the rear panel 6 and the ends rear of the lateral beams 50 of the central panel 5.

Dans le mode de réalisation avec les poutres centrales 52, 62, il peut également être prévu d'avoir une troisième charnière ou articulation 54 entre l'extrémité avant de la poutre centrale 62 et l'extrémité arrière de la poutre centrale 52.In the embodiment with the central beams 52, 62, it may also be provided to have a third hinge or hinge 54 between the front end of the central beam 62 and the rear end of the central beam 52.

Le panneau arrière 6 est également articulé sur la structure fixe 2 selon un axe de rotation C (parallèle à l'axe Y). Plus précisément, le panneau arrière 6 est articulé sur l'arrière de la structure fixe 2, au moyen d'au moins un bras 63 solidaire de la poutre transversale 61 arrière du panneau arrière 6 et articulé sur la structure fixe 2, par exemple sur les poutres latérales 20.The rear panel 6 is also articulated on the fixed structure 2 along an axis of rotation C (parallel to the Y axis). More specifically, the rear panel 6 is articulated on the rear of the fixed structure 2, by means of at least one arm 63 integral with the transverse beam 61 rear of the rear panel 6 and articulated on the fixed structure 2, for example on the lateral beams 20.

De préférence, pour des raisons de stabilité, le panneau arrière 6 est articulé sur la structure fixe 2 au moyen de plusieurs bras 63 solidaires de la poutre transversale 61 arrière du panneau arrière 6 et articulés sur la structure fixe 2, par exemple sur les deux poutres latérales 20. Le ou chaque bras 63 présente une extrémité fixée sur la poutre transversale 61 arrière du panneau arrière 6 et une extrémité opposée articulée sur la structure fixe 2.Preferably, for reasons of stability, the rear panel 6 is hinged to the fixed structure 2 by means of several arms 63 secured to the transverse beam 61 rear of the rear panel 6 and articulated on the fixed structure 2, for example on both Lateral beams 20. The or each arm 63 has an end fixed to the rear transverse beam 61 of the rear panel 6 and an opposite end hinged to the fixed structure 2.

La banquette 1 comporte également un vérin 7 motorisé et électrique comportant un corps 70 à l'intérieur duquel est déplaçable en translation une tige 71.The bench 1 also comprises a motorized and electric cylinder 7 having a body 70 inside which is movable in translation a rod 71.

Le corps 70 est articulé sur la structure fixe 2 selon un axe de rotation D (parallèle à l'axe Y), et est par exemple positionné au milieu de la banquette 1, de sorte que le corps 70 peut être articulé sur le milieu de la poutre transversale 20 avant de la structure fixe 2. Le corps 70 est ainsi positionné sur l'avant de la structure fixe 2, sur la poutre transversale 21 avant.The body 70 is articulated on the fixed structure 2 along an axis of rotation D (parallel to the axis Y), and is for example positioned in the middle of the seat 1, so that the body 70 can be articulated on the middle of the seat. the transverse beam 20 before the fixed structure 2. The body 70 is thus positioned on the front of the fixed structure 2, on the transverse beam 21 before.

La tige 71 présente une extrémité articulée sur le panneau arrière 6 selon un axe de rotation E (parallèle à l'axe Y), afin de déplacer en rotation le panneau arrière 6 autour de l'axe de rotation C, et par conséquent entraîner le dépliage/pliage de la structure pliable 3.The rod 71 has an articulated end on the rear panel 6 along an axis of rotation E (parallel to the axis Y), in order to move the rear panel 6 in rotation around the axis of rotation C, and consequently to cause the unfolding / folding foldable structure 3.

De manière plus précise, l'articulation de la tige 71 sur le panneau arrière 6 se fait sur un bras de levier 64 solidaire du cadre du panneau arrière 6, et plus précisément solidaire de la poutre transversale 61 arrière. Le bras de levier 64 présente une extrémité solidaire de la poutre transversale 61 arrière et une extrémité opposée articulée en rotation sur l'extrémité de la tige 71. Le bras de levier 64 s'étend sensiblement à angle droit avec la poutre transversale 61 arrière et également avec la poutre centrale 62. Le bras de levier 64 est situé au milieu de la banquette 1, et vient dans la continuité et à angle droit de la poutre centrale 62.More specifically, the articulation of the rod 71 on the rear panel 6 is on a lever arm 64 integral with the frame of the rear panel 6, and more specifically secured to the rear transverse beam 61. The lever arm 64 has an end secured to the rear transverse beam 61 and an opposite end articulated in rotation on the end of the rod 71. The lever arm 64 extends substantially at right angles to the rear transverse beam 61 and also with the central beam 62. The lever arm 64 is located in the middle of the bench 1, and comes in continuity and at right angles to the central beam 62.

La suite de la description porte sur le fonctionnement de la banquette 1.The rest of the description relates to the operation of the bench 1.

La structure fixe 2 est stabilisée sur le sol, tandis que la structure pliable 3 est mobile en pliage/dépliage entre :

  • une configuration banquette (Figures 5 et 6) dans laquelle le panneau avant 4 forme une assise, le panneau central 5 forme un dossier et le panneau arrière 6 est replié sur le panneau central 5, avec le panneau arrière 6 derrière le panneau central 6 ; et
  • une configuration de couchage (Figures 1 et 2) dans laquelle les trois panneaux 4, 5, 6 sont sensiblement coplanaires, parallèle au plan horizontal (X, Y), pour former un sommier.
The fixed structure 2 is stabilized on the ground, while the foldable structure 3 is movable in folding / unfolding between:
  • a bench seat configuration ( Figures 5 and 6 ) in which the front panel 4 forms a seat, the central panel 5 forms a folder and the rear panel 6 is folded over the central panel 5, with the rear panel 6 behind the central panel 6; and
  • a sleeping configuration ( Figures 1 and 2 ) in which the three panels 4, 5, 6 are substantially coplanar, parallel to the horizontal plane (X, Y), to form a bed base.

En configuration de couchage, la tige 71 est déployée hors du corps 70 du vérin 7, tandis qu'en configuration banquette la tige 71 est rétractée à l'intérieur du corps 70.In the coating configuration, the rod 71 is deployed out of the body 70 of the jack 7, while in the bench configuration the rod 71 is retracted inside the body 70.

En configuration de couchage, le panneau avant 4 repose sur ses pieds 42, la poutre centrale 52 du panneau central 5 repose sur la poutre transversale 21 de la structure fixe 2, et la poutre transversale 61 avant du panneau arrière 6 repose sur les poutres latérales 20 et centrale 23 de la structure fixe 2.In the sleeping configuration, the front panel 4 rests on its feet 42, the central beam 52 of the central panel 5 rests on the transverse beam 21 of the fixed structure 2, and the transverse beam 61 of the rear panel 6 rests on the lateral beams 20 and central 23 of the fixed structure 2.

Le passage de la configuration de couchage (Figure 2) vers la configuration banquette (Figure 5) s'opère donc, selon un mouvement de pliage, en commandant le vérin 7 dans le sens d'une rétractation de la tige 71, avec le déroulement suivant, en référence aux figures 2 à 5 et 9a à 9d :

  • au début du mouvement (Figure 3, 4), la rétractation de la tige 71 entraîne de manière concomitante le pivotement vers l'arrière du panneau arrière 6 autour de l'axe C (le pilotage du pliage de la structure pliable 3 s'opérant au niveau de cet axe C), le mouvement de rotation autour de l'axe B entre les panneaux 5, 6 qui correspond à un mouvement de pliage dans le sens d'un rapprochement entre les deux panneaux 5,6, et le mouvement de rotation autour de l'axe A entre les panneaux 4, 5 qui conduit à une translation du panneau avant 4 vers l'arrière (facilitée par les roues 420) ;
  • puis (Figure 9a), les roues arrière 44 viennent rouler sur le dessus des poutres latérales 20 de la structure fixe 2 (le positionnement des roues arrière 44 en hauteur et largeur étant prévu pour établir cet appui roulant des roues arrière 44 sur les poutres latérales 20 afin d'appliquer un effort tendant à plaquer la structure fixe 2 sur le sol) ;
  • puis (Figure 9b), les roues avant 43 montent sur les rampes avant 250 des supports avant 25 (le positionnement des roues avant 43 en hauteur et largeur étant prévu pour établir cet appui roulant des roues avant 43 sur ces supports avant 25 afin d'appliquer un effort tendant à plaquer la structure fixe 2 sur le sol), et il peut se produire un décollement des roues arrière 44 vis-à-vis des poutres latérales 20 du fait du mécanisme de pliage/dépliage, qui ne nuit en rien au transfert de poids car les roues avant 43 viennent bien appuyer sur la structure fixe 2 ;
  • puis (Figure 9c), les roues avant 43 roulent sur les plateaux 251 des supports avant 25, maintenant ainsi l'effort tendant à plaquer la structure fixe 2 sur le sol ; et
  • enfin (Figure 9d et Figure 5), les roues avant 43 descendent les rampes arrière 252 des supports avant 25 et s'arrêtent sur ces rampes arrière 252, les roues arrière 44 étant de nouveau en appui sur les poutres latérales 20.
The passage of the sleeping configuration ( Figure 2 ) to the bench seat configuration ( Figure 5 ) operates in a folding movement, by controlling the cylinder 7 in the direction of a retraction of the rod 71, with the following course, with reference to the Figures 2 to 5 and 9a to 9d :
  • at the beginning of the movement ( Figure 3, 4 ), the retraction of the rod 71 concomitantly causes the rearward pivoting of the rear panel 6 around the axis C (the folding control of the foldable structure 3 operating at this axis C), the rotation movement about the axis B between the panels 5, 6 which corresponds to a folding movement in the direction of a connection between the two panels 5, 6, and the rotational movement about the axis A between the panels 4, 5 which leads to a translation of the front panel 4 to the rear (facilitated by the wheels 420);
  • then ( Figure 9a ), the rear wheels 44 are rolled on top of the side beams 20 of the fixed structure 2 (the positioning of the rear wheels 44 in height and width being provided to establish this rear wheel support 44 on the side beams 20 to apply a force tending to press the fixed structure 2 on the ground);
  • then ( Figure 9b ), the front wheels 43 mount on the ramps before 250 of the front supports 25 (the positioning of the front wheels 43 in height and width is provided to establish this rolling support of the front wheels 43 on these supports before 25 in order to apply a tending force to flatten the fixed structure 2 on the ground), and it can occur a detachment of the rear wheels 44 vis-à-vis the side beams 20 due to the folding mechanism / unfolding, which does not affect the transfer of weight because the front wheels 43 press well on the fixed structure 2;
  • then ( Figure 9c ), the front wheels 43 roll on the trays 251 of the front supports 25, thus maintaining the effort tending to press the fixed structure 2 on the ground; and
  • finally ( Figure 9d and Figure 5 ), the front wheels 43 descend the rear ramps 252 of the front supports 25 and stop on these rear ramps 252, the rear wheels 44 being again in abutment on the lateral beams 20.

Dans la configuration banquette, les roues avant 43 sont dimensionnées et disposées de sorte que, malgré l'abaissement du point d'appui du fait des rampes arrière 252, ces roues avant 43 relèvent l'avant du panneau avant 4 qui forme l'assise ; autrement dit les poutres latérales 40 ne sont plus horizontales, mais sont inclinées avec leurs extrémités avant plus haute que leurs extrémités arrière, ce qui procure un confort d'assise amélioré.In the seat configuration, the front wheels 43 are dimensioned and arranged so that, despite the lowering of the fulcrum because of the rear ramps 252, these front wheels 43 raise the front of the front panel 4 which forms the seat ; in other words, the lateral beams 40 are no longer horizontal, but are inclined with their front ends higher than their rear ends, which provides improved seating comfort.

L'invention n'est bien entendu pas limitée au mode de réalisation spécifique et des variantes peuvent être envisagées comme par exemple les suivantes, si la portée reste dans celle des revendications. Selon une variante, la structure fixe comporte deux accoudoirs latéraux, respectivement droite et gauche, éventuellement reliés sur l'arrière par une barre transversale. Pour la mise en oeuvre de l'invention, ces accoudoirs présentent des poutres latérales sur leurs faces internes respectives. Dans ce cas, les supports avant sont prévus sur les côtés intérieurs de ces poutres latérales, et les roues avant et arrière du panneau avant sont dirigées vers l'extérieur du cadre pour coopérer avec ces poutres latérales.The invention is of course not limited to the specific embodiment and variants may be envisaged as for example the following, if the scope remains in that claims. According to one variant, the fixed structure comprises two lateral armrests, respectively right and left, possibly connected at the rear by a transverse bar. For the implementation of the invention, these armrests have lateral beams on their respective internal faces. In this case, the front supports are provided on the inner sides of these side beams, and the front and rear wheels of the front panel are directed outwardly of the frame to cooperate with these side beams.

Selon une variante, le corps du vérin est fixé sur d'autres points de la structure fixe, et une variante avec au moins deux vérins synchronisés est envisageable.According to a variant, the body of the jack is fixed on other points of the fixed structure, and a variant with at least two synchronized cylinders is possible.

Claims (12)

  1. A convertible sofa of the perpendicular-sleeping type, said sofa comprising:
    a fixed structure supporting a foldable structure which comprises three panels, namely, a central panel having two opposite sides articulated on a front panel and a rear panel, respectively, along axes of articulation parallel to a transverse direction, where the foldable structure can be folded/unfolded moving in a longitudinal direction between:
    a sofa configuration in which the front panel forms a seat, the central panel forms - a backrest, and the rear panel is folded over the central panel; and
    a sleeping configuration in which the three panels are substantially coplanar, so as to form a bed base; and
    said sofa further comprising a system of actuation of folding/unfolding of the foldable structure between the sofa configuration and the sleeping configuration, and vice versa; and
    where the system of actuation comprises at least one motorized actuator comprising a body within which a rod is movable in translation, where the body is articulated on one of the fixed or foldable structures and the end of the rod is articulated on the other of the fixed or foldable structures, the movement of the rod causing the foldable structure to fold/unfold
    said sofa being characterized in that the rear panel is articulated on the fixed structure along an axis of articulation parallel to the axes of articulation, and the body of the actuator is articulated on the fixed structure or on the rear panel, and the end of the rod is, conversely, articulated on the rear panel or on the fixed structure.
  2. The convertible sofa according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising means of support of the foldable structure on the fixed structure, said means of support ensuring support of the foldable structure on the fixed structure in the sofa configuration, and said means of support being configured so as to maintain sliding or rolling support between the foldable structure (3) and the fixed structure in the longitudinal direction along at least a longitudinal element of the fixed structure and/or the foldable structure so as, on one hand, to maintain the support of the foldable structure on the fixed structure during a part of the folding/unfolding, and, on the other hand, to guide the foldable structure from the sleeping configuration toward the sofa configuration.
  3. The convertible sofa according to claim 2, characterized in that the means of support comprise:
    at least one sliding or rolling support piece mounted onto one of the fixed or foldable structures; and
    at least one longitudinal element integrated to the other of the fixed or foldable structures, extending along the longitudinal direction and defining a surface of contact with the support piece or support pieces, the contact being maintained over a predetermined length of said longitudinal element.
  4. The convertible sofa according to claim 3, characterized in that the means of support are distributed symmetrically along a median and longitudinal plane of the sofa, said means of support comprising:
    at least one right support piece mounted onto one of the fixed or foldable structures and cooperating with at least one right longitudinal element integrated to the other of the fixed or foldable structures;
    at least one left support piece mounted onto one of the fixed or foldable structures and cooperating with at least one left longitudinal element integrated to the other of the fixed or foldable structures.
  5. The convertible sofa according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the means of support are distributed between front and rear and comprise:
    at least one front support piece mounted onto one of the fixed or foldable structures and cooperating with a front surface of contact integrated to the other of the fixed or foldable structures; and
    at least one rear support piece mounted onto one of the fixed or foldable structures and cooperating with a rear surface of contact integrated to the other of the fixed or foldable structures;
    where said front and rear support pieces are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction.
  6. The convertible sofa according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the front and rear means of support and said front and rear surfaces of contact are likewise offset from one another in the transverse direction.
  7. The convertible sofa according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the means of support are configured so as, in the sofa configuration, to lift a front side of the front panel, opposite to a rear side articulated on the central panel, so that said front panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and to lock said sofa in the lifted configuration.
  8. The convertible sofa according to claim 6, characterized in that the front support piece or pieces has dimensions in a vertical direction orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions greater than those of the rear support piece or pieces, and the front surface or surfaces of contact has a locking ramp on which the relevant front support piece is supported in the sofa configuration, in order to ensure the locking of the sofa in the lifted configuration.
  9. The convertible sofa according to claim 8, characterized in that the front surface or surfaces of contact have a board longitudinally extended on one side by the locking ramp and on the other side by a guidance ramp designed so as to guide the relevant front support piece during the folding from the sleeping configuration toward the sofa configuration.
  10. The convertible sofa according to any of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the support piece or pieces comprises a wheel rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the axes of articulation.
  11. The convertible sofa according to any of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the means of support constitute means of support of the front panel of the foldable structure on the fixed structure.
  12. The convertible sofa as in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear panel comprises a frame, and the articulation of the rod or of the body of the actuator on the rear panel is achieved by a lever arm secured to the frame of the rear panel
EP14004020.5A 2013-12-04 2014-11-28 Lie-flat, convertible, motorised seat Not-in-force EP2881014B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1302824A FR3013954B1 (en) 2013-12-04 2013-12-04 CONVERTIBLE AND MOTORIZED BENCH OF THE PERPENDICULAR SLEEPING TYPE

Publications (2)

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EP2881014A1 EP2881014A1 (en) 2015-06-10
EP2881014B1 true EP2881014B1 (en) 2018-02-21

Family

ID=50064682

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14004020.5A Not-in-force EP2881014B1 (en) 2013-12-04 2014-11-28 Lie-flat, convertible, motorised seat

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US (1) US9591928B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2881014B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3013954B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2881014A1 (en) 2015-06-10
FR3013954A1 (en) 2015-06-05
US20150150382A1 (en) 2015-06-04
FR3013954B1 (en) 2016-09-30
US9591928B2 (en) 2017-03-14

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