WO2021151700A1

WO2021151700A1 - Seat element provided with a box-shaped structure

Info

Publication number: WO2021151700A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/050909
Authority: WO
Inventors: Florent YVON; Jérémy Cailleteau
Original assignee: Safran Seats
Priority date: 2020-01-28
Filing date: 2021-01-18
Publication date: 2021-08-05
Also published as: FR3106574B1; FR3106574A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat element (10), in particular for an aeroplane, including: - a first panel (11) against which a passenger can rest, - a second shaped panel (12) positioned behind the first panel (11), - the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) being assembled to one another, - the seat element (10) comprising a box-shaped structure (13) extending at least along an edge of the seat element (10), the box-shaped structure (13) comprising at least a portion (13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4) that has an elongated hollow structure with a closed transverse circumference, the hollow structure being delimited by a portion of the first panel (11) and a portion of the second panel (12).

Description

Title of the invention: SEAT ELEMENT EQUIPPED WITH A BOXED STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to a seat element provided with a box structure. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application with airplane seats intended for economy classes. However, the invention could also be implemented with airplane seats intended for business classes or with the seats of other means of transport, such as, for example, seats installed in trains or boats.

In a manner known per se, a seat back is made from a tube constituting the backrest structure, a sheet metal against which a passenger can bear, and a transverse reinforcing element. Such a configuration makes it possible to easily link the seat structure with the backrest structure. However, it creates manufacturing and assembly difficulties, both in metallic and composite structures.

[0003] In addition, this type of assembly does not make it possible to optimize the shapes of the files for impact resistance tests, in particular for head impact tests, known as HIC tests (for "Head Injury Criterion" in English). It is recalled that the HIC tests take into account the maximum values of decelerations undergone by the passenger's head during an impact as well as the time limits of a deceleration curve calculated during the test. These tests generate forces that the files according to the state of the art do not support well in certain areas due to the impossibility of placing a reinforcement in the desired area.

[0004] The invention aims to effectively remedy these drawbacks by providing a seat element, in particular for an airplane, comprising:

- a first panel against which a passenger can rest,

- a second formed panel positioned behind the first panel, - said first panel and said second panel being assembled with one another,

said seat element comprising a box structure extending at least along one edge of the seat element, said box structure comprising at least one portion having an elongated hollow structure of closed transverse circumference, said hollow structure being delimited by part of the first panel and part of the second panel.

[0005] The invention makes it possible, thanks to the use of the two panels, to obtain better dimensional tolerances via the implementation of easily repeatable processes of the forming type for metal or composite panels (stamping or hydroforming in particular for panels metal or thermocompression or resin infusion for composite panels). The invention also makes it possible, thanks to the box structure, to optimize the rigidity of the backrest both in bending and in torsion without adding additional parts. The invention also has an economic character, insofar as it requires a reduced number of parts for its implementation.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the panels are shaped parts of low thickness.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first panel has a shape fitted to a back shape of a passenger.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the panels are thin sheets, in particular between 0.5mm and 3mm.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are assembled together by gluing, welding, or riveting.

According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are assembled together continuously.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are assembled together in a semi-continuous manner. According to one embodiment, the box structure has a variable section along its length.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are stamped metal sheets, in particular aluminum.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are made of an aluminum material with high characteristics having a breaking stress greater than 400 MPa.

According to one embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are made of a composite material.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the composite material is loaded with fibers, in particular with glass or carbon fibers.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a composite layup is optimized for the resistance of mechanical forces.

[0018] According to one embodiment, said seat element comprises at least one structural insert.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said seat element comprises at least one attached interface part assembled by gluing, welding, or mechanical fixing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said seat element comprises at least one interface part produced directly by embossing.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a core, in particular made of foam or in a honeycomb structure, is inserted inside the box structure.

According to one embodiment, two assembly areas between the panels are arranged on either side of the box structure, an assembly area consisting of a portion of the first panel and a portion of the second panel superimposed l 'one on top of the other and fixed with each other. [0023] According to one embodiment, said seat element comprises at least one through hole made in the first panel or the second panel for the passage of cables inside said box structure.

[0024] According to one embodiment, said seat element consists of a backrest.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the second panel has a shape adjusted to a form of rear equipment, such as a meal table or a video screen to optimize space in the knees of a rear passenger.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the backrest has at least one zone of reduced thickness in the upper part to integrate a functional seat element, such as a video screen, or a literature pocket.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the zone of reduced thickness is constituted by a portion of one or more panels having a hollow shape delimiting a housing for receiving a screen.

According to one embodiment, the seat element has an at least partial finish on a rear face.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a covering is assembled on a periphery of the backrest by means of a flap provided with means for fixing with a rear face of the backrest.

[0030] According to one embodiment, said seat element comprises a flat portion located in an area intended to receive a meal tablet.

The invention also relates to a seat comprising a seat element as defined above.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the seat element is mounted on a seat structure via a pivot joint with an angular locking system.

The present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent on reading the following detailed description comprising embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures, presented by way of examples not limiting, which may serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, on which:

[0034] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a seat back according to the invention made from metal panels;

[0035] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat back of Figure 1 in an assembled condition;

[0036] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the seat back of Figure 2 illustrating the integration of a meal shelf;

[0037] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seat back along the plane P1 of Figure 2 illustrating the box structure;

[0038] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the seat back along the plane P2 of Figure 2 illustrating a positioning of a torsion bar;

[0039] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a seat back according to the invention made from panels made of a composite material;

[0040] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the seat back of Figure 6 in an assembled condition;

[0041] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the seat back of Figure 6 in an assembled condition;

[0042] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a perspective rear view of the seat back according to the invention incorporating a meal tablet and a video screen as well as a sectional view illustrating the housing of the screen formed by a portion of the rear panel;

[0043] [Fig. 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the seat back according to the invention provided with a meal table and a video screen; [0044] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a seat back according to the invention covered with a layer of foam and a covering for its finish.

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

The relative terms of type "front", "rear", "upper" or "lower" in particular are understood by reference to the common sense that would give them a passenger installed on a seat of the aircraft cabin equipped with a folder according to the invention.

Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 show a seat back 10 in particular for an aircraft having a first panel 11, said front panel, against which a passenger can bear. The first panel 11 preferably has a shape fitted to a back shape of a passenger. A second panel 12, called the rear panel, is positioned behind the first panel 11. The front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 are assembled with one another, in particular along at least a portion of a periphery of the backrest 10.

A panel 11, 12 is preferably a shaped piece of low thickness, in particular between 0.5 and 3mm. A panel 11, 12 may be a one-piece panel in a single part or be made up of several parts, in particular several sub-panels of reduced size assembled together.

According to a first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 are stamped metal sheets, in particular aluminum. An aluminum material with high characteristics is preferably chosen, that is to say with a breaking stress (Rm) greater than 400 MPa. As a variant, it is possible to choose any other type of metallic material suitable for the application. According to a second embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10, the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 are made of a composite material. The composite material may or may not be loaded with fibers, in particular with glass or carbon fibers. The composite panels 11, 12 could for example be produced by thermocompression of thermosetting or thermoplastic prepreg, of thermoplastic comelling, or by liquid process from composite reinforcing fabric and thermosetting or thermoplastic resin. A composite layup is preferably optimized for withstanding mechanical forces.

As a variant, the front panel 11 and / or the rear panel 12 could each be made partially of metal and partially of a composite material. As a variant, the front panel 11 and / or the rear panel 12 could be made of a plastic material.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 2, 4, 8, and 9, the backrest 10 comprises a box structure 13 extending at least along one edge of the backrest 10. The box structure 13 comprises at least a portion having an elongated hollow structure of closed transverse circumference (cf. FIG. 4). The closed transverse circumference lies in a plane perpendicular to a direction of longitudinal elongation of the hollow structure. The hollow structure is delimited by a part of the front panel 11 and a part of the rear panel 12. The box structure 13 has a function of stiffening the backrest 10, as can a structural tube of a backrest 10 according to FIG. state of the art.

In this case, the box structure 13 comprises two portions 13.1, 13.2 each extending advantageously along a longitudinal edge of the backrest 10, as shown in Figures 2 and 8. The box structure 13 may also include a portion 13.3 extending transversely in an upper part of the backrest 10 and / or a portion 13.4 extending transversely in a lower part of the backrest 10. The transverse portions 13.3, 13.4 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal portions 13.1, 13.2. The lower transverse portion 13.4 has a function of torsion bar so as to resist the passage of forces in the backrest 10 in the event of an impact. Preferably, the box structure 13 comprises four portions 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4 so as to extend along the entire periphery of the backrest 10.

The advantage of the box structure 13 is that it is possible to vary its section along its length (see side edges of the seat 10 of Figure 2) in order to be able to adapt to the forces to be transmitted in the different areas of the backrest 10. The section of the box structure 13 may thus be larger in the areas of the backrest 10 subjected to significant stresses during impact resistance tests, in particular HIC tests.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to use an added torsion bar 17 which is fixed in the lower part of the backrest 10. As a variant, the torsion bar 17 can be replaced by a portion lower transverse 13.4 of the box structure 13.

Two assembly areas 15.1, 15.2 between the panels 11, 12 are arranged on either side of the box structure 13, as shown in Figure 4. An assembly area 15.1, 15.2 is constituted by a portion of the front panel 11 and a portion of the rear panel 12 superimposed on one another and fixed with each other.

The front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 can be assembled together by gluing, welding, or riveting. The front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 can be assembled together continuously, in particular by gluing or welding. The front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 can be assembled together semi-continuously, in particular by a spot welding, snap-gluing, clinching, riveting process.

As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, at least one through hole 14 is made in the front panel 11 for the passage of cables inside the box structure 13. The walls of the structure in box 13 make it possible to protect the cables from premature wear and deterioration by the passenger. The through holes 14 are preferably oblong holes. As a variant, the holes 14 could however have any other shape suitable for the application. As a variant or in addition, one or more through holes could be made in the rear panel 12. Of course, cable passage holes 14 could also be provided for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5.

As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 8 and 9, the backrest 10 has at least one zone of reduced thickness 16 at the top to integrate a functional seat element, such as a video screen, or a literature pocket. .

The zone of reduced thickness 16 may be constituted by a portion of a single panel 11, 12 having a hollow shape delimiting a receiving housing 18 of a screen 19. In this case, the portion of the rear panel 12 extends from an assembly zone 15 to form the housing 18 for the screen 19. As a variant, the zone of reduced thickness 16 is formed by a portion of several panels.

A flat portion 20 is located in an area of the backrest 10 intended to receive a meal tablet 22, as shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10. Such a configuration of the backrest 10 prevents significant deformation of the meal tablet 22 during resistance tests to HIC type forces, in particular. In addition, this allows the passenger to improve his living space by increasing the surface area of the meal shelf 22 which does not have to comply with the integration constraints imposed for a structural tube seat.

Preferably, the second panel 12 has a shape adjusted to a shape of rear equipment, such as a meal table or a video screen to optimize space in the knees of a rear passenger.

As can be seen in Figures 8, 9, and 11, a rear face 21 of the backrest 10 is covered with a layer of paint, and / or a film, and / or a textile upholstery or leather, and / or a metallization, and / or a plastic covering ensuring a finish of said rear face of said backrest 10. The film may be deposited in particular by a heat-sheathing process. This avoids having to finish the rear face using a dedicated trim. The backrest 10 may also include an at least partial finish on a front face.

Advantageously, as illustrated by FIG. 11, a layer of foam 24 is placed against the rear face of the backrest 10 and is covered by a covering 25, in particular a textile fabric or leather. A covering 25 is assembled on a perimeter of the backrest 10 by means of a flap 27 provided with fixing means 28 with a rear face 21 of the backrest 10. The fixing means 28 may in particular take the form of a hooking system. with buckles and hooks, for example of the Velcro type (registered trademark) or of a snap ring on the rear face 21 of the backrest 10.

A core 30 may be inserted inside the box structure 13 in order to stiffen the backrest 10, as shown in Figure 4. Preferably, the core 30 is made of foam or in a structure. alveolar.

As can be seen in Figure 8, one or more structural inserts 31 (or doublers) can be integrated into the structure formed by the panels 11 and 12.

One or more interface parts 32 can also be assembled on the structure by gluing, welding, or mechanical fixing, so as to allow fixing of the backrest on the seat, the jacks, the tablet, the tablet button , video, literature cover, etc. As a variant or in addition, one or more interface pieces 32 can be produced directly by embossing.

The invention has been described for an aircraft seat back but it can also be implemented for the production of another aircraft seat element such as a seat.

The invention further relates to a seat comprising a seat element according to the invention, as well as to an aircraft comprising such a seat. The seat element 10 can be mounted on a seat structure via a pivot joint with an angular locking system. If it is the backrest, it can be mounted via the seat or directly on the structure.

Of course, the different characteristics, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants which a person skilled in the art may envisage in the context of the present invention and in particular any combination of the various operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

[Claims 1] [Seat back (10) in particular for an airplane, comprising:

- a first panel (11) against which a passenger can rest,

- a second formed panel (12) positioned behind the first panel

(11),

- said first panel (11) and said second panel (12) being assembled with one another,

- said seat back (10) comprising a box structure (13) extending at least along one edge of the seat back (10), said box structure (13) comprising at least one portion (13.1, 13.2, 13.3 , 13.4) having an elongated hollow structure of closed transverse circumference, said hollow structure being delimited by a part of the first panel (11) and a part of the second panel (12), characterized in that said box structure (13) comprises:

- two portions (13.1, 13.2) having an elongated hollow structure of closed circumference each extending along a longitudinal edge of the backrest (10),

- a portion (13.3) having an elongated hollow structure of closed circumference extending transversely in an upper part of the backrest (10) and

- a portion (13.4) having an elongated hollow structure of closed circumference extending transversely in a lower part of the backrest (10).

[Claims 2] A seat back according to claim 1, characterized in that the first panel (11) has a shape fitted to a back shape of a passenger.

[Claims 3] A seat back according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the panels (11, 12) are sheets of thin thickness, in particular between 0.5mm and 3mm.

[Claims 4] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) are assembled together by gluing, welding or riveting.

[Claims 5] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) are assembled together continuously.

[Claims 6] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) are assembled together semi-continuously.

[Claims 7] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the box structure (13) has a variable section along its length.

[Claims 8] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) are stamped metal sheets, in particular aluminum.

[Claims 9] A seat back according to claim 8, characterized in that the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) are made of an aluminum material with high characteristics having a breaking stress greater than 400MPa.

[Claims 10] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first panel (11) and the second panel (12) are made of a composite material.

[Claims 11] A seat back according to claim 10, characterized in that the composite material is loaded with fibers, in particular glass or carbon fibers.

[Claims 12] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one structural insert.

[Claims 13] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one added interface piece assembled by gluing, welding, or mechanical fixing.

[Claims 14] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one interface piece produced directly by embossing.

[Claims 15] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a core (30), in particular made of foam or in a honeycomb structure, is inserted inside the box structure ( 13).

[Claims 16] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that two assembly zones (15.1, 15.2) between the panels (11, 12) are arranged on either side of the box structure (13), an assembly area (15.1, 15.2) consisting of a portion of the first panel (11) and a portion of the second panel (12) superimposed on one another and fixed to one another with the other.

[Claims 17] A seat back according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one through hole (14) made in the first panel (11) or the second panel (12) for the passage of cables inside said box structure (13).

[Claims 18] A seat back according to claim 1, characterized in that the second panel (12) has a shape fitted to a form of rear equipment, such as a meal table or a video screen.

[Claims 19] A seat back according to claim 1 or 18, characterized in that the back has at least one zone of reduced thickness (16) in the upper part to integrate a functional seat element, such as a video screen, or a literature pouch.

[Claims 20] A seat back according to claim 19, characterized in that the zone of reduced thickness (16) is constituted by a portion of one or more panels (11, 12) having a hollow shape delimiting a receiving housing (18) a screen (19).

[Claims 21] A seat back according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that it has an at least partial finish on a rear face (21).

[Claims 22] A seat back according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that a covering (25) is assembled on a periphery of the backrest (10) by means of a flap (27) provided with means fixing (28) with a rear face (21) of the backrest (10).

[Claims 23] A seat back according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a flat portion (20) located in an area intended to receive a meal tablet (22).

[Claims 24] A seat comprising a seat back (10) as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

[Claims 25] Seat according to claim 24, characterized in that said seat back (10) is mounted on a seat structure via a pivot joint with an angular locking system.