WO2023105220A1 - Ensemble siège - Google Patents

Ensemble siège Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023105220A1
WO2023105220A1 PCT/GB2022/053121 GB2022053121W WO2023105220A1 WO 2023105220 A1 WO2023105220 A1 WO 2023105220A1 GB 2022053121 W GB2022053121 W GB 2022053121W WO 2023105220 A1 WO2023105220 A1 WO 2023105220A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
actuator
assembly
seat back
seat assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2022/053121
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Philip Roy HALL
Original Assignee
Rubenji Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rubenji Ltd filed Critical Rubenji Ltd
Publication of WO2023105220A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023105220A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/064—Adjustable inclination or position of seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/02246—Electric motors therefor
    • B60N2/02253—Electric motors therefor characterised by the transmission between the electric motor and the seat or seat parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/20—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being tiltable, e.g. to permit easy access
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/06395—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats characterised by the arrangement of electric motors for adjustment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a seat assembly.
  • the seat assembly finds use in a range of applications, including vehicle seating, in particular passenger vehicles, such as aircraft.
  • seat assemblies for passenger vehicles have been developed over the years. This is particularly the case with seating for passenger aircraft.
  • the design of the seat assembly will depend upon the location of the seat assembly within the cabin of the aircraft, with different regions of the cabin having seat assemblies of different designs.
  • each seat assembly is a stand-alone assembly with its associated facilities, such as an in-flight entertainment system and storage.
  • facilities such as an in-flight entertainment system and storage.
  • space around the seat is less constrained and the passenger is provided with significant space for the storage of items and luggage.
  • the arrangement of the seat assembly within the premium area of the cabin allows the seat to fully recline, allowing the passenger to lie flat.
  • EP 3231706 A discloses a seat assembly for premium class areas of the aircraft cabin.
  • the seat assembly is adjustable between an upright seating position and a reclined position.
  • An alternative arrangement for a premium class seat assembly is shown and described in US 2017/0073076.
  • US 6,641 ,214 discloses a chair for use in economy-class seating in an aircraft.
  • the chair is described as having an improved cradle motion.
  • the main challenges with such seats are in balancing the requirements for minimum weight, maximum passenger living space, acceptable levels of comfort and competitive commercial costs. This is particularly the case for seating in economy class, where cabin space is at a premium.
  • seat pitches that is the distance between one seat the rear of the seat in front, in order to increase the cabin passenger density.
  • GB 2548410 A discloses a seat assembly for an aircraft cabin.
  • the seat assembly comprises a plurality of individual seats arranged on a common support assembly comprises a plurality of spar tubes.
  • GB 2548410 A addresses the issue of limited space within the aircraft cabin by providing a seat assembly in which the seat back can be more easily removed for repair or replacement.
  • the seat assembly comprises a support assembly comprising a front leg and a rear leg extending from a front spar tube and a rear spar tube, respectively.
  • the assembly further comprises a seat base mounted on the support assembly.
  • a seat back is provided, the seat back being pivoted at its lower portion to the support assembly.
  • a composite seat back structure for a lightweight aircraft seat is described and shown in US 2008/0150342.
  • the seat back In use, the seat back is moveable between an upright position and a reclined position by a recline mechanism.
  • the recline mechanism comprises an actuator.
  • GB 1362561 discloses an early design for a position adjustable support mechanism for a seat.
  • DE 10203563A1 discloses an actuator for adjusting a movable seat element of a seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat.
  • the adjuster may be used to adjust the inclination of a seat, backrest, armrest, headrest, legrest or footrest of the seat, height adjustment of the seat or headrest, length adjustment of the seat or legrest, or adjustment of the depth of a lumbar support.
  • the actuator consists at least of an electric motor, a reduction gear, a mechanical energy storage and an adjustment element.
  • the actuator is pivotally mounted to the support assembly at its forward end and extends either above or below the rear spar tube to a pivot connection to the seat back, typically at or adjacent the lower edge of the seat back below the seat back pivot.
  • the seat back is caused to move about its pivot between a reclined position and an upright position.
  • the location of the recline mechanism, in particular the actuator compromises the volume of space available beneath the seat base. This in turn disadvantages a passenger seated in the seat behind, with the space available for their legs and/or belongings being significantly reduced.
  • WO 2021/066804 addresses the issue of limitations regarding space in aircraft cabins and discloses a seat assembly for an aircraft cabin.
  • the assembly comprises a seat bottom coupled to a seat back and a linkage mechanism coupled to the seat bottom.
  • the linkage mechanism comprises an actuator.
  • the actuator has a retracted position and a deployed position.
  • a recline lock linkage is provided having a first end and a second end, with the second end coupled to the actuator.
  • the recline lock linkage pivots between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the recline lock linkage is positioned at an angle such that its first end is positioned rearward of the second end.
  • the recline lock linkage In its second position, the recline lock linkage is positioned at a different angle, such that the first end is positioned forward of the second. Movement of the recline lock linkage between the first and second positions moves the seat back between an upright position and a reclined position.
  • the actuator In the embodiments shown in WO 2021/066804, the actuator is coupled at its rearmost end to a rear spar tube of the seat assembly, the forward end of the actuator being coupled to the recline lock linkage. In its deployed position, the forward end of the actuator extends above a front spar tube of the seat assembly.
  • the recline mechanism of WO 2021/066804 is particularly complex and requires a significant number of components, which in turn add to the cost and weight of the seat assembly.
  • a seat assembly for a vehicle comprising: a support assembly comprising a front spar and a rear spar; a seat base mounted to the support assembly; a seat back pivotally mounted to the support assembly and moveable between an upright position and a reclined position; and an actuator assembly for controlling movement of the seat back between the upright position and the reclined position, the actuator assembly comprising an actuator having a first end and a second end, the first end of the actuator being pivotably mounted to the support assembly at a location forward of the rear spar, and the second end of the actuator being pivotably mounted to the seat back; wherein the actuator extends through the rear spar.
  • the seat assembly of the present invention provides significant advantages for those parts of a passenger vehicle, in particular an aircraft cabin, where space for passengers and their belongings is at a premium.
  • the seat assembly provides advantages in terms of the space available to the person seated in the seat assembly and/or persons seated in seats adjacent or behind. More particularly, by having the actuator extend through the rear spar, the space beneath the seat base is less compromised by the rear spar and/or the actuator itself. This in turn provides increased space beneath the seat assembly for use by passengers seated in the seat assembly or one of the surrounding seats, compared with prior art seat assemblies.
  • references herein to ‘height’ are references to the distance above the floor or other surface on which the seat assembly is mounted and/or on which a passenger seated in the seat assembly places their feet in a normally seated position.
  • the seat assembly of the present invention finds use in a wide range of applications and is of advantage in situations where the space available to a person seated in the seat assembly or in one of the surrounding seats is significantly limited.
  • the seat assembly of the present invention is of particular use in the cabins of aircraft, especially in the economy cabins of long haul aircraft and in the cabins of shorter haul or smaller bodied aircraft.
  • Other applications for the seat assembly include other passenger vehicles, such as buses, coaches, ships and boats, such as ferries, and the like.
  • the seat assembly comprises a support assembly.
  • the support assembly acts to support the other components of the seat assembly, including the seat base and the seat back, in the appropriate position and orientation for a person to be seated in the seat assembly.
  • the support assembly may support a single seat base and seat back to provide a single seat for a person.
  • the seat assembly supports a plurality of seat bases and seat backs to provide a plurality of seats for persons. Such arrangements of support assemblies for seat assemblies are known in the art.
  • the support assembly comprises a front spar and a rear spar.
  • the front spar is typically located at or adjacent the forward most position or portion of the seat assembly, while the rear spar is typically located rearwards of the front spar.
  • the front and rear spars typically extend parallel to one another and generally horizontally laterally from one side of the seat assembly to the other.
  • the rear spar is at substantially the same height as the front spar. In this way, the space available beneath the seat base is maximised.
  • the front and rear spars may have any suitable form. Most preferably, the front and/or rear spars are tubular, allowing the spars to have the required strength and rigidity, while reducing the overall weight of the seat assembly.
  • the front and/or rear spar preferably have a uniform cross-section along their length.
  • the support assembly may be secured in position within the vehicle in any suitable manner.
  • the front and rear spars may be connected directly to suitable parts of the vehicle body or frame.
  • the support assembly is secured to the floor of the vehicle, preferably by way of one or more legs, for example extending from each of the front and rear spars.
  • the support assembly provides support for the components of the seat assembly, including the seat base and the seat back.
  • the seat base and the seat back may be attached to the spars in known manner and may be attached either directly or indirectly to the spars.
  • the support assembly comprises one or a plurality of support frames, each support frame extending between the front and rear spars.
  • the seat base is preferably mounted to one or more support frames.
  • the seat base may be mounted to extend between two support frames, one on either side of the seat base.
  • the seat back may be pivotably mounted to one or more support frames.
  • the seat back may be pivotably mounted to each of two support frames extending one on either side of the seat back.
  • the seat assembly may be provided with one or more armrests, as is known in the art.
  • each armrest is mounted to and extends from a support frame.
  • the armrest is preferably pivotably mounted to the support frame, more preferably pivotably mounted at or adjacent the rearward end of the armrest, as is also known in the art.
  • each leg may be provided as part of a support frame.
  • a single support frame provides both a front leg and a rear leg for supporting the seat assembly, with the seat assembly being provided with one or a plurality of such support frames providing one or more pairs of legs, each pair comprising a front leg and a rear leg.
  • the seat assembly comprises a seat base. As noted above, the seat base is mounted to the support assembly. This mounting may be in a manner known in the art.
  • the seat base may be mounted to the support assembly in a fixed relationship, that is the seat base is not moveable with relative to the support assembly.
  • the seat base may be mounted so as to be moveable relative to the support assembly.
  • the seat base may be mounted to be moveable horizontally relative to the support assembly.
  • the seat base is mounted to be moveable horizontally as the seat back moves between its upright position and its reclined position. More particularly, the seat base may be mounted to move forwards as the seat back is moved from the upright position towards the reclined position and rearwards as the seat back is moved from the reclined position towards the upright position.
  • the seat base may be pivotably connected to the lower portion of the seat back.
  • the seat assembly may comprise a single seat base and be for a single passenger.
  • the seat assembly may comprise a plurality of seat bases, for example 2, 3, 4 or 5 seat bases, for accommodating a plurality of passengers.
  • the seat assembly comprises a seat back.
  • the seat back is pivotably mounted to the support assembly.
  • the seat back is pivotable between an upright position and a reclined position.
  • Such arrangements are known in the art and are commonplace in passenger vehicles, such as aircraft.
  • the seat assembly may comprise a single seat back and be for a single passenger.
  • the seat assembly may comprise a plurality of seat backs, for example 2, 3, 4 or 5 seat backs, for accommodating a plurality of passengers.
  • each seat back has a corresponding seat base, forming a seat for a passenger.
  • each seat may be provided with one or a pair of armrests for use by a passenger seated in the seat.
  • adjacent seats may share a single armrest, as is known in the art.
  • the seat assembly further comprises an actuator assembly comprising an actuator.
  • the actuator comprises a first end and a second end.
  • the first end of the actuator is pivotably mounted to the support assembly at a location forward of the rear spar.
  • the second end of the actuator is pivotably mounted to the seat back, preferably to a portion of the seat back below the pivot connection between the seat back and the support assembly, for example to a portion of the seat back at or adjacent the lower edge of the seat back.
  • the pivotable connection between the second end of the actuator and the seat back is disposed rearwards of the rear spar.
  • the actuator is variable in length, that is the distance between the pivot connection at the first and the pivot connection at the second end is variable, and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position.
  • the actuator comprises a first actuator member connected to the first end of the actuator and a second actuator member connected to the second end of the actuator, the first actuator member being moveable linearly relative to the second actuator member.
  • the first and second actuator members are arranged telescopically, that is the first actuator member is arranged concentrically with the second actuator member and is moveable axially within the second actuator member. Such actuators are known in the art.
  • the actuator may perform a number of functions, depending upon the arrangement of the seat assembly, as described in more detail below.
  • the actuator assembly controls movement of the seat back between the upright position and the reclined position.
  • the actuator assembly may be manually operable and function to allow the seat back to be moved manually by a passenger seated on the seat assembly or a person standing adjacent the seat assembly. In this case, the seat back is moved between the upright position and the reclined position by being manually pushed.
  • the actuator assembly is provided with a seat back recline control. Under normal conditions, the seat back is locked in position, that is in a position from the upright position to the reclined position. When the seat back recline control is activated by a user, the seat back is unlocked and is free to be manually moved between the upright and reclined positions. When the seat is in the desired position, the seat back recline control is released, locking the seat back in position.
  • the actuator may comprise a locking assembly for locking the seat back in position.
  • the actuator may comprise a locking assembly that locks the actuator and prevents the first and second ends of the actuator moving relative to one another.
  • the actuator preferably comprises a locking assembly to lock the seat back in the upright position.
  • the actuator preferably comprises a locking assembly to lock the seat back in the reclined position. It is also preferred to provide the actuator with a locking assembly to lock the seat back in one or more positions between the upright position and the reclined position.
  • Such actuators are known in the art.
  • the actuator may be a damper and function to dampen the movement of the seat back between the upright position and the reclined position. Again, such actuators are known in the art.
  • the seat back is biased into the upright position. In this way, the seat back can be returned to the upright position simply by activating the seat back recline control, which unlocks the seat back and allows it to return to the upright position under the action of the biasing mechanism, without requiring further action from the user.
  • the actuator biases the seat back into the upright position. Actuators of this kind are known in the art.
  • the actuator assembly may be powered, most preferably electrically powered.
  • the actuator assembly may comprise any means to activate the actuator, such as a switch.
  • the actuator is extended and retracted by a motor when activated.
  • the motor may act to lock the seat back in position when the actuator is not activated and moving the seat back between the upright and reclined positions.
  • the actuator may be provided with a lock assembly, as described above. Again, such powered actuators are known in the art.
  • the actuator extends through the rear spar. This is in contrast to known seat assemblies, in which the actuator extends above the rear spar, as described in more detail below.
  • the arrangement of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages. In particular, this arrangement allows the rear spar to be disposed at the same height as the front spar or even be arranged to be higher than the front spar. This in turn significantly increases the space below the seat base, compared with known seat assemblies.
  • the actuator may extend at any angle between its first end and its second end, as required.
  • the actuator preferably extends substantially horizontally.
  • the actuator can be considered to have its first and second ends lying on a straight line.
  • the straight line extending between the first and second ends of the actuator is coincident with the front spar, more preferably with the centre line of the front spar.
  • the components of the actuator lie on and move along the straight line extending from the first end of the actuator to the second end of the actuator.
  • the actuator extends through the rear spar, in particular a portion of the actuator extends through the rear spar.
  • references to the actuator extending ‘through’ the rear spar are to be understood to be a reference to the straight line extending from the first end of the actuator to the second end of the actuator extending through the spar.
  • the actuator is shaped to extend around the rear spar, such that the straight line extending between the first and second ends of the actuator extends through the rear spar. More preferably the rear spar is provided with an opening to accommodate a portion of the actuator.
  • the opening may be a hole or bore extending through the rear spar.
  • the opening may be a slot formed in one side of the rear spar, for example in an upper portion or a lower portion of the rear spar.
  • the rear spar comprises a portion extending around the actuator, the said portion having a different cross-section to the adjacent portions of the rear spar. More preferably, the rear spar has a substantially uniform cross-section along its length, especially in the regions adjacent and around the actuator.
  • the rear spar may be strengthened in the region of the actuator.
  • the wall of the tube in the region of the actuator may be thicker than the remaining portions of the rear spar.
  • the actuator is arranged to extend through a low stress portion of the rear spar.
  • the first aspect of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with manually operated actuator assemblies, as described above.
  • the seat back of known seat assemblies is pivotably connected to the support assembly of the seat assembly in the lower region of the seat back, in particular, in the portion of the seat back adjacent the lower edge of the seat back.
  • the portion of the seat back above the pivot connection moves rearwards.
  • the seat back encroaches into the space for the passenger seated in the seat assembly immediately behind.
  • the seat back encroaches on the space for the legs of the passenger seated behind.
  • the present invention provides a seat assembly for a vehicle, the seat assembly comprising: a support assembly; a seat base mounted to the support assembly; a seat back pivotably mounted to the support assembly and moveable about a first axis of rotation between an upright position and a reclined position; wherein the first axis of rotation is positioned such that at least a substantial portion of the seat back moves forwards as the seat back is moved from the upright position towards the reclined position.
  • references herein to a ‘substantial portion’ of the seat back are to a portion of the seat back that is at least 10% of the area of the seat back, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, still more preferably at least 25%, more preferably still at least 30%, especially at least 35%, more especially at least 40%, still more especially at least 45%, more especially still at least 50%.
  • the present invention provides a seat assembly for a vehicle, the seat assembly comprising: a support assembly; a seat base mounted to the support assembly; a seat back pivotably mounted to the support assembly and moveable about a first axis of rotation between an upright position and a reclined position; wherein the first axis of rotation lies in a central region of the seat back.
  • the seat assembly of the present invention comprises a support assembly. Details and embodiments of the support assembly are as hereinbefore described.
  • the seat assembly further comprises a seat base mounted to the support assembly. Again, details and embodiments of the seat base are as hereinbefore described.
  • the seat back is pivotably mounted to the support assembly.
  • the seat back is pivotably mounted to the support assembly so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation.
  • the first axis of rotation is above the lower end portion of the seat back and lies in a central portion of the seat back.
  • references to the ‘central portion’ of the seat back are references to the portion of the seat back that has a lower edge at substantially the same height as the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back and extending upwards from this lower edge.
  • the first axis of rotation is preferably no lower than 20 cm below the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back, more preferably no lower than 15 cm, still more preferably no lower than 10 cm, more preferably still no lower than 5 cm below the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back. More preferably, the first axis of rotation is no lower than the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation is at a position higher than the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation may be up to 50 cm higher than the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back, preferably up to 45 cm, more preferably up to 40 cm, still more preferably up to 35 cm, more preferably still up to 30 cm higher than the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the position of the first axis of rotation can be defined as being substantially no lower than the height of the knees of the person seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the height of the knees of the passenger seated in the seat assembly can be readily determined by having a person sit in the seat and place their legs flat on the seat base.
  • the height of the first axis of rotation is no lower than the height of the knees of a passenger seated behind the seat back.
  • the height of the first axis of rotation is substantially the same as the height of the knees of a passenger seated behind the seat back.
  • the height of the first axis of rotation is above the height of the knees of a passenger seated behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation is preferably no lower than 20 cm below the knee height of a passenger seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back, more preferably no lower than 15 cm, still more preferably no lower than 10 cm, more preferably still no lower than 5 cm below the knee height of a passenger in the seat assembly behind the seat back. More preferably, the first axis of rotation is no lower than the knee height of a passenger seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation is at a position higher than the knee height of a passenger seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation may be up to 50 cm higher than the knee height of a passenger seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back, preferably up to 45 cm, more preferably up to 40 cm, still more preferably up to 35 cm, more preferably still up to 30 cm higher than the upper surface of the knee height of a passenger seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the seat assembly preferably further comprises an arm rest. Arrangements for the arm rest are as discussed above.
  • the arm rest is pivotably mounted to the support assembly and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation, between an up position and a down position.
  • the first axis of rotation, about which the seat back rotates is at substantially the same height as the second axis of rotation, about which the arm rest rotates.
  • the seat assembly further comprises an armrest pivotably mounted to the support assembly and moveable about a second axis of rotation between an up position and a down position; wherein the first axis of rotation is at substantially the same height as the second axis of rotation.
  • the height of the first axis of rotation is within 10 cm of the second axis of rotation, more preferably with 5 cm, still more preferably within 3 cm, more preferably still within 2.5 cm. In one preferred embodiment, the height of the first axis of rotation is substantially the same as the height of the second axis of rotation. Preferably, the first axis of rotation lies in the region of the second axis of rotation, that is the first axis of rotation is within 10 cm of the second axis of rotation, more preferably within 5 cm, still more preferably within 3 cm, more preferably still within 1 cm. In one preferred embodiment, the first axis of rotation is substantially coincident with the second axis of rotation.
  • the seat base may be mounted to the support assembly and fixed in position relative to the support assembly. More preferably, the seat base is mounted so as to be moveable relative to the support assembly. More preferably, the seat base is mounted to be moveable horizontally relative to the support assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the seat base is mounted to be moveable horizontally as the seat back moves between its upright position and its reclined position. More preferably, the seat base may be mounted to move forwards as the seat back is moved from the upright position towards the reclined position and rearwards as the seat back is moved from the reclined position towards the upright position. In one preferred embodiment, the seat base is pivotably connected to the lower portion of the seat back.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat assembly of the prior art
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatical side view of the prior art seat assembly of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatical side view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a seat arrangement of the prior art
  • Figure 5 is a diagrammatical side view of a seat assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a seat arrangement employing the seat assembly of the embodiment of Figure 5.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a seat assembly of the prior art.
  • the seat assembly generally indicated as 2
  • the seat assembly 2 is shown with the seat base, cushions and covering removed, for clarity.
  • the seat assembly 2 is arranged to provide a seat 2a, 2b, 2c for three passengers arranged side by side.
  • the seat assembly 2 is shown in side view in Figure 2.
  • the seat assembly 2 comprises a support assembly 4 comprising a tubular front spar 6 and a tubular rear spar 8, both spar tubes extending generally horizontally. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear spar 8 is lower than the front spar 6.
  • Each support frame 10, 12 comprises a front leg 14 extending downwards from the front spar 6 and a rear leg 16 extending down and rearwards from the rear spar 8.
  • Each support frame 10, 12 further comprises a seat base support member 18 extending generally horizontally rearwards from the front spar tube 8 above and beyond the rear spar tube 10.
  • An upper support member 20 curves rearwards and upwards from the rearmost end of the seat base support member 18.
  • An armrest 22 is pivotally mounted at one end to the upper end of the upper support member 20.
  • the armrest 22 is moveable between a down position, in which the armrest 22 extends generally horizontally forwards from the upper end of the upper support member 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and an up position, in which the armrest 22 extends generally vertically upwards from the upper end of the upper support member 20.
  • the support frames 10, 12 are arranged symmetrically about the centre of the front and rear spars 6, 8 and equidistant from the ends of the front and rear spars 6,8, as can be seen in Figure 1.
  • An end support frame 24, 26 is provided at each end of the spar tubes 6, 8.
  • Each end support frame 24, 26 comprises a seat base support member 18a and an upper support member 20a of the same configuration as the corresponding components of the support frames 10, 12.
  • Each end support frame 24, 26 supports a moveable armrest 22a, having the same configuration as the armrests 22, as described above.
  • a seat back 30 for each seat 2a, 2b, 2c, is mounted between the adjacent support frames 10, 12 and the end support frames 24, 26.
  • Each seat back 30 is pivotally mounted to the respective support frames 10, 12 and end support frames 24, 26 at a lower edge portion.
  • Each seat back 30 has an actuator portion 32 extending from one end of its lower edge portion.
  • Each seat back is moveable about its pivot connected to the adjacent support frames 10, 12, 24, 26 between an upright position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a reclined position.
  • the seat assembly 2 comprises an actuator assembly 40 for each seat 2a, 2b, 2c comprising an actuator 42.
  • the actuator 42 is pivotally mounted at a first end 42a to the seat base support member 18 of a respective support frame 10, 12, 24, 26 at a position forward of the rear spar 8 and between the front and rear spars 6, 8.
  • the actuator 42 is pivotally mounted at a second end 42b to the lower end region of the actuator portion 32 of the respective seat back 30.
  • the actuator 42 is activated using a suitable control by a passenger seated in the seat, for example by operating a lever connected to the actuator by a cable, such as a Bowden cable.
  • the actuator may be controlled electrically, by means of a suitable switch.
  • the actuator 42 extends above the rear spar 8. This in turn requires the rear spar 8 to be lower for a given seat height. As a result, the rear spar encroaches upon the space available beneath the seat base for use by a passenger seated in a seat behind.
  • prior art seats may have the actuator 42 extend below the rear spar tube 8. While this allows the rear spar tube to be positioned higher, the result is that the actuator encroaches on the space below the seat base.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a lower portion of a seat assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the seat assembly generally indicated as 102, has components similar to those of the prior art seat assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above.
  • components of the embodiment of Figure 3 that are shared with the prior art seat assembly are indicated using the same reference numerals and are as described above.
  • the seat assembly of Figure 3 differs from the prior art as follows:
  • the support assembly 12 comprises a tubular front spar 106 and a tubular rear spar 108.
  • a front leg 14 extends vertically downwards from the front spar 106 and a rear leg 16 extends downwards and rearwards from the rear spar 108, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above.
  • a seat base support member 18 extends between the front and rear spars 106, 108 again as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above.
  • the rear spar 108 is at substantially the same height as the front spar 106.
  • the seat assembly 102 comprises an actuator assembly 140 comprising an actuator 142.
  • the actuator 142 has a first end 142a pivotably connected to the seat base support member 18 in front of the rear spar 108 and to the rear and adjacent the front spar 106.
  • the actuator 142 has a second end 142b pivotably connected to the actuator portion 32 of the seat back 30.
  • the actuator 142 comprises a first actuator member in the form of a generally cylindrical actuator body 144 connected to the first end 142a of the actuator 142.
  • a second actuator member in the form of an actuator rod 146 extends from the second end 142b of the actuator 142 into the actuator body 144.
  • the actuator rod 146 is moveable axially within the actuator body, such that the length of the actuator, that is the distance between the first end 142a and the second end 142b, is variable. As shown in Figure 3, the actuator body lies between the front and rear spars 106, 108. The actuator rod 146 extends through an opening 148 in the rear spar 108.
  • the arrangement of the actuator 140 and the rear spars 106, 108 is compact and maximises the space available below the seat base.
  • the seat back 30 of the prior art seat assembly is pivotably connected to the support assembly 10 adjacent its lower edge by a pivot connection 60.
  • the seat back is pivotably mounted to the support assembly by the pivot connection 60 and is able to be rotated about a first axis of rotation 62 extending horizontally and laterally across the seat back 30.
  • the arm rests 22 and 22a are pivotably mounted to the support assembly by pivot connections 64 and are able to be rotated about a second axis of rotation 66.
  • FIG. 4 There is shown a first seat assembly 2a and a second seat assembly 2b, both of a prior art configuration.
  • Each seat assembly comprises a seat base 80a, 80b and a seat back 30a, 30b.
  • Each seat back 30a, 30b is pivotably mounted at its lower portion adjacent the lower edge of the seat back for rotation about a first axis of rotation 62a, 62b.
  • a person is shown seated in the second seat assembly 2b.
  • a person is also shown seated immediately behind the seat back 30b of the seat assembly 2b.
  • FIG 4 which shows the change in position of the seat back 30b of the second seat assembly 2b as it moves from the upright position (shown by a dotted line) to a reclined position.
  • the portion of the seat back above the first axis of rotation 62b moves rearwards towards the passenger seated immediately behind the seat back 30b, encroaching on the space available for that passenger, for example to accommodate their legs as shown.
  • the reduction in the space available for the legs of rearmost passenger is indicated by the shaded area A.
  • FIG. 5 there is shown a seat assembly of a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the seat assembly generally indicated as 202, has components similar to those of the prior art seat assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above.
  • components of the embodiment of Figure 5 that are shared with the prior art seat assembly are indicated using the same reference numerals and are as described above.
  • a seat back 230 is pivoted about a first axis of rotation 210 extending through a pivot connection 212 between the seat back 230 and the support assembly 10.
  • the pivot connection 212 is also employed by the arm rest 22, 22a, such that the second axis of rotation of the arm rest 22, 22a coincides with the first axis of rotation 210. In this way, the arm rests 22, 22a rotate about the same axis of rotation 210 as the seat back 230.
  • the pivot connection 212 and the axis of rotation 210 of the seat back are higher than the upper surface of the seat base, such that the legs and knees of a passenger seated on the seat base are no higher than the axis of rotation 210 and typically lie below the axis of rotation.
  • the pivot connection 212 and the axis of rotation 210 of the seat back 230 are higher than the upper surface of the seat base of the seat assembly immediately behind the seat back and, typically, higher than the legs and knees of a passenger seated in the seat assembly behind the seat back.
  • the action of moving the seat back 230 from the upright position to the reclined position is that the portion of the seat back 230 below the axis of rotation 210 and the pivot connection 212 moves forwards.
  • This movement of the seat back 230 increases the space behind the lower portion of the seat back 230. As this space is typically used to accommodate the legs and/or luggage of a passenger occupying the seat assembly behind the seat back, reclining the seat back increases the space and, hence the comfort, of the rearmost passenger. This is in contrast to the seat assemblies of the prior art.
  • FIG. 6 shows a first seat assembly 202a and a second seat assembly 202b arranged immediately behind the first seat assembly, in analogous manner to the arrangement of the prior art seat assemblies shown in Figure 4.
  • Each seat assembly 202a, 202b comprises a seat base 280a, 280b, each having an upper surface 282a, 282b, and a seat back 230a, 230b.
  • Each seat back 230a, 230b is pivotably mounted at for rotation about a first axis of rotation 210a, 210b by a pivot connection 212a, 212b.
  • the pivot connection 212a, 212b is also shared by the arm rest 22a.
  • a person is shown seated in the second seat assembly 202b.
  • a person is also shown seated immediately behind the seat back 230b of the seat assembly 202b.
  • the first axis of rotation 210a, 210b of each seat assembly 202a, 202b is at a height above the upper surface 282a, 282b of the seat base 280a, 280b of the seat assembly immediately behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation 210a, 210b of each seat assembly 202a, 202b is also at a height above the height of the knees of the person seated immediately behind the seat back.
  • the first axis of rotation 210a, 210b can be considered to lie in a central region R of the seat back, which extends upwards from at or slightly below the upper surface 282a, 282b of the seat base 280a, 280b.
  • the seat base 280a, 280b may be fixed in position relative to the support assembly of the seat assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the seat base 280a, 280b is moveable with respect to the support assembly, more preferably able to slide forwards, as the seat back 230a, 230b is reclined, as shown in Figure 6.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble siège pour véhicule, l'ensemble siège comprenant : un ensemble support comportant un longeron avant et un longeron arrière ; une base de siège montée sur l'ensemble support ; un dossier de siège monté en pivotement sur l'ensemble support et mobile entre une position verticale et une position inclinée ; et un ensemble actionneur servant à commander le mouvement du dossier de siège entre la position verticale et la position inclinée, l'ensemble actionneur comprenant un actionneur possédant une première extrémité et une seconde extrémité, la première extrémité de l'actionneur étant montée en pivotement sur l'ensemble support en un emplacement en avant du longeron arrière, et la seconde extrémité de l'actionneur étant montée en pivotement sur le dossier de siège ; l'actionneur s'étendant à travers le longeron arrière. L'invention concerne également un véhicule, en particulier un aéronef, comprenant l'ensemble siège.
PCT/GB2022/053121 2021-12-08 2022-12-07 Ensemble siège WO2023105220A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2117731.6A GB2613603A (en) 2021-12-08 2021-12-08 Seat Assembly
GB2117731.6 2021-12-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023105220A1 true WO2023105220A1 (fr) 2023-06-15

Family

ID=80080994

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2022/053121 WO2023105220A1 (fr) 2021-12-08 2022-12-07 Ensemble siège

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2613603A (fr)
WO (1) WO2023105220A1 (fr)

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1362561A (en) 1971-07-02 1974-08-07 Nissan Motor Position adjustable support mechanism
DE10203563A1 (de) 2002-01-29 2003-08-07 Buhler Motor Gmbh Stellantrieb zum Einstellen eines beweglichen Sitzelements
US6641214B2 (en) 1999-06-02 2003-11-04 Aviointeriors S.P.A. Chair with improved cradle motion, particularly for aircrafts
US20030209929A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-11-13 Andrew Muin Vehicle seat particularly for aircraft
US20050088021A1 (en) * 2003-10-22 2005-04-28 Suspa Holding Gmbh Adjustable-length compression spring and seat provided therewith
US20060061148A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-23 Pollard Warren E Lift chair and recliner
US20080150342A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2008-06-26 Kismarton Max U Composite seat back structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly
US20170073076A1 (en) 2014-03-14 2017-03-16 Jamco Corporation Reclining mechanism for aircraft passenger seat
GB2548410A (en) 2016-03-18 2017-09-20 Acro Aircraft Seating Ltd Seat
EP3231706A1 (fr) 2010-08-16 2017-10-18 BE Aerospace, Inc. Mécanisme d'inclinaison de siège de passager d'avion
WO2021066804A1 (fr) 2019-09-30 2021-04-08 Safran Seats Usa Llc Mécanisme cinématique et d'inclinaison à intrusion nulle pour sièges d'avion commerciaux

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1362561A (en) 1971-07-02 1974-08-07 Nissan Motor Position adjustable support mechanism
US6641214B2 (en) 1999-06-02 2003-11-04 Aviointeriors S.P.A. Chair with improved cradle motion, particularly for aircrafts
DE10203563A1 (de) 2002-01-29 2003-08-07 Buhler Motor Gmbh Stellantrieb zum Einstellen eines beweglichen Sitzelements
US20030209929A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-11-13 Andrew Muin Vehicle seat particularly for aircraft
US20050088021A1 (en) * 2003-10-22 2005-04-28 Suspa Holding Gmbh Adjustable-length compression spring and seat provided therewith
US20060061148A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-23 Pollard Warren E Lift chair and recliner
US20080150342A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2008-06-26 Kismarton Max U Composite seat back structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly
EP3231706A1 (fr) 2010-08-16 2017-10-18 BE Aerospace, Inc. Mécanisme d'inclinaison de siège de passager d'avion
US20170073076A1 (en) 2014-03-14 2017-03-16 Jamco Corporation Reclining mechanism for aircraft passenger seat
GB2548410A (en) 2016-03-18 2017-09-20 Acro Aircraft Seating Ltd Seat
WO2021066804A1 (fr) 2019-09-30 2021-04-08 Safran Seats Usa Llc Mécanisme cinématique et d'inclinaison à intrusion nulle pour sièges d'avion commerciaux

Also Published As

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GB2613603A (en) 2023-06-14
GB202117731D0 (en) 2022-01-19

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