WO2024100100A1

WO2024100100A1 - Aircraft passenger seat

Info

Publication number: WO2024100100A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/081116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Metin Albert Bopp; Alper ALTUNBAS
Original assignee: Zim Aircraft Seating Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2023-11-08
Publication date: 2024-05-16
Also published as: DE102022129530A1

Abstract

Aircraft passenger seat (2), wherein the aircraft passenger seat (2) has a frame (10), a seating area element (13) and a backrest element (14), wherein the backrest element (14) has a backrest structure (15), wherein the backrest structure (15) is immovably fixed to the frame (10), wherein the backrest element (14) has an air cushion system (18), wherein the air cushion system (18) has two or more air chambers (20), wherein a filling level of air in one or more of the air chambers (20) of the air cushion system (18) can be changed, wherein the air chambers (20) provide a contact area (21) for a back of a person using the aircraft passenger seat (2), wherein the air cushion system (18) is designed in such a way that the person using the aircraft passenger seat (2) can move from a first use position to a second use position by changing a filling level of air in one or more of the air chambers (20).

Description

"Passenger seat"

State of the art

Passenger seats with one or more seats are known in a variety of designs for equipping passenger aircraft, especially long-haul aircraft.

A seat has a seat base and a backrest, whereby different seating positions can almost always be adjusted at a passenger seat by changing the position of the seat base, the backrest and often both parts.

This allows passengers to switch between more active seating positions in an "upright position", e.g. for eating meals or for take-off and landing, and more passive seating positions in a "reclined position", e.g. for relaxing and sleeping, as they wish.

In particular, various solutions for moving the backrest are known. By moving the backrest, seat settings can be specified that, for example, have as little impact as possible on the movement space, the so-called "living space" of neighboring passengers, especially in a row of seats behind them.

Due to the requirement in air traffic to make seating arrangements as light as possible and to make the best possible use of the user's available "living space", the design of comfortably adjustable, comparatively light, comparatively inexpensive and at the same time stable passenger seats represents a particular challenge. Object and advantages of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved passenger seat. In particular, to provide a passenger seat which has an improved comfort function. In particular, to provide a passenger seat which has improved legroom or an improved "living space" for a user sitting behind the passenger seat.

This object is achieved by an aircraft passenger seat having the features of claim 1.

Further possible embodiments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

The invention is based on an aircraft passenger seat, wherein the aircraft passenger seat has a frame, a seat surface element and a backrest element, wherein the backrest element has a backrest structure, wherein the backrest structure is immovably fixed to the frame, wherein the backrest element has an air cushion system, wherein the air cushion system has two or more air chambers, wherein an air level of one or more of the air chambers of the air cushion system can be changed, wherein the air chambers provide a contact surface for a back of a person using the aircraft passenger seat, wherein the air cushion system is designed such that the person using the aircraft passenger seat can move from a first use position to a second use position by changing an air level of one or more of the air chambers. This makes it comparatively easy and convenient to change the position of the contact surface for the back of the person using the aircraft passenger seat. This also makes it possible to reduce the weight of the aircraft passenger seat.

The following directional references are advantageous related to the seating direction of the passenger seat. For example, the seating direction of the passenger seat in the arranged state of the passenger seat in the aircraft is also the flight direction of the aircraft.

For example, the frame is intended for fastening in the floor area of a passenger cabin of an aircraft. For example, the frame has a seat divider and cross connectors running transversely to the seat direction, the seat divider being held by the cross connectors. For example, the frame has two seat dividers. It is conceivable that the two seat dividers are connected to one another by means of a cross connector. It is also conceivable that the seat dividers are intended for fastening the passenger seat in the floor area of the passenger cabin. The frame comprises, for example, a particularly fixed housing for the backrest element. The housing is designed, for example, as a backrest shell. The backrest shell, for example, fixes an extension of the passenger seat, for example against a seat direction, in a rear area, in particular in an unchangeable manner.

For example, the seat surface element is designed to provide a seat surface for a user and the backrest element is designed to provide a leaning surface for the back of a user of the passenger seat. For example, the seat surface element is designed as a seat shell or as a seat cushion.

For example, the air cushion system has two, three, four, five, six or seven air chambers. For example, the air cushion system has exactly four, exactly five, exactly six or exactly seven air chambers. For example, the air cushion system has more than three, more than four, more than five or more than six air chambers. It is conceivable that an air chamber is present as a chamber that can be filled with a gas, with a fluid medium or with a fluid. For example, the gas is present as air or nitrogen. For example, the air chamber has an air chamber jacket. It is conceivable that the air chamber jacket is present as a balloon, as an air sack, an air bag or as an air pocket. It is conceivable that the air chamber, for example the air chamber jacket, is made of an elastic material. For example, the air chamber jacket is made of plastic or rubber. For example, a shape of the air chamber, e.g. a shape of the air chamber jacket, can be changed while the air fill level remains the same. It is conceivable that the air chamber is compressible or expandable. For example, the air fill level is present as a gas fill level.

For example, the air chambers are spaced apart from one another. It is conceivable that two, more than two or all air chambers of the air cushion system are connected to one another. For example, two, more than two or all air chambers are connected to one another via an air duct system. It is also conceivable that the air chambers are connected to one another. It is conceivable that the air chambers are directly connected to one another. For example, two air chambers are connected to one another at their edges, e.g. welded. It is also conceivable that the air cushion system is designed as an element which has several air chambers, which are each separated from one another by means of one or more weld seams and are connected to one another via the weld seams.

For example, each air chamber of the air cushion system has a contact surface. It is conceivable that the contact surfaces of the air chambers form an overall contact surface of the air cushion system. It is also conceivable that a user's back comes into contact with the air cushion system directly on the contact surface when the user uses the passenger seat. It is also conceivable that the passenger seat has padding. For example, the backrest element has the padding. For example, the padding is present as a seat cover. It is conceivable that the padding covers the air cushion system. For example, the padding covers the contact surface of the air cushion system, so that the padding is present between the contact surface and the back of the passenger seat user. It is also conceivable that the air chambers are part of the padding and/or part of a seat cover.

For example, the passenger seat, for example the air cushion system, is in a first position of use in an initial position, the so-called "upright position". For example, the passenger seat, for example the air cushion system, is in a second position of use in an end position, the so-called "reclined position". The passenger seat is in the "upright position" during take-off and landing, for example. In the "reclined position" of the passenger seat, the passenger can assume a comparatively relaxed "reclining position", e.g. in a time between take-off and landing.

For example, the passenger seat has a backrest. It is conceivable that the backrest has the backrest element and the backrest shell. For example, the backrest element has a frame. It is conceivable that the frame is connected to the frame. For example, the frame is immobile, rigid and/or fixed in position to the frame and/or connected to the frame. It is conceivable that the frame is designed as a dimensionally stable element.

It is also proposed that an air chamber of the air cushion system is designed to be self-inflating. This makes it possible to create a comparatively simple air cushion system.

For example, all air chambers of the air cushion system are self-inflating. It is conceivable that several Air chambers of the air cushion system are self-inflating.

For example, the air chamber has a foam. It is conceivable that the air chamber jacket envelops the foam. For example, the air chamber jacket completely envelops the foam. For example, the foam has pores. For example, the foam is present in such a way that gas or fluid, e.g. air, can penetrate the foam and fill the pores. It is conceivable that the foam is compressible and expandable. For example, the foam is designed in such a way that the foam wants to move from a compressed state to an expanded state automatically. For example, in the compressed state of the foam, the pores are not or not completely filled with the gas or fluid. For example, in the expanded state of the foam, the pores are filled with the gas or fluid. For example, the air chamber jacket limits expansion of the foam and thereby defines a maximum expanded state of the foam during self-inflating expansion. For example, the air cushion system or an air chamber sucks itself full when the user releases pressure on the air cushion system through expansion of the foam and thus increases the air level of the air cushion system.

It is further proposed that the air cushion system has a valve, wherein the valve is connected to an air chamber in such a way that an air filling level of the air chamber can be adjusted by means of the valve. This makes it possible to predetermine or define a use position.

For example, an air chamber has an opening or a valve through which gas or a fluid can flow into or out of the air chamber. This makes it possible to change the air level in the air chamber. For example, the air chamber casing has the opening and/or the valve.

For example, the air level of the air cushion system, an air level of an air chamber, an air level of several air chambers or an air level of all air chambers of the air cushion system can be changed by a user applying pressure to the air cushion system, a user applying pressure to an air chamber or a user applying pressure to several air chambers. For example, a user can compress the air cushion system or an air chamber. It is also conceivable that a volume of the air level can be changed while the pressure of the air level remains constant. It is also conceivable that a volume of the air level can be changed by changing the pressure of the air level.

It is also conceivable that the passenger seat has a pump to change an air level of the air cushion system or an air level of an air chamber. For example, the pump is designed to change a volume of the air level of an air chamber and/or a pressure of the air level of the air chamber. For example, the pump can add gas to the air cushion system or extract gas from the air cushion system.

It is also proposed that each air chamber of the air cushion system has a valve. It is also conceivable that each air chamber has an opening. It is conceivable that an air chamber has either an opening or a valve. This allows the air level of an air chamber to be adjusted independently of the air level of another air chamber.

It is also proposed that the air cushion system has a fixed air chamber, whereby the fixed air chamber has an air filling level that cannot be changed. This makes it possible, for example, to comply with safety requirements comparatively easy to fulfill. It is also conceivable that this increases the comfort of the user.

It is conceivable that the fixed air chamber is designed in such a way that the air chamber shell completely encloses the interior of the air chamber. It is conceivable that a volume of the fixed air chamber is variable.

It is also proposed that the air chambers of the air cushion system are connected to one another and form a self-contained air system. This means that the passenger seat is designed to be relatively low-maintenance.

For example, the air cushion system has one or more fixed air chambers. It is also conceivable that the

Air cushion system has a fixed air chamber and several additional air chambers. It is conceivable that the additional air chambers are connected to one another. For example, the additional air chambers form a self-contained air system.

For example, the self-contained air system of the air cushion system is designed in such a way that gas or fluid that escapes from an air chamber is transferred to one or more other air chambers. It is conceivable that the self-contained air system of the air cushion system is designed in such a way that a volume of an air filling level of an air chamber becomes smaller and as a result a volume or a pressure of an air filling level of one or more other air chambers of the air cushion system increases.

For example, air chambers of the air cushion system are connected to one another by means of a hose connection and/or a pipe connection. It is also conceivable that the air cushion system has a buffer storage. For example, the air cushion system is provided in such a way that a volume of an air filling level of an air chamber can be changed by changing a volume or a pressure in the buffer storage. It is also proposed that an air level in one air chamber of the air cushion system can be adjusted independently of an air level in another air chamber of the air cushion system. This makes it comparatively easy to increase the comfort of the passenger seat.

For example, an air level of an air chamber of the air cushion system can be adjusted independently of an air level of every other air chamber in the air cushion system. For example, an air level of every air chamber in the air cushion system can be adjusted independently of an air level of every other air chamber in the air cushion system.

For example, a valve is designed to be controllable.

For example, the air cushion system has an air tap or an air regulating valve, by means of which an air level in an air chamber can be adjusted. For example, the air cushion system has control electronics, by means of which the valve, the air tap, the air regulating valve and/or the pump can be controlled. It is conceivable that the passenger seat has a switch, by means of which a user of the passenger seat can adjust the air cushion system. For example, the switch is connected to the control electronics. However, it is also conceivable that the switch is designed as a mechanical switch and by operating the switch a valve or air tap is opened or closed, e.g. mechanically, e.g. by turning.

It is also proposed that the backrest structure has two spars, wherein the air chambers are arranged to extend between the spars, wherein the air chambers are arranged next to one another when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the spars.

For example, the beams are immobile, fixed in position or rigidly connected to the frame, e.g. fixed to the frame. It is conceivable that the frame encloses the beams. For example, the spars extend longitudinally in a vertical or almost vertical direction. For example, a spar is connected to a seat divider or fixed to a seat divider. For example, the passenger seat has exactly two spars. For example, the spars are spaced apart from one another transversely to a longitudinal direction of the spars. It is also conceivable that the frame has one or two cross braces, with one or both cross braces connecting the two spars to one another. It is conceivable that the spars and the cross brace form the frame.

For example, an air chamber extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of the spars from a first of the spars to a second of the spars. For example, an air chamber is arranged at a first end on the first spar and at a second end on the second spar.

For example, an air chamber is designed in the form of a rectangular, e.g. cuboid-shaped, pocket or in the form of a rectangular, e.g. cuboid-shaped, bag.

For example, an air chamber is disk-like, e.g. designed as a disk. For example, an air chamber has a rectangular or round outline. It is conceivable that an air chamber is attached at one end to the first spar and at a second end to the second spar. For example, an air chamber extends along a longitudinal axis of the air chamber from the first to the second spar. It is conceivable that an air chamber extends along its width direction along a longitudinal extension of the first and/or the second spar. It is conceivable that the air chamber extends two, three or four times as far in the longitudinal extension as in the width direction.

For example, a seat divider has an armrest. It is conceivable that two or more air cushions of the air cushion system in are present above the armrest on the backrest when viewed vertically. For example, the armrest is connected to the seat divider at a hinge point. It is conceivable that two or more air cushions of the air cushion system are present above the hinge point on the backrest when viewed vertically. It is conceivable that all air cushions of the air cushion system are present above the armrest or above the hinge point of the armrest on the backrest when viewed vertically.

It is also conceivable that the backrest element has a backrest plate, wherein the backrest plate is arranged between the first and the second spar. It is conceivable that the air chambers of the air cushion system are attached to the backrest plate. For example, the backrest plate is held on the first and/or the second spar. For example, the backrest plate is designed to be elastic.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a row of seats with an aircraft passenger seat according to one of the preceding embodiments.

A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is an aircraft with a passenger seat according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or a row of seats according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

Character description

Further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail using schematically shown embodiments. In detail:

Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front and top of a row of passenger seats,

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above, obliquely from the side, of the row of seats according to Figure 1, wherein an air cushion system of a passenger seat is kept invisible and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a backrest of an aircraft passenger seat, with elements of the backrest kept invisible.

Figures 1 and 2 show a row of seats 1 with passenger seats 2 to 4. For example, the row of seats 1 has a frame 10 with seat dividers 5 to 8, which are connected to one another by means of a cross connector 9.

For example, a housing in the form of a backrest shell 11 is arranged on the frame 10, which closes off a backrest 12 of the passenger seat 2 in a rear region of the backrest 12. For example, the passenger seat 2 has a seat surface element 13 next to the backrest 12.

For example, the backrest 12 has a backrest element 14 and a backrest structure 15. For example, the backrest structure is designed as a frame. For example, the backrest structure has a first spar 16 and a second spar 17. For example, the first spar 16 is fixed immovably to the seat divider 5. The backrest element 14 also has an air cushion system 18. In Figure 2, the air cushion system 18 is kept invisible on the passenger seat 2. For example, the air cushion system 18 is attached to a backrest plate 19 of the backrest 12.

For example, the air cushion system 18 has several air chambers 20. For example, each air chamber 20 has a contact surface 21. It is conceivable that an air chamber 20 is present extending between the spars 16, 17. As a result, a contact surface for a user of the passenger seat 2 is comparatively increased.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a valve 28 and/or a pump 29 are present in order to regulate an air level of one or more air chambers 30 of an air cushion system 31 of the passenger seat 3.

Figure 3 shows a backrest 22 of an aircraft passenger seat 23. For example, the backrest 22 has spars 24, 25 and an air cushion system 26. The air cushion system 26 has several air cushions 27. For example, the air cushions 27 are in the form of air chambers.

List of reference symbols

1 row of seats 17 Holm

2 Passenger seat 18 Air cushion system

3 Passenger seat 19 Backrest panel

4 Passenger seat 20 Air chamber

5 Seat dividers 21 Contact surface

6 Seat dividers 22 Backrest

7 Seat divider 23 Passenger seat

8 seat dividers 24 Holm

9 Cross connector 25 Holm

10 Frame 26 Air cushion system

11 Backrest shell 27 Air chamber

12 Backrest 28 Valve

13 Seat element 29 Pump

14 Backrest element 30 Air chamber

15 Backrest structure 31 Air cushion system

16 Holms

Claims

Expectations

1. Aircraft passenger seat (2), wherein the aircraft passenger seat (2) has a frame (10), a seat surface element (13) and a backrest element (14), wherein the backrest element (14) has a backrest structure (15), wherein the backrest structure (15) is immovably fixed to the frame (10), wherein the backrest element (14) has an air cushion system (18), wherein the air cushion system (18) has two or more air chambers (20), wherein an air level of one or more of the air chambers (20) of the air cushion system (18) is changeable, wherein the air chambers (20) provide a contact surface (21) for a back of a person using the aircraft passenger seat (2), wherein the air cushion system (18) is designed such that the person using the aircraft passenger seat (2) can move from a first use position to a second use position by changing an air level of one or more of the air chambers (20).

2. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that an air chamber (20) of the air cushion system (18) is designed to be self-inflating.

3. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air cushion system (18, 26) has a valve (28), wherein the valve (28) is connected to an air chamber (20, 30) in such a way that an air filling level of the air chambers (20, 30) can be adjusted by means of the valve (28).

4. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each air chamber (20, 30) of the air cushion system (18) has a valve.

5. Passenger seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air cushion system (18) has a fixed air chamber (20, 30), wherein the fixed air chamber (20, 30) has an air filling level which is unchangeable.

6. Aircraft passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air chambers (20) of the air cushion system (18) are connected to one another and form a self-contained air system.

7. Aircraft passenger seat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an air filling level of an air chamber (20) of the air cushion system (18) can be divided independently of an air filling level of another air chamber (20) of the air cushion system (18).

8. Aircraft passenger seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backrest structure (15) has two spars (16, 17), wherein the air chambers (20) are arranged to extend between the spars (16, 17), wherein the air chambers (20) are arranged next to one another as seen in the longitudinal direction of the spars (16, 17).

9. Row of seats (1) with a passenger seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Aircraft with a passenger seat (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a row of seats according to claim 9.