阅读说明：本技术 平坦夹层板式铰接底板 (Flat sandwich plate type hinged bottom plate ) 是由 R·曼苏里 R·特拉尼耶 C·M·帕克 G·拉马拉特南 于 2019-03-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：描述了乘客座椅底部组件,其包括由优选地以平坦或基本平坦的布置结合在一起的第一面板、轻质芯层和第二面板形成的分层座椅底部组件。芯层可以是蜂窝结构(例如金属或铝蜂窝)或泡沫,其以最小的成形和最小的重量赋予座椅底部组件高强度和刚度。(Passenger seat bottom assemblies are described that include a layered seat bottom assembly formed of a first panel, a lightweight core, and a second panel that are preferably joined together in a flat or substantially flat arrangement. The core layer may be a honeycomb structure (e.g., a metal or aluminum honeycomb) or foam that imparts high strength and stiffness to the seat bottom assembly with minimal forming and minimal weight.)

1. A seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat, the seat bottom assembly comprising:

a first panel;

a core material bonded to the first panel; and

a second panel bonded to the core material opposite the first panel;

wherein the seat bottom assembly is configured to be connectable with a seat frame.

2. The seat bottom assembly of claim 1 wherein the first panel, the core material and the second panel are flat.

3. The seat bottom assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a plurality of slide connectors attached to an underside of the seat bottom assembly and configured to slidably connect the seat bottom assembly with the seat assembly frame.

4. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1-3 wherein the first and second panels comprise planar sheets of metal, polymer, or composite material.

5. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1-4 wherein the first and second panels comprise aluminum sheets or fiber reinforced polymer composite sheets.

6. The seat bottom assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the core material comprises a honeycomb metal structure, preferably a honeycomb aluminum structure.

7. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1 through 6 wherein the core material comprises a lightweight polymer foam, a composite foam, a metal honeycomb, or an aramid honeycomb.

8. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1-7 wherein the first and second panels have a thickness of less than 0.25cm (0.1 inch), preferably less than 0.025cm (0.01 inch), preferably less than 0.0125cm (0.005 inch), preferably less than 0.0025cm (0.001 inch).

9. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the core material has a thickness of less than 7.6cm (3.0 inches), preferably less than 2.5cm (1 inch), preferably less than 0.25cm (0.1 inch), or preferably less than 0.05cm (0.2 inch).

10. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1 through 9 wherein the first panel and the second panel are permanently bonded to the core material.

11. The seat bottom assembly of any of claims 1 through 10, wherein the first panel and the second panel are bonded to the core material by a pressure sensitive adhesive and/or a temperature sensitive adhesive.

12. A passenger seat, comprising:

a seat frame configured to be attachable to a passenger compartment floor; and

a seat bottom assembly connected to a seat frame, the seat bottom assembly comprising:

a first panel for covering the first side of the panel,

a core material bonded to the first panel; and

a second panel bonded to the core material opposite the first panel.

13. The passenger seat of claim 12, further comprising a seat back assembly pivotally connected to the seat frame, wherein:

the seat bottom assembly is slidably connected to the seat frame such that the seat bottom assembly is capable of articulating movement relative to the seat frame in response to forces induced by the occupant; and is

The seat bottom assembly is pivotally connected to the seat back assembly.

14. The passenger seat according to claim 12 or 13, wherein:

the first and second panels comprise planar metal sheets; and is

The core material comprises a metal honeycomb.

15. The passenger seat according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the seat bottom assembly is operatively connected to the seat frame by a tilt lock assembly configured to prevent or allow articulation of the seat bottom assembly relative to the seat frame in response to actuation of the tilt lock assembly by a user.

16. The passenger seat according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a substantially flat seat cushion connected to an upper surface of the first panel.

17. The passenger seat according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the first panel, the core material and the second panel are flat.

18. A method of installing a seat bottom assembly in a passenger seat, the method comprising:

slidably connecting a layered seat bottom assembly to a seat frame of a passenger seat assembly via one or more sliding connections, the layered seat bottom assembly comprising:

a first panel;

a core material bonded to the first panel; and

a second panel bonded to the core material opposite the first panel;

connecting the layered seat bottom assembly with a tiltable seat back of the passenger seat assembly via a pivotal connection; and

the seat cushion is assembled with the layered seat bottom assembly to form a passenger seat bottom.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

a tilt lock is operatively connected to the layered seat bottom assembly oriented such that the tilt lock is capable of resisting or allowing movement of the layered seat bottom assembly in response to actuation of the tilt lock.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein slidably connecting the layered seat bottom assembly to the seat frame comprises engaging the layered seat bottom assembly with the one or more sliding connectors and attaching the one or more sliding connectors to the seat frame.

21. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein slidably connecting the layered seat bottom assembly to the seat frame comprises attaching the layered seat bottom assembly to the one or more sliding connectors by one or more attachment elements through the layered seat bottom assembly and attaching the one or more sliding connectors to the seat frame.

Technical Field

The technical field of the invention relates to passenger seats.

Background

In commercial aircraft, seats are designed to meet passenger safety and comfort requirements while taking into account the severe constraints imposed on weight and space. In existing aircraft designs, passenger seats are designed with rigid support structures to meet safety standards, typically including a shaped composite seat pan that provides a supporting seating surface for the passenger. However, modern seat assemblies have become more complex over time and require increased strength to incorporate improved safety features, but the driving factors for passenger support, cost, and weight have remained unchanged. To this end, improved structural performance solutions for seat assemblies (including seat pans) are needed.

Disclosure of Invention

The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "the invention" as used in this application are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter and claims of the application. Statements containing these terms should be understood as not limiting the subject matter described herein or limiting the meaning or scope of the claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this application are defined by the claims and not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this application, any or all of the drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat is disclosed that includes a seat pan including a first panel, a core material bonded to the first panel, and a second panel bonded to the core material and opposite the first panel. The seat bottom assembly may be planar or substantially planar, and may further include a sliding link and/or a locking mechanism connected with the seat bottom assembly to facilitate articulation of the seat pan.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passenger seat is disclosed that includes a seat frame configured to be attachable to a passenger compartment floor and having a layered seat bottom assembly connected with the seat frame. The included layered seat bottom assembly may include any suitable combination of the features described herein. The passenger seat may also include a seat back assembly pivotally connected to the seat frame.

A method of installing a seat bottom assembly in a passenger seat is also disclosed. Such methods include slidably connecting a layered seat bottom assembly with a seat frame of a passenger seat assembly via one or more sliding connections, wherein the seat bottom assembly and the passenger seat can include any suitable combination of the features described herein.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a seating arrangement including a passenger seat having a tiered seat bottom assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a layered seat bottom assembly in the passenger seat shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an assembled view showing detailed aspects of the layered seat bottom assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a first example of a layered seat bottom assembly as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a second example of the layered seat bottom assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements, but such description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other present or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements unless an order of individual steps or an arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

The described embodiments of the present invention provide an improved seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat. While improved seat bottom assemblies for aircraft seats are discussed, they are in no way so limited. Rather, embodiments of the seat bottom assembly can be used with passenger seats or other seats of any type or otherwise as desired.

According to some embodiments of the invention, as shown in fig. 1, the passenger seating arrangement 100 can include one or more individual seat assemblies 102. Each passenger seat assembly 102 includes a seat frame 104 that may be secured to the floor of the passenger compartment and supports a seat bottom assembly 106 and a seat back assembly 108. The seat back assembly is connected to the seat frame 104 by a set of frame arms 110 that provide pivot elements 120 above and behind the seat bottom assembly 106 to allow the seat back assembly 108 to recline. The seat bottom assembly 106 may be connected to the seat frame 104 by frame support tubes 112. However, alternative forms of support structures for passenger seats may be employed in conjunction with the seat bottom assemblies disclosed herein.

The seat bottom assembly 106 includes a layered assembly forming a seat pan 114 positioned to receive a seat cushion 118 and positioned to work with a seat back 116 to support an occupant. The seat bottom assembly 106 may be connected to the seat back 116, for example, at a rear end of the seat pan 114 by an articulation link 122 that allows the seat bottom assembly 106 and the seat back assembly 108 to move in unison with one another in response to force applied by an occupant to recline the seat. To this end, the seat bottom assembly 106 may be connected to the seat frame 104 by a set of sliding links 124 that allow for articulating movement of the seat pan 114 relative to the frame.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the seat bottom assembly 106 in the passenger seat assembly 102 as shown in fig. 1, and also illustrates the individual seat assembly 102 including the seat frame 104, the seat bottom assembly 106, the seat back assembly 108, the frame arms 110, and the frame support tubes 112. Features of the seat bottom assembly 106 are shown in more detail, particularly the connection of the seat pan 114 to the frame support tube 112 by a set of sliding links 124. The sliding link 124 is mechanically connected to and interacts with the sliding support 126 to allow articulating movement of the seat bottom relative to the seat frame 104. The tilt lock assembly 128 also connects the seat pan 114 to the frame through the frame support tubes 112. The recline lock assembly 128 may be actuated by a passenger in the passenger seat assembly 102 to allow or prevent the seat from reclining. In the event of a crash event, the tilt lock assembly 128 is subjected to a large amount of sudden force. However, the unique assembly of the seat pan 114 provides sufficient structural support to safely transfer forces between the seat pan 114, the tilt lock assembly 128, and the seat frame 104 to maintain the structural integrity of the passenger seat 102 as a whole and to properly transmit the pulse to the seat frame 104 and the built-in safety mechanisms of the tilt lock assembly 128. Features of the seat pan 114 are shown in more detail below with reference to fig. 3-5.

Fig. 3 is an exploded assembly view illustrating detailed aspects of the seat bottom assembly 106, and in particular the seat pan 114 shown in fig. 1 and 2. The seat bottom assembly 106 is shown in an exploded state 106a and an assembled state 106b and includes a seat pan 114, a slide link 124, a tilt lock assembly 128, and a rear bracket 132 positioned and configured to connect the seat pan 114 with the seat back 116 via an articulation link 122. When assembled, the seat pan 114 is connected with the slide link 124 and the tilt lock assembly 128 by a plurality of connectors 140, the plurality of connectors 140 being attached to the seat pan via through holes 142 in the layered assembly of the seat pan.

The seat pan 114 is formed by a sandwiched arrangement of two panels (top panel 134, bottom panel 136) and a core layer 138. Conventional seat pans are typically formed from thick metal or thick composite plates that are formed into a contoured shape to produce directional strength. Unlike conventional backplanes, the embodiments of the seat pan 114 described herein are formed by stacking a set of discrete panels around a core layer. Thus, while the number of individual parts may be greater, the assembled seat pan 114 does not require complex forming steps and simplifies the addition of other parts, ultimately reducing the cost and complexity of installation without sacrificing efficiency. Surprisingly, by bonding the panels 134, 136 and the core 138 together, the combined seat pan 114 can achieve tensile, torsional, and shear strengths equal to or exceeding the strength of a formed metal or composite seat pan of comparable weight.

The top and bottom panels 134, 136 may be permanently bonded to the core material, for example, by a pressure sensitive adhesive and/or a temperature sensitive adhesive, which may penetrate the core layer, lay at the interface of the core layer and the panels, or include an adhesive film or layer cured between the core layer and each panel. The adhesive may be foamed, sprayed, applied to the respective portions of the face sheet and core sheet, or may be placed as a layer prior to heat and/or pressure treatment to establish bonding.

In some embodiments, the seat back assembly 108 can also be mechanically and pivotally coupled with the seat bottom assembly such that the seat bottom assembly and the seat back assembly can articulate together in response to forces induced by an occupant when the seat bottom assembly 106 is slidably coupled with the seat frame 104 such that the seat bottom assembly can articulate relative to the seat frame. The seat bottom assembly 106 may be connected to the seat frame 104 by a tilt lock assembly configured to prevent or allow articulation of the layered seat bottom assembly relative to the frame in response to actuation of the tilt lock assembly by pivotally connecting the tilt lock assembly to the seat bottom assembly and the seat frame. The seat bottom assembly may be covered by a seat cushion 118 that is attached to an upper surface of the seat bottom assembly, such as a top panel 134. According to various embodiments, the top panel 134, the core layer 138, and the bottom panel 136 are planar, resulting in a planar or substantially planar seat pan 114 that is lightweight, simple to manufacture and assemble, while having excellent tensile, bending, and shear strength due to the interaction of the metal panels and the core layer.

Connecting the layered seat bottom assembly to the seat frame can include joining or mechanically connecting the layered seat bottom assembly to one or more sliding connectors (e.g., by an adhesive material or by mechanical connectors, such as bolts, screws, etc.) and attaching the one or more sliding connectors to the seat frame. For example, fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a first example of a tiered seat pan 114 of the seat bottom assembly 106 as shown in fig. 1-3, coupled with a slide link 124 and a tilt lock assembly 128. The seat pan 114 is connected to the articulation link 122 at a rearmost portion of the seat pan by a rear bracket 132. The slide link 124 may be directly attached to the seat pan 114 by a connection 140 passing through a through hole 142 in the seat pan 114. The tilt lock assembly 128 may also be connected to the seat pan 114 by a tilt lock bracket 156 that allows the tilt lock assembly 128 to pivot and extend or retract as needed to accommodate the articulating motion of the seat bottom assembly 106. The sliding link 124 can engage a sliding support 126 attached to the seat frame 104 (fig. 1-2) such that a slider 152 in one of the links or supports engages a guide 154 to allow forward and rearward movement of the seat pan 114.

The top and bottom panels 134, 136 have respective thicknesses 144, 146 that are small relative to the core thickness 148, such that most of the volume occupied by the seat pan is made up of the core, such that the weight of the entire assembly is relatively small.

Depending on the weight, strength, and materials selected, the panels 134, 136 may be formed from various thicknesses of metal, polymer, or composite material, for example, less than 0.25cm (0.1 inch), preferably less than 0.025cm (0.01 inch), preferably less than 0.0125cm (0.005 inch), or more preferably less than 0.0025cm (0.001 inch). Exemplary materials for the face plate may include metal plates, such as aluminum, magnesium, alloys thereof, or the like; fiber reinforced polymer composite panels, and the like. In some particular embodiments, the panel may be aluminum and have a thickness in the range of 0.0025 to 0.25cm (0.001 to 0.10 inches), preferably 0.02 to 0.08cm (0.008 to 0.032 inches). Alternatively, the panel may be steel and have a thickness in the range of 0.0025 to 0.25cm (0.001 to 0.10 inches), preferably 0.01 to 0.04cm (0.008 to 0.032 inches). The panel may also be a polymer or polymer/fiber composite and have a thickness in the range of 0.0025 to 0.25cm (0.001 to 0.10 inches), preferably 0.01 to 0.04cm (0.008 to 0.032 inches); or the panel may be formed of magnesium or a magnesium alloy and have a thickness in the range of 0.0125 to 0.5cm (0.005 to 0.20 inch), preferably 0.02 to 0.25cm (0.008 to 0.1 inch).

The core layer 138 may also be formed from a variety of materials and include, for example, a honeycomb metal structure, preferably a honeycomb aluminum structure; or a light weight polymer foam, a composite foam, a metal honeycomb, or an aramid honeycomb. According to various embodiments, and depending on the material selected, the core material may have a thickness of less than 7.6cm (3.0 inches), preferably less than 2.5cm (1 inch), preferably less than 0.25cm (0.1 inch), or more preferably less than 0.05cm (0.2 inch). The thickness of the core may vary depending on the material selected. For example, according to some embodiments, the core layer 138 may be an aluminum honeycomb core having a thickness of about 0.125 to 7.72cm (0.05 to 3.0 inches), preferably 0.25 to 2.5cm (0.1 to 1 inch). Alternatively, the core layer 138 may be a foam core (e.g., a polymer foam or a composite foam), or an aramid honeycomb having a thickness of about 0.125 to 7.72cm (0.05 to 3.0 inches), preferably 0.25 to 2.5cm (0.1 to 1 inch); alternatively, the core layer 138 may be a polycarbonate layer having a thickness of about 0.005 to 0.25cm (0.002 to 0.1 inch), preferably 0.01 to 0.25cm (0.004 to 0.1 inch). For embodiments including honeycomb core layer 138, the internal dimensions (e.g., minimum width) of the honeycomb structure may be small, on the order of about 1.52mm to about 9.5mm (about 0.06 to 0.37 inches).

Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a second example of a layered seat bottom assembly 206 compatible with the passenger seat assembly 102 shown in fig. 1-3, wherein the components are generally bonded to one another rather than being connected by a through-mounted link 140. For example, as shown, the seat bottom assembly 206 includes a seat pan 214 connected with a slide link 224 and a tilt lock assembly 228, similar to those described above using similar reference numerals. The seat pan 214 is connected to the articulation link 222 at a rearmost portion of the seat pan by a rear bracket 232.

In contrast to the embodiments shown above, the sliding link 224 may be adhered or bonded to the seat pan 214 by means such as heat or pressure sensitive adhesive, glue, spot welding, or other forms of direct bonding. The tilt lock assembly 228 may also be coupled to the seat pan 214 by a tilt lock bracket 256. The slide link 224 can be engaged with a slide support 226 attached to the seat frame 204 (fig. 1-2) such that a slider 252 in one of the links or supports engages a guide 254 to allow forward and rearward movement of the seat pan 214. As described above, the top and bottom panels 234, 236 have respective thicknesses 244, 246 that are small relative to the core thickness 248, such that most of the volume occupied by the seat pan is made up of the core, such that the weight of the entire assembly is relatively small. Note that fig. 4 illustrates a cellular core layer such as a honeycomb, while fig. 5 illustrates a foam core layer 238; however, the various types of core materials and panel materials may be combined in any suitable combination.

The structural elements of the seat, such as the passenger seat assembly 102, the seat frame 104, the seat bottom assembly 106 (fig. 1), and the seat pan 114 including the bottom panel 136, the top panel 134, and the core layer 138 or similar parts or other structural components (fig. 1-5), as well as any intervening structural elements or attachment elements herein, may be formed from materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, stainless steel, aramid fibers, polycarbonate, polypropylene, other metallic materials, composite materials, or other similar materials.

In the following, further examples are described to facilitate understanding of the invention:

example a. a seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat, the assembly comprising: a first face sheet, a core material combined with the first face sheet; and a second panel bonded to the core material opposite the first panel, wherein the seat bottom assembly is configured to be connectable with a seat frame.

The assembly of example a, wherein the first panel, the core material, and the second panel are flat.

The assembly of example a or example B, further comprising: a plurality of slide connectors attached to an underside of the seat bottom assembly and configured to slidably connect the seat bottom assembly with the seat assembly frame.

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the first and second panels comprise planar sheets of metal, polymer, or composite material.

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the first and second panels comprise aluminum sheets or fiber reinforced polymer composite sheets.

Assembly as in any preceding example, wherein the core material comprises a honeycomb metal structure, preferably a honeycomb aluminum structure.

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the core material comprises a lightweight polymer foam, a composite foam, a metal honeycomb, or an aramid honeycomb.

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the first and second panels have a thickness of less than 0.25cm (0.1 inch), preferably less than 0.025cm (0.01 inch), preferably less than 0.0125cm (0.005 inch), preferably less than 0.0025cm (0.001 inch).

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the thickness of the core material is less than 7.6cm (3.0 inches), preferably less than 2.5cm (1 inch), preferably less than 0.25cm (0.1 inch), or preferably less than 0.05cm (0.2 inch).

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the first panel and the second panel are permanently bonded to the core material.

The assembly of any preceding example, wherein the first and second panels are bonded to the core material by a pressure sensitive adhesive and/or a temperature sensitive adhesive.

An example l. a passenger seat, comprising: a seat frame configured to be attachable to a passenger compartment floor; and a layered seat bottom assembly connected to the seat frame, the layered seat bottom assembly comprising: a first face sheet, a core material combined with the first face sheet; and a second face sheet bonded to the core material opposite the first face sheet.

The passenger seat of example L, further comprising a seat back assembly pivotally connected to the seat frame, wherein: the seat bottom assembly is slidably connected to the seat frame such that the seat bottom assembly can articulate relative to the seat frame in response to forces induced by the occupant; and the seat bottom assembly is pivotally connected to the seat back assembly.

The passenger seat of any of the preceding examples, wherein: the first and second panels comprise planar metal sheets; and the core material comprises a metal honeycomb.

The passenger seat of any of the preceding examples, wherein the seat bottom assembly is operably connected with the seat frame by a tilt lock assembly configured to prevent or allow articulation of the layered seat bottom assembly relative to the frame in response to actuation of the tilt lock assembly.

The passenger seat of any of the preceding examples, further comprising a substantially flat seat cushion connected to an upper surface of the first panel.

The passenger seat of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first panel, the core material, and the second panel are planar.

Example r. a method of installing a seat bottom assembly in a passenger seat, the method comprising: slidably connecting a layered seat bottom assembly to a seat frame of a passenger seat assembly via one or more sliding connections, the layered seat bottom assembly comprising: a first face sheet, a core material combined with the first face sheet; and a second face sheet bonded to the core material opposite the first face sheet; connecting the layered seat bottom assembly with a tiltable seat back of the passenger seat assembly via a pivotal connection; and assembling the seat cushion with the layered seat bottom assembly to form a passenger seat bottom.

The method of example R, further comprising: the tilt lock is coupled to the layered seat bottom assembly and oriented such that the tilt lock may resist or allow movement of the layered seat bottom assembly in response to actuation of the tilt lock.

The method of any of the preceding examples, wherein slidably connecting the layered seat bottom assembly to the seat frame comprises coupling the layered seat bottom assembly with one or more sliding connectors and attaching the one or more sliding connectors to the seat frame.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Similarly, some features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative, but not restrictive, purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to the reader of this application. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.