PASSENGER MODULE, PASSENGER SEATING ARRANGEMENT
20210403167 · 2021-12-30
Inventors
Cpc classification
B64D11/0602
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B64D11/0601
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B64D11/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B64D11/0604
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B64D11/0627
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/01
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B64D11/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/01
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
The invention relates to a passenger module (M) for a vehicle cabin (3), in particular an aircraft cabin, comprising two seats (1, 2) arranged between a first side element (FE) and a second side element (SE), wherein the first side element (FE) and the second side element (SE) extending parallel to each other, the seats (1, 2) are arranged substantially one behind another and facing substantially in a same direction, wherein a front seat (1) is positioned angled by a predefined first angle (α) around its vertical axis (sz) in a direction towards the first side element (FE), and
a rear seat (2) is positioned angled by a predefined second angle (β) around its vertical axis (sz′) in a direction towards the second side element (SE). Further, the invention relates to a passenger seating arrangement (PA) for a vehicle cabin (3).
Claims
1. A passenger module for a vehicle cabin, the passenger module comprising: a first side element; a second side element; and two seats arranged between the first side element and the second side element, wherein the first side element and the second side element extend parallel to each other, the two seats are arranged substantially one behind another and facing substantially in a same direction, the two seats comprise a front seat positioned angled by a predefined first angle around a front seat vertical axis in a direction towards the first side element, and the two seats comprise a rear seat positioned angled by a predefined second angle around a rear seat vertical axis in a direction towards the second side element.
2. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first angle and the second angle differ from each other.
3. The passenger module according to claim 1, further comprising a rear partition wall configured, starting from the first side element, to extend behind the rear seat in a direction towards the second side element.
4. The passenger module according to claim 1, further comprising a front partition wall configured, starting from the first side element, to extend between the rear seat and the front seat in a direction towards the second side element, and configured to separate a rear passenger seating area and a front passenger seating area.
5. The passenger module according to claim 4, wherein the front partition wall is configured to form a continuously running wall between the first side element and the second side element.
6. The passenger module according to claim 3, further comprising a front partition wall configured, starting from the first side element, to extend between the rear seat and the front seat in a direction towards the second side element, and configured to separate a rear passenger seating area and a front passenger seating area, wherein a passenger access path and legroom for a passenger of the rear passenger seating area are formed within the rear passenger seating area and extend between the front partition wall and the rear partition wall (5).
7. The passenger module according to claim 4, wherein legroom for a passenger of the front seat is provided directly in front of the front seat, wherein a passenger access path connecting to the legroom is formed extending along the front partition wall in the direction towards the second side element.
8. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first angle comprises about 5° to 18°, with respect to the first side element.
9. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the second angle comprises about 20° to 40°, with respect to the second side element.
10. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first side element is configured as a front console element and a rear console element arranged adjacent to each of the two seats and each console element at least comprising a utility surface and/or storage compartments for a corresponding passenger of each of the two seats.
11. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein the second side element is configured as a compartment element having a footwell for a rear seat passenger.
12. A passenger seating arrangement for a vehicle cabin, the passenger seating arrangement comprising at least two identical passenger modules, each of the passenger modules comprising: a first side element; a second side element; and two seats arranged between the first side element and the second side element, wherein the first side element and the second side element extend parallel to each other, the two seats are arranged substantially one behind another and facing substantially in a same direction, the two seats comprise a front seat positioned angled by a predefined first angle around a front seat vertical axis in a direction towards the first side element, and the two seats comprise a rear seat positioned angled by a predefined second angle around a rear seat vertical axis in a direction towards the second side element, wherein the passenger modules are arranged one behind another in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin and/or adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin.
13. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim 12, wherein with the at least two passenger modules arranged one behind another, a front passenger seating area of a rear passenger module of the at least two passenger modules, a corresponding legroom and a passenger access path are delimited by a rear partition wall of the front passenger module.
14. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the first side element is configured as a front console element and a rear console element arranged adjacent to each of the two seats and with the at least two passenger modules arranged one behind another, the rear seat console element of the front passenger module comprises a footwell for the front seat passenger of the rear passenger module.
15. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the front seat console element and the rear seat console element of the front passenger module are configured to form an extended footwell for the front seat passenger of the rear passenger module.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present disclosure, wherein:
[0038]
[0039]
[0040]
[0041]
[0042]
[0043]
[0044]
[0045]
[0046]
[0047]
[0048] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049]
[0050] For a better understanding of subsequent descriptions of the passenger module M a coordinate system is shown in further figures. The coordinate system comprises a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z in relation to an aircraft. In particular, the longitudinal axis x defines a longitudinal direction and length of a vehicle cabin 3, the transverse axis y defines a transverse direction and width of the vehicle cabin 3 and the vertical axis z defines a vertical direction and height of the vehicle cabin 3. Exemplarily, a flight direction F is shown in further figures.
[0051] The passenger module M comprises a first side element FE and a second side element SE. The first side element FE and the second side element SE are arranged distanced from each other while extending parallel to each other. In particular, the first and second side elements FE, SE are extending parallel to the longitudinal axis x. For instance, each of the side elements FE, SE comprises outer side walls 4.1, 4.2. Particularly, each outer side wall 4.1, 4.2 is arranged extending parallel to the longitudinal axis x.
[0052] Further, the seats 1, 2 are arranged one behind another with respect to the longitudinal direction. The seats 1, 2 are arranged in an offset manner, in particular with respect to the transverse axis y. With other words: The seats 1, 2 are arranged one behind another in a staggered manner. This arrangement of the seats 1, 2 allows a more dense arrangement relating to the longitudinal and transverse dimension of the whole passenger module M.
[0053] The seats 1, 2 are both facing substantially in a same direction. In particular, the seats 1, 2 are both forward facing with respect to the flight direction F.
[0054] The seats 1, 2 are divided into a front seat 1 and a rear seat 2, wherein the front seat 1 is arranged in front of the rear seat 2 in view of the longitudinal and flight direction F. Both seats 1, 2 are arranged between the first side element FE and the second side element SE.
[0055] The front seat 1 is positioned angled by a predefined first angle α around its own vertical axis sz in a direction towards the first side element FE. The rear seat 1 is positioned angled by a predefined second angle β around its own vertical axis sz′ in a direction towards the second side element SE. In particular, the seats 1, 2 are positioned angled in a direction pointing away from each other.
[0056] In particular, the predefined first angle α of the front seat 1 differs from the predefined second angle β from the rear seat 2. For instance, the predefined angle β is greater than the predefined angle α. This allows an improved longitudinal and transversal staggering of the seats 1, 2 within the passenger module M.
[0057] For example, the front seat 1 is positioned at an angle α of about 5° to 18°, preferably about 10° to 15°, with respect to the first side element FE. In the shown embodiment, the angle α comprises about 13°.
[0058] The rear seat 2 is positioned at an angle β of about 20° to 40°, preferably about 25° to 35°, with respect to the second side element SE. In the shown embodiment, the angle β comprises about 31°.
[0059] In particular, the first angle α is an included angle between the first side element FE and a respective seat axis sa which runs through the vertical axis sz of the front seat 1 defining a pointing and extension direction of the seat 1. The second angle β is an included angle between the second side element SE and a respective seat axis sa′ which runs through the vertical axis sz′ of the rear seat 2 defining a pointing and extension direction of the seat 2. Particularly, each outer side wall 4.1, 4.2 defines a reference axis for each respective seat axis sa, sa′ to define each angle α, β.
[0060] For example, the first side element FE is arranged adjacent a cabin wall 3.1 as shown in
[0061] The seats 1, 2 are movable, in particular convertible into lie-flat beds. Each seat 1, 2 is formed by at least a seat pan 1.1, 2.1 and a backrest 1.2, 2.2. In particular, the rear seat 2 is arranged behind the front seat 1 in such manner that the seat pan 2.1 is arranged substantially behind the backrest 1.2 of the front seat 1 in view of the longitudinal direction. Due to opposite angled positions of the seats 1, 2, there is a small overlap portion in the transverse direction between the seat pan 2.1 and the backrest 1.2.
[0062] Optionally, each seat 1, 2 may comprise an additional leg-rest. For instance, each seat 1, 2 can be brought into one or more positions, e.g. into a taxi, take-off, landing position, designated as “TTL” or “TT&L”-position P1, an inclined position and/or a sleeping-position P2. Particularly, in the sleeping-position P2 the seat pan 1.1, 2.1, the backrest 1.2, 2.2 and optionally the leg-rest are brought into a substantially flat, horizontal position.
[0063] The seats 1, 2 are movable along their respective seat axis sa, sa′ between the TTL-position P1 and the sleeping-position P2. It is to be understood that the respective seat axis sa, sa′ corresponds to a longitudinal extension direction of each seat 1, 2. For instance, the respective seat axes sa, sa′ intersects in a convergence point behind the front seat 1. In particular, due to the advantageous staggered arrangement of the described angled seats 1, 2 (slightly offset arrangement and densely arranged one behind another) the convergence point is in a backrest area of the rear seat 2.
[0064] The passenger module M comprises a rear partition wall 5 which is configured, starting from the first side element FE, to extend behind the rear seat 2 in the direction towards the second side element SE.
[0065] Further, the passenger module M comprises a front partition wall 6 which is configured, starting from the first side element FE, to extend between the rear seat 2 and the front seat 1 in the direction towards the second side element SE, and which is configured to separate a rear passenger seating area 2A and a front passenger seating area 1A. Thereby, due to the greater angle β a passenger access path 2.3 (egress) to access the rear seat 2 can be achieved within the rear passenger seating area 2A. In particular, the passenger access path 2.3 is arranged between the rear partition wall 5 and the front partition wall 6.
[0066] Further, legroom 2.4 for a passenger of the rear passenger seating area 2A is formed within the rear passenger seating area 2A. Both, the passenger access path 2.3 and the legroom 2.4 are module-internal.
[0067] A passenger access path 1.3 for a passenger of the front seat 1 is arranged extending along the front partition wall 6 in the direction towards the second side element SE. Legroom 1.4 for the passenger of the front seat 1 is provided directly in front of the front seat 1, wherein the passenger access path 1.3 is connecting the legroom 1.4. Thereby, it could be said that the passenger access path 1.3 and the legroom 1.4 are module-external.
[0068] Furthermore, the first side element FE is configured as a front console element 1.5 and a rear console element 2.5 arranged adjacent to each seat 1, 2 and each console element 1.5, 2.5 comprises at least a utility surface and/or storage compartments for a corresponding passenger of each seat 1, 2.
[0069] The utility surface for the corresponding passenger of the each seat 1, 2 is provided by an upper surface 1.5.1, 2.5.1 of each console element 1.5, 2.5. For example, the utility surface can comprise a shelf, a table, storage space and storage means. The storage means can provide storage space for a remote control, magazines, suitcases, shoes, headphones or other items belonging to the passenger or airline. Additionally, the utility surface can comprise service and operational elements, such as switches and HMI-panel to control operable features of each passenger seating area 1A, 2A.
[0070] Additionally, the second side element SE is configured as a compartment element 7 having a footwell 9 for the passenger of the rear seat 2. For instance, the adjustable seat 2 can be brought into the sleeping-position P2, in particular a bed position, such that the seat 2 is partially projecting into the footwell 9. Therefore, the compartment element 7 and a footwell space can be seen as an extension space for the rear passenger. When the seat is brought into the sleeping-position P2, the seat pan 2.1 or optionally a leg-rest can come into contact with a support surface portion 9.1 arranged inside the footwell 9 as shown in
[0071]
[0072] When two passenger modules M are arranged behind another the front passenger seating area 1A of a rear passenger module M, its corresponding legroom 1.4 and passenger access path 1.3 are delimited by the rear partition wall 5 of the front passenger module M.
[0073] When two passenger modules M are arranged behind another the rear seat console element 2.5 of the front passenger module M comprises a footwell 9 for the passenger of the front seat 1 of the rear passenger module M. Further, each console element 1.5, 2.5 can comprise the support surface portion 9.1 as shown in
[0074] In one embodiment, the front seat console element 1.5 and the rear seat console element 2.5 of the front passenger module M are configured to form an extended footwell for the passenger of the front seat 1 of the rear passenger module M.
[0075] In the shown embodiment, the compartment element 7 comprises a movable tray table 8 for the passenger of the rear seat 2, wherein the tray table 8 is stowed within the compartment element 7 in a non-use position P3 and is deployed towards the rear seat 2 in a use-position P4. For instance, the tray table 8 is bi-foldable. In the stowed non-use position P3, the tray table 8 is folded to form a smaller stowable table surface. In the deployed use-position P4 the tray table 8 can be unfolded, e.g. turned, swung or opened up, by the passenger to form a bigger usable table surface.
[0076] Further, in an exemplary embodiment, an armrest 1.6 is arranged within the at least one of the passenger seating areas 1A, 2A. The armrest 1.6 can be seen in
[0077] For example, each partition wall 5, 6 is configured, starting from the first side element FE, to comprise a substantially first wall section 5.1, 6.1. The first wall section 5.1, 6.1 extends straight from the first side element FE towards the corresponding seat 1, 2, in particular toward a rear portion of each backrest 1.2, 2.2. Each partition wall 5, 6 comprises a second wall section 5.2, 6.2 which is angled away from the first wall section 5.1, 6.1 in the direction towards the second side element SE. The second wall section 5.2, 6.2 extends substantially straight. For instance, the second side element SE is positioned offset from the first side element FE with respect to the longitudinal direction and flight direction F. The second wall section 5.2, 6.2 extends behind the seat 1, 2 towards the offset, more forwardly arranged second side element SE. Additionally, each partition wall 5, 6 comprises an optional curved section 5.3, 6.3 which is configured connecting the first wall section 5.1, 6.1 and the second wall section 5.2, 6.2. Particularly, each curved section 5.3, 6.3 is configured to at least partially enclose the backrest 1.2, 2.2 and/or to extend behind, in particular along, the rear portion of the backrest 1.2, 2.2.
[0078] Moreover, the front partition wall 6 is configured to form a continuously running wall between the first side element FE and the second side element SE. That means that the front seat 1 and the rear seat 2 are fully separated in the transverse direction. Therefore, the second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6 is extended towards the second side element SE. In particular, the front partition wall 6 connects the first side element FE and the second side element SE. According to an embodiment, the front partition wall 6 is configured to continuously extend between the outer side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the side elements FE, SE. For example, the front partition wall 6 is configured to connect the outer side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the first and second side elements FE, SE.
[0079] The second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6 is extending away from the front seat 1 towards the second side element SE, whereas the front seat 1 is positioned angled in the direction towards the first side element FE. Thus, the gap is formed between the front seat 1 and the second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6. To support an entrance to and an egress from the seat 1, the armrest 1.6 is tiltable. In particular, the armrest 1.6 is configured as a hinged armrest 1.6. The armrest 1.6 is tiltable arranged on the front partition wall 6, particularly movable fixed to a front surface of the front partition wall 6. For instance, the armrest 1.6 is tiltable attached to the second wall section 6.2 via hinge elements 1.6.1 or the like.
[0080] The armrest 1.6 rotates up to go against the front partition wall 6, in particular against the front surface of the second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6. A top surface which is used to support arms of the front seat passenger aligns with the front surface of the second wall section 6.2 in a upwards rotated position, particularly a stowed position. In a use position, the armrest 1.6 is rotated downwards away from the front partition wall 6. The stowed armrest position allows a more comfortable egress and entrance and a greater egress and entrance space from/to the seat 1. Moreover, a stowed armrest 1.6 allows a creation of a free vertical space adjacent to the seat 1, for example when the seat 1 is in sleeping-position P2.
[0081] In the shown embodiment, an access divider element 10 is provided to separate the passenger access path 1.3, 2.3 when at least two passenger modules M are arranged behind another. The access divider element 10 is, for example, shaped as a wall-like element which extends from the rear partition wall 5 towards the second side element SE. The access divider element 10 separates the front passenger access path 1.3 from the rear passenger access path 2.3 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the access divider element 10 creates private passenger access paths 1.3, 2.3. The access divider element 10 is an optional element.
[0082]
[0083] In the shown embodiment, the passenger modules M are arranged one behind another in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin 3 and adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin 3.
[0084] In particular, each first side element FE is configured to be arranged adjacent a cabin wall 3.1 of the vehicle cabin 3 and each second side element SE is configured bordering an aisle 3.2 of the vehicle cabin 3.
[0085] The identical passenger modules M are arranged along two columns C1, C2, wherein the columns C1, C2 are separated by the aisle 3.2. Particularly, the passenger modules M are separated by the aisle 3.2 and are arranged symmetrically identical with respect to a central axis ca of the aisle 3.2. That means, the passenger modules M of the first column C1 are all mirrored around the central axis ca or vice versa.
[0086]
[0087] The shown vehicle cabin 3 comprises the two columns C1, C2 each arranged along a cabin wall 3.1, wherein the aisle 3.2 is arranged between the two columns C1, C2.
[0088] In particular, a so-called 2-2 passenger seating arrangement PA for a narrow cabin body is shown. The passenger modules M are arranged one behind another in each column C1, C2.
[0089] Depending on an interior space of the vehicle cabin 3, a number of passenger modules M can be varied. Further, the number of passenger modules M can varied as desired by e.g. an airline itself. The term “interior space” is understood as comprising dimensions of the vehicle cabin 3, in particular a length and a width of at least a passenger carrying compartment of the vehicle. The length of the passenger carrying compartment affects a length of each column C1, C2, in particular the number of passenger modules M arranged behind each other within each column C1, C2. The width of the passenger carrying compartment affects a number of columns C1, C2 arranged next to each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin 3. For instance, the cabin 3 can comprise one or more outer columns C1, C2 along each vehicle cabin wall 3.1 and one or more center columns arranged between the outer columns C1, C2.
[0090] Thereby, the center columns can be separated from the outer columns C1, C2 and/or from each other by aisles.
[0091]
[0092]
[0093] The passenger module M comprises a first side element FE and a second side element SE. The first side element FE and the second side element SE are arranged distanced from each other while extending parallel to each other. In particular, the first and second side elements FE, SE are extending parallel to the longitudinal axis x.
[0094] The first side element FE comprises a front console element 1.5 which is arranged adjacent the front seat 1. The front console element 1.5 comprises an upper surface 1.5.1 which can be used as an armrest by the front seat passenger or as a shelf to put down items such as a cup, magazines, entertainment devices etc.
[0095] In the shown embodiment, the front console 1.5 comprises a lower console portion 1.5.2, wherein the upper surface 1.5.1 is distanced from the lower console portion 1.5.2 in vertical direction. A space formed between the upper surface 1.5.1 and the lower console portion 1.5.2 can be used as storage and/or a lateral bed extension when the seat 1 is in the sleeping-position P2.
[0096]
[0097]
[0098] As shown in the
[0099] Further,
[0100]
LIST OF REFERENCES
[0101] 1, 2 seat [0102] 1.1, 2.1 seat pan [0103] 1.2, 2.2 backrest [0104] 1.3, 2.3 passenger access path [0105] 1.4, 2.4 legroom [0106] 1.5, 2.5 console element [0107] 1.5.1, 2.5.1 upper surface [0108] 1.5.2 lower console portion [0109] 1.6 armrest [0110] 1.6.1 hinge element [0111] 3 cabin [0112] 3.1 cabin wall [0113] 3.2 aisle [0114] 4.1, 4.2 outer side wall [0115] 5, 6 partition wall [0116] 5.1, 6.1 first wall section [0117] 5.2, 6.2 second wall section [0118] 5.3, 6.3 curved section [0119] 7 compartment element [0120] 8 tray table [0121] 9 footwell [0122] 9.1 support surface portion [0123] 10 access divider element [0124] 11 access space [0125] 1A front passenger seating area [0126] 2A rear passenger seating area [0127] C1, C2 column [0128] F flight direction [0129] FE first side element [0130] M passenger module [0131] PA passenger seating arrangement [0132] SE second side element [0133] P1 TTL-position [0134] P2 sleeping-position [0135] P3 non-use position [0136] P4 use-position [0137] ca central axis [0138] sa, sa′ seat axis [0139] sz, sz′ vertical axis [0140] x longitudinal axis [0141] y transverse axis [0142] z vertical axis [0143] α first angle [0144] β second angle