JP7589541B2 - Seat structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seat structure. More specifically, it relates to a seat structure having a row of seats aligned in the direction of travel of a vehicle.

Patent document 1 discloses a configuration in which seats in an aircraft cabin are arranged at an angle. This arrangement allows many seats to be placed in the limited space inside the aircraft, while still ensuring adequate personal space for each seat.

Special table 2016-519630 publication

In the above-mentioned conventional technology, each seat in the two rows of seats is arranged in a straight line in the direction of travel, facing diagonally toward the partition that separates them. This tends to narrow the width of the side aisle between the front and rear seats, making it impossible to properly space the seats. Therefore, the present invention provides a seating structure that can properly space the seats while ensuring the appropriate personal space for each seat.

To solve the above problems, the seat structure of the present invention takes the following measures:

In other words, the seat structure of the present invention is a seat structure that has a row of seats lined up in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The row of seats has an aisle on each side that extends in the direction of travel, and has forward-facing seats that are arranged diagonally to one side of the direction of travel, and rearward-facing seats that are arranged with their backs to the vehicle diagonally to one side of the direction of travel.

According to the above configuration, the forward-facing seats and rear-facing seats lined up in the direction of travel are arranged diagonally so that they face in opposite lateral directions. This makes it difficult for occupants of the forward-facing seats and rear-facing seats to be in each other's line of sight, and also makes it difficult for the width of each aisle to be narrowed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately space the seats closer together while ensuring that the personal space of each seat is appropriately secured.

The seat structure of the present invention may also be configured as follows: The seat row is provided in the installation space between the seat groups on both sides of the vehicle that face the direction of travel and are aligned along both side walls of the vehicle.

With the above configuration, in a narrow installation space where wall-side seats are lined up along both walls of the vehicle, seat rows can be arranged so that the seats are appropriately spaced apart while adequately securing the personal space of each seat. In addition, a difference in the feel of use between the seat rows and the wall-side seats can be created, providing a special feeling to the user.

The seat structure of the present invention may also be configured as follows: The seat rows are configured with two horizontal rows, each with an aisle between them and on both sides, with one horizontal row facing the seat row on the other side.

With the above configuration, the aisle between the comfortable forward-facing seats facing the direction of travel of the vehicle can be used as an exclusive aisle for users of the forward-facing seats, providing a special feeling to the users.

The seat structure of the present invention may also be configured as follows: Forward-facing seats and rear-facing seats are arranged alternately in the direction of travel.

The above configuration makes it possible to more appropriately space the seats closer together while still ensuring adequate personal space for each seat.

The seat structure of the present invention may further be configured as follows: The seat structure further includes a partition provided between a forward-facing seat and a rear-facing seat that are adjacent to each other in the direction of travel, and that continuously blocks the side visibility of each of the seat occupants on the adjacent sides.

The above configuration makes it possible to more appropriately and attractively secure the personal space of each of the forward-facing and rear-facing seats that are adjacent to each other in the direction of travel.

The seat structure of the present invention may be further configured as follows: The partition has a recess in the side covering portion that blocks the side view of one of the forward-facing and rear-facing seats, which recesses in a crank-shaped cross section so as to move the upper area from the middle part in the height direction away from the one seat relative to the lower area. The crank of the recess forms the recess on the one seat side as an upper tier space, and forms a concave lower tier space directly below the protrusion of the recess on the other seat side.

The above configuration makes it possible to rationally form an upper space directly beside one seat and a lower space at the feet of the other seat by utilizing the relative positioning of a forward-facing seat and a rear-facing seat that are adjacent to each other in the direction of travel.

The seat structure of the present invention may also be configured as follows: One seat is installed at a higher position than the other seat.

The above configuration allows a large luggage space to be secured under one of the seats, where the recessed space can be further expanded from the lower space. Also, by making the height of one seat and the other seat different, it is possible to create a difference in the feeling of use and provide a special feeling to the user.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a seat structure according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line IV in FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the front seat taken along the arrow V in FIG. 3 . FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the rear seat as seen from the arrow VI in FIG. 3 . 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3.

Below, the form for implementing the present invention is explained with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
(General configuration of seat structure 1)
First, the configuration of a seat structure 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left and right are indicated, they refer to the respective directions shown in each figure. In addition, in the following description, when no specific reference figure is indicated or when no reference figure has a reference number, any of Figures 1 to 7 will be appropriately referenced.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat structure 1 according to this embodiment is applied to an aircraft cabin. Here, the forward direction in each figure represents the direction in which the aircraft is traveling. In the aircraft cabin, wall-side seat groups 1W are provided along both walls, with a plurality of seats arranged in two horizontal rows in the fore-and-aft direction.

Each seat in both wall-side seat groups 1W is configured as a so-called economy class seat, and is arranged so that the seats on the left and right are adjacent to each other while facing forward, which is the direction in which the aircraft is moving. The seat pitch between the front and rear of each seat in both wall-side seat groups 1W is set to approximately 80 cm.

In addition, in the central space between the seat groups 1W on both sides of the passenger compartment, two horizontal rows of seats 1L and 1R are provided, which form the seat structure 1 according to this embodiment. Each of these seat rows 1L and 1R is configured with multiple seats lined up in the front-to-back direction, providing a spacious living space with ample space in all directions. Each seat in these seat rows 1L and 1R has a wider seat pitch and seat width than each seat in the seat groups 1W on both sides of the walls, and is separated by partitions P for a highly comfortable specification.

Specifically, each seat row 1L, 1R has an aisle A1 that runs between them in the front-to-rear direction. In addition, each seat row 1L, 1R has an aisle A2 that runs between them in the front-to-rear direction on both the left and right sides. These side aisles A2 are shared aisles that can also be used by users of the seats in both wall-side seat groups 1W. The central aisle A1 is configured to be higher than the aisles A2 on both sides.

Each seat row 1L, 1R is composed of multiple forward-facing seats F arranged diagonally facing forward and multiple rear-facing seats R arranged diagonally facing backward. In each seat row 1L, 1R, the forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R are arranged alternately in the front-to-rear direction.

The forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R in each seat row 1L, 1R are arranged parallel to each other and facing in opposite directions. Each seat row 1L, 1R is arranged so that the forward-facing seats F are offset in the front-to-rear direction so that they are not side-by-side.

Specifically, the left seat row 1L has a forward-facing seat F at the front, with rear-facing seats R and forward-facing seats F arranged alternately from there. Each forward-facing seat F in the left seat row 1L is arranged facing diagonally forward to the right, that is, facing diagonally to the right of the right seat row 1R from the forward direction, which is the direction of travel. Each forward-facing seat F is arranged parallel to each other and lined up in a straight line in the front-to-rear direction. Each forward-facing seat F is installed on a raised floor that is flush with the raised central aisle A1.

Each rear-facing seat R in the left seat row 1L is positioned so that it faces diagonally rearward to the left, i.e., so that it faces diagonally to the left so that it faces away from the right seat row 1R in the backward direction, which is the direction in which the aircraft moves backward. Each rear-facing seat R is positioned so that it is parallel to each other and aligned in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. Each rear-facing seat R is installed on the general floor that is flush with the left aisle A2. Each seat in the left wall seat group 1W is also installed on the general floor that is flush with the left aisle A2.

The right-side seat row 1R has a rear-facing seat R at the front, with forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R arranged in alternating rows from there. Each forward-facing seat F in the right-side seat row 1R is arranged facing diagonally forward to the left, that is, facing diagonally to the left of the left-side seat row 1L from the forward direction, which is the direction of travel. Each forward-facing seat F is arranged parallel to each other and lined up in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. Each forward-facing seat F is installed on a raised floor that is flush with the raised central aisle A1.

Each rear-facing seat R in the right-side seat row 1R is positioned so that it faces diagonally rearward to the right, i.e., so that it faces diagonally to the right with its back to the left-side seat row 1L when viewed from the rearward direction, which is the direction in which the aircraft moves backward. Each rear-facing seat R is positioned so that it is parallel to each other and aligned in a straight line in the front-to-rear direction. Each rear-facing seat R is installed on the general floor, which is flush with the right-side aisle A2. Each seat in the right-side wall seat group 1W is also installed on the general floor, which is flush with the right-side aisle A2.

The seat rows 1L, 1R are arranged in this way, so that even if the forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R are arranged diagonally in a front-to-back relationship, the width of the opening to the aisles A1, A2 they face is not likely to be narrowed. For this reason, even if the forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R are arranged closely together so that they alternate in the front-to-back direction, the seat rows 1L, 1R are arranged in such a way that the width of the opening to the aisles A1, A2 can be appropriately secured.

In addition, each seat row 1L, 1R has its forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R arranged diagonally so that they face in opposite horizontal directions, and are separated from each other by a partition P. This configuration makes it difficult for occupants of each of the forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R to be in each other's line of sight, allowing each individual's personal space to be appropriately secured.

(Specific configurations of each part of the seat structure 1)
The specific configuration of each part of each seat row 1L, 1R will be described in detail below. Note that each seat row 1L, 1R has substantially the same configuration, with the forward-facing seats F and the rearward-facing seats R oriented symmetrically to each other. The surrounding configuration of the living space, such as the partitions P, is also the same.

Therefore, in the following, the forward-facing seats F, rear-facing seats R, and the surrounding configuration related to these living spaces will be explained using the configuration of part of the right-side seat row 1R shown in part III of Figure 2 as a representative example. Note that in Figure 3 and subsequent figures, the reference number for the right-side seat row 1R is followed by the reference number for the corresponding left-side seat row 1L in parentheses.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the forward-facing seats F are positioned facing diagonally forward so as to face the raised central aisle A1. The rear-facing seats R are positioned facing diagonally backward so as to face the side aisle A2. A partition P is erected between the forward-facing seats F and the rear-facing seats R to separate them.

The partitions P are configured as continuous walls that individually separate the forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R that are arranged alternately in the front-to-rear direction. The specific configuration of the partitions P will be described in detail later.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the forward-facing seats F have an open forward view (view in the direction of travel) facing the central aisle A1, but the side views and rearward views (view in the direction of retreat) of the adjacent rear-facing seats R in front of and behind them are each blocked in a continuous manner by partitions P. This makes it difficult for occupants of the forward-facing seats F to be visible to occupants of other forward-facing seats F, occupants of rear-facing seats R, or users passing through the side aisle A2.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the rear-facing seats R have open views behind them (views in the backward direction) facing the side aisle A2, but the views to the sides and behind them (views in the forward direction) of the adjacent forward-facing seats F in front and behind are each blocked in a continuous manner by partitions P. This makes it difficult for occupants of the rear-facing seats R to be visible to occupants of other rear-facing seats R, occupants of forward-facing seats F, or users passing through the central aisle A1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the forward-facing seat F is installed on a raised floor that is flush with the central aisle A1, and is installed at a higher position than the rear-facing seat R that is installed on a general floor that is flush with the side aisle A2 as shown in FIG. 6. As a result, the hip point HP1 of the occupant seated in the forward-facing seat F is set at a higher position than the hip point HP2 of the occupant seated in the rear-facing seat R (see FIGS. 4 and 7). Here, the forward-facing seat F corresponds to "one seat" in the present invention. Also, the rear-facing seat R corresponds to "the other seat" in the present invention.

(Regarding the configuration of partition P)
3, the partition P is composed of a plurality of upright panel members arranged in a continuous manner. Specifically, each panel member constituting the partition P has a bent panel shape having a rear seat rear covering portion P1, a bent portion P2, a front seat rear covering portion P3, a front seat side covering portion P4, a rear seat side covering portion P5, a front seat cabinet covering portion P6, a front seat side recess P7, a rear seat side recess P8, and a slope portion P9.

The rear seat back covering part P1 is a part that covers the rear facing seat R that is lined up behind the forward facing seat F from behind. The bent part P2 is a part that bends diagonally backward at a right angle from the front end of the rear seat back covering part P1 and extends like an upright plate along the side of the rear facing seat R. The front seat back covering part P3 is a part that bends diagonally forward at a right angle from the end of the bent part P2 that extends rearward and covers the forward facing seat F from behind.

The front seat side covering part P4 is a part that bends diagonally forward at a right angle from the end of the front seat rear covering part P3 that extends forward, and extends in an upright manner along the side of the forward-facing seat F. The rear seat side covering part P5 extends further in the same direction from the front seat side covering part P4, and extends in an upright manner along the side of the rear-facing seat R that is lined up in front of the forward-facing seat F. The front seat cabinet covering part P6 is a part that bends forward from the end of the rear seat side covering part P5 that extends forward, and extends in a straight line forward along the side edge of the central aisle A1.

As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 7, the front seat side recess P7 is a recess formed in the upper region from the middle in the height direction of the front seat side covering part P4. Specifically, the front seat side recess P7 is formed as a recess in which the upper region from the middle in the height direction of the front seat side covering part P4 is recessed in a cross-sectionally crank-shaped manner in a direction away from the adjacent forward-facing seat F (plate thickness direction: diagonally forward) relative to the lower region. The front seat side recess P7 forms a niche F8 on the side of the forward-facing seat F adjacent to the front seat side covering part P4 as an upper-level space that the seated person can use as a place to put small items or as a table surface.

Here, the niche F8 corresponds to the "upper space" of the present invention. The front seat side covering portion P4 corresponds to the "side covering portion" of the present invention. The front seat side recess P7 corresponds to the "recess" of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the protrusion of the front seat recess P7 forms a recessed lower space R10 directly below the protrusion on the rear-facing seat R side that can be used by an occupant of the rear-facing seat R as a foot space or a place to put luggage. The front seat recess P7 is recessed to a position that protrudes in front of the rear-facing seat R.

As shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the rear seat side recess P8 is a recess formed in the area from the middle to the upper part of the rear seat side covering part P5 in the height direction. Specifically, the rear seat side recess P8 is formed as a recess in which the area from the middle to the upper part of the rear seat side covering part P5 in the height direction is recessed in a crank-shaped cross section in a direction away from the adjacent rear-facing seat R (plate thickness direction: diagonally rearward) relative to the lower area. The rear seat side recess P8 forms a niche R8 on the side of the rear-facing seat R adjacent to the rear seat side covering part P5 as an upper-level space that the seated person can use as a place to put small items or as a table surface.

As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 7, the rear seat recess P8 protrudes, forming a recessed lower space F10 directly below the protrusion on the forward-facing seat F side that can be used by an occupant of the forward-facing seat F as a foot space or luggage rack. The rear seat recess P8 is recessed to a position that protrudes in front of the forward-facing seat F.

As shown in Figures 3, 5 to 7, the sloped surface P9 is a panel portion connecting the front seat recess P7 and the rear seat recess P8, which is formed so that its surface faces diagonally towards the occupant in the forward-facing seat F and the occupant in the rear-facing seat R. In more detail, the sloped surface P9 is shaped so that the rear surface portion of the rear seat recess P8 that juts out in front of the forward-facing seat F and the front surface portion of the front seat recess P7 that juts out in front of the rear-facing seat R are both sloped in the above-mentioned shape in a continuous manner.

(Configuration of forward-facing seat F)
5, the forward-facing seat F has a seat back F1 for a seated person to rest against, a seat cushion F2 for a seating area, and an ottoman F3 for supporting the lower legs. The seat back F1 has a headrest F1a formed in its upper area for a headrest, and is configured as a so-called high-back type.

The lower ends of the left and right sides of the seat back F1 are connected to the rear ends of the left and right sides of the seat cushion F2 via recliners (not shown). This allows the seat back F1 to freely adjust the backrest angle (incline angle) relative to the seat cushion F2 in the front-rear direction. The seat cushion F2 is fixed onto the floor.

The front seat back covering part P3 of the partition P described above is disposed at a position spaced behind the seat back F1. This ensures that the front seat back covering part P3 does not interfere with the seat back F1 even when the seat back F1 is tilted backward from the normal upright position to a predetermined angle. In addition, the front seat back covering part P3 is configured so that even if the seat back F1 is tilted backward and brought closer, a wide gap is formed between the seat cushion F2 and the front seat back covering part P3 directly below it.

The ottoman F3 is connected to the front of the seat cushion F2 via a deployment and storage mechanism (not shown). This allows the ottoman F3 to be adjusted to any angle between a stored state in which it is folded down at the front of the seat cushion F2, and a deployed state in which it is pushed forward as if lifted up from the front of the seat cushion F2. The deployment and storage operation of the ottoman F3 and the adjustment of the backrest angle of the seat back F1 can be performed electrically by operating a switch (not shown) provided on the side of the forward-facing seat F.

The forward-facing seat F further has a wall-mounted armrest F4 attached to the front seat side covering portion P4 on one side of the seat, and an upright armrest F5 standing on the opposite side. The upright armrest F5 stands on the floor, and the height of its top surface, which serves as the armrest surface, can be adjusted by a height adjustment mechanism (not shown). This allows the height of the top surface of the upright armrest F5 to be adjusted to any desired height, such as lowering it to a position lower than the seating surface of the seat cushion F2, or raising it to approximately the same height as the wall-mounted armrest F4.

In addition, the forward-facing seat F has a table F6 that can be pulled out from the upright armrest F5 to a position directly in front of the seated person. When not in use, the table F6 is dropped from above into the upright armrest F5 and stored. When in use, the table F6 is pulled out from inside the upright armrest F5 and tilted horizontally, deploying it into a usable state in which it forms a horizontal top surface directly in front of the seated person.

Furthermore, the forward-facing seat F has a monitor F7 attached to the sloped portion P9 of the partition P, and a niche F8 as an upper space formed by the aforementioned front seat recess P7. The monitor F7 is a device that displays various video signals of still images and videos output from a control device (not shown). In addition to a television screen, the monitor F7 is designed to display various images such as a screen for ordering drinks served on board and images of the outside of the aircraft captured by a camera outside the aircraft.

The monitor F7 is connected to the sloped surface P9 via a deployment/storage mechanism (not shown). This allows the monitor F7 to be switched between a stored state in which it is stacked on the sloped surface P9, and a state in which it is pulled out from the sloped surface P9 so that it faces directly in front of the occupant of the forward-facing seat F. The deployment/storage switching operation of the monitor F7 can be performed electrically by operating a switch (not shown) provided on the side of the forward-facing seat F.

Specifically, the monitor F7 slides forward (away from the seated person) along the sloped portion P9 from a storage position where it overlaps with the sloped portion P9 by the operation of the deployment and storage mechanism, and is then pulled out so as to face the seated person directly in front of the monitor F7, centered on a hinge provided on the edge portion closer to the seated person. By pulling out the monitor F7 so as to face the seated person directly in front of the monitor F7, the monitor F7 can serve as a screen for the seated person, making it difficult for the seated person to make eye contact with a user passing through the central aisle A1. In addition, by folding the monitor F7 into the sloped portion P9, the monitor F7 is less likely to block the seated person's view, allowing the seated person to watch the monitor F7 with an open view.

In addition, the forward-facing seat F has a cabinet F9 provided adjacent to the side of the upright armrest F5, and a lower space F10 formed directly below the rear seat recess P8 due to the protrusion of the rear seat recess P8 described above. The cabinet F9 is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a plan view so as to fit snugly within the area surrounded by the rear seat back covering portion P1 and the front seat cabinet covering portion P6 of the partition P described above.

The cabinet F9 is disposed behind the rear-facing seat R, with the rear seat rear covering part P1 as a partition. The cabinet F9 is also disposed so that it is difficult for users passing through the central aisle A1 to see, due to the partition provided by the front seat cabinet covering part P6. An openable storage door F9a is provided on the diagonal front part of the cabinet F9 facing the central aisle A1.

The cabinet F9 is configured as a tall storage shelf with a top surface at a position approximately as high as the top surface of the wall-mounted armrest F4. The cabinet F9 has a storage space inside which long items such as shopping bags can be stored by opening the storage door F9a. The cabinet F9 is also configured so that the top surface can be used by the seated person as a place to put small items or as a table surface.

(Configuration of rear-facing seat R)
6, the rearward facing seat R has a seat back R1 for a seated person to rest against, a seat cushion R2 for a seating area, and a footrest R3 for a footrest. The seat back R1 has a headrest R1a formed in its upper area for a headrest, and is of a so-called high back type.

The lower ends of the left and right sides of the seat back R1 are connected to the rear ends of the left and right sides of the seat cushion R2 via recliners (not shown). This allows the seat back R1 to freely adjust the backrest angle (incline angle) relative to the seat cushion R2 in the front-rear direction. The seat cushion R2 is fixed onto the floor.

The rear seat back covering part P1 of the partition P described above is disposed at a position spaced behind the seat back R1. This ensures that the rear seat back covering part P1 does not interfere with the seat back R1 even when the seat back R1 is tilted backward from the normal upright position to a specified angle. In addition, the rear seat back covering part P1 is configured so that even if the seat back R1 is tilted backward and brought closer, a wide gap is formed between the seat cushion R2 and the rear seat back covering part P1 directly below it.

The footrest R3 is provided on the lower part of the front seat side covering part P4 of the partition P, more specifically, on the side of the lower space R10 formed directly below the protrusion of the front seat side recess P7. The footrest R3 is attached to the lower part of the front seat side covering part P4 via a push latch mechanism (not shown). This allows the footrest R3 to be switched between a state in which it is stored flush within the lower part of the front seat side covering part P4, and a state in which it extends from the lower part of the front seat side covering part P4 in the shape of a square bar to the feet of the seated person and can be used as a footrest for the seated person.

Specifically, when the seated person operates the footrest R3 from the above-mentioned stored state by pushing the exposed surface of the footrest R3 inward, the footrest R3 is unlocked from the stored position and is pulled out by the spring force so that it extends straight out to the feet of the seated person. Also, when the seated person operates the footrest R3 from the above-mentioned pulled-out state by pushing the footrest R3 with their foot back into its original position, the footrest R3 is again locked in the stored position by the spring force so that it does not pop out.

The rear-facing seat R further has a wall-mounted armrest R4 attached to the rear seat side covering portion P5 on one side of the seat, and an upright armrest R5 standing on the opposite side. The upright armrest R5 stands on the floor, and is configured so that the height position of the top surface, which serves as the armrest surface, can be adjusted by a height adjustment mechanism (not shown). This allows the height of the top surface of the upright armrest R5 to be adjusted to any desired height position, such as lowering it to a position lower than the seating surface of the seat cushion R2, or raising it to approximately the same height as the wall-mounted armrest R4.

The rear-facing seat R also has a table R6 that can be pulled out from the upright armrest R5 to a position directly in front of the seated person. When not in use, the table R6 is dropped from above into the upright armrest R5 and stored. When in use, the table R6 is pulled out from inside the upright armrest R5 and tilted horizontally, deploying it into a usable state in which it forms a horizontal top surface directly in front of the seated person.

The rear-facing seat R also has a monitor R7 attached to the sloped portion P9 of the partition P, and a niche R8 as an upper space formed by the aforementioned rear seat recess P8. The monitor R7 is a device that displays various video signals of still images and videos output from a control device (not shown). In addition to a television screen, the monitor R7 is designed to display various images such as a screen for ordering drinks served on board and images of the outside of the aircraft captured by a camera outside the aircraft.

The monitor R7 is connected to the sloped surface P9 via a deployment/storage mechanism (not shown). This allows the monitor R7 to be switched between a state where it is stored in a manner overlapping the sloped surface P9, and a state where it is pulled out from the sloped surface P9 so that it faces directly in front of the occupant of the rear-facing seat R. The deployment/storage switching operation of the monitor R7 can be performed electrically by operating a switch (not shown) provided on the side of the rear-facing seat R.

Specifically, the monitor R7 slides rearward (away from the seated person) along the sloped portion P9 from the storage position where it overlaps with the sloped portion P9 by the operation of the deployment and storage mechanism, and is then pulled out so that it faces directly in front of the seated person, centered on a hinge provided on the edge portion on the side closest to the seated person. By pulling out the monitor R7 so that it faces directly in front of the seated person, the monitor R7 can serve as a screen for the seated person, making it difficult for the seated person to make eye contact with a user passing through the side aisle A2. In addition, by folding the monitor R7 onto the sloped portion P9, the monitor R7 is less likely to block the seated person's view, allowing the seated person to watch the monitor R7 with an open view.

In addition, the rear-facing seat R has a cabinet R9 provided adjacent to the side of the upright armrest R5, and a lower space R10 formed directly below the protrusion of the front seat recess P7 described above. The cabinet R9 is formed in a triangular shape in a plan view, and is positioned so as to fit snugly into the inner corner between the side of the upright armrest R5 and the front seat rear covering portion P3 of the partition P described above.

The cabinet R9 is disposed behind the forward-facing seat F, with the front seat rear covering portion P3 as a partition. The cabinet R9 is exposed to the side aisle A2 without being partitioned. An openable storage door R9a is provided on the side portion of the cabinet R9 facing the side aisle A2.

The cabinet R9 is configured as a low storage shelf with a top surface that is slightly lower than the top surface when the upright armrest R5 is lowered to its lowest position. The cabinet R9 has a storage space inside that can store luggage the size of a handbag by opening the storage door R9a. The top surface of the cabinet R9 can also be used by the seated person as a place to put small items or as a table surface.

An openable and closable storage door R10a is provided on the front seat side covering portion P4 directly below the protrusion of the front seat side recess P7 that constitutes the lower space R10. As shown in FIG. 7, the space behind the storage door R10a in the lower space R10 is the lower space of the forward-facing seat F that is installed on the raised floor flush with the central aisle A1. In more detail, the space behind the storage door R10a in the lower space R10 is the space that is located directly below the seat back F1 of the forward-facing seat F when the seat back F1 is folded backward.

For this reason, the space behind the storage door R10a is designed to be large enough without encroaching on the installation space of the forward-facing seat F. Specifically, the storage space is large enough that a small suitcase can be stored upright inside by opening the storage door R10a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rearward facing seat R further has a movable side shade R11 that blocks the side view of the seated person. The side shade R11 projects diagonally backward in an upright manner from the end portion that extends rearward of the bent portion P2 of the partition P, blocking the side view of the seated person. When the seated person pushes the side shade R11 backward from the above-mentioned extended state, it is pushed into the bent portion P2 and stored. When the seated person pulls out the side shade R11 from the above-mentioned stored state, it is deployed to the above-mentioned extended state. The side shade R11 may be electrically operated by operating a switch (not shown) provided on the side of the rearward facing seat R.

The above is the structure of the forward-facing seats F and rear-facing seats R. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this seat structure 1, each seat row 1L, 1R has a wider seat pitch and width than the wall-side seats 1W on either side, and is separated by partitions P for a high level of comfort. Therefore, the difference in the feel of use creates a sense of exclusivity for users of each seat row 1L, 1R.

In addition, among the seat rows 1L and 1R, the forward-facing seats F arranged facing the central aisle A1 face the direction of flight of the aircraft and are spatially separated from the wall-side seat groups 1W by partitions P, making them feel even more special. For this reason, the forward-facing seats F are designed to be highly comfortable, with features such as an ottoman F3 that makes them more comfortable to sit in than the rear-facing seats R, and a tall cabinet F9 that is easy to use from the seated position and is partitioned so that it is difficult to see from the outside. Furthermore, they are installed at a higher position than the wall-side seat groups 1W, making them feel even more special than the rear-facing seats R.

Although not shown in the figure, in-flight meals and drinks are served to passengers in each seat row 1L and 1R by flight attendants or a food serving robot equipped with AI (artificial intelligence). Specifically, the delivery of in-flight meals and drinks to passengers in each rear-facing seat R facing the aisle A2 on both sides and each wall-side seat group 1W is performed by flight attendants who move around manually, pushing carts carrying the meals and drinks.

Meanwhile, the delivery of in-flight meals and drinks to passengers in each forward-facing seat F facing the central aisle A1 is performed by a food delivery robot that moves autonomously along the central aisle A1. After the meals and drinks ordered by the passengers in each forward-facing seat F are placed on trays, the food delivery robot is set to deliver the meals and drinks to the passengers who ordered at a specified timing in order.

In this way, by using advanced technology to serve food to occupants in each forward-facing seat F by a food serving robot, it is possible to create a sense of exclusivity for occupants in each forward-facing seat F by providing different service compared to the rear-facing seats R and the wall-side seat group 1W. By using a food serving robot to serve food, it is possible to provide a more hygienic service that avoids direct contact between people.

(summary)
To sum up, the seat structure 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration: In the following description, the reference characters in parentheses correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

That is, the seat structure (1) is a seat structure (1) that has a row of seats (1L (1R)) that are lined up in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The row of seats (1L (1R)) has aisles (A1, A2) on both sides that extend in the direction of travel, and has forward-facing seats (F) that are arranged diagonally to one side of the direction of travel, and rear-facing seats (R) that are arranged with their backs to the vehicle diagonally to one side of the direction of travel.

According to the above configuration, the forward-facing seats (F) and rear-facing seats (R) lined up in the direction of travel are arranged diagonally so that they face in opposite lateral directions. This makes it difficult for occupants of the forward-facing seats (F) and rear-facing seats (R) to see each other, and also makes it difficult for the openings to each aisle (A1, A2) to be narrowed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately space the seats while ensuring the personal space of each seat.

The seat rows (1L, 1R) are provided in the installation space between the wall-side seat groups (1W) that are lined up along both side walls of the vehicle and face the direction of travel. With the above configuration, the seat rows (1L, 1R) can be provided in the narrow installation space where the wall-side seat groups (1W) are lined up along both walls of the vehicle so that the seats can be appropriately spaced apart while adequately securing the personal space of each seat. Also, a difference in feel between the seat rows (1L, 1R) and the wall-side seat groups (1W) can be created, providing a special feeling to the user.

In addition, the seat rows (1L, 1R) are arranged in two rows horizontally, with each row of seats (1L, 1R) having an aisle (A1, A2) between them and on both sides of them, with one of the horizontal aisles facing the opposite seat row (1R, 1L). With the above configuration, the aisle (A1) between the comfortable forward-facing seats (F) facing the direction of travel of the vehicle can be used as an exclusive aisle for users of the forward-facing seats (F), creating a special feeling for users.

Furthermore, the forward-facing seats (F) and rear-facing seats (R) are arranged alternately in the direction of travel. This configuration makes it possible to more appropriately space the seats closer together while more appropriately ensuring the personal space of each seat.

The seat structure (1) further includes a partition (P) that is provided between the forward-facing seat (F) and the rear-facing seat (R) that are adjacent to each other in the direction of travel, and that continuously blocks the side visibility of the adjacent seats for both seat occupants. With the above configuration, the individual personal spaces of the forward-facing seat (F) and the rear-facing seat (R) that are adjacent to each other in the direction of travel can be secured more appropriately and in a good-looking manner.

The partition (P) also has a side covering portion (P4) that blocks the side visibility of one of the forward-facing seats (F) and the rear-facing seats (R), and has a recess (P7) that is recessed in a crank-like cross section so that the upper area from the middle part in the height direction is farther away from the one of the seats (F) than the lower area. Due to the crank of the recess (P7), the recess (P7) on the one of the seats (F) is formed as an upper tier space (F8), and a concave lower tier space (R10) is formed directly below the protrusion of the recess (P7) on the other of the seats (R).

The above configuration makes it possible to utilize the relative positioning of the forward-facing seat (F) and the rear-facing seat (R) adjacent to each other in the direction of travel to create an upper space (F8) directly beside one of the seats (F) and a lower space (R10) at the feet of the other seat (R) in a rational manner.

In addition, one of the seats (F) is installed at a higher position than the other seat (R). With the above configuration, a large luggage space can be secured under one of the seats (F) where the recessed space can be further expanded from the lower space (R10). In addition, by making the height of one of the seats (F) and the other seat (R) different, a difference in the feeling of use can be created, giving the user a sense of exclusivity.

Other embodiments
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms as described below in addition to the above embodiment.

1. The seat structure of the present invention can be applied to other vehicles such as microbuses, trains, ships, etc., in addition to aircraft.

2. A seat row may have an aisle on each side that runs in the direction of travel, and may consist of only one row, or three or more rows across. Furthermore, a seat row does not necessarily have to be arranged with forward-facing seats and rear-facing seats lined up alternately, and may be arranged so that forward-facing seats and/or rear-facing seats are partially lined up continuously in the direction of travel.

Furthermore, the forward-facing seats do not necessarily have to all be arranged parallel to each other, and may be arranged diagonally to one side of the direction of travel, but not all of them are parallel to each other. Similarly, the rear-facing seats do not necessarily have to all be arranged parallel to each other, and may be arranged diagonally to one side of the direction of travel, but not all of them are parallel to each other.

In addition, when there are multiple rows of seats, the forward-facing seats and rear-facing seats may be arranged in the following relationships (A) to (D): (A) the forward-facing seats face diagonally across the side so that their backs are facing each other, (B) the rear-facing seats face diagonally across the side so that they face each other, (C) the forward-facing seats face diagonally in the same side (both to the right or left), (D) the rear-facing seats face diagonally in the same side (both to the right or left).

The seat structure of the present invention may be installed in the installation space between two wall-side seat groups that are lined up along both walls of a vehicle, or may be installed in vehicles where wall-side seat groups are only installed along one wall, or in vehicles where no wall-side seat groups are installed at all.

5. The partition may be provided in the form of an upright plate only between the forward-facing seats and the rear-facing seats, with no partition provided behind them. Alternatively, no partition may be provided at all. The side covering portion may block the side visibility of the rear-facing seats as well as the forward-facing seats, i.e., the rear seat side covering portion P5 shown in the above embodiment. In that case, the recess formed in the side covering portion is recessed in a crank-shaped cross section away from the rear-facing seats, i.e., formed as the rear seat side recess P8 shown in the above embodiment.

1 Seat structure 1L, 1R Seat row 1W Wall side seat group A1, A2 Aisle F Forward facing seats (one seat)
F1 Seat back F1a Headrest F2 Seat cushion F3 Ottoman F4 Wall-mounted armrest F5 Standing armrest F6 Table F7 Monitor F8 Niche (upper space)
F9 Cabinet F9a Storage door F10 Lower space R Rear-facing seat (other seat)
R1 Seat back R1a Headrest R2 Seat cushion R3 Footrest R4 Wall-mounted armrest R5 Upright armrest R6 Table R7 Monitor R8 Niche R9 Cabinet R9a Storage door R10 Lower space R10a Storage door R11 Side shade P Partition P1 Rear seat back covering part P2 Bend part P3 Front seat back covering part P4 Front seat side covering part (side covering part)
P5 Rear seat side covering part P6 Front seat cabinet covering part P7 Front seat side recess (recess)
P8 Rear seat recess P9 Slope HP1, HP2 Hip point

Claims (4)

A seating structure having a row of seats aligned in the direction of travel of a vehicle,
The seat row has an aisle extending in the traveling direction on both sides thereof, and includes forward-facing seats arranged diagonally facing one side in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction, and rearward-facing seats arranged diagonally facing their backs to one side in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction,
A seat structure in which the row of seats is arranged in an installation space between two wall-side seat groups facing the direction of travel along both side walls of the vehicle, such that the forward-facing seats and the rear-facing seats have a seat pitch and seat width wider than each seat in both wall-side seat groups, and one of the forward-facing seats and the rear-facing seats is installed at a higher position than the other seat . A seating structure having a row of seats aligned in the direction of travel of a vehicle,
The seat row has an aisle extending in the traveling direction on both sides thereof, and includes forward-facing seats arranged diagonally facing one side in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction, and rearward-facing seats arranged diagonally facing their backs to one side in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction,
The seat row is arranged in an installation space between two wall side seat groups facing the traveling direction along both side walls of the vehicle, so that the forward facing seats and the rear facing seats have a seat pitch and a seat width wider than those of each of the seats in both wall side seat groups,
Further, a partition is provided between the forward facing seat and the rear facing seat adjacent to each other in the traveling direction, and continuously blocks the side visibility of the adjacent sides of both seat occupants,
The partition has a side covering portion that blocks the side visibility of one of the forward-facing seats and the rear-facing seats, and has a recess that is recessed in a crank-like cross section so as to move an upper area from a middle part in a height direction away from the one seat relative to a lower area, and the crank of the recess forms the recess on the one seat side as an upper tier space, and forms a concave lower tier space directly below the protrusion of the recess on the other seat side,
A seating structure in which the one seat is installed at a higher position than the other seat . The seat structure according to claim 1 or 2,
The seat structure is configured with two horizontal rows of seats, each of which has an aisle between them and on both sides thereof, with one of the horizontal rows facing the seat row on the other side . A seat structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A seating structure in which the forward facing seats and the rear facing seats are arranged alternately in the traveling direction .

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