Seating unit with components controllable by a control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a seating unit consisting of at least one seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, with movable components such as backrest, seat element, and leg rest which may be controlled by a control device ( 10 ) having at least one control element ( 20 ), and having at least one arm rest surface ( 16 ). In that the control device ( 10 ) is mounted in the area of the one-hand zone on the arm rest surface ( 16 ) and is configured as a control console having a control surface ( 12 ) inclined in relation to the respective control element ( 20 ), and in that the inclination selected for the control surface ( 12 ) is such that hand-eye coordination is facilitated, distinct increase in the comfort of the seat occupant is achieved and ergonomic considerations are taken fully into account.

1 . A seating unit consisting of at least one seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, having movable components such, for example, as backrest, seat component, and leg rest, which may be controlled by a control device ( 10 ,  110 ) having at least one control element ( 20 ,  120 ) and having at least one arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ), characterized in that the control device ( 10 ,  110 ) is mounted in the area of the one-hand zone on the arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ) and is configured as a console having a control surface ( 12 ,  112 ) inclined in relation to the respective control element ( 20 ,  120 ), and in that the inclination selected for the control surface ( 12 ,  112 ) is such that hand-eye coordination is facilitated.  
   
   
       2 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control console is mounted in the area of the free front end of the arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ) and on the upper side of this surface.  
   
   
       3 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ) is part of an arm rest mounted on the seat so as to be stationary or part of a movable arm rest which is lowered obliquely toward the front with increase in the inclination of the backrest.  
   
   
       4 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the inclination of the control surface ( 12 ,  112 ) encloses an obtuse angle, in particular an angle of approximately 120° to 150°, by preference approximately 140°, with the upper side of the arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ).  
   
   
       5 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least two seats mounted side by side in a row have a common arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ) or adjacent adjoining arm rest surfaces ( 16 ,  116 ) associated with one seat, and wherein there is present a control device ( 10 ,  110 ) associated with each seat, the control field ( 18 ,  118 ) of which control device ( 10 .  110 ) is mounted as a mirror image in relation to a central plane between the two seats.  
   
   
       6 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control field ( 18 ,  118 ) has as respective control element ( 20 ,  120 ) a control key which may be associated with a specified configuration of the adjustable components of the respective seat.  
   
   
       7 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the control field ( 18 ,  118 ) in addition has a control element ( 20 ,  120 ) for a memory function.  
   
   
       8 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control field ( 18 ,  118 ) has offset areas with control elements ( 20 ,  120 ) which permit subdivision into various function levels.  
   
   
       9 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least the control field ( 18 ,  118 ) is configured to be rectangular, preferably square, or is in the form of a parabola open in the direction of the arm rest surface ( 16 ,  116 ).  
   
   
       10 . The seating unit as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the housing ( 23 ,  123 ) of the control console is configured as a stationary handle making it easier for the seat occupant to be seated or leave the seat.