Patent Description:
Power-operated doors are well known. However, in some applications safety concerns place restrictions on how doors can be power-operated. In particular, in many countries aircraft safety regulations require that doors can be opened manually in the event of emergency. Therefore, while it is known to provide powered actuation systems for closing doors of aircraft passenger seating, such doors are conventionally configured to be opened manually. For premium passenger seating it is desirable to provide doors that are power-operated for both opening and closing. However, it is a challenge to implement this functionality while still meeting safety requirements.

It would be desirable to mitigate the problem outlined above.

UK patent application <CIT> discloses a sliding structure coupled to spring-loaded reels by flexible strips. The slide assembly comprises a base having a slot, and a sliding structure insertable into the slot and slidable along the slot. A strip of flexible material is fixed to a reel and to the sliding structure, wherein rotation of the reel in a first direction causes the strip to wind around the reel, and rotation of said reel in a second direction causes the strip to unwind from the reel. The strip is axially aligned with the slot mouth so that it covers, when unwound, a portion of the slot mouth. The strip prevents dirt from entering the slot as well as obscuring the inside of the slot from view. A second strip and reel may be employed on the distal side of the sliding structure, and the reels may be spring loaded to provide a balanced force. The sliding structure <NUM> may be a privacy screen on an aeroplane seat.

European patent application <CIT> discloses an armrest assembly for aircraft seating in which a lockable actuator moves an upper structure with respect to a base structure. The armrest assembly comprises a base structure and an upper structure that has an upper surface providing an armrest. The upper structure is movable with respect to the base structure between an upper position and a lower position under the control of a lockable actuator that is operable to lock the upper structure with respect to the base structure in any one of a plurality of adoptable positions. A second locking device is operable to lock the upper structure with respect to the base structure in at least one of the adoptable positions, the locking device including locking elements that interengage mechanically when the second locking device locks the upper structure with respect to said base structure.

European patent application <CIT> discloses a window in which multiple window sashes are slidable and retractable one above the other in a stacking box by a motor-operated reduction drive. German patent application <CIT> discloses a belt-lock feeder having a drive unit coupled with an adjusting mechanism, and a belt-lock movable from an initial position into feeding-position by a pre-stressed spring element, which is securely arranged within a guide.

From a first aspect the invention provides a passenger seating as claimed in claim <NUM>.

Typically, said motor is fixed with respect to one of the base or the door and coupled to the other of the base or the door for moving said door from said second state to said first state. The motor is a rotary motor having a rotary output, the output being coupled to the other of the base or the door. The rotary output shaft may be coupled to a reel, the reel being coupled to the other of the base or the door.

The reel is typically fixed with respect to said one of the base or the door and carries a reel line that is coupled to the other of the base or the door, preferably via a pulley that is fixed with respect to said one of the base or the door.

Preferably, said drive means is operable to rotate said reel in a first rotational direction when said second actuating means actuates said door from said second state to said first state, wherein, preferably, rotation of said reel in said first rotational direction winds in said reel line.

Preferably, said drive means is operable to rotate said reel in a second rotational direction opposite to said first rotational direction, wherein, preferably, rotation of said reel in said second rotational direction winds out said reel line.

Optionally, the passenger seating is configured such that, when said first actuating means actuates said door from said first state to said second state, said second actuating means rotates said reel in said second rotational direction. The system may be configured such that, when said first actuating means actuates said door from said first state to said second state, said second actuating means rotates said reel in said second rotational direction at a speed that maintains tension in said reel line.

Optionally, the system includes at least one tensioning device arranged to maintain tension in the reel line, said at least one tensioning device preferably being coupled between said door and the reel line, and wherein said at least one tensioning device preferably comprises an elasticized tensioning line. Said at least one tensioning device is preferably arranged to take up slack in said reel line caused by movement of said door from said second state to said first state when said powered drive means is not rotating said reel. Preferably, said system is configured to operate said powered drive means to rotate said reel to wind in said reel line by an amount corresponding to an amount of slack in said reel line caused by the movement of said door from said second state to said first state when said powered drive means is not rotating said reel.

In preferred embodiments, said powered drive means of said second actuating means is electrically powered. Said powered drive means preferably comprises an electric motor, preferably an electric rotary motor.

In preferred embodiments, said powered drive means is coupled to one or other of the base or the door by at least one clutch, preferably comprising an autodisconnect clutch, configured to allow manual movement of said door from said second state to said first state.

Preferably, said powered drive means of said second actuating means is coupled to one or other of the base or door by at least one clutch, preferably comprising an autodisconnect clutch, configured to allow movement of said door from said first state to said second state.

Said rotary output shaft may be coupled to the other of the base or door, preferably to said reel, by said at least one clutch.

Said first actuating means comprises resilient biasing means arranged to urge said door from said first state to said second state. The resilient biasing means may be coupled between the base and the door. The resilient biasing means typically comprises at least one spring, for example at least one mechanical spring and/or at least one gas spring. Optionally, said at least one spring comprises a constant force spring. Optionally, said at least one spring comprises a spiral spring.

Optionally, said first actuating means comprises a linear actuator, preferably a gas spring linear actuator. Optionally, in an example not covered by the present invention, said second actuating means comprises a linear actuator, preferably ar electrically powered linear actuator, coupled between said base and said door.

In this example, a linkage may be coupled between the base and the door, said linear actuator being coupled between the base and the linkage to move the door by acting on the linkage. Said first actuating means may be coupled between the base and the linkage. The linkage may be pivotably coupled to the base and to the door.

Said first actuating means comprises resilient biasing means arranged to urge said door from said first state to said second state, said resilient biasing means preferably being coupled between the base and the door, wherein said resilient biasing means preferably comprises at least one spring, for example at least one mechanical spring and/or at least one gas spring, optionally a linear actuator, preferably a gas spring linear actuator.

Typically, said first state corresponds to an extended or closed position of the door, and said second state corresponds to a retracted or open position of the door. Typically, said second state corresponds to an extended or closed position of the door, and said first state corresponds to a retracted or open position of the door.

Optionally, said door is movable linearly between said first and second states.

Optionally, in the open position, the door exposes a doorway providing passenger access to and from said at least one seat and, in the closed position, the door closes the doorway.

The seating installation may comprise a plurality of rows, each row comprising at least one seat, and wherein said doorway is defined between the respective seat surround structure of adjacent rows, or between the seat surround structure of one row and a bulkhead.

Preferred embodiments allow doors to be opened and closed using actuation means, including powered actuation means, while still being operable manually, e.g. in the event of an emergency. Thus in the case of passenger seating for example, a door can be open or closed automatically thereby giving a premium feel without giving rise to safety concerns.

Further advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote line parts and in which:.

Referring now to the drawings there is shown, generally indicated as <NUM>, passenger seating embodying the invention. Passenger seating embodying the invention is particularly suitable for use in vehicles (e.g. aircraft, boats, trains and buses) where the seating is located in a common passenger area, for example an aircraft cabin, having one or more aisles running alongside the seating. In preferred embodiments, the seating <NUM> is aircraft seating and is located, in use, in an aircraft cabin (not shown).

In the following description, it is assumed that a seated passenger faces in a forward direction and so terms such as forward, front, rearward, rear and fore-and-aft are intended to be construed accordingly. The term "vertical" is intended to mean perpendicular to the surface on which the seating is located in use.

The seating <NUM> comprises at least one seat <NUM>, usually a plurality of seats <NUM> arranged in an array of one or more rows R1, R2, each row having one or more seats <NUM>. In <FIG>, two rows R1, R2 each with a single respective seat <NUM> are shown by way of example only. Hence, at the rear of the seating <NUM> and/or in front of it there may be provided more seating (e.g. additional row(s) of seat(s) <NUM>). Alternatively, when the seating is installed in a cabin, a bulkhead (not shown) may be located in front of and/or behind the seating <NUM>. When the seating <NUM> is located in a cabin, an aisle is located alongside the seating <NUM> on one or both sides, typically running substantially perpendicular with the rows R1, R2. The, or each, aisle may separate the seating <NUM> from additional seating (not shown but which may be the same as the seating <NUM>), bulkhead or cabin wall (not shown).

Each seat <NUM> is typically located within a shell structure <NUM> that partially surrounds the seat <NUM>. The shell structure <NUM> typically includes a back portion <NUM> behind the seat <NUM> and at least one side portion <NUM>. At at least one side of the seat <NUM>, the side portion <NUM> may include a console <NUM>, which may be configured to serve as an armrest and/or may include a deployable table and/or other facilities. The shell structure <NUM> may be shared by more than one seat <NUM> of the same row R1, R2, for example being configured to provide the back portion <NUM> and side portion(s) for each seat <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> each row R1, R2 has a respective shell structure <NUM> configured to provide a respective back portion <NUM>, a respective near side 18A including a side console <NUM>, and a respective far side 18B for the seat <NUM> in the respective row R1, R2. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated) where the or each row has more than one seat, a screen and/or a console separating adjacent seats in a row may be provided, conveniently as part of a common shell for the row. The seats <NUM> are typically of a type that can recline to form a bed.

The shell structure <NUM> provides a seated passenger (not shown) with some privacy from other passengers seated in the same row and in adjacent rows. However, the shell structure <NUM> must allow space for the passengers to access the seat <NUM> from the aisle and vice versa. Accordingly, the side portion 18A that is, in use, adjacent an aisle is configured to provide a gap <NUM> for ingress to and egress from the end seat <NUM> in the respective row. In typical embodiments, this means that the side portion 18A does not extend fully and permanently to the shell structure <NUM> of the row in front, or to a bulkhead in front, as applicable. This is in contrast to the far side portion 18B which may extend fully and permanently to the to the shell structure <NUM> of the row in front, or to a bulkhead in front, as applicable. In this example it is assumed that when the seating <NUM> is installed, access to the seat <NUM> is not required from beyond the far side 18B. This might be because, for example, the far side 18B is, when installed, adjacent a cabin wall or a bulkhead, or is adjacent another seat (in the case of a multi-seat row embodiment).

To improve privacy, the side portion 18A comprises a door assembly <NUM>. The door assembly <NUM> comprises a base portion <NUM> and a door <NUM> that is movable with respect to the base portion <NUM> between an open state and a closed state, the movement typically being linear. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion <NUM> extends along the aisle-side of the seat <NUM> typically from the back <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, and is typically panel-like in form. The base portion <NUM>, which is typically substantially rectangular in shape, provides a wall on one side (the aisle-side) of the seat <NUM>, typically as part of the shell structure <NUM>. The door <NUM> is movable with respect to the base <NUM> between an open state in which the ingress/egress gap <NUM> is provided, and a closed state in which the gap <NUM> is closed. It will be understood that the word "closed" in this context does not necessarily mean that the gap <NUM> is eradicated completely and is therefore intended to embrace "fully closed" and "substantially closed".

In preferred embodiments, the door <NUM> is a sliding door, i.e. is slidable with respect to the base <NUM> between the open and closed states. To facilitate sliding movement of the door <NUM>, the door <NUM> may be coupled to the base <NUM> by one or more slide mechanism, for example comprising slide rails and/or rollers, which may be provided at the top and/or bottom of the door <NUM>. Optionally, the base <NUM> comprises a compartment <NUM> for housing the door <NUM> when open, the compartment having a mouth <NUM> through which the door <NUM> slides into and out of the compartment. The compartment <NUM> is preferably dimensioned to house substantially the entire door <NUM> when open. Accordingly, when the door <NUM> is open, the gap <NUM> is defined between the leading end of the base <NUM> and the forward shell structure <NUM>/bulkhead. Alternatively, the arrangement may be such that part of the door projects from the base <NUM> when open in which case the gap <NUM> is defined between the leading end of the door <NUM> and the forward shell structure <NUM>/bulkhead. In alternative embodiments, the arrangement may be such that the door <NUM> slides alongside the base portion rather than into a compartment in the base; in such cases the base portion may comprise a panel or any other base structure(s).

In any event, the door assembly <NUM> provides some privacy along the aisle-side of the seat <NUM> whether or not the door <NUM> is open since the base <NUM> extends along side the seat <NUM>, and is typically panel-like in form. However, greater privacy is provided when the door <NUM> is closed. It is preferred that, when the door <NUM> is open, the door assembly <NUM> (i.e. the leading edge of the base <NUM> or the leading edge of the open door <NUM> as applicable) extends no further forward than the forward end of the seat pan <NUM> of the seat <NUM> to ensure that an adequate gap <NUM> is provided. It will be apparent that that the height of the door assembly <NUM> affects the privacy afforded to the passenger. It is preferred that the height of the base <NUM> and the door <NUM> is approximately level with the head rest <NUM> of the seat <NUM>. Preferably, the base <NUM> and the door <NUM> are each solid and opaque to maximize privacy. The door <NUM> is typically substantially rectangular in shape.

By way of example, in <FIG>, the door <NUM> of row R1 at the front of the seating <NUM> is shown in the open state, while the door <NUM> of row R2 at the back is shown in the closed state. In cases where access is required from one or both ends of a row, e.g. where there is an aisle running alongside the or each end of the row, a respective door assembly is provided for the seat at the or each end of each row, as required. In the case where there is only one seat in the row, a respective door assembly may be provided on each side of the seat, or only on one side, as required. In other embodiments, the door assembly need not be at the side of a seat or a row of seats, but may alternatively be in front of or otherwise adjacent or associated with a seat or row of seats.

With reference to <FIG>, the door assembly <NUM> includes actuation means <NUM> for moving the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state. According to the invention, the actuating means <NUM> comprises resilient biasing means arranged to urge the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state. The resilient biasing means is coupled between the base <NUM> and the door <NUM>. The resilient biasing means may comprise at least one spring, for example at least one mechanical spring and/or at least one gas spring. In preferred embodiments, the or each spring is a constant force spring. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient biasing means comprises a spiral spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> comprises a strip of resilient material (e.g. steel) that adopts a wound state (not shown) when relaxed and may be unwound against the spring-bias. One end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> is fixed or otherwise coupled to the base <NUM> while the other end is coupled to the door <NUM>, typically via a reel <NUM>. The arrangement is such that the spring <NUM> is unwound (as illustrated in <FIG>) when the door <NUM> is open, and so urges the door <NUM> to close under its spring bias. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end <NUM> of spring <NUM> is fixed with respect to the base <NUM> while the other end, including the reel <NUM>, is coupled to the door <NUM>, although in alternative embodiments the opposite arrangement may be adopted. The door <NUM> may be returned to the open state by a user manually pushing the door <NUM> against the bias of the spring <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the actuating means <NUM> may comprise one or more linear actuator <NUM>, for example a gas spring linear actuator, a mechanical spring actuator, coupled between the door <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be biased to adopt its extended state, e.g. by gas, mechanical or other resilient biasing means. In order to provide the desired travel for the door <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> may be coupled to a linkage <NUM>; extension of the actuator <NUM> causes the linkage <NUM> to push the door <NUM> closed. The illustrated linkage <NUM> is pivotably connected to the door <NUM> and may also be pivotably connected to the base <NUM>, although it may alternatively abut against the base <NUM>. The door <NUM> may be returned to the open state by a user manually pushing the door <NUM> against the bias of the actuator <NUM>.

More generally, the actuating means <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to allow movement of the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state. To this end, the or each spring <NUM> and/or actuator <NUM> may be of a type that allows operation in at least one direction (e.g. retraction and/or extension) by the application of mechanical force by a human user. For example, the or each actuator <NUM>, <NUM> may be a spring or a spring-biased actuator (e.g. comprising a gas spring or mechanical spring) or a single-acting ram, wherein extension (or retraction) of the actuator is effected by the spring bias, and retraction (or extension) of the actuator may be performed manually against the spring-bias.

The actuation means <NUM> is part of an actuation system. The actuation system includes second actuating means for actuating the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state. <FIG> illustrates, generally indicated as <NUM>, a preferred embodiment of the second actuating means, shown in exploded view together with the door <NUM>. The second actuating means <NUM> is power-operated, comprising powered drive means <NUM>, preferably electrically powered drive means. The drive means <NUM> typically comprises a motor, preferably a rotary motor, optionally a reversible rotary motor. The motor is preferably an electric motor (AC or DC as is convenient). In preferred embodiments, the drive means <NUM> is provided on the base <NUM> or is otherwise located such that it has a fixed position with respect to the base <NUM>, and is coupled to the door <NUM> in order to move the door <NUM> from its closed state to its open state. Conveniently, the drive means <NUM> is located within the compartment <NUM>. In preferred embodiments in which the motor is a rotary motor, it has a rotary output that is coupled to the door <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the coupling translates rotation of the output shaft into linear movement of the door <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling comprises a reel <NUM>, wherein the rotary output shaft is coupled to the reel <NUM>, the reel <NUM> being coupled to the door <NUM>. The reel <NUM> is in a fixed location with respect to the base <NUM> and carries a reel line (shown schematically as <NUM>), e.g. comprising wire of metal or other suitable material, that is fixed or otherwise coupled to the door <NUM>, preferably via a pulley <NUM> or other suitable line guide(s). The reel <NUM> may be positioned beneath, or lower than, the door <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> is in a fixed location with respect to the base <NUM>, conveniently being located at the rear of the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> is open and/or level with the line <NUM> as it comes off the reel <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> and reel <NUM> are located relative to each other to allow the door <NUM> to be fully retracted. Preferably, the reel <NUM> is located forwardly of the pulley <NUM> (assuming that the door <NUM> moves forwardly to close). The arrangement is such that when the door <NUM> is closed, the reel line <NUM> is unwound from the reel <NUM> via the pulley <NUM>. To open the door <NUM>, the drive means <NUM> is operated to rotate the reel <NUM> to wind in the reel line <NUM> via the pulley <NUM> thereby opening the door <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the drive means <NUM> and reel <NUM> may have a fixed location with respect to the door <NUM> and the end of the reel line <NUM> may be fixed or otherwise coupled to the base <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the reel line may be fixed directly to the door <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> may be omitted. In any case, the second actuating means <NUM> is coupled between the door <NUM> and base <NUM> and is operable to open the door. Preferably, one or more tensioning device (not shown), for example comprising a spring, is provided for maintaining tension in the line <NUM>. To this end, the tensioning device(s) may be coupled to or incorporated into the reel <NUM> and/or the pulley <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, the powered drive means <NUM> is coupled to the door <NUM> by a clutch <NUM> that is configured to allow manual movement of the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state, and/or to allow manual movement of the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state and/or to allow movement of the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state under the action of the actuating means <NUM>, <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the clutch <NUM> is configured to mechanically couple the drive means <NUM> to the driven object, i.e. the door <NUM>, when the drive means <NUM> drives the clutch <NUM>, and so to transfer mechanical power to move the door <NUM>, but to decouple the drive means <NUM> from the door <NUM> when an external force is applied to the door <NUM>, such that the door <NUM> can move under the influence of the external force without the movement being transferred to the drive means via the clutch <NUM>. A type of clutch <NUM> known as an autodisconnect clutch is suitable for use as clutch <NUM>. Preferably, the rotary output of the motor <NUM> is coupled to the door <NUM>, preferably via the reel <NUM>, by the clutch <NUM>. In alternative embodiments where the drive means <NUM> is mounted on the door <NUM>, the clutch <NUM> may couple the motor to the base <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the clutch <NUM> is shown as part of an assembly that further includes a collar <NUM> for the clutch <NUM> and an adaptor <NUM> for coupling the drive means <NUM> to the assembly. The assembly and reel <NUM> are shown in exploded view in <FIG>, and are assembled together in use as would be apparent to a skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular configuration of clutch assembly shown in <FIG> and other configuration may be used as desired. The operation of the clutch <NUM> is such that, when the motor <NUM> is operated (in particular to open the door), the clutch <NUM> transmits the rotational output of the motor <NUM> to the reel <NUM>, causing the reel <NUM> to rotate to wind the reel line <NUM>. However, when an external force is applied to the reel <NUM>, for example when the door <NUM> is opened manually, or closed manually or by the first actuation means <NUM>, the clutch <NUM> allows the reel <NUM> to freewheel, i.e. rotate freely, with respect to the drive means <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, a user-operable latch (not shown) is provided for holding the door <NUM> in its open state. The latch may take any conventional form, typically being mechanical or electromechanical. A first user control device (not shown) is provided, preferably within reach of a seated passenger, and is linked to the latch to allow the user to operate the latch, in particular to release the door <NUM>. The user control device may take any conventional form, e.g. being mechanical, electromechanical or electrical, and may be linked to the latch by any suitable mechanical, electromechanical or electrical link (which may be wired or wireless). The preferred arrangement is that the actuating means <NUM>, more particularly the spring <NUM> and actuator <NUM> in the illustrated embodiments, is biased to urge the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, starting with the door <NUM> in the open state, when the user operates the latch to release the door <NUM>, the actuating means <NUM> moves the door <NUM> to the closed state.

A second user control device (not shown) is provided, preferably within reach of a seated passenger, and is linked to the actuation means <NUM> for operating the powered drive means <NUM>. The second user control device may take any conventional form, typically comprising a switch or button, and is linked to the drive means <NUM> by any suitable control link, typically an electrical wired or wireless connection. When the door <NUM> is in the closed state, the user may operate the powered actuation means <NUM> to move the door <NUM> to the open state. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the reel line <NUM> is in an extended state when the door <NUM> is closed (having been unwound from the reel <NUM> as the door <NUM> moves towards the open state) and operation of the drive means <NUM> rotates the reel <NUM> to retract the reel line <NUM> by winding it around the reel <NUM> thereby pulling the door <NUM> towards and ultimately into the open state. The first and second user control devices may be provided in the same passenger control unit, or in a different passenger control unit, as is convenient.

As indicated above, the actuation means <NUM> is configured to allow movement of the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state against its resilient bias. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the spring <NUM> can be unwound or extended against its resilient bias. As such, the actuation means <NUM> does not prevent movement of the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state whether such movement is effected by the drive means <NUM> or manually by a user. To facilitate this arrangement, the power of the drive means <NUM> is such that it may overcome the resilient bias of the actuation means <NUM>.

The powered actuation means <NUM> is configured to allow the door <NUM> to move from the open state to the closed state so that it does not prevent operation of the actuation means <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, this is achieved by the clutch <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is being closed, the clutch <NUM> allows the reel <NUM> to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction in which it rotates when the door <NUM> is being opened. In the embodiment of <FIG>, movement of the door <NUM> toward the closed state pulls the reel line <NUM> thereby causing as the reel <NUM> to rotate as the reel line unwinds.

In addition, the powered actuation means <NUM> is configured so that it does not prevent movement of the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state when such movement is effected manually by a user. In the embodiment of <FIG>, this is facilitated by the tensioning device acting to wind in the line <NUM> as the door is opened, and/or may be facilitated by the clutch <NUM>. The clutch <NUM> may be an autodisconnect clutch. Alternatively, the clutch may be configured so that up to an operational limit (which may be above what is experienced during normal operation of the drive means <NUM> when opening the door <NUM>), the clutch <NUM> engages to transmit power from the drive means <NUM> to the door <NUM> (via the reel <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG>), but that above the limit the clutch <NUM> disengages to allow the door <NUM> to move in the direction towards the open state or closed state as applicable. The operational limit relates to any suitable operational parameter, typically torque, force or speed, depending on the type of the clutch. In the <FIG> embodiment, the clutch <NUM> disengages so that the rotation of the reel <NUM> as the door <NUM> is manually opened is not imparted to the drive means <NUM>. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments any arrangement of one or more conventional clutches (e.g. freewheel clutch(es), torque limiting clutch(es) and/or overrunning clutch(es) may be provided to give the functionality described herein.

As a result, the door <NUM> can be opened and closed by the actuation means <NUM>, <NUM>, but can also be opened manually in the event of emergency or should the powered drive means <NUM> fail.

<FIG> illustrates a preferred embodiment of the actuation system, which is similar to the actuation system of <FIG> and in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and the same or similar description applies unless otherwise indicated as would be apparent to a skilled person. <FIG> shows the actuation system coupled to the door <NUM>, which is only partly shown. The actuation system of <FIG> has a first actuating means (not shown) which may be the same or similar to the actuating means <NUM> of <FIG> or the actuating means <NUM> of <FIG>. The second actuating means <NUM> is power-operated, comprising powered drive means <NUM>, preferably electrically powered drive means. The drive means <NUM> typically comprises a motor, preferably a rotary motor, in particular a reversible rotary motor. In preferred embodiments, the drive means <NUM> is provided on the base <NUM> or is otherwise located such that it has a fixed position with respect to the base <NUM>, and is coupled to the door <NUM> in order to move the door <NUM> from its closed state to its open state, and preferably also from the open state to the closed state. Conveniently, the drive means <NUM> is located within the compartment <NUM>. In preferred embodiments in which the motor is a rotary motor, it has a rotary output that is coupled to the door <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the coupling translates rotation of the output shaft into linear movement of the door <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling comprises reel <NUM>, wherein the rotary output shaft is coupled to the reel <NUM>, the reel <NUM> being coupled to the door <NUM>. The reel <NUM> is in a fixed location with respect to the base <NUM> and carries reel line <NUM>, e.g. comprising wire of metal or other suitable material, which is fixed or otherwise coupled to the door <NUM>, preferably via at least one pulley 266A - 266C. The reel <NUM> may be positioned beneath, or lower than, the door <NUM>. Each pulley 266A - 266C is in a fixed location with respect to the base <NUM>. In this embodiment, the line <NUM> is connected to the door <NUM> at a located between the bottom and top of the door <NUM>, preferably at or adjacent the forward end of the door <NUM>, or between the forward and rearward ends of the door <NUM>. The pulleys 266A-266C are arranged such that the line <NUM> is guided between the reel <NUM> and the connection location on the door <NUM>. Pulley 266A is preferably located at the rear of the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> is open, preferably at or below the level of the bottom of the door <NUM> and/or level with the line <NUM> as it comes off the reel <NUM>. Pulley 266B is preferably located at the rear of the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> is open, preferably above the level of the bottom of the door <NUM>, more preferably level with the location at which the line <NUM> is connected to the door <NUM>. Pulley 266C is optional but when present is located between pulleys 266A and 266B. In alternative embodiments, any one or more of the pulleys 266A-266C may comprise a line guide or line support and does not need to be a pulley. The pulleys 266A-266C and reel <NUM> are located relative to each other to allow the door <NUM> to be fully retracted and extended. Preferably, the reel <NUM> is located forwardly of the at least the first pulley 266A (assuming that the door <NUM> moves forwardly to close). The arrangement is such that when the door <NUM> is closed, the reel line <NUM> is unwound from the reel <NUM> via the pulleys 266A-266C. To open the door <NUM>, the drive means <NUM> is operated to rotate the reel <NUM> to wind in the reel line <NUM> via the pulleys 266A-266C thereby opening the door <NUM>. In comparison with the embodiment of <FIG>, the location at which the reel line <NUM> is connected to the door <NUM> is preferred as it facilitates a smoother opening movement.

One or more tensioning device <NUM> is provided for maintaining tension in the line <NUM>. The tensioning device <NUM> is coupled between the door <NUM> and the reel line <NUM>. The tensioning device <NUM> may comprise an elasticized tensioning line 267A. For example, the tensioning line 267A may comprise one or more spring, or one or more lengths of wire connected to one or more springs, or a line made from elastic material. The tensioning line 267A may be coupled to the door <NUM> by any convenient fixing device. The tensioning line 267A may be coupled to the reel line <NUM> by line guide 267B that allows the line <NUM> to run through it. Preferably, the tensioning line 267A is coupled to the reel line <NUM> at a location between two line guides, e.g. between pulleys 266B and 266C in the illustrated example. In preferred embodiments, the tensioning line 267A in held under tension at least when the door <NUM> is out of its open state.

Advantageously, in the embodiment of <FIG> the actuating means <NUM> is operable not only to open the door <NUM> as described above, but also when the door <NUM> is being actuated to its closed state. In particular the drive means <NUM> is operated to rotate the reel <NUM> in one rotational direction when opening the door <NUM> (to wind in the reel line <NUM>) and in the opposite rotational direction when the door <NUM> is being closed (to wind out the reel line <NUM>). The clutch <NUM> may be omitted. The first actuating means <NUM>, <NUM> still provides the force for moving the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state. Preferably, when the door <NUM> is being moved to the closed state, the drive means <NUM> is operated to wind out the reel line <NUM> at a speed that maintains tension in the reel line <NUM>. It is preferred that, when the door <NUM> is being moved to the closed state, the drive means <NUM> is operated to wind out the reel line <NUM> at a speed that matches or is slower than the speed at which the action of the first actuating means <NUM>, <NUM> pulls the reel line <NUM> when moving the door <NUM>. The action of the second actuating means <NUM> when the door <NUM> is moved to the closed state helps to control the movement of the door <NUM>, for example by applying a braking force.

Preferably, the user control device that is operable to operate the first actuating means <NUM>, <NUM> to close the door <NUM> also operates the second actuating means <NUM> as described above.

Advantageously, in the event that the door <NUM> is opened manually any slack in the reel line <NUM> is taken up by the tensioning device <NUM>, advantageously keeping the reel line <NUM> under tension. This facilitates keeping the reel line <NUM> in a state (e.g. kept in contact with the relevant pulleys/guides) that allows the second actuating means <NUM> to resume its normal operation. If required, after the door <NUM> has been fully or partly opened manually, the drive means <NUM> may be operated to wind in the reel line <NUM> by an amount corresponding to the amount of slack caused by the manual opening. This operation may be performed automatically by a controller (not shown) which may take any suitable conventional form (e.g. a microprocessor or microcontroller based controller). Optionally one or more position sensors (not shown) are provided to determine the position of the door <NUM>, and the controller is configured to wind in the reel line <NUM> depending on the position of the door <NUM> indicated by the sensor(s).

In the example of <FIG>, not covered by the present claims, the second actuating means <NUM> comprises powered drive means in the form of a linear actuator <NUM>, preferably an electrically powered linear actuator. When power is supplied to the actuator <NUM>, i.e. when it is turned on, it extends (or retracts as applicable). When power is not supplied to the actuator <NUM>, i.e. when it is turned off, it may freely be caused to retract (or extend as applicable) by application of an external force.

The actuator <NUM> is coupled between the base <NUM> and the door <NUM>, via linkage <NUM> in this example.

The linkage <NUM>, which may comprise one or more bar or other suitable structure(s), is coupled between the base <NUM> and the door <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> is coupled between the base <NUM> and the linkage <NUM> and is arranged to move the door <NUM> from the closed state to the open state by acting on the linkage <NUM>. The non-powered, resiliently biased actuator <NUM> is coupled between the base <NUM> and the linkage <NUM> and is arranged to move the door from the open state to the closed state. As such, the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged to move the linkage <NUM> in opposite directions. The linkage <NUM> is typically pivotably coupled to the base <NUM> and to the door <NUM>, and may be located within the compartment <NUM>. The powered actuator <NUM> may be located in the compartment <NUM>. The resiliently biased actuator <NUM> may also be located in the compartment <NUM>.

The actuation system of <FIG> operates in a manner similar to that of <FIG> and <FIG> and the same or similar description applies as would be apparent to a skilled person. The door <NUM> may be held open by a latch (not shown), which may be released by operation of a user control (not shown) to allow the resiliently biased actuator <NUM> to close the door <NUM>. The movement of the door <NUM> causes the actuator <NUM> to retract. The user may operate the powered actuator <NUM> to open the door <NUM>, i.e. by turning the actuator <NUM> on to cause it to extend in the illustrated embodiment. The actuator <NUM> allows the door <NUM> to open against its resilient bias. The powered actuator <NUM> is configured to allow the door <NUM> to be opened manually. As a result, the door <NUM> can be opened and closed by the actuation means <NUM>, <NUM>, but can also be opened manually in the event of emergency or should the powered actuator <NUM> fail. Optionally, the powered actuator <NUM> may be operated to assist closing the door <NUM>.

More generally, the first actuating means <NUM>, <NUM> preferably comprises resilient biasing means arranged to urge the door <NUM> from the open state to the closed state, the resilient biasing means typically being coupled between the base <NUM> and the door <NUM>. The resilient biasing means preferably comprises at least one spring, for example at least one mechanical spring and/or at least one gas spring, and may optionally comprise a linear actuator, preferably a gas spring linear actuator.

In the illustrated embodiments, the actuation system is arranged to actuate a door between its open and closed states. The base may for example be shaped, e.g. being panel-like or wall-like, to serve as part of a wall or a divider. Typically, the arrangement is such that the door moves linearly with respect to the base, although it may move in other ways, e.g. pivoting movement.

Claim 1:
Passenger seating (<NUM>) comprising at least one seat (<NUM>), a surround structure (<NUM>) for said at least one seat, and an actuation system, the actuation system comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
a door (<NUM>), being part of said surround structure, and being movable with respect to the base between a first state corresponding to an open position of the door, and a second state corresponding to a closed position of the door;
first actuating means (<NUM>) for actuating said door from said first state to said second state, said first actuating means comprising resilient biasing means (<NUM>) arranged to urge said door from said first state to said second state; and
second actuating means (<NUM>, <NUM>) for actuating said door from said second state to said first state, wherein said first actuating means is configured to allow movement of said door from said second state to said first state,
and wherein said second actuating means comprises powered drive means (<NUM>) comprising a rotary motor having a rotary output coupled to a reel (<NUM>), the reel being coupled to one of the base or the door.