Mixer assembly, storage space, aircraft and method of manufacturing a mixer assembly

By employing a fluid connection design between the mixing chamber wall and the outer shell in the mixer assembly, combined with the direct arrangement of filter elements, the structural complexity and inconvenient installation problems of air mixing systems in traditional aircraft are solved, achieving compact and efficient air mixing.

CN110775282BActive Publication Date: 2026-11-03AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN201910681207.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-07-27
Filing Date
2019-07-26
Publication Date
2026-11-03
Estimated Expiration
2039-07-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The air mixing system in the mixing chamber of traditional aircraft is complex and not compact, requiring separate suction lines and additional isolation components, which makes installation and maintenance inconvenient.

Method used

The mixer assembly employs an onion-shaped structure, achieving fluid connection through the gap between the mixing chamber wall and the outer shell. Filter elements are arranged on the outer shell, eliminating the need for separate suction lines. Combined with a delivery device and check valve, this results in a compact mixer assembly structure that provides thermal insulation and soundproofing.

Benefits of technology

The compact design of the mixer assembly simplifies the installation and replacement of filter elements, improves the uniformity of air mixing and thermal insulation, and reduces installation complexity and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN110775282B_ABST
    Figure CN110775282B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixer assembly, a storage space, an aircraft and a method of manufacturing a mixer assembly. In particular, the invention relates to a mixer assembly for mixing two air flows in a ventilation system, comprising a mixing chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet and a mixing chamber wall delimiting the mixing chamber, and a housing at least section-wise surrounding the mixing chamber wall. The housing constitutes and delimits a gap between the mixing chamber wall and the housing. The mixer assembly further comprises a filter element, which puts the gap in fluid connection with the surrounding of the mixer assembly, wherein the gap is in fluid connection with the mixing chamber. Thus, a fluid can flow through the filter element into the gap and further into the mixing chamber. Furthermore, a storage space having a mixer assembly, an aircraft having such a storage space and a method of manufacturing a mixer assembly in an aircraft are described.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mixer assembly having an enclosing filter element, a storage space having the mixer assembly, a carrier having the storage space, and a method for installing the mixer assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a mixer assembly having a filter element that fluidly connects the gap surrounding the mixing chamber to the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly; a storage space having such a mixer assembly; and an aircraft having such a storage space. The invention also relates to a method for rapidly installing the mixer assembly into an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional aircraft, the mixing chamber for mixing fresh air with recirculated air is usually located in the fuselage, where recirculated air is directly drawn in and delivered to the mixing chamber. To ensure as uniform a suction as possible on both sides of the aircraft and to achieve redundancy in the air guiding components, two suction lines, each with a filter element, are arranged in the mixing chamber.

[0003] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a view of a conventional mixing chamber 20 having two symmetrically arranged suction lines 21, each with a filter element 22 installed at its end. Air purified by the filter element 22 is guided via the suction lines 21 to the bottom region of the mixing chamber 20. In this bottom region, the air purified by the filter element can be mixed with fresh air from the fresh air line 24. In the top region, the mixed air is supplied to a corresponding mixed air line. The mixed air can be directed, for example, to the aircraft cabin, cockpit, and / or cargo hold.

[0004] The filter elements 22 are arranged in the space of the aircraft in such a way that they are easily accessible for easy replacement, and that they draw recirculated air from both sides of the space of the aircraft so as to enable the uniform and symmetrical guidance of recirculated air from the cabin on which they are arranged. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a compact mixer assembly. A further object of this invention is to provide a storage space having such a mixer assembly, an aircraft, and a method for easily installing the mixer assembly.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a mixer assembly, storage space, vehicle, and method having the following characteristics.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a mixer assembly for mixing two airflows in a mixing ventilation system includes a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and a mixing chamber wall defining the mixing chamber. The mixer assembly further includes a housing that at least segmentally surrounds the mixing chamber wall, the housing further defining a gap between the mixing chamber wall and the housing. Finally, the mixer assembly includes a filter element that fluidly connects the gap to the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly. Furthermore, the gap is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber.

[0008] This layered, onion-shaped structure allows for a very compact mixer assembly. In particular, the elimination of separate suction lines, as in conventional systems, enables a compact mixer assembly. Furthermore, the gap between the mixing chamber walls and the outer casing provides thermal insulation for the mixing chamber. Thermal insulation relative to the surrounding environment of the mixing chamber is achieved solely through the two-layer structure, but also through the flow of a relatively hot fluid through the gap. Therefore, additional insulating elements (as required in conventional mixing chambers) can be eliminated, resulting in a similarly very compact mixer assembly structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the filter element can be removably arranged on the mixer assembly and adjacent to the housing. This direct arrangement allows for further reduction in the size of the mixer assembly. Fluid (e.g., recirculated air) can flow directly into the gap after passing through the filter element. The housing may, for example, have one or more openings that are covered by the adjacent filter element, allowing fluid (recirculated air) to flow directly through the filter element through these openings into the gap. Additionally, effective sound insulation is provided by arranging the filter element on the housing and on its openings / multiple openings. The outer filter element absorbs sound from the gap and the mixing chamber, thus eliminating the need for additional sound insulation measures.

[0010] The mixer assembly may also include multiple filter elements. These filter elements may collectively cover the housing without overlapping each other. Alternatively or additionally, these filter elements may overlap each other at least segmentally, thus forming a multi-layered filter element. This allows for easier installation of multiple thinner filter elements, particularly in cases where the mixing chamber is difficult to access, while also enabling faster installation of individual filter elements.

[0011] In another design variant of the mixer assembly, the filter element may have a profile on its side facing the housing that at least segmentally corresponds to the profile of the outer side of the housing. This form-fitting arrangement of the filter element on the housing prevents air from potentially flowing around the filter element into the gaps. Furthermore, the filter element may have a sealing element on its outer edge facing the housing, adjacent to the housing. This also prevents flow around the filter element.

[0012] In yet another design variant, the mixer assembly may further include a delivery device configured to convey fluid through the filter element into the gap and from the gap into the mixing chamber. Here, the delivery device is sized to ensure a sufficient volumetric flow rate of fluid through the filter element to adequately supply recirculated air to the mixing chamber. Furthermore, the volumetric flow rate of the recirculated air can be adjusted via the delivery device. Alternatively, the mixer assembly may also include multiple delivery devices, each configured to convey fluid through the filter element into the gap and from the gap into the mixing chamber.

[0013] According to one variant, the conveying device is arranged within the gap. Therefore, the conveying device can generate a volumetric flow rate within the gap. If the gap is closed relative to the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly except for the opening towards the filter element, fluid is drawn into the gap through the filter element.

[0014] Optionally, the fluid is conveyed into the mixing chamber through the mixing chamber wall. For this purpose, the mixing chamber wall may have one or more openings through which the fluid flows. In one design variant, the conveying device is entirely housed between the mixing chamber wall and the housing, with at least one opening in the mixing chamber wall and the housing located on opposite sides of the conveying device (inlet side and outlet side). The gap (entirely or at least partly) is formed almost entirely by the interior of the conveying device, where the housing is used to hold the filter element or may be omitted. However, an effective filter cross-sectional area, larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the conveying device, is typically required to ensure undisturbed filtration of the fluid.

[0015] Alternatively, a check valve may be arranged on the outlet side of the conveying device and / or in / at the mixing chamber wall. The check valve prevents fluid from flowing from the mixing chamber into the gap and / or the conveying device, rather than flowing to the outlet of the mixing chamber.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the mixer assembly further includes a premixer in fluid connection to the inlet of the mixing chamber. Here, the delivery device can deliver the fluid from the gap into the premixer. In the premixer, the fluid can be directed along with other fluid flows. Optionally, the premixer may have an extraction port to extract the premixed fluid before it flows into the mixing chamber (e.g., for further directing it to priority areas of the aircraft, such as the cockpit or instruments requiring air).

[0017] In another design variant of the mixer assembly, the mixer assembly may further include a fresh air supply duct that is fluidly connected to the inlet of the mixing chamber. The fresh air duct can provide fresh air from an air conditioning unit (e.g., an aircraft air conditioning system). The fresh air can then be mixed with recirculated air in the mixing chamber, where the ratio of these two airflows satisfies various parameters. These include, but are only exemplarily speaking, temperature, humidity, and the minimum fresh air supply per passenger.

[0018] According to another aspect, the storage space in the vehicle includes a mixer assembly as described in the first aspect or a variant of the design described. The storage space may relate to a space within the fuselage of the aircraft, such as in the lower fuselage, at the wing root, and / or near the aircraft's air conditioning units. The storage space is provided with inlet piping for recirculated air or otherwise fluidly connected (e.g., via bulkheads) to areas of the aircraft (e.g., the cabin) to direct recirculated air into the storage space and subsequently absorb (draw in) it through filter elements of the mixer assembly.

[0019] In one design variant, the storage space may further include a partition wall separating the storage space containing the mixer assembly from the cargo hold. The partition wall serves to isolate the cargo hold from other areas of the aircraft. Optionally, the partition wall has at least one filter mounting opening. Here, the filter element can be configured to be pushed through the filter mounting opening and, in a terminated position, to fluidly connect the gap with the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly and fluidly seal the filter mounting opening. In other words, the partition wall and the mixer assembly are arranged relative to each other such that the filter element can be brought from the cargo hold to a mounting position (terminal position) within the mixer assembly, where the filter element filters the recirculated air supplied to the mixing chamber.

[0020] The filter element may further have terminal elements, which may be received at least in sections within the filter mounting opening. The terminal elements may, for example, have sections whose shape corresponds to the filter mounting opening. Thus, the filter element can completely close the filter mounting opening. Alternatively, the terminal element may be adapted to the filter mounting opening, wherein the terminal element terminates flush with the partition wall (i.e., in a plane); or the terminal element may completely cover the filter mounting opening, wherein a portion of the terminal element is placed on the partition wall and thus extends from the partition wall (viewed perpendicular to the plane of the partition wall).

[0021] Optionally, the filter element or partition wall (at the filter mounting opening) may have sealing elements to ensure a fluid seal between the cargo hold and the storage space. The cargo hold must, for example, be sealed relative to other areas of the aircraft in such a way that no harmful substances (smoke, gases, etc.) escape from the cargo hold and could potentially reach other areas (e.g., the passenger cabin, cockpit, etc.).

[0022] In another design variant, the terminal element has a locking device configured to secure it to the partition wall in such a way that the filter element is fixed in its termination position. This also allows the terminal element to be held in a position where it seals the filter mounting opening and thereby seals the cargo compartment.

[0023] According to another aspect, the vehicle includes storage space as described in one of the design variations according to the foregoing aspects or dependent design variations. The vehicle can refer to any vehicle equipped with a ventilation / air conditioning system having recirculated air mixing. The vehicle can, for example, refer to an aircraft.

[0024] According to another aspect, a method for manufacturing a mixer assembly for an aircraft includes the steps of: providing a mixing chamber including a mixing chamber wall defining the mixing chamber; installing a housing that at least segmentally surrounds the mixing chamber wall and defines a gap between the mixing chamber wall and the housing; mounting a filter element on an outer surface of the housing, wherein the filter element fluidly connects the gap to the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly and wherein the gap is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber; introducing the mixer assembly having the installed housing and filter element into a storage space of the aircraft; and securing the mixer assembly in the storage space.

[0025] It is possible to prefabricate the mixer assembly, including the filter elements, outside the aircraft and then install the prefabricated mixer assembly into the aircraft's storage space. This can significantly speed up the installation of the mixer assembly into the vehicle because the assembly (manufacturing) of the mixer assembly can be carried out outside the vehicle. Furthermore, the lack of space in the vehicle's storage space, which typically delays assembly during the mixer assembly installation process, can be avoided. Assembly is also faster because it is not necessary to lay separate suction lines in the storage space.

[0026] The outer casing can also be installed during the manufacturing process of the mixing chamber. For example, the mixing chamber walls and the outer casing can be produced in a single step. Suitable methods for this include jetting, deep drawing, and 3D printing, which allow two parallel (or concentric) walls to be formed simultaneously.

[0027] In one variation, the method further includes removing the filter element from the mixer assembly and installing a new filter element on the outer surface of the housing. These steps can be performed without disassembling other components of the mixer assembly. This replacement of the filter element typically must be done at regular intervals and therefore can be performed particularly quickly due to the arrangement of the filter elements in the mixing chamber. Filter elements immediately adjacent to the outer side of the mixing chamber can be easily and quickly detached and replaced with new filter elements.

[0028] Furthermore, the design schemes, variations, and aspects described herein can be arbitrarily combined, thereby including other design variations not explicitly described in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a conventional mixing chamber with additional ventilation components.

[0031] Figure 2 A perspective view of the mixer components is shown schematically.

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic top view of the filter element of the mixer assembly is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows a cross-section running longitudinally through the mixer assembly.

[0034] Figure 5 The diagram schematically shows a partial section of the cross-section of the mixer assembly running longitudinally through a variation of the design.

[0035] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates a view of a mixer component based on a variant of another design.

[0036] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 6 Side view of the mixer component.

[0037] Figure 8 A vehicle with a mixer assembly is schematically shown, and

[0038] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a mixer component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] According to the present invention, a mixer assembly is described having a mixing chamber wall and a housing surrounding the mixing chamber wall, wherein a filter element fluidly connects a gap between the mixing chamber wall and the housing to the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly, and the gap is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber. Furthermore, a storage space having such a mixer assembly, a carrier having such a storage space, and a method for manufacturing the mixer assembly are also described.

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective view of the mixer assembly 100 is schematically shown, while Figure 4 A schematic cross-section longitudinally through the mixer assembly 100 is shown. The mixer assembly 100 includes a mixing chamber 110 having at least one inlet 111 and at least one outlet 112, and a mixing chamber wall 113 located therebetween defining the mixing chamber 110. The mixing chamber 110 is surrounded by a housing 120 and a filter element 130.

[0041] Such as using Figure 4 It is identifiable that the mixing chamber wall 113 is at least segmentally surrounded by the housing 120, wherein the housing 120 defines a gap 121 between the mixing chamber wall 113 and the housing 120. The gap 121 can be through which fluid (e.g., air) flows. Here, a filter element 130 disposed outside the housing 120 puts the gap 121 in fluid contact with the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly 100. For example, the filter element 130 may be placed on the housing 120 and thereby cover an opening 122 in the housing 120. Figure 4 The diagram only shows a single opening 122 in each of the shown segments of the filter element 130. Multiple openings 122 may, of course, be present. Similarly, this disclosure is not limited to the size of the shown openings 122. The housing 120 may also be composed, for example, at least in sections, of a perforated plate, thereby allowing the housing 120 to be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0042] The filter element 130 is removably disposed on the mixer assembly 100 and disposed adjacent to the housing 120. Therefore, the filter element 130 can be designed in a multi-piece manner, as shown in the example from the filter element 130... Figure 3 As can be seen in the schematic top view shown, filter element 130 may consist of two semicircular parts rotatably connected to each other at a joint 131. The joint 131 may consist of multiple joints or a single hinge. On the opposite side, the two parts of filter element 130 are connected to each other by a latching element 132. The latching element 132 may be implemented very simply by eyelets or other openings in each of the two filter element parts and locking bolts introduced into these eyelets or other openings. It is also possible that the latching element 132 is at least partially composed of hook and loop fasteners.

[0043] The filter element 130 has a profile 133 on the side (inner side) facing the housing 120, which at least segmentally corresponds to the profile of the outer side of the housing 120. This achieves a secure fit between the filter element 130 and the housing 120, which in turn prevents fluid from being drawn between the filter element 130 and the housing 120 and thus bypassing the filter element 130. The cross-section of the mounted filter element on the inner side (i.e., profile 133) can be, for example, circular, and the cross-section of the housing 120 can also be circular with the same diameter.

[0044] Additionally, at least one sealing element 134 may be arranged on the filter element 130 or the housing 120, which seals the gap between the filter element 130 and the housing 120 at the outer edge of the filter element 130. This ensures that no fluid is drawn between the filter element 130 and the housing 120 and thus may bypass the filter element.

[0045] As from Figure 4 The flow arrows indicate that fluid (e.g., recirculated air from the surrounding environment of mixer assembly 100) is conveyed through filter element 130 (through opening 122) to gap 121 via conveying device 140 and from gap 121 to mixing chamber 110. In other words, conveying device 140 draws fluid from gap 121, thereby causing fluid to flow from the surrounding environment of mixer assembly 100 through filter element 130 and opening 122.

[0046] according to Figure 4In this design, the filtered fluid is further guided by a delivery device 140 through a premixer 150, which is fluidly connected to the inlet 111 of the mixing chamber 110. The premixer 150 mixes the recirculated air thus delivered with fresh air from the fresh air line 160, and then these two air streams enter the mixing chamber 110 through the inlet 111. After being fully mixed in the mixing chamber 110, the mixed air stream is guided through the outlet 112 to areas of the vehicle where fresh air should be supplied, such as, for example, the passenger cabin 12 (see...). Figure 8 Here, the outlet 112 of the mixing chamber 110 can be connected to the vehicle's common piping system, which is therefore not shown here and will not be described further.

[0047] The premixed airflow can be discharged from the premixer 150 via the corresponding interface 170. For example, it is noteworthy that such airflow can be supplied to designated areas (e.g., the cockpit) with individual air supply distribution requirements (e.g., thermal requirements or special needs regarding the fresh air / recirculated air ratio).

[0048] Figure 5 A partial cross-section of the mixer assembly 100, longitudinally passing through a variant of the design, is schematically shown. In this variant, the delivery device 140 is arranged in the gap 121. Thus, fluid can be delivered through the mixing chamber wall 113 into the mixing chamber 110 without passing through the premixer 150 (see...). Figure 4 One or more conveying devices 140 may be arranged (each) in front of the opening 114 in the mixing chamber wall 113. An opening / multiple openings 122 in the housing 120 may be opposite to the opening 114 in the mixing chamber wall 113, such that the one or more conveying devices 140 may be located between these two openings 122, 114. Alternatively, the openings 122, 114 may also be arranged staggered from each other in the longitudinal direction of the mixing chamber 110, as in... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. This enables the flow of filtered fluid to be at least partially mixed within the gap 121.

[0049] The remaining structure of the mixer assembly 100 is the same as Figure 4 The structure shown corresponds accordingly and therefore will not be elaborated further. Since fluids from other sources (such as fresh air via fresh air line 160) are also directed into the mixing chamber 110 via opening 111, check valve 180 prevents fresh air from escaping from the mixing chamber 110 toward the delivery device 140 and filter element 130.

[0050] Figure 6 A view of the mixer component 100 according to another design variant is shown schematically. Figure 6The view shown in the image illustrates a mixer component 100 similar to... Figure 4 The cross-section. With Figure 2 and 3 Unlike the variant shown, filter element 130 is designed to be rectangular, i.e., without bends. Correspondingly, housing 120 is also straight, at least in the region immediately adjacent to filter element 130. This allows for easier removal of the filter element, as it can be pulled out like a drawer. A sealing element 134 may also be provided here to fluid-tightly mount filter element 130 onto housing 120.

[0051] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 6 A side view of the mixer assembly 100 is shown. The arrangement of the mixer assembly 100 within a storage space 200 of a vehicle (e.g., aircraft 11) is illustrated. The storage space 200 is separated from the cargo hold 220 by a partition wall 210. A filter mounting opening 211 is correspondingly provided in the partition wall 210 through which one of the filter elements 130 can be pushed in and pushed out. A fully pushed-in filter element 130 can, in its terminated position, fluidly connect the gap 121 with the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly 100 while simultaneously fluidly sealing the filter mounting opening 211. The filter element 130 can be guided to its terminated position by a corresponding guide element (not shown). For this purpose, for example, a guide rail or other sliding device can be provided to achieve a "drawer function".

[0052] To achieve a fluid seal for the cargo compartment, an additional sealing element 212 may be provided even with the introduction of filter element 130. This additional sealing element may be arranged, for example, along the edge of filter mounting opening 211 and / or along the corresponding edge or side of terminal element 135 of filter element 130. Terminal element 135 has a shape corresponding to the shape of filter mounting opening 211. Thus, when filter element 130 has reached its termination position (the usage position on housing 120), terminal element 135 can be arranged flush with partition wall 210. Alternatively, terminal element 135 may completely cover filter mounting opening 211 and have a cover (not shown) of a type larger than filter mounting opening 211.

[0053] This arrangement allows for quick replacement of the filter element 130 from the cargo hold 220 without opening a separate entrance for maintenance personnel to access the storage space 210. This makes the replacement of the filter element 130 not only simple but also cost-effective.

[0054] Figure 8A vehicle (e.g., aircraft 11) with a mixer assembly 100 is schematically shown. The mixer assembly 100 may be arranged in a storage space 200, which is separated from the cargo hold 220 by a partition wall 210. The mixer assembly 100 is used to mix two airflows in the ventilation system 10, wherein the two mixed airflows may be supplied to areas of the vehicle (e.g., aircraft 11), such as to the passenger cabin 12.

[0055] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a mixer assembly 100 is shown. In a first step 310, a mixing chamber 110 is provided, and subsequently in step 320, a housing 120 is installed, which at least segmentally surrounds the mixing chamber wall 113. The installation 320 of the housing 120 may also include integrating the housing 120 with the mixing chamber 110. In other words, the housing 120 and the mixing chamber 110 can be manufactured as a single piece. Then, in step 330, a filter element 130 can be mounted on the outer surface of the housing 120. Here, as referenced... Figures 2 to 7 As described, filter element 130 puts gap 121 in fluid contact with the surrounding environment of mixer assembly 100.

[0056] The prefabricated mixer assembly 100 can be introduced into the storage space 200 of the aircraft 11 during the final processing of the aircraft 11, such as in the final assembly line (FAL) (step 340). Subsequently, in step 350, the mixer assembly 100 can be placed in the storage space 200 along with the already installed housing 120. Optionally, the filter element 130 can also be installed when the mixer assembly 100 is introduced into and secured in the storage space 200. Alternatively, the filter element 130 can be arranged on or at the mixer assembly 100 after the mixer assembly 100 has been secured in the storage space 200.

[0057] Not only is the installation of the mixer assembly 100 designed in this way, but the replacement of the filter element 130 of this mixer assembly 100 is also particularly quick and easy. Therefore, in the next step 360, the filter element 130 can be removed from the mixer assembly 100, while the rest of the mixer assembly remains in the storage space 200 of the aircraft 11. Then, in step 331, a new filter element 130 can be installed on the outer surface of the housing 120. This can be done either by using... Figure 2 and 3 The filter element 130 is enclosed in the housing 120, or by pushing it in according to... Figure 6 and 7 This is achieved using filter element 130.

[0058] The variations, designs, and embodiments described above are for the purpose of describing the claimed teachings only, but are not limited to these variations, designs, and embodiments.

Claims

1. A mixer assembly (100) for mixing two airflows in a ventilation system (10), wherein the mixer assembly (100) comprises: - A mixing chamber (110) including an inlet (111) and an outlet (112) and a mixing chamber wall (113) defining the mixing chamber (110). - A housing (120) that at least segmentally surrounds the mixing chamber wall (113), wherein the housing (120) defines a gap (121) between the mixing chamber wall (113) and the housing (120) and has one or more openings (122); and - A filter element (130) disposed outside the housing (120) and covering one or more openings (122) in the housing (120). The filter element (130) allows fluid to flow directly through one or more openings (122) into the gap (121), thus placing the gap (121) in fluid contact with the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly (100). The gap (121) is in fluid connection with the mixing chamber (110).

2. The mixer assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the filter element (130) is detachably disposed on the mixer assembly (100) and disposed adjacent to the housing (120).

3. The mixer assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein the filter element (130) has a profile on the side facing the housing (120) that corresponds at least segmentally to the profile of the outer side surface of the housing (120).

4. The mixer assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mixer assembly further comprises: - A conveying device (140) configured to convey fluid through the filter element (130) into the gap (121) and from the gap (121) into the mixing chamber (110).

5. The mixer assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein the delivery device (140) is arranged in the gap (121) and delivers the fluid through the mixing chamber wall (113) into the mixing chamber (110).

6. The mixer assembly (100) of claim 4, further comprising: - A premixer (150), which is in fluid connection with the inlet (111) of the mixing chamber (110), The delivery device (140) delivers the fluid from the gap (121) to the premixer (150).

7. The mixer assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mixer assembly further comprises: - Fresh air supply line (160), which is in fluid connection with the inlet (111) of the mixing chamber (110).

8. A storage space (200) in a vehicle, wherein the storage space (200) comprises: - The mixer assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The storage space (200) according to claim 8, wherein the storage space further comprises: - A partition wall (210) that separates the storage space (200) containing the mixer assembly (100) from the cargo hold (220) and has at least one filter mounting opening (211). The filter element (130) is configured to be pushed through the filter mounting opening (211) and in the termination position to fluidly connect the gap (121) with the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly (100) and fluidly seal the filter mounting opening (211).

10. The storage space (200) according to claim 9, wherein the storage space further comprises: - Terminal element (135), which is configured to fluid seal the filter mounting opening (211).

11. The storage space (200) according to claim 10, wherein the terminal element (135) has a shape that corresponds to or completely covers the shape of the filter mounting opening (211).

12. An aircraft (11) having a storage space (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a mixer assembly (100) in an aircraft (11), wherein the method comprises: Provide (310) a mixing chamber (110), the mixing chamber including a mixing chamber wall (113) defining the mixing chamber (110); Mount (320) housing (120), the housing at least segmentally surrounding the mixing chamber wall (113) and defining a gap (121) between the mixing chamber wall (113) and the housing (120), the housing (120) including one or more openings (122). A filter element (130) is mounted (330) on the outer side of the housing (120), wherein the filter element (130) covers one or more openings (122) of the housing (120) and makes the gap (121) fluidly connected to the surrounding environment of the mixer assembly (100), and wherein the gap (121) is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber (110) by allowing fluid to flow directly through the one or more openings (122) to flow through the filter element into the gap (121); A mixer assembly (100) having an installed housing (120) and filter elements (130) is introduced (340) into the storage space (200) of the aircraft (11); and The mixer assembly (100) is secured (350) in the storage space (200).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Remove (360) the filter element (130) from the mixer assembly (100); and The new filter element (130) is mounted (331) on the outer surface of the housing (120).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Ceiling mounted air circulation unit with filtration

    US20010049927A1

  • Contaminate Control Device

    US20120258014A1

  • Air purifier for transportation vehicles

    US20160256590A1

  • Gas purification apparatus

    US3893829A