Cabin air ventilation system for aircraft cabin, aircraft section and aircraft

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a nacelle air ventilation system (100) for an aircraft nacelle (10), the nacelle air ventilation system comprising: a riser (50) configured to direct fresh air to the aircraft nacelle (10); and an air outlet (101, 102) connected to the riser (50). The air outlet (101, 102) includes an inlet fluidly connected to the riser, a body having an outlet opening, and a plurality of vanes arranged in the outlet opening, where a first number of vanes are oriented in a first direction and a second number of vanes are oriented in a second direction that forms an angle with the first direction. An aircraft section and an aircraft are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an aircraft cabin air ventilation system, an aircraft section having such a ventilation system associated with a seat row, and a corresponding aircraft. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aircraft cabin air ventilation system having a plurality of vanes in an air outlet, wherein some of the vanes are oriented in a different direction from the remaining vanes. The present disclosure also relates to an aircraft section, and a corresponding aircraft having such a ventilation system and / or aircraft section, the aircraft section having such an aircraft cabin air ventilation system and a seat row spatially arranged relative to the ventilation system. Background Art

[0002] Conventional aircraft are equipped with an air ventilation system that provides a general air supply to the aircraft cabin, such as lateral air outlets (LAOs) and ceiling air outlets (CAOs), as well as individual nozzles in personal service units (PSUs). While the PSUs are arranged above and associated with the seat rows in the aircraft, the LAOs and CAOs provide air supply in the lateral area of the aircraft cabin, for example above the windows in the area of the overhead stowage compartment, and in the ceiling area of the aircraft cabin, respectively.

[0003] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a part of a conventional ventilation system including a riser 50 (such as a riser 50 connected to a main air supply pipe in the floor area). Such a riser 50 can be arranged between the outer skin of the aircraft and the lining of the aircraft cabin. Thus, the riser 50 is arranged adjacent to and / or parallel to the frame of the main structure of the aircraft. The lateral air outlet, LAO 51, and the ceiling air outlet, CAO 52, are connected to such a riser 50. By way of example only, one LAO 51 and one CAO 52 can be fluidly coupled to the same riser 50.

[0004] As illustrated in the detailed view of FIG. 1, each of the LAO 51 and the CAO 52 is configured to produce a straight flow of air supplied by the riser 50. By arranging a plurality of LAO 51 and CAO 52 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis) of the aircraft, a straight air flow (along the Y-axis) is provided along the entire aircraft (in the X-Y plane). For example, the width of each LAO 51 and CAO 52 may be substantially the same as the distance between two adjacent risers 50 (when viewed in the X-axis (longitudinal) direction), such that adjacent LAO 51 and CAO 52 can be in contact with each other or at least very close to each other. Thus, the entire aircraft cabin can be supplied with fresh air, and the fresh air will flow from the lateral side and the top panel area of the aircraft cabin to the center of the aircraft cabin. Since air is typically removed from the aircraft cabin at so-called wainscot panels arranged at the side walls and the floor of the aircraft cabin, the air supply basically circulates through the aircraft cabin in the cross-sectional plane (Y-axis - Z-axis).

[0005] In fact, this ensures the ventilation of each part of the aircraft section with LAO 51 and CAO 52. However, some areas of the aircraft cabin may require different ventilation schemes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved air ventilation system that provides an optimal supply of fresh air throughout the aircraft cabin.

[0007] This object is solved by the invention defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, for a better understanding of the present disclosure, an aircraft cabin air ventilation system for a plurality of seat rows in an aircraft cabin includes: a riser arranged along a lateral side of the aircraft cabin and configured to direct fresh air into the aircraft cabin; and an air outlet connected to an upper end of the riser and distributing the air directed from the riser in an area associated with the riser.

[0009] In addition to this rather conventional combination of the riser and the air outlet, the air outlet of the present disclosure includes: an inlet fluidly connected to the riser; a body extending from the inlet and having an outlet opening with a larger cross-section than the inlet; and a plurality of vanes arranged in the outlet opening, wherein a first number of the plurality of vanes are oriented in a first direction, and a second number of the plurality of vanes are oriented in a second direction forming an angle with the first direction.

[0010] This allows the air provided by the riser to be distributed into regions of the aircraft cabin that are different from the cross-sectional plane (Y-axis - Z-axis). In particular, by arranging some of the plurality of vanes in different directions, an air flow along that direction can be achieved. This allows fresh air to be distributed from the riser in a region that is smaller or larger than the region in which fresh air is provided in a conventional ventilation system.

[0011] It should be understood that the "fresh air" to be distributed in the aircraft cabin may include recirculated air or may be recirculated air, which is a mixture of air taken from the aircraft's surroundings and air removed from the aircraft cabin.

[0012] In addition, the air outlet can be a lateral air outlet (LAO) or a ceiling air outlet (CAO), such that conventional risers and conventional LAOs and CAOs can be employed, but additionally equipped with a plurality of vanes as described herein.

[0013] In an implementation variant, the air outlet can further include an actuator configured to move a second number of vanes to change a second direction. Thus, the second direction can be actively modified (a portion of the air provided by the riser can be directed to the second direction). Although it is possible for the actuator to move the second number of vanes in such a way that the second number of vanes point in the first direction, the actuator is configured to move the second number of vanes in a direction deviating from the first direction such that the second direction forms an angle with the first direction.

[0014] In another implementation variant, the air outlet can further include a linkage rod connected to the actuator, wherein the actuator moves the linkage rod. In addition, the air outlet can include connecting devices that pivotally connect the linkage rod to each of the second number of vanes, wherein the connecting devices convert the back-and-forth movement of the linkage rod into a pivoting movement of the second number of vanes.

[0015] By way of example only, the connecting devices can be hinges between the linkage rod and each of the second number of vanes or at least include hinges between the linkage rod and each of the second number of vanes. Additionally, each of the second number of vanes can be pivotally mounted to the body of the air outlet, and the vanes have a different axis of rotation from the connecting devices. Thus, moving the linkage rod back and forth allows each of the second number of vanes to perform a rotational movement about its respective axis of rotation, while the linkage rod also performs a rotational movement relative to the second number of vanes.

[0016] It should be understood that more than one connecting rod can be provided and each blade of the second number of blades can be supported in a manner that allows three-dimensional (rotational) movement. Thus, each blade of the second number of blades can change its position not only rotationally (in a plane) but also three-dimensionally.

[0017] In an implementation variant, the plurality of blades can form a baffle, a corrugated member, a cylindrical body, and / or a cube. In other words, each blade of the plurality of blades can be a sheet-like element (straight or bent in a wave shape) or a three-dimensional object. In any case, each blade has at least one surface along which an air flow of air supplied by the riser flows. The at least one surface is oriented in a second direction such that at least a portion of the air flow is directed / guided in the second direction.

[0018] According to a second aspect, for a better understanding of the present disclosure, the aircraft section includes the cabin air ventilation system of the first aspect or one or more variants of the cabin air ventilation system.

[0019] In an implementation variant, the aircraft section can further include at least one first seat row and at least one second seat row. The first seat row is arranged in the area of the aircraft section where the riser (the riser of the cabin air ventilation system) is installed, and the second seat row is arranged in the area of the aircraft section where there is no riser and is adjacent to the first seat row. Thus, the aircraft section can be arranged in an area of the aircraft that is not intended to receive conventional fresh air supply via LAO and / or CAO.

[0020] In an implementation variant, the first direction can point to the first seat row, and the second direction can point to the second seat row. Thus, the air outlets of the cabin air ventilation system are arranged in the aircraft section such that a conventionally unventilated area or an area that is only indirectly ventilated can be provided with fresh air via the second number of blades, which direct / guide the air from the riser towards the second seat row. This increases the comfort of the passengers sitting in this area.

[0021] In an implementation variant, the aircraft section can further include a temperature sensor configured to measure the air temperature in the aircraft section. The first direction and / or the second direction can point away from the temperature sensor.

[0022] By way of example only, the temperature sensor can be arranged in the area of the overhead stowage compartment, i.e., in an area close to the LAO and / or CAO of the cabin air ventilation system such as the air outlet. For example, the temperature sensor can be arranged on the top of the overhead stowage compartment, between two adjacent overhead stowage compartments, behind the lining (sidewall and / or roof lining) of the aircraft cabin, or in a similar area of the aircraft cabin.

[0023] On the one hand, the air flow output from the air outlet near the temperature sensor can generate a vortex or can be involved in the vortex, and the vortex touches or sweeps over the temperature sensor. On the other hand, the air flow output from the air outlet on the laterally opposite side of the temperature sensor can flow directly towards the temperature sensor (for example, by means of a first number of vanes oriented in a first direction). Therefore, the fresh air supplied to the aircraft section - which is usually colder than the required air temperature - can be directed to the temperature sensor in a "short circuit" (vortex) and / or only over a short distance (opposite arrangement). Therefore, the measured temperature may not reflect the actual temperature in the aircraft section.

[0024] By arranging the first number of vanes and / or the second number of vanes in a direction pointing away from the temperature sensor, the accuracy of temperature measurement can be improved because it is possible to avoid cold air directly hitting the temperature sensor.

[0025] In an implementation variant, the first direction or the second direction can be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft section and the vertical direction. The longitudinal direction of the aircraft section corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft, such as the X-axis direction of the aircraft from the nose to the tail. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the vertical direction is, for example, the Z-axis direction.

[0026] According to a third aspect, for a better understanding of the present disclosure, the aircraft includes at least one cabin air ventilation system of the first aspect or one or more variants of the variants of the cabin air ventilation system.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the aircraft can include at least one aircraft section of the second aspect or one or more variants of the variants of the aircraft section.

[0028] The present disclosure is not limited to the aspects and variants in the described forms and orders. Specifically, the description of the aspects and variants should not be understood as a specific restrictive grouping of features. It will be understood that the present disclosure also covers combinations of aspects and variants. Therefore, each variant or optional feature can be combined with any other aspect, variant, optional feature or even its combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be further described with reference to the exemplary implementations illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a part of a conventional ventilation system of an aircraft;

[0031] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a conventional aircraft section in a plan view and a partial side view;

[0032] Figure 3 A plan view schematically illustrates an aircraft section according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematically illustrate a perspective view and a top view of an air outlet;

[0034] Figure 5 Schematically illustrate a plurality of vanes of the air outlet;

[0035] Figure 6 Schematically illustrate the air outlet;

[0036] Figure 7 Schematically illustrate an internal side view of an aircraft section; and

[0037] Figure 8 Schematically illustrate an exemplary configuration of an air outlet having a plurality of vanes. Detailed Description

[0038] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced in other implementations without these specific details.

[0039] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 schematically illustrate in a plan view and a partial side view a part of a conventional ventilation system of an aircraft 1 and a conventional aircraft section 5. Specifically, the riser 50 may have a lateral air outlet 51 and / or a top plate air outlet 52 connected to the riser 50 such that air is distributed / discharged in the aircraft section 5. For example, a plurality of seat rows 20 may be provided in the aircraft section 5, wherein the air outlets 51, 52 are arranged above the seat rows 20 at the side wall (in the case of the lateral air outlet 51) and the top plate (in the case of the top plate air outlet 52). The riser 50 may be provided behind the side wall lining of the aircraft cabin 10, i.e., close to the outer skin of the aircraft (see FIG. 2).

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the conventional LAO 51 and CAO 52 provide a uniform air flow that is substantially perpendicular to the outlet openings of the LAO 51 and CAO 52, i.e., in the Y-axis direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-axis) of the aircraft 1. Such a uniform and substantially perpendicular air flow is desirable because the width of each LAO 51 and CAO 52 is approximately as wide as the distance between two adjacent risers 50. In other words, a row of LAO 51 and a row of CAO 52 are formed to provide a continuous air flow along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft 1, respectively.

[0041] As can be seen from Figure 2, in the rear part (tail section) of the aircraft, the riser 50 may not be present because such areas are typically used for compartments such as kitchens or toilets, which would block the LAO 51 or CAO 52. However, to maximize the number of passengers in the aircraft, additional seat rows 20 may be provided in such areas marked "AR" (indicating "additional row") in Figure 2.

[0042] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates a plan view of an aircraft section 5 according to the present disclosure, in which additional seat rows 20b are provided in the area AR. Thus, at least one first seat row 20a is arranged in the area of the aircraft section 5 where the riser 50 is installed. Passengers sitting in this first seat row 20a will experience fresh air supplied through one or more lateral air outlets 101 and / or one or more ceiling air outlets 102. It should be understood that the LAO 101 and CAO 102 may be connected to the riser 50 and may be arranged in the same manner as the LAO 51 and CAO 52 illustrated in Figure 1. Therefore, a detailed description of the LAO 101 and CAO 102 will not be repeated.

[0043] However, at least one second seat row 20b is arranged in the area AR of the aircraft section 5 where there is no riser 50 and thus no dedicated LAO 101 and / or CAO 102. To avoid reducing the supply of fresh air to passengers sitting in at least one second seat row 20b, the cabin air ventilation system 100 of the present disclosure is provided in the aircraft cabin 10. Specifically, such a cabin air ventilation system 100 includes a riser 50 and one or more air outlets 101, 102 connected to the riser 50 (the upper end portion of the riser 50).

[0044] Regarding the schematic illustration of the perspective view and top view of the air outlets 101, 102 Figure 4 , such LAO 101 and / or CAO 102 includes: an inlet 105, the inlet 105 being connected to the riser 50; and a body 108, the body 108 extending from the inlet and having an outlet opening 110, the outlet opening 110 having a larger cross-section than the inlet 105. In addition, a plurality of vanes 111, 112 are arranged in the outlet opening 110. A first number of vanes 111 are oriented in a first direction, and a second number of vanes are oriented in a second direction forming an angle with respect to the first direction. By way of example only, the first number of vanes 111 ( Figure 4 being 4 vanes in) may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, i.e., may be oriented along the Y-axis direction. Thus, these vanes 111 form a straight air flow as illustrated by the dashed arrows in Figure 3 . Such a straight air flow allows fresh air to be provided from the riser 50 to the first seat row 20a.

[0045] A second number of vanes 112 ( Figure 4 eight in number) may be oriented in different directions such that an inclined air flow is generated, as Figure 3 illustrated by the solid arrows in. Such vanes 112 may be oriented towards the second seat row 20b so as to also provide fresh air to the passengers sitting in the area AR. Due to the inclined air flow, a better mixing of air may be achieved in the area including the first seat row 20a and the second seat row 20b, such that the overall quality of the air in this area is improved.

[0046] Figure 5 Schematically illustrated are a plurality of vanes 112 of the air outlets 101, 102, in particular a second number of vanes 112. Specifically, while the second vanes 112 may be fixedly arranged in the air outlet opening 110, the position of the second vanes 122 may alternatively be controlled. Further, Figure 6 schematically illustrated is a vane control device 125 which may be mounted in the air outlet opening 110. Thus, the vanes 111, 112 of the present disclosure may be retrofitted into existing LAO51 / 101 and CAO 52 / 102.

[0047] An actuator 120 may be provided, which is configured to move the second number of vanes 112 to change the second direction. Figure 5 Exemplarily illustrated are three states of the second number of vanes 112. In the upper state, the vanes 112 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the air outlet opening 110 (and thus substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft 1), in the middle state, the vanes 112 swing to the right, while in the lower state, the vanes 112 swing to the left.

[0048] Such movement and change of the second direction may be achieved by providing a link rod 121 connected to the actuator 120, wherein the actuator 120 moves the link rod 121, e.g., Figure 5 back and forth as illustrated by the arrows shown in. Connecting devices 122, 123 pivotally connect the link rod 121 to each of the second number of vanes 112. Such connecting devices 122, 123 convert the back and forth movement of the link rod 121 into a pivotal movement of the second number of vanes 112. By way of example only, in the middle part of each vane 112, each vane may be pivotally mounted to the vane control device 125 and / or the body 108 of the air outlets 101, 102. Thus, each vane 112 pivots about such mounting (hinge) while the rod 121 moves back and forth.

[0049] It should be understood that the hinge portions of the illustrated connecting rod 121 and the blades 112 are merely exemplary. For example, in an alternative variant, each blade 112 may be coupled to a motor (not illustrated) such that each blade 112 can rotate to change the second direction. In this regard, each blade 112 may be associated with its own motor such that each blade 112 can be moved individually. This facilitates the mixing of the air released from the air outlets 101, 102.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally (although not illustrated), the three-dimensional movement of each blade 112 can be achieved by maintaining different types of hinge portions or more hinge portions of the blade 112. Additionally, another connecting rod (not illustrated) may be provided to effect movement of the blade 112 in a direction different from the forward and backward movement of the connecting rod 121. Accordingly, the orientation of the blade 112 can be modified three-dimensionally.

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic internal side view of the aircraft section 5 is illustrated. From this figure, it can be seen that the LAO 101 can be arranged below the overhead loading compartment 180, while the CAO 102 is arranged above the overhead loading compartment 180. In any case, the LAO 101 and the CAO 102 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft and are located above a plurality of seat rows 20.

[0052] Additionally, to control the air quality in the aircraft cabin 10, the temperature of the air in the aircraft cabin 10 can be measured. For example, the temperature sensor 150 can be arranged above the overhead loading compartment 180, such as above the gap between two adjacent overhead loading compartments 180. Such a temperature sensor 150 is Figure 7 schematically illustrated by a solid line in.

[0053] Alternatively, the temperature sensor 150 can be mounted between two adjacent overhead loading compartments 180, as Figure 7 schematically illustrated by a dashed line in.

[0054] Furthermore, as Figure 7 illustrated by the curved arrow in, the air leaving the CAO 102 may vortex and reach the temperature sensor 150 immediately after leaving the air outlet opening 110 and / or the blades 111, 112. Accordingly, the cold air normally provided through the riser 50 can be directed to the temperature sensor 150 in a short circuit manner, such that the measured temperature is inaccurate.

[0055] Similarly, the air leaving the air outlet opening 110 of the LAO 101 can reach the gap between two adjacent overhead loading compartments 180, where the temperature sensor 150 can also be arranged.

[0056] In addition, since the LAO 101 and the CAO 102 are arranged pairwise opposite to each other, the airflows directly leaving the LAO 101 and the CAO 102 may strike the temperature sensors 150 on the opposite sides of the aircraft cabin 10. In this case, the measured temperature may also be inaccurate.

[0057] To avoid this situation, Figure 8 An exemplary configuration of air outlets 101, 102 having a plurality of vanes 111, 112 is schematically illustrated. Specifically, the vanes 111, 112 are arranged such that the airflows leaving the air outlets 101, 102 are directed away from the temperature sensors 150, that is, the first direction and the second direction are directed away from the temperature sensors 150. In Figure 8 the upper part, a plan view of the relatively arranged outlets 101, 102 or vane control devices 125 is provided, and this plan view shows the vanes 112 directed in the second direction, with each vane facing away from the temperature sensor 150. By way of example only, adjacent to the temperature sensor 150, air outlets 101, 102 or vane control devices 125 including only the following vanes 112 may be provided: these vanes 112 are directed in a direction different from the substantially vertical direction, that is, directed in a direction different from the Y-axis.

[0058] In Figure 8 the lower part, a plan view of another air outlet 101, 102 is shown, in which a first number of vanes 111 provide a straight airflow, while a second number of vanes 112 provide an inclined airflow, and this inclined airflow is directed in a direction away from the temperature sensor 150.

[0059] Although the drawings illustrate the vanes 111, 112 as cylindrical bodies through which air can be guided, it should be understood that any form of vanes that allow air to be guided can be provided. By way of example only, the vanes 111, 112 can be baffles, corrugated sheets, cylindrical bodies and / or cubes or the like or can be formed by baffles, corrugated sheets, cylindrical bodies and / or cubes or the like.

[0060] It should be believed that the advantages of the technology proposed herein will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes can be made to the form, construction and arrangement of the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure or sacrificing all the advantageous effects of the present disclosure. Since the technology proposed herein can be varied in many ways, it will be recognized that the present disclosure should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cabin air ventilation system (100) for an aircraft cabin (10), the cabin air ventilation system comprising: a riser (50) arranged along a lateral side of the aircraft cabin (10) and configured to direct fresh air to the aircraft cabin (10); and air outlets (101, 102) connected to the upper end of the standpipe (50) and distributing the air guided from the standpipe (50) in an area associated with the standpipe (50), Wherein, the air outlet (101, 102) comprises: - an inlet (105) fluidly connected to the riser (50), a body (108) extending from the inlet (105) and having an outlet opening (110) having a larger cross section than the inlet (105), and - a plurality of blades (111, 112) arranged in the outlet opening (110), A first number of blades (111) among the plurality of blades are oriented along a first direction, and a second number of blades (112) among the plurality of blades are oriented along a second direction forming an angle with the first direction.

2. The cabin air ventilation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlet (101, 102) further comprises: - an actuator (120) configured to move the second number of blades (112) to change the second direction.

3. The cabin air ventilation system (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The air outlet (101, 102) further comprises: - a coupling rod (121) connected to the actuator (120), wherein the actuator (120) moves the coupling rod (121), and - a connecting device (122, 123) which connects the connecting rod (121) to each of the second number of blades (112) in a pivotable manner, wherein the connecting device (122, 123) converts the forward and backward movement of the connecting rod (121) into the pivotal movement of the second number of blades (112).

4. The cabin air ventilation system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The plurality of blades (111, 112) form a baffle, a wave-shaped member, a cylindrical body and / or a cube.

5. An aircraft section (5), comprising: A cabin air ventilation system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aircraft segment (5) according to claim 5, further comprising: at least one first seat row (20a), which is arranged in the region of the aircraft section (5) in which the riser of the cabin air ventilation system (100) is installed; as well as At least one second seat row (20b) is arranged in a region (AR) of the aircraft section (5) without risers (50) and adjacent to the first seat row (20a).

7. The aircraft section (5) according to claim 6, wherein: The first direction points to the first seat row (20a), and the second direction points to the second seat row (20b).

8. The aircraft segment (5) according to one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising: a temperature sensor (150) configured to measure the temperature of the air in the aircraft section (5), Wherein, the first direction and / or the second direction points away from the temperature sensor (150).

9. The aircraft segment (5) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The first direction or the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the aircraft section (5).

10. An aircraft (1), comprising: at least one cabin air ventilation system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4; and / or At least one aircraft segment (5) according to one of claims 5 to 9.

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