aircraft cabin

Abstract

The invention relates to an aircraft cabin (11) with a ventilation system (17). The ventilation system (17) has several air inlets (5) through which air enters an interior space (28) of the aircraft cabin (11). According to the invention, the air inlets (5) are arranged on or integrated into the seats (1) such that the air flowing out of the air inlets (5) into the interior space (28) flows upwards past a passenger sitting on the seat (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an aircraft cabin having an interior in which several rows of seats for several passengers are arranged. The rows of seats can be arranged, for example, in a "single-aisle" or "dual-aisle" configuration. The invention relates to the design of a ventilation system for the aircraft cabin. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Aircraft cabin ventilation systems (regardless of whether the aircraft is a short-haul single-aisle or a long-haul dual-aisle) are based on so-called mixed ventilation. With mixed ventilation, fresh air is supplied through air outlets - in the upper part of the cabin, below the luggage compartments, also known as “LAO” or “Lateral Air Outlet”, and - in the ceiling area above the aisle, also known as "Ceiling Air Outlets" (CAOs), are installed in the interior of the aircraft cabin. After passing through the interior, the air exits the cabin again at the sides in the footwell via air outlets (so-called "dado panels").

[0003] Another concept, which has already been investigated in the “single-aisle” and occasionally in the “dual-aisle” sector, is based on floor-side displacement ventilation (CDV, Cabin Displacement Ventilation).

[0004] This concept has so far only been the subject of studies to examine the advantages and disadvantages without being implemented in existing aircraft cabins, see: - Müller D., Schmidt M., Müller B.: “Application of a displacement ventilation system for air distribution in aircraft cabins”, AST 2011, March 31-April 1, Hamburg, Germany; - Zhang T., Chen Q.: „Novel air distribution systems for commercial aircraft cabins“, Building and Environment 42: S. 1675-1684 (2007); - Yin S., Zhang T.: „A new under-aisle displacement air distribution system for wide-body aircraft cabins“, Building Simulation (2009), S. 1030-1036, Glasgow, Schottland; - Bosbach J., Lange S., Dehne T., Lauenroth G., Hesselbach F., Allzeit M.: „Alternative ventilation concepts for aircraft cabins“ CEAS Aeronautical Journal 4: S. 301-313 (2013); - Maier J., Marggraf-Micheel C., Dehne T., Bosbach J.: „Thermal comfort of different displacement ventilation systems in an aircraft passenger cabin“, Building and Environment 111: S. 256-264 (2017).

[0005] In such concepts, fresh air is directed into the cabin via air outlets in the floor area with a low impulse. A fresh air pool forms above the floor. Due to the heat loads in the cabin, particularly the heat dissipated by passengers, the air is locally heated, causing it to rise. The air can then leave the aircraft cabin again through the air outlets at the top.

[0006] In addition to central ventilation systems for the entire interior of the aircraft cabin and thus all seats and passengers, individual ventilation systems integrated into the seats are also known, which can ensure specific ventilation for each passenger with individual air conditioning and, if necessary, individual fresh air supply: US 2022 / 0 135 235 A1 discloses that HEPA filters are integrated into the central ventilation system of an aircraft cabin to filter out microorganisms and pathogens from the air in the aircraft cabin. US 2022 / 0 135 235 A1 proposes that air inlet nozzles from which air flows out be integrated into the headrests of the seats. The air inlet nozzles are oriented so that the air is directed towards the breathing zone of the passenger sitting on the seat. The outflowing air and the air exhaled by the passenger are extracted via air outlets in the aircraft cabin, which are arranged in the ceiling area. The air is then cleaned via the central ventilation system. The fresh air flowing out of the air inlet nozzles is supplied to the seats via a supply line extending beneath the floor, from which a branch line is connected to the seat and, in this case, to the air inlet nozzle.US 2022 / 0 135 235 A1 describes basic options for the design of an aircraft ventilation system, comprising air intake via the aircraft's engine, a conveying device for conveying the air, an air conditioning system with filters and a dehumidification device including HEPA filters, and a heating device. Pathogens can be neutralized using a UV treatment device. The air thus treated is then distributed via a duct system integrated into the floor, on the one hand to the seats, where the air exits from the headrest in the direction of the passenger's breathing, and on the other hand to air inlets of the central ventilation system integrated into the floor. A seat inlet duct can be connected to the floor-side supply line by means of a fluidic coupling or plug-in connection, a snap-in connection, a screwed connection, or even by means of a material bond by welding or gluing.The air in the two branch streams is extracted via the ceiling-mounted air outlets. The connected ducts may also include an additional conveying system to ensure improved extraction of air from the interior of the aircraft cabin. As long as the flow of fresh air toward the passenger's exhalation area is ensured, the air outlet nozzles can also be located elsewhere in the seat.

[0007] A corresponding embodiment of an aircraft seat with air outlet nozzles in the area of ​​a headrest of the seat, which are oriented in the direction of the exhaled air, is disclosed in US 10 029 797 B2.

[0008] According to US 2013 / 0 040 546 A1, air is to be supplied to the interior of an aircraft cabin via an air inlet located in the floor area or on a seat frame. The air inlet is to generate an air flow that is then extracted again via the air outlets in the ceiling. The air inlet can be integrated into the seat cushion or the backrest of the seat, with the air then exiting in the area of ​​contact between the air inlet and the passenger, and targeted temperature control and ventilation of this contact area is to take place. Multiple air inlets can also be arranged at multiple contact points on the seat. An air inlet can be arranged on the side of the seat frame and serve to generate a flow next to the seat or the seat cushion in such a way that the air flows towards the ceiling.If the air inlet is integrated into the backrest, the air inlet can be arranged both at the front to ventilate the back of the passenger sitting on the seat, and at the rear to flow into the space between the backrest and the seat behind it (and thus to the passenger sitting on the seat behind it). Air ducts can extend along the seat frame in the seat or, if the seat frame is designed as a tubular element, can be a direct component of the seat frame. In this case, a fluidic coupling device for coupling the seat inlet duct to a floor-side supply device can also be integrated into the fastening device by means of which the seat frame is attached to the floor. It is also possible for an air inlet to be integrated into an armrest to ensure ventilation of the contact surface with the passenger.A control unit can also be integrated into the armrest, allowing the passenger to specify the air volume delivered through the air inlet in the seat, as well as the temperature, flow rate, and / or discharge direction. To avoid restrictions on comfort in the area where the passenger comes into contact with the air inlet and to avoid noise disturbances caused by the outflowing air, the air inlet can have a plurality of air inlet openings distributed in a grid-like manner.

[0009] DE 10 2007 049 926 A1 describes, as prior art, a ventilation system for an aircraft cabin in which air flows into the interior of the aircraft cabin via air inlets arranged in a ceiling area and is extracted from the interior of the aircraft cabin via floor-side air outlets, creating air rollers in the interior and in the seat area. DE 10 2007 049 926 A1 proposes, instead, arranging the air inlets in the floor area, preferably in the aisle area or in the transition area between the floor and the side walls, while the air outlets are arranged in the ceiling area, and the flow of the supplied air is supported vertically upwards by heating by the passengers and staff.

[0010] DE 10 2010 012 143 A1 discloses an air conditioning system for an aircraft cabin, by means of which individual air conditioning of the environment of a passenger sitting on a seat is to be enabled. To supply the air conditioning system, a mixed air system can be used in which exhaust air can be discharged to the outside via an outlet valve and replaced with fresh air, which is drawn, for example, from an engine compressor. The air flows from an air supply duct within or below the intermediate floor to an outlet element, in the region of which a flap, nozzle, or movable slats can be arranged as a control element. The outlet element can be arranged in the floor area or on the seat frame. Another outlet element is arranged in the seat surface or backrest of the seat such that the air flows out in the contact area between the passenger and the seat.This is intended to provide individual heating and / or ventilation at the passenger seat. The exhaust air duct is located in the ceiling area of ​​the aircraft cabin. It is possible to arrange an exhaust element on the side of the seat frame to create a displacement flow beneath the seat, which in turn causes used air to rise toward the cabin ceiling. An exhaust element can also be provided in the backrest, in which case the exhaust element provides a forward-directed flow for direct ventilation, cooling, and / or heating of the part of the backrest in contact with the passenger.Finally, DE 10 2010 012 143 A1 also proposes integrating an air outlet element into the rear of the backrest to provide rearward ventilation of the passenger seated in a row behind the backrest by directing air horizontally. The air can be directed along the seat frame or through a tubular element of the seat frame. If an air outlet element is integrated into an armrest, this air outlet element can allow the passenger to influence the microclimate in the seat area by individually adjusting the supply of fresh air or an individual temperature. An air outlet element can also have a plurality of outlet openings arranged in a grid pattern to ensure the flow of a larger volume of air into the interior at a low flow velocity, thereby preventing unpleasant drafts.

[0011] DE 10 2006 041 030 A1 also discloses an air conditioning system for individually climatizing the environment of a passenger sitting on a seat in an aircraft cabin. In the air conditioning system, each seat has an air conditioning unit comprising a heater, a heat exchanger, an air supply valve, and a nozzle through which conditioned air is supplied to the area surrounding the seat. The air conditioning unit processes air from a central air supply line or air drawn in from the interior of the seat by means of an intake device. The heat exchanger is designed as a coolant-to-air heat exchanger connected to a central coolant circuit extending beneath the floor of the aircraft cabin.

[0012] EP 0 763 466 A1 discloses columns arranged between seats in an aircraft cabin, each supporting an armrest and fixed to a floor structure. Supply units with all essential comfort and control elements for the passengers are supplied via supply lines arranged within a floor plate. The columns extend from the floor to the head area of ​​the passenger seat and form an enlarged head section in the head area, which is intended to provide a screen to the adjacent seat. The head section can have a reading light, a loudspeaker, a headphone jack, and an oxygen mask, and can be pivoted to adapt to the individual needs of the passenger. Air nozzles can be arranged in the rear part of the column to ensure comfortable and pleasant air conditioning of the rear passenger seat. A foldable control panel with visual display elements can be arranged in the armrest.An oxygen generator can be integrated into the column. Several columns can be connected via a base plate, which can accommodate supply lines, in particular an air line, electrical power transmission lines, and signal transmission lines. The columns can be mechanically coupled to one another via a horizontal support frame. Several columns of the seating group can be connected to a supply line via a flexible supply connection, which is arranged in the floor area on the outer cabin wall behind paneling parts.

[0013] DE 10 2004 026 023 A1 also discloses a seat for an aircraft cabin in which an air outlet nozzle is arranged on the rear side of the backrest of the seat, the air outlet being directed rearward to provide fresh air for the seat arranged behind it. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is based on the object of proposing an aircraft cabin which has an alternative ventilation system. SOLUTION

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention with the features of independent patent claim 1. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is based on the finding that, according to the prior art, on the one hand, air inlets are provided in the floor or ceiling area in order to ensure central and, as far as possible, uniform temperature control, air conditioning, filtering and fresh air exchange for all seats in the aircraft cabin, and that air inlets integrated into the seats are provided in order to enable individualized exposure of the passenger to a partial air flow, to enable individual adaptation to the passenger's sensitivities, to ventilate the contact area of ​​the passenger with the seat and / or to enable mixing with the passenger's breathing air.The air inlets for central ventilation are supplied with volume flows or mass flows that are an order of magnitude greater than the volume or mass flows supplied to the individual passengers, since the latter must be small enough to ensure no impairment of passenger comfort. The order of magnitude larger volume or mass flows for central ventilation require the air inlets of the central ventilation in the floor or ceiling area to be arranged and oriented so that the air flows past the passengers as much as possible.

[0017] Against the background of this finding, the invention proposes an aircraft cabin with a ventilation system, which can fundamentally be a conventional, central ventilation system, which can, for example, include a conveying device, a filter device, a temperature control device, and / or a drying device. The ventilation system can have a closed or at least temporarily (partially) open circuit. The ventilation system has a plurality of air inlets through which air enters an interior of the aircraft cabin. Furthermore, the ventilation system has air outlets through which air is drawn out of the interior, in particular, is extracted.

[0018] According to the invention, at least some of the air inlets of the ventilation system (preferably 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or even 100% of the air inlets of the ventilation system when considering the opening cross-sections of the air inlets or the volume or mass flows of the air flowing out of the air inlets) are integrated into the seats, wherein it is also possible for all air inlets to be integrated into the seats, meaning that in particular no air inlets of the ventilation system are arranged in the floor area or ceiling area of ​​the aircraft cabin.

[0019] While the prior art typically featured seats with air inlets that specifically directed small air streams toward the passenger, the invention proposes integrating air inlets into the seats in such a way that the air flowing out of the air inlets flows past a passenger sitting on the seat and upwards. The "upward flow" is intended to mean, in particular, that the air flowing out of the air inlets integrated into the seat has at least one flow component that is oriented vertically upwards and toward the ceiling.

[0020] According to the invention, the air inlets are therefore not arranged in the contact area between the passenger and the seat, but rather away from these contact areas. In one variant of the invention, the air inlets are arranged in the upper end region of the backrests or headrests, and the opening of the air inlet is then oriented vertically upwards or generates at least a flow component vertically upwards towards the ceiling. Another variant of the invention is arranged with the air inlets on the backs of the seats, with the air inlets then also being oriented vertically upwards (at least with a flow component). In this case, the air flowing out of the air inlet can flow upwards, guided by the back of the backrest.In addition to specifying the location of the air inlets, the passengers can be prevented from being exposed to the outflowing air alternatively or cumulatively by arranging flow guide elements in the air inlets or upstream of the air inlets, which guide the air in such a way that it flows past a passenger sitting on the seat.

[0021] In a first embodiment of the invention, the air flow conveyed by the ventilation system flows into the interior exclusively via air inlets integrated into the seats, so that, in particular, no air inlets of the ventilation system are located in the floor or ceiling area. In this case, air ducts integrated into the side wall for supplying air to the air inlets may also be omitted. If the air inlets are integrated exclusively into the seats, these air inlets can serve exclusively for the central ventilation of the interior. However, it is also possible for additional air inlets to be integrated into the seat, which then provide individual ventilation of the area surrounding the passenger sitting on the seat (with a reduced volume or mass flow).

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system is divided into a first partial air flow and a second partial air flow, wherein no further partial air flow may be present or at least one further partial air flow may be branched off for another purpose. The air then flows into the interior with a first partial air flow via the air inlets integrated into the seats, while the second partial air flow enters the interior via air inlets not integrated into the seats, which can occur, for example, in the area of ​​the floor, a side wall and / or in the area of ​​the ceiling. The first partial air flow can be at least 50% of the volume flow or mass flow of the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system, preferably at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or even at least 95%.

[0023] Preferably, the volume flow of the air flowing from a single air inlet of the seat or several or all air inlets of the seat is at least 1 litre / s (in particular at least 2 litres / s, at least 3 litres / s, at least 4 litres / s, at least 5 litres / s, at least 6 litres / s or at least 7 litres / s), although this may also only apply temporarily when the ventilation system is operated at a maximum volume flow.

[0024] Alternatively or cumulatively, the flow velocity of the air from the air inlets integrated into the seats may be at least 1 m / s (preferably at least 1.5 m / s, at least 2.0 m / s, at least 2.5 m / s or even at least 3.0 m / s), although this may only apply temporarily, in particular when the ventilation system is operated at a maximum volume flow.

[0025] Alternatively or cumulatively, it is possible that the total area of ​​the air (partial) inlets integrated into a seat is at least 10 cm 2 (preferably at least 15 cm 2 , at least 20 cm 2 , at least 25 cm 2 or at least 30 cm 2 ) amounts.

[0026] Within the scope of the invention, there are numerous possibilities for the basic design of the ventilation system and the airflow delivered by it or the first partial airflow. For one proposal of the invention, the total airflow delivered by the ventilation system or the total first partial airflow is at least 5 liters / s per cabin occupancy. Here, the cabin occupancy is the sum of the passenger seats and the maximum number of crew members permitted in the aircraft cabin. However, it is also possible to adjust the airflow delivered by the ventilation system or the first partial airflow to the number of passengers and crew members actually present in the aircraft cabin during a flight.

[0027] Within the scope of the invention, the air inlet integrated into the seat can have a continuous opening cross-section. According to one proposal of the invention, the air inlet integrated into the seat has several partial air inlets. In this case, it is possible for these partial air inlets to have the same or different sizes. Furthermore, it is possible for the air to flow out of the partial air inlets in the same directions and with the same or different volume and / or mass flows and / or flow velocities.

[0028] According to one proposal of the invention, the air flows out of the partial air inlets in different directions, which can be ensured by the arrangement and orientation of the partial air inlets and / or flow guide elements. It is possible for the partial air inlets to be assigned an adjustment device that allows the outflow direction to be adjusted. This can be, for example, adjustable flow guide elements or flaps. It is also possible for the size of a partial air inlet to be adjusted using an insert or a cover, whereby a complete closure of a partial air inlet is also possible.

[0029] In a special embodiment of this proposal, a seat arranged in the aisle has an air inlet with several partial air inlets. A first partial air inlet has a larger horizontal flow component oriented towards the aisle than a second partial air inlet. In this case, the first partial air inlet is arranged at a smaller distance from the aisle than the second partial air inlet. For example, the outflow direction of the second partial air inlet can be oriented exactly or at an angle that is less than 20° or less than 10° to the vertical, whereas the first partial air inlet is oriented at a larger angle, but preferably less than 70°, less than 60°, less than 50°, less than 40° or less than 30°, to the vertical in the direction of the aisle. In this way, the flow conditions in the aircraft cabin and, for example,a generation of air rollers with a mixing of the air flowing on the aisle side.

[0030] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the air inlets of the ventilation system are integrated exclusively into the seat or exclusively into the seat and the floor area of ​​the aircraft cabin, while the air outlets are then also arranged in the floor area. This means that, under certain circumstances, it may be entirely unnecessary to arrange air ducts in the area of ​​the side walls and ceiling, which offers space advantages and expands the design options for the side walls and ceiling, and in particular for equipping them with additional units, a parcel shelf or luggage rack, etc. In this case, the air outlets are preferably arranged in so-called dado panels in the lower area of ​​the side lining. The air is supplied to the seat, basically in accordance with the state of the art, preferably via a supply duct arranged on or below the floor, which can extend in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin.According to one proposal of the invention, an inlet duct of the seat connected to the supply duct, which leads to the air inlet integrated into the seat, can then run along a supporting element of the seat or even through a supporting element of the seat, which can then be designed as a hollow profile with either a closed or open edge. This results in a compact design with a multifunctional use of the supporting element: on the one hand, to support the seat and, on the other hand, to accommodate or hold the inlet duct.

[0031] Within the scope of the invention, the inlet duct leading to the at least one air inlet of the seat can be connected to a supply line running in the floor area or in a side wall. There are many possibilities for connecting the inlet duct to the supply duct. For one proposal of the invention, a connection device is used for this purpose. There are many possibilities for the type of connection device within the scope of the invention. For example, the connection device can be designed as - fluidic connector, - screwed connection, - Push-to-Connect connection, - a permanently installed duct connection, for example with a weld or bond, between a supply duct branch and an inlet duct end.

[0032] It is also possible for the connection device to be integrated into the seat's fastening device on the floor, preferably in the region of a seat rail, or to be arranged at a distance from this fastening device, in which case the connection device can also establish a fluidic connection in the region of the seat rail or laterally next to this seat rail. For example, a fluidic connection rail can extend next to the seat rail. The connection device may possibly enable a connection of the inlet duct to the supply duct in different positions of the seat and thus of the inlet duct and the seat in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the aircraft cabin.For example, it is possible for the supply duct or a branch line branching off from it to have different connecting pieces or coupling elements in a predetermined grid dimension, with which the inlet duct of the seat can then be connected at positions on the seat specified according to the predetermined grid dimension. For the design of the connection devices of the supply duct on the one hand and the inlet duct for the seat on the other hand, a continuous coupling in the longitudinal or transverse direction is possible, which can be achieved, for example, by a sealed line connection. It is also possible for several connections to be provided in the floor with a grid in the longitudinal or transverse direction, in which case coupling pieces of different lengths or with continuously adjustable length can ensure a fluid-tight connection between these connections and the connection device of the inlet duct depending on the position of the seat.These adapters between the connection devices of the floor and the inlet duct can run above the floor or be integrated into the floor and then covered at the top.

[0033] A particularly simple design of the ventilation system results when it ensures an air flow with a centrally specified temperature, centrally specified tempering and air conditioning, and central filtration. Additional specific devices such as heaters, throttles, valves, and / or pumps or fans can also be arranged in the ductwork. For a particular proposal of the invention, the ventilation system has two ventilation subsystems, which can differ in terms of conveying speeds, volumetric flows, mass flows, temperatures, humidities, and the like. In this case, one ventilation subsystem is connected to air inlets integrated into the seats, so that this ventilation subsystem provides the aforementioned first partial air flow.In contrast, the other ventilation subsystem is connected to the air inlets not integrated into the seats, so this other ventilation subsystem is then responsible for the aforementioned second partial airflow. With the two ventilation subsystems, differently conditioned air can then be introduced into the interior at different locations in the aircraft cabin, providing further options for influencing the air flow and temperature stratification in the interior, as well as the mixing and the resulting air cyclones.

[0034] The invention also proposes that an adjustment device be provided by which the volume flow of air flowing into the interior via the at least one air inlet integrated into the seat can be adjusted. In this case, the setting can be used for adjustment by a manufacturer or maintenance personnel, for example to adapt the seat to different installation locations. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment device can be operated by aircraft personnel during the flight and / or a passenger sitting on the seat. An adjustment can then be made, for example, via electrically or manually operated valves or flaps or by adjusting flow guide elements. Operation can be carried out by the personnel at a central location in the aircraft cabin and away from the seat.Provided that the basic ventilation of the aircraft cabin is not impaired, a setting of partial ventilation, which is preferably less than 20% or less than 10% of the basic ventilation, can also be made by the passenger sitting in the seat, for example by means of a switch, rotary knob or an app on the smartphone of the passenger sitting in the seat, which communicates with a control device of the aircraft or seat to operate the setting device.

[0035] The invention also proposes an aircraft cabin in which an adjustment device is provided that enables adjustment of the air flow direction in which the air flows into the interior via the air inlet integrated into the seat. Alternatively or cumulatively, different inserts can be provided that can be inserted into an air inlet and specify different air flow directions in which the air flows into the interior via the air inlet integrated into the seat.

[0036] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0037] The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can be effective alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0038] With regard to the disclosure content – ​​not the scope of protection – of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be found in the drawings – in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different patent claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen references of the patent claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different patent claims.Likewise, features listed in the patent claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent patent claims of the granted patent.

[0039] The number of features mentioned in the claims and the description is to be understood as meaning that exactly this number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least." Thus, for example, if reference is made to one element, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. The features mentioned in the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features present in the subject matter of the respective claim.

[0040] The reference signs contained in the patent claims do not represent a limitation of the scope of the subject-matter protected by the patent claims. They serve solely to make the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0041] In the following, the invention is further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 shows a spatial view diagonally from behind a seat with an air inlet and an inlet duct Fig. 2 shows a spatial view diagonally from the rear of a row of seats with air inlets and intake ducts integrated into the seats. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of an aircraft cabin with a row of seats with two seat row parts and an aisle arranged between them, as well as the supply system of the ventilation system with its connections to the inlet ducts. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of an aircraft cabin with a row of seats with two seat row sections and an aisle arranged between them as well as two supply systems of the ventilation system for the two seat row sections. Fig. Figure 5 shows schematically the air flows resulting from the air inlets integrated into the seats. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an aircraft with an aircraft cabin and a ventilation system. Fig. Figure 7 shows a highly schematic cross-section through an aircraft cabin with a first possibility for the arrangement of air outlets. Fig. Figure 8 shows a highly schematic cross-section through an aircraft cabin with a second possibility for the arrangement of air outlets. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the present application text, the same reference number is used in some cases for components and features that correspond or are similar, whereby these components or features may then be identified by an additional letter a, b, c, ... or "-1" and "-2". These components or features may then be referred to with or without the use of the suffix, which may then refer to one of the components or a component, any number of the components or components, or all of the components or components.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a seat 1 viewed diagonally from the rear. Air is supplied to the seat 1 via a supply system of a ventilation system (not shown here), which is carried out via a fluid connection in the floor area (not shown here). The air flows through an inlet duct 2 located on the rear of the seat 1 and then reaches an air inlet 5 via a distributor 3 or a diffuser 4. The air flows out of the air inlet 5 in flow directions 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d.

[0044] The flow directions 6 have partially or completely - when projected onto a transverse plane of the aircraft cabin and / or - for projections into a longitudinal plane over an angle to the vertical that is less than 30°, less than 25°, less than 20°, less than 15°, less than 10° or even less than 5°.

[0045] The air inlet 5 is arranged on the seat 1 in such a way that the air flowing out in the flow directions 6 does not directly impact the passenger sitting on the seat 1 or a passenger sitting behind it. Passengers sitting next to the seat 1 or other adjacent passengers are also not directly impacted by the air flowing out of the air inlet.

[0046] However, it is also possible for air to flow out of the air inlet 5 in the direction of one of the passengers mentioned, as long as the volume flow in the direction of the passenger is less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10% or less than 5% of the total volume flow exiting the air inlet 5.

[0047] For the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inlet duct 2 and the distributor 3 and / or diffuser 4 with the air inlet 5 are attached and fastened as a separate assembly, possibly in the form of a retrofit solution, from behind to the seat 1 in the area of ​​the backrest 7.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows a row of seats 8 with seats 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, viewed diagonally from the rear. It can be seen here that the intake duct 2 is integrated into a subframe or seat frame 9 of the row of seats 8, in this case seat 1a. For this embodiment, the seat frame 9 has a hollow support element 10, which is designed in particular as a support profile, and into whose interior the intake duct 2 extends, here a hose or tube following the course of the support element 10. However, the support element 10 itself can also form a section of the intake duct 2.

[0049] It is possible for the air intakes 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d of seats 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d to be supplied jointly via a single intake duct 2 integrated into a supporting element 10 via corresponding branches in the seat row 8. It is also possible for each seat 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d to be assigned a supporting element 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, into which a separate intake duct 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d can then be integrated.

[0050] The inlet duct 2 is connected here to a floor-side supply line in the area of ​​the floor rail, to which the support elements 10 and the seats 1 of row 8 are attached. This is done via connections or connectors not shown here.

[0051] For the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, the at least one inlet channel 2, an associated distributor 3 and / or diffuser is integrated into a backrest 7 of the seat 1, wherein the air inlet 5 is arranged in the region of the upper side of the backrest 7 or in the region of the rear edge of the upper side of the backrest 7.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 shows an aircraft cabin 11 in a schematic cross-section, with a seat row 8 comprising two seat row sections 12, 13 separated by an aisle 14. The aircraft cabin 11 has a ceiling 15 and a floor 16.

[0053] For the Fig. 3, the ventilation system 17 has a supply system 18 integrated into the floor 16. The supply system 18 has a central supply line 19, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin 11 (i.e. vertically to the plane of the drawing according to Fig. 3). Row supply lines 20 branch off from the supply line 19, which run transversely to the aircraft cabin 11 and are each assigned to a seat row 8. Seat supply lines 21a, 21b, ..., in turn branch off from a row supply line 20. The seat supply lines 21 are then each connected to an associated inlet duct 2 of the respective seat 1 via connections or joints 22 in the area of ​​the floor 16.

[0054] Furthermore, the ventilation system 17 has an outlet system 23, which is also integrated into the floor 16. The outlet system 23 has an outlet line 24 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin 11. Row outlet lines 25 extend from the outlet line 24 and run transversely to the aircraft cabin 11, each associated with a row of seats 8. Floor outlet lines 26a, 26b, ... branch off from the row outlet line 25. The floor outlet lines 26 are each connected at their ends to an air outlet 27a, 27b. Air can be removed or extracted from an interior space 28 of the aircraft cabin 11 via the air outlet 27 and the outlet system 23.

[0055] The air outlets 27 are arranged distributed transversely over the floor 16, wherein, for example, one air outlet 27 can be assigned to each seat 1 and in particular can be arranged directly beneath it and / or air outlets 27 are arranged in the region of the aisle 14.

[0056] For the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the air flows exclusively via the ventilation system 17 and the air inlets 5 of the seats 1 into the interior 14 of the aircraft cabin 11 and is removed again from the interior 14 of the aircraft cabin 11 exclusively via the outlet system 23 and the air outlets 27.

[0057] Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the ventilation system 17 with two supply (sub-)systems 18-1 and 18-2, each of which is assigned to a seat row section 12, 13. The design of the supply systems 18-1, 18-2 is shown in Fig. 4 left supply system 18-1 is explained. In this case, a series supply line 20-1 branches off from a supply line 19-1.

[0058] From this row supply line 20-1, the seat supply lines 21 branch off, which are arranged according to the Fig. 3, are connected to the air inlets 5 integrated into the seats 1. Additionally, floor supply lines 29 also branch off from the row supply line 20-1, each of which is connected to floor-side air inlets 30. For this embodiment of the ventilation system 17, air thus enters the interior 28 of the aircraft cabin 11 not only via the air inlets 5 integrated into the seats 1, but also via the floor-side air inlets 30.

[0059] In Fig. 4, the air outlets are not shown, which can be arranged at any location, in particular in the area of ​​the floor 16 and / or the ceiling 15 and / or a side wall 31 (see also Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 with the corresponding description).

[0060] Fig. 5 shows an example of the flow in the aircraft cabin 11 resulting from the illustrated embodiments. It can be seen that the air from the air inlets 5 integrated in the seat 1 flows vertically upwards towards the ceiling 15, without the passengers being directly exposed to the air flowing out through the air inlets 5.

[0061] Fig. Figure 6 shows a highly schematic representation of an aircraft 32 with the ventilation system 17. Shown only as a schematic block is a central unit 33, which, as a structural unit or distributed system, may include, for example, the conveying device for conveying the air, an air conditioning device, filters, a dehumidification device, and / or a heating device. Furthermore, it is schematically shown here that the aircraft cabin 11 may have several sub-cabins 34a, 34b, 34c, which may be fluidically separated from one another to a greater or lesser extent.In this case, partial ventilation systems 35a, 35b, 35c can be assigned to the individual partial cabins 34, wherein the partial ventilation systems 35 are then each designed as previously explained and each can have a supply system 18 supplied via the central unit 13 with a supply line 19, row supply lines 20, seat supply lines 21, connections 22, and air inlets 5 integrated into the seats 1 of the partial cabin 34. Alternatively or cumulatively, floor-side air inlets 30 can also be supplied via the respective supply systems 18.

[0062] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows the possible arrangement of air outlets 27, which may be present in addition to the illustrated air outlets 27 for the previous embodiments or as an alternative thereto. Fig. 7, air outlets 36 are arranged in the region of the ceiling 15 of the aircraft cabin 11, namely air outlets 36a, 36b on the undersides of the lateral sections of the ceiling 15, above which a hat rack or a luggage compartment can be arranged, as well as air outlets 36c, 36d, which can be arranged in a central section of the ceiling 15 above the aisle and between the hat racks or luggage compartments.

[0063] Fig. 8 shows an alternative arrangement of air outlets 36a, 36b, which are arranged here in the region of the lateral edge region of the floor 16 or in the transition region to the side wall 31. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 seat 2 inlet channels 3 distributors 4 Diffuser 5 Air intake 6 flow directions 7 Backrest 8 row of seats 9 seat frame 10 supporting element 11 Aircraft cabin 12 seat row section 13 Seat row section 14 gears 15 Ceiling 16 Floor 17 Ventilation system 18 Supply system 19 Supply line 20 series supply line 21 Seat supply line 22 connection, connection 23 Exhaust system 24 Outlet line 25 row outlet line 26 Floor outlet line 27 Air outlet 28 Interior 29 Ground supply line 30 bottom air inlet 31 Side wall 32 aircraft 33 Central unit 34 partial cabin 35 Partial ventilation system 36 Air outlet

Claims

[1] Aircraft cabin (11) with a ventilation system (17) with a plurality of air inlets (5) through which air enters an interior space (28) of the aircraft cabin (11), and air outlets (27) through which air leaves the interior space (28), wherein air inlets (5) are arranged on seats (1) or integrated therein, wherein the air inlets (5) are arranged on the seats (1) or are integrated therein in such a way that the air flowing out of the air inlets (5) into the interior space (28) flows upwards past a passenger sitting on the seat (1), characterized by , that a) the air inlets (5) are not arranged in the contact area of ​​the passenger with the seats (1), but away from these contact areas, b) where ba) the air inlets (5) are arranged in the upper end region of the backrests (7) or the headrests, and the openings of the air inlets (5) are oriented vertically upwards and generate at least one flow component vertically upwards in the direction of the ceiling (15), or bb) the air inlets (5) are arranged on the back of the seats (1) or headrests, wherein at least one flow component is then oriented vertically upwards, and c) the arrangement of the air inlets (5) on the seats (1) is such that the air flowing out in the flow directions (6) does not directly impact the passenger sitting on the seat (1) or a passenger sitting behind it, and passengers sitting next to the seat (1) or other adjacent passengers are also not directly impacted by the air flowing out of the air inlet (5). [2] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 1, wherein the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system (17) flows into the interior (28) exclusively via air inlets (5) arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein. [3] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 1, wherein the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system (17) flows into the interior (28) with a first partial air flow via air inlets (5) arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein, while a second partial air flow enters the interior (28) via air inlets (5) not arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein. [4] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 3, wherein the second partial air flow enters the interior (28) via air inlets (30) arranged in the region of a floor (16). [5] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first partial air flow flowing into the interior (28) via air inlets (5) arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein is at least 50% of the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system (17). [6] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) when the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system (17) flows exclusively through air inlets (5) arranged on the seats (1) or integrated into them into the interior (28) or b) when the air flow conveyed in the ventilation system (17) flows with a first partial air flow via air inlets (5) arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein into the interior (28) and with a second partial air flow via air inlets (5) not arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein into the interior (28), the air flowing through the air inlet (5) or the air inlets (5) of a seat (1) has a volume flow which is at least 1 litre / s. [7] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow velocity of the air from the air inlets (5) arranged on the seats (1) or integrated therein is at least 1 m / s. [8] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the total area of ​​the air inlet (5) arranged on a seat (1) or integrated therein is at least 10 cm 2 amounts. [9] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow conveyed by the ventilation system (17) or the first partial air flow is at least 5 liters per second per cabin occupancy. [10] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet (5) arranged on the seat (1) or integrated therein has a plurality of partial air inlets. [11] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 10, wherein the air flows out of the partial air inlets in different directions. [12] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 11, a seat (1) arranged on an aisle (14) having an air inlet (5) with a plurality of partial air inlets, in which a first partial air inlet has a larger horizontal flow component oriented in the direction of the aisle (14) than a second partial air inlet whose distance from the aisle (14) is greater than that of the first partial air inlet. [13] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlets (27) are arranged in the region of a floor (16). [14] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an inlet duct (2) leading to the air inlet (5) runs along a support element (10) of the seat (1) or through a support element (10) of the seat (1). [15] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an inlet duct (2) leading to the air inlet (5) is connected to a supply line (19) running in the region of a floor (16) or in a side wall (31). [16] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 15, wherein the connection of the inlet duct (2) to the supply duct (19) is made via a connecting device. [17] Aircraft cabin (11) according to claim 16, wherein the connecting device enables a connection of the inlet duct (2) to the supply duct (19) in different mounting positions of the seat (1). [18] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation system (17) comprises two ventilation subsystems, wherein one ventilation subsystem is connected to air inlets (5) integrated into the seats (1), while the other ventilation subsystem is connected to the air inlets (30) not integrated into the seats (1). [19] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adjusting device is provided for adjusting the volume flow of the air flowing into the interior (28) via the air inlet arranged on the seat (1) or integrated therein. [20] Aircraft cabin (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) an adjusting device for adjusting the direction of air flow in which the air flows into the interior (28) via the air inlet (5) arranged on the seat (1) or integrated therein, is provided and / or b) different inserts are provided which specify different flow directions of the air in which the air flows into the interior (28) via the air inlet (5) arranged on the seat (1) or integrated therein.

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