Internal foam chassis with integrated functional components, intended for aircraft windows, window module and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Integrated functional component foam inner frame for aircraft windows, window module and associated manufacturing method. In a frame (20) for a window (6) equipping a passenger cabin (4) of an aircraft (2), said window (6) comprises, considered in a viewing direction (8), an outer pane (10) integrated into a fuselage (12) of the aircraft (2) and extending transversely with respect to said direction (8); an inner pane (14) located on the cabin side and extending parallel to said outer pane (10), at a distance (A), along said direction (8); a window funnel (22) that can be fixed in the aircraft (2), extending between said inner pane (14) and said outer pane (10) in the assembled state (M), along said direction (8), and made of foam (24); and at least one functional component (26) fixed to said funnel (22) of the porthole. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Internal foam chassis with integrated functional components, intended for aircraft windows, window module and associated manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates, firstly, to an internal frame for a porthole used, according to its purpose, in a passenger cabin of an aircraft.

[0002] According to document DE 10 2007 006 540 A1, an aircraft window arrangement is known, comprising a window funnel on which a retaining ring is mounted for the purpose of securing an internal glazing located on the cabin side. Said funnel extends essentially from the sidewall trim of said cabin and reaches an external window of said aircraft.

[0003] The present invention aims to propose improvements to a porthole frame of the aforementioned type.

[0004] Said frame is of the type dedicated to a window suitable for its intended use in an aircraft passenger cabin. Said window is provided with a fuselage or exterior window integrated into the aircraft fuselage and extending transversely with respect to a line of sight, which originates from said cabin and points outwards from the aircraft, passing through said window. The window is provided, in the opposite direction to the line of sight but along it, with an interior window located on the cabin side and at a distance from said exterior window, parallel to which it extends. This interior window is also referred to as the "interior window (on the interior side of the cabin)." The aircraft is, in particular, an airliner.

[0005] The expression "fit for its intended purpose" means that the window frame is structurally adapted to windows, passenger cabins, and aircraft of specific types and is designed for use therein, for example, to meet the resulting geometric and material requirements, etc. In other words, the windows, passenger cabins, and aircraft in question are presumed to be known, in particular with regard to their geometric and material properties, etc. Consequently, the aforementioned properties of a window, a passenger cabin, and an aircraft are deemed to be presupposed.

[0006] The window frame includes a window funnel which can be fixed in the aircraft, in particular to the fuselage of the aircraft / to a structural part of said aircraft / of said fuselage) by being, respectively, effectively fixed in said cabin or in said aircraft when it is in a mounting state consistent with its intended purpose, in which it extends, along the direction of observation, between the inner glazing and the outer pane. It then surrounds, respectively, the said direction of observation or the interstitial space between the two glass panels.

[0007] The phrase "extends between" then covers a broad meaning: the window funnel may end at the level of the inner glazing, or even in front of or behind it in the direction of observation, said funnel notably projecting towards the interior space of the aircraft, that is to say, inwards, beyond said inner glazing. Alternatively or in addition, said funnel may end at the level of the outer window or in front of said window inside the cabin.

[0008] The porthole funnel is made of foam.

[0009] The porthole frame contains at least one functional component attached to the porthole hopper. The attachment can, for example, be achieved by inserting said component into the completed hopper after the hopper has been produced / foamed, or by attaching it to the hopper.

[0010] The incorporated porthole funnel provides, in particular, the formation of a light-tight bridge between the two glazed panels (inner glazing and outer pane). Certain "functions" are incorporated into said funnel by a specific shape given to the foam. Such a function may, for example, be a support function for the inner glazing. A support surface for said glazing may, for example, be shaped for this purpose on the foam, it being understood that, in the assembled state, said glazing is then applied to said support surface located on the funnel, to which it is thus permanently and functionally secured in this respect.

[0011] In contrast to an injection-molded material, the use of foam (in particular particulate foam) offers the following advantages: - the density is approximately 10 to 20 times lower (weight loss of approximately 25%); - improved acoustic damping properties; and - lower thermal conductivity.

[0012] The foam combines the following properties, contributing to the improvement of the porthole frame: - structure of the porthole funnel and integration of functional components, - less heat transfer, as opposed to the injection-molded part commonly used in practice, and - better acoustic properties, as opposed to the aforementioned injection molded part known in practice.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam is a particulate foam. In other words, it is a foam produced, conventionally, on the basis of foam particles (beads) bonded together by fusion in a mold. Structural parts of the aforementioned type can be produced from particulate foam particularly well and with high quality. In other words, the porthole funnel is made of foam, with particulate foam being selected as the preferred material variant.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the functional components is attached to the funnel of the porthole by being embedded in the foam as an integral part. A corresponding inclusion in the foam allows said components to be attached to said funnel in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the functional components is a structural fastening element of the type by which the window funnel can be attached (in the mounted state) to the aircraft, i.e., to a fuselage / a component of said aircraft / the passenger cabin. Such components are, for example, the fuselage or elements attached thereto, interior trim of the passenger cabin, a base frame, a reinforcing brace in the aircraft / in the cabin, etc. The structural fastening element is, for example, a flange with a hole for screwing said funnel to said component by means of a screw. However, said structural fastening element may also be in the form of a guide or a support for an additional or secondary fastening means, such as a dowel, a clip, or a staple, for example.Ultimately, this additional means effectively secures the porthole funnel to the said constituent part (indirectly, through the said structural fixing piece).

[0016] Due to the integration of such structural fixing parts in the window funnel, the latter can be particularly well fixed in the aircraft.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is assumed that the porthole, in accordance with its intended purpose, contains a retaining element which can be, or is, attached to the funnel of said porthole (and can be detached again, if necessary). The retaining element is designed, in particular in conjunction with the funnel, to hold the inner glazing onto said funnel. This element is, for example, a retaining ring, which is designed, in conjunction with the funnel, to permanently secure the inner glazing between itself and said funnel, by complementary shapes, respectively to enclose said glazing in the direction of observation.

[0018] At least one of the functional components is then presented as a structural stop or fixing piece designed to hold, respectively, to fix the retaining element onto the funnel of the porthole. Thanks to said stop piece by Consequently, the said retaining element, and therefore also the inner glazing, can be particularly well fixed to the said funnel.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the design relies on the consideration that the retaining element is provided with a complementary conforming assembly element. The structural stop or fixing piece then constitutes a conforming assembly structural piece designed to cooperate, by complementary shapes, with said complementary conforming assembly element of said retaining element, in the assembled state, so as to fix said retaining element to the funnel of the porthole. A corresponding cooperation by complementary shapes between the conforming assembly structural piece and said complementary element allows for a particularly good fixing of said retaining element to said funnel, established by complementary shapes.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the complementary assembly element is assumed to be a snap-on chin. The structural assembly component then takes the form of an undercut (for example, a shoulder / button plate) specifically designed for said chin.

[0021] The reverse variant is also possible as an option: the additional conforming assembly element represents the undercut, and the structural conforming assembly part represents the snap-on chin. This results in a particularly simple and efficient conforming assembly that is also suitable for snap-on mounting, thereby simplifying the installation of the retaining element on the porthole funnel.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the porthole includes a blackout panel designed to darken the porthole to a greater or lesser degree as needed. This panel, which can be adjusted for this purpose (for example, by a passenger in the cabin), is, for example, a sliding piece or a blind and is, in particular, lightproof. Consequently, by adjusting, sliding, or otherwise operating the panel, the porthole can be darkened to a greater or lesser degree, so that more or less light from outside the aircraft may enter the cabin.

[0023] At least one of the functional components can then be a structural guide piece used to adjust the shading panel so that it can be adjusted using, or by means of, guidance provided by said structural piece (with a view, therefore, to achieving non-existent, more or less intense, or even total shading of the window). Said guide piece has, for example, the shape of a sliding / rolling rail intended for a sliding part capable of moving along said rail.

[0024] Accordingly, the porthole frame can also fulfill (at least in part) the function of a guide for the blackout panel, so that any additional guidance of said panel can be of simpler design, outside of said frame, or it can be entirely omitted.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, at least two components, within the functional components, are associatively made as a combined part in the form of a single integrated piece assigned to the foam of the window funnel. Said combined part, in particular made in one piece and having, for example, the form of a window frame encircling at least part of the funnel of the latter (to a large extent around the direction of observation), can for example be designed as the running rail assigned to the occulting panel and to which are attached (for example attached by means of ribs) conforming assembly parts dedicated to the complementary conforming assembly elements, structural stopping or fixing parts assigned to the retaining element and structural parts assigned to the fixing of the window funnel to constituent parts of the aircraft.This offers, for example, the possibility of introducing only the combined part, constituting a single integrated piece, into a foaming tool or mold intended for the funnel. In the sequence, the mold can be filled with foam to produce the funnel. All the desired functions (functional components) are then integrated into the funnel in a single operation. Therefore, in one work step, all the functional components can be implemented on the funnel, and the funnel can be produced as a complete unit.

[0026] The object targeted by the invention is also reached by a porthole module including the frame of said porthole and the interior glazing as already described above, said frame and said glazing being in the assembled state.

[0027] This feature is based on the underlying consideration that the outer pane of glass is not an integral part of a window unit, i.e., the window module, and is generally fixedly integrated into the aircraft. The window funnel is attached solely to the outer window / glass. The window frame / window module is specifically fixed to the inner side wall, which, being fully integrated with the inner window, then forms a structural unit. During installation in the aircraft, this structural unit is fully inserted into the aircraft and, at the stage of installation, constitutes the transition between the outer window / glass and the internal space.

[0028] The porthole module and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been discussed by analogy in the context of the porthole frame according to the invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiments mentioned above in relation to said frame also constitute, in particular, preferred embodiments of said porthole module.

[0029] The object sought by the invention is also achieved by a window of the type already described above and intended, in itself, for the passenger cabin as described above, in accordance with its intended use in the aircraft. Said window comprises (as explained above), along a line of sight, the outer pane of glass which can be integrated into the aircraft fuselage (integrated with mounting in accordance with its intended use) and extending transversely with respect to said line of sight and, at a distance from said pane along said line of sight, the inner pane of glass which is located on the cabin side and extends parallel to said pane in its mounted state in accordance with its intended use. The window encompasses the frame according to the invention, the inner pane of glass being notably fixed to the funnel of said window.

[0030] The porthole and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been discussed by analogy in the context of the porthole frame according to the invention. Consequently, the preferred embodiments mentioned above in relation to said frame also constitute, in particular, preferred embodiments of said porthole.

[0031] The object targeted by the invention is also achieved by an aircraft of the type already mentioned above, equipped (in the manner described above) with the aforementioned passenger cabin and at least one of the aforementioned portholes (and the chassis, accordingly) respectively located, in the assembled state conforming to its purpose, in said aircraft or in said cabin.

[0032] The aircraft and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been discussed by analogy in the context of the window frame and the window according to the invention. Consequently, the preferred embodiments mentioned above in relation to said frame and said window also constitute, in particular, preferred embodiments of said aircraft.

[0033] The object encompassed by the invention is also achieved by a method for manufacturing the porthole frame according to the invention, of the type commented above, in particular in the embodiment provided with at least one functional component embedded in the foam / in particular a particulate foam, as an integrated part.

[0034] In said process, a foaming mold is prepared for use in the porthole funnel. The functional components (integrated parts) to be embedded in the foam are, in particular, inserted into said mold and permanently secured, as a rule Generally, the aim is to occupy a designated position in the funnel (foaming successively). The funnel is produced, in the direct sequence, by pouring the foam into the mold (thus initiating the foaming process). The functional components are attached to the funnel either simultaneously (integration into the foam) or subsequently (later attachment) – in particular by integration into the foam / foam coating.

[0035] The method and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been discussed by analogy in the context of the window frame, the window, and the aircraft according to the invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiments mentioned above in relation to said frame, said window, and said aircraft also constitute, in particular, preferred embodiments of said method.

[0036] The invention is based respectively on the experiences acquired, the observations or the reflections stated below, and also includes the preferred embodiments mentioned below, which are also referred to as "the invention", partly for simplification, and may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments described above or correspond to them, and / or also, where appropriate, embodiments not yet noted.

[0037] According to the invention, this results in an internal foam chassis with integrated functional components, intended for portholes and for the aeronautical field.

[0038] The structural group "inner foam frame for windows" serves, in particular, to form a light-tight bridge between an inner window (inner face of a cabin, inner glazing) and an outer window (outer pane) in aircraft. Unlike window frames known from practice, the aforementioned component (window frame) is produced from a lightweight foam. Correspondingly, functions are integrated into the foam frame and / or via foam-encased components (functional components).

[0039] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a weight reduction of the internal side wall of the aircraft.

[0040] The invention is based on the observation that, in practice, corresponding structural groups of the porthole frame (of the funnel of said porthole) are predominantly injection molded parts.

[0041] In accordance with the invention, the injection-molded frame is replaced by a foam frame (window funnel). The density of said foam is significantly lower than that of the injection-molded material. Functions are aggregated, of correspondingly, to the foam chassis and / or through integrated foam-covered parts.

[0042] The structural design (porthole frame) requires, in particular, various integrated parts (functional components) encased in foam, freely accessible to perform the functions of products (porthole frames) known from practice. The foam construction method is simultaneously a monolithic construction method. It primarily ensures the structural organization of said frame and, at the same time, exhibits lower thermal conductivity combined with better acoustic damping properties.

[0043] The foam frame (window funnel) provides force absorption and guidance for functional components, as well as shielding the outer window (outer pane) from light to the inner wall. The wall thickness of the foam construction method is therefore greater than that of injection-molded frames known from practice. Functions are integrated correspondingly to the foam frame, and / or by means of foam-encased integrated parts, which are fixed to corresponding tooling devices (foaming mold) and are then coated with foam from behind (foaming of the window funnel). The tool (foaming mold) is used to position said integrated parts (in said funnel) and is configured, in particular, so that undercuts (structural parts for assembly by conforming) can be effectively formed.

[0044] Other features, effects and advantages of the invention are highlighted by the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, provided below, and by the accompanying schematic drawings in which:

[0045] [Fig-1] is a fragmentary view illustrating, respectively, an aircraft or the cabin of passengers of the latter, including a porthole fitted with a frame;

[0046] [Fig.2] is a section of said chassis along line II-II of [Fig.1];

[0047] [Fig.3] represents detail III of [Fig.l];

[0048] [Fig.4] shows the combined part of [Fig.3], with the funnel omitted. porthole; and

[0049] [Fig. 5] is a rear view of the chassis observed in the direction of arrow V of the [Fig.l], equipped with a structural fixing piece fulfilling the function of a support dedicated to a secondary fixing means.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view of an aircraft 2, more precisely of the passenger cabin 4 thereof, equipped with a porthole 6 in a mounted state M in aircraft 2.

[0051] Along an observation direction 8 pointing outwards from the aircraft 2 from the passenger cabin 4 (and symbolized by an arrow in [Fig. 1]), the window 6 includes an inner glazing 14 and an outer glazing 10, which is integrated into a fuselage 12 of said aircraft 2 and extends transversely with respect to the direction 8. Said inner glazing 14 extends along said direction 8, but is turned in the opposite direction to the latter, parallel to said outer glazing 10 from which it is separated by a distance A.

[0052] The window 6 includes a frame 20 with a funnel 22 which, as shown, is fixed to an internal side wall of the aircraft 2, not shown further. The funnel 22 extends between the inner glazing 14 and the outer window 10 along the viewing direction 8. By "between", it should be understood, in the broadest sense of the term, that said funnel 22 protrudes beyond the inner glazing 14 in the direction of the passenger cabin 4 and extends to the outer window 10, that is to say, it terminates at the level of the latter. The funnel 22 then encircles, respectively, the two glazed panels or the observation direction 8, so that it ensures a lightproof seal of the interstitial space between said glazing 14 and said pane 10 with respect to its radially external environment (with respect to said direction 8). Said funnel 22 is made of foam, in this case particulate foam.

[0053] Furthermore, the porthole frame 20 comprises several functional components 26, discussed in more detail below, jointly attached to the porthole 22. In the example considered, said components 26 are attached to said porthole 22 by virtue of being embedded in the foam 24 as integrated parts 28.

[0054] Furthermore, the porthole 6 contains a retaining element 16 which is fixed to the funnel 22 of said porthole, in the assembled state M, and thus holds the inner glazing 14 on said funnel 22. In more precise terms, considered in the observation direction 8, said element 16 wedges said glazing 14 between itself and said funnel 22 (a bearing surface 30 located on it).

[0055] Fig. 1 shows, by means of a partially exploded representation, for better visualization, the situation concerning the funnel 22 of the porthole, the inner glazing 14 and the retaining element 16.

[0056] By reason of its configuration alone, the funnel 22 of the porthole then performs the following function: the foam 24 is brought to the shape of the support surface 30 which is oriented towards the passenger cabin 4 in the assembled state M and on which the inner glazing 14 rests flat by its external face turned towards the fuselage 12, thus taking support on said funnel 22.

[0057] Within the functional components 26, four are designed as structural fastening parts 32a, 32b, 32d and 32e by means of which the funnel 22 of the window is fixed to constituent parts 34 of the aircraft 2, only one of which is shown by way of example in [Fig. 1], namely, in this case, to an internal side wall not further illustrated. The structural parts 32a, 32b, 32d and 32e are presently made in the form of flanges with holes 36. By means of screws 38 passing through said holes 36, said parts 32a, 32b, 32d and 32e, and consequently said funnel 22, are fixed to the constituent part 34, and therefore to the fuselage 12 of the aircraft 2.

[0058] The fifth functional component 26, presented as a structural fixing part 32c, is welded, as an added part 27, to the funnel 22 of the porthole (structural foam part in the finished state) without constituting an integrated part.

[0059] Among the functional components 26, eight are in the form of structural retaining parts 35 attached to the retaining element 16 to secure the latter to the funnel 22 of the porthole. Three of these retaining parts 35 are visible in [Fig. 1]. In the example shown, said element 16 is provided with complementary conforming assembly elements 37, currently in the form of snap-on tabs 39. Consequently, said retaining parts 35 are structural conforming assembly parts 40 which, in the assembled state, cooperate by conforming their shapes with said complementary elements 37.In this case, the said structural parts 40 are undercuts 42 in the form of buttress plates which the snap-on lugs 39 come to trap from behind by complementary shapes, in the assembled state M, so as to press said element 16 against said funnel 22, enclosing the inner glazing 14. .

[0060] The window 6 is equipped with a blackout panel 18 designed to darken or not, as needed, said window 6 to counteract ambient light coming from outside the aircraft 2 when said blackout panel 18 is partially or fully moved in front of the inner glazing 14 in the direction of an arrow 50, cabin side, for example at the initiative of a passenger not shown. Said panel 18 can be moved in the opposite direction to arrow 50 in order to reduce the blackout.

[0061] Within the functional components 26, two are implemented in the form of structural guide pieces 52 designed to guide, and thus adjust, the shading panel 18. These pieces 52 then function as respective guide, sliding, or rolling rails that run along the direction of the boom 50 and are dedicated to said panel 18, which is a sliding piece in this case. The guidance of the panel 18 is completed by a cover element (not shown) located in the cabin and retaining, on the cabin side, said panel 18 within said structural guide pieces 52.

[0062] In the present case, all the functional components 26 are jointly made as a combined monobloc part 54, taking the form of a porthole frame and thus constituting the single integrated part 28 respectively intended for the porthole funnel 22, or for the foam 24 of the latter.

[0063] Figure 1 allows one to identify or visualize, with regard to the combined part 54, that the structural guide parts 52 are respectively made as parts, longitudinal members or longitudinal rails of the porthole frame with which the structural fixing parts 32a to 32f are, in turn, formed as a single unit. The configuration of the structural stop parts 35 is shown in Figures 2 to 4. These are formed integrally, on the remaining functional components 26, by means of ribs 56 included in the combined part 54.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the part of the porthole frame 20, located on the left in Figure 1, by a section along line II-II which highlights how a structural guide piece 52 is connected to a structural stop piece 35 by means of a rib 56, and whose combined part 54 is embedded in the foam 24. Also symbolically evoked in this case is the realization of said stop piece 35, which is presented as an undercut 42 dedicated to a snap-on lug 39 on the retaining element 16. A recess, not described in detail, made in the porthole funnel 22, is provided to receive said lug 39.

[0065] The window frame 20 and the inner glazing 14 together form a window module 72 inserted as such into the aircraft 2, at the assembly stage, together with the outer window 10 already mounted.

[0066] Fig. 2 symbolically represents the manufacturing process of the porthole frame 20.

[0067] In said process, a foaming mold 70 is evoked only by dotted lines in this case, dedicated to the funnel 22 of the porthole, is prepared during an SI step and therefore defines, according to the usual techniques, by its internal volume or respectively by its internal wall, the external surfaces of the funnel 22 to be produced.

[0068] For the case considered concerning functional components 26 embedded in the foam, the latter (currently taking the form of the combined part 54) are permanently locked in the foaming mold 70 during a step S2.

[0069] In the direct sequence, the foam 24 is poured into the foaming mold 70 during a step S3, which respectively governs the production or foaming of the funnel 22 of the window. The functional components 26, forming the combined part 54, are then jointly embedded in the foam and, as a result of this operation performed on the funnel 22, are fixed in said funnel 22 formed by the foam 24.

[0070] Figure 3 illustrates the situation of Figure 2, excluding the retaining element 16, again from a perspective view, as detail III shown in Figure 1. In particular, a structural guide piece 52 in the form of a sliding rail, a rib 56, a structural stop piece 35 in the form of the undercut 42, and a bearing surface 30 for the inner glazing 14 are clearly visible.

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[0094] Figure 4 shows the same situation as Figure 3, omitting foam 24, so that only the combined part 54 is represented. This allows for better identification of the functional components 26. Figure 5 shows, with observation in the direction of arrow V in Figure 1, that is, in an oblique rear view of the window funnel 22, an additional structural fastening part 32f representing a functional component 26. This component initially, or even solely, constitutes a support 60 for a secondary fastening means 62, which in this case acts as a pin establishing, strictly speaking, the fastening of the funnel 22 to another constituent part 34 of the aircraft 2, not shown. Therefore, the fastening of said funnel 22 is achieved indirectly, or in a roundabout way, in that said means 62, directly fixed to said part 34, is held by said part 32f, and the latter is in turn fixed within said funnel 22. It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the invention as described and illustrated, without departing from the scope of the content disclosed in this memorandum. The elements, objects, indications and information illustrated in the figures are referenced as follows: 2: airplane 4: airplane passenger cabin 6: porthole 8: Observation direction from the cabin 10 Exterior window of the aircraft 12 Aircraft fuselage 14 Interior window glazing 16 Interior glazing retainer 18 Window blackout panel 20 Window frame 22 Window funnel 24 Foam forming the funnel 26 Functional components 27 Part attached to the funnel 28 Integrated parts embedded in the foam 30 Interior glazing support surface 32a-f: Structural parts for attaching to the constituent parts of the aircraft 34: component parts of the aircraft 35: Structural parts for stopping the retaining element 36: holes drilled in the fixing flanges

[0095] 37: Additional assembly elements by conformation, on the retaining element

[0096] 38: Fixing screws for the porthole funnel

[0097] 39: Snap-on tabs for the retaining element

[0098] 40: Structural assembly parts by conformation, on the porthole funnel

[0099] 42: Undercuts cooperating with the tabs

[0100] 50: Directional arrow for the movement of the blackout panel

[0101] 52: Structural parts for guiding the blackout panel

[0102] 54: Combined part

[0103] 56: Ribs on the combined part

[0104] 60: Support for the secondary fastening means

[0105] 62: Secondary fastening means

[0106] 70: Foam mold

[0107] 72: porthole module

[0108] M: assembled state of the porthole

[0109] A: distance between the inner and outer panes of glass

[0110] S1-S3: steps in the porthole frame manufacturing process [YES] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated to the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A frame (20) for a window (6) used in accordance with its intended purpose in a passenger cabin (4) of an aircraft (2), the window (6) comprising, viewed in a direction of observation (8), a fuselage or exterior window (10) integrated into a fuselage (12) of the aircraft (2) and extending transversely with respect to the direction of observation (8); an interior window (14) located on the cabin side and extending parallel to said exterior window (10), at a distance (A), along said direction of observation (8); a window funnel (22) which can be fixed in the aircraft (2), extends between said interior window (14) and said exterior window (10) in an assembled state (M) in accordance with its intended purpose, along said direction of observation (8) encircling the latter, and is made of foam (24); and at least one functional component (26) fixed to said funnel (22) of the porthole.

2. Chassis (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the foam (24) is a particulate foam.

3. Chassis (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the functional components (26) is fixed to the funnel (22) of the porthole by being embedded in the foam (24) as an integrated part (28).

4. Chassis (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the functional components (26) is a structural fastening part (32a to 32f), by means of which the funnel (22) of the window can be fixed to the aircraft (2).

5. Chassis (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the porthole (6), in accordance with its intended purpose, contains a retaining element (16) which can be fixed to the funnel (22) of said porthole and is designed to hold the inner glazing (14) on said funnel (22), in the mounted state (M) in accordance with its intended purpose; and in that at least one of the functional components (26) is a structural stop or fixing part (35) designed to hold said retaining element (16) on said funnel (22) of the porthole.

6. Chassis (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining element (16) is provided with a complementary conformal assembly element (37); and in that the part structural stop or fixing (35) is a structural part (40) of conformation assembly designed to cooperate by complementarity of shapes, in the assembled state (M) conforming to its purpose, with said complementary element (37) of conformation assembly of said retaining element (16).

7. Chassis (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the complementary conformation assembly element (37) is a snap-on chin (39); and in that the structural conformation assembly part (40) is an undercut (42) dedicated to said chin (39), or vice versa.

8. Chassis (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the porthole (6) includes a blackout panel (18) designed to darken said porthole (6) to a greater or lesser degree; and in that at least one of the functional components (26) is a structural guide piece (52) assigned to the adjustment of said blackout panel (18).

9. Chassis (20) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that at least two components, within the functional components (26), are associatively made as a combined part (54) in the form of a single integrated part (28).

10. A window module (72) dedicated to a window (6) of a passenger cabin (4) in accordance with its intended use in an aircraft (2), the window (6) comprising, along a viewing direction (8), a fuselage or exterior window (10) extending transversely with respect to said viewing direction (8) and capable of being integrated into a fuselage (12) of the aircraft (2) and, at a distance (A) from said window along said direction (8), an interior window (14) which is located on the cabin side and extends parallel to said exterior window (10) in an assembled state (M) in accordance with its intended use; with a window frame (20) conforming to a frame according to any one of the preceding claims; and said interior window (14) which extends parallel to said exterior window (10) in the assembled state (M) in accordance with its intended use.

11. A window (6) for a passenger cabin (4) conforming to its intended purpose in an aircraft (2), said window (6) comprising, along a viewing direction (8), a fuselage or exterior window (10) extending transversely with respect to said direction

12.

13. observation (8) and capable of being integrated into a fuselage (12) of the aircraft (2) and, at a distance (A) from said window along said direction (8), an inner window (14) which is located on the cabin side and extends parallel to said outer window (10) in a mounted state (M) in accordance with its purpose; with a window frame (20) conforming to any one of claims 1 to 9. Aircraft (2) equipped with a passenger cabin (4) and having at least one porthole (6) according to claim 11, located in said aircraft (2) in the assembled state (M) in accordance with its destination. Method of manufacturing a porthole frame (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, method characterized in that a foaming mold (70) is prepared for the porthole funnel (22); in that said funnel (22) is produced by pouring foam (24) into said foaming mold (70); and in that the functional components (26) are fixed to said funnel (22), concurrently or in sequence.

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