SIDE AIR OUTLET FOR AN AIRCRAFT CABIN AND AIRCRAFT WITH A SIDE AIR OUTLET

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a side air outlet (100) for an aircraft cabin, the interior space of which is divided into two chambers, an air intake (150) being connected to the first chamber, an air distribution point (171) being connected to the first chamber, and at least one opening (110) of the side air outlet being located in the second chamber. This disclosure further relates to an aircraft having such a side air outlet. (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: SIDE AIR OUTLET FOR AN AIRCRAFT CABIN AND AIRCRAFT FEATURING A SIDE AIR OUTLET technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a side air outlet for an aircraft cabin. In particular, this disclosure relates to a side air outlet for an aircraft whose interior space is divided into two chambers, with an air intake connected to the first chamber, an air distribution point connected to the first chamber, and at least one air outlet opening located in the second chamber. This disclosure further relates to an aircraft having such a side air outlet. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The air supply to a passenger cabin in an aircraft is generally provided by means of several air outlets. Figure 7 illustrates, by way of example, a conventional air supply for a passenger cabin which has several riser ducts 50 through which air is transported, from a main duct located at the bottom, to the upper region of the passenger cabin (in particular to a side region as well as a ceiling region of the cabin). A side air outlet 51 is connected to the riser ducts 50, which generally forms an air outlet extending in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft and located in the side region of the passenger cabin. For example, air may exit from the side air outlets 51 below an upper baggage compartment, i.e., approximately in the head region of seated passengers.In addition, ceiling air outlets 52 can be connected to the riser ducts 50, which allow air to exit correspondingly above the upper baggage compartments, for example in the region of a ceiling panel above an aisle in the passenger cabin.

[0003] Another type of air outlet is what are called individual air outlets, which are arranged as nozzles above the passenger seats. In this respect, one nozzle is generally associated with each passenger seat, and these nozzles are, for example, arranged in a (sub)group above a row of seats. Such a group of nozzles is usually installed in a service channel (also called a Personal Service Channel, PSC, personal service channel) and forms part of a personal service unit or individual service unit. (also called Personal Service Unit, PSU). The PSC or PSU is usually located in the lower region of the upper baggage compartments or next to them, so that seated passengers can access it by hand, for example to change the direction of the air outlet nozzle and / or to open or close the air outlet nozzle.

[0004] These individual air outlets are connected to the aircraft's air supply via a separate supply line 61. The supply line 61 usually runs parallel to the service duct, so that the individual nozzle groups can be connected to the supply line 61 by means of a flexible hose or similar.

[0005] The supply duct 61 itself is supplied with fresh air via a separate riser duct 60. This is particularly due to the fact that the static air pressure must be significantly higher for the operation of individual air outlets (nozzles) than for that of the side air outlets 51 or the ceiling air outlets 52. For example, the usual static pressure for individual air outlets (nozzles) is approximately 3 to 7 hPa, whereas it is only approximately 0.5 to 1 hPa for the side air outlets 51 and the ceiling air outlets 52. If a higher static pressure were used for the side air outlets 51 and the ceiling air outlets 52, the airflow in the passenger cabin would be excessive.Due to the large quantity of air passing through the side air outlets 51 and the ceiling air outlets 52, higher pressure would also lead to potentially audible and therefore potentially unpleasant noises.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to improve an air supply system for the passenger cabin of an aircraft. Description of the invention

[0007] This objective is achieved by the present invention. Preferred embodiments are also defined.

[0008] According to a first aspect that allows for a better understanding of the present disclosure, a side air outlet for an aircraft comprises a main body that extends in a longitudinal direction and surrounds (forms) an interior space of the side air outlet, and at least one air outlet in the main body, which is designed to allow air to exit the interior space. The interior space is therefore a volume enclosed by the main body, which volume serves for air distribution.

[0009] In this disclosure, a lateral air outlet for an aircraft is defined as an air outlet that provides general air supply to the passenger cabin in the lateral region of the passenger cabin. The lateral air outlet, also referred to in English as a "Lateral Air Outlet" (LAO), supplies A section of the passenger cabin is supplied with fresh air as soon as the ventilation system is activated. The side air outlet is therefore not an individual air outlet, such as a nozzle that can be adjusted by a passenger in a passenger cabin. The side air outlet can also be considered a passive air outlet. Furthermore, the side air outlet is located in the lateral region of the aircraft cabin and is therefore different from a ceiling air outlet, which is located higher up, for example, above an aisle in the aircraft or above overhead baggage compartments.

[0010] The side air outlet further comprises an internal separator that divides the interior space of the main body into a first chamber and a second chamber. This division of the interior space is understood to be along the longitudinal direction of the main body. This is because a consistent airflow must be generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body over the entire longitudinal extent of the side air outlet. For this purpose, a configuration of the side air outlet that is as identical as possible in the longitudinal direction is necessary. This does not, therefore, imply a division into two chambers arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the main body corresponds substantially to the longitudinal direction of an aircraft when the side air outlet is integrated into an aircraft.

[0011] In addition, the side air outlet includes an air inlet designed to be coupled to an air supply, and which is located in a section of the main body that borders the first chamber. The air supply is an air duct that guides and distributes fresh air, supplied by the aircraft's general ventilation system, evenly throughout the aircraft.

[0012] By way of example only, this could be a riser duct such as is already used in aircraft. Alternatively, the air supply / air duct could also be located above the side air outlet, for example branching off from a main supply duct extending into the passenger cabin ceiling region and leading downwards.

[0013] The side air outlet further includes an air distribution point designed to be coupled to an individual flexible air hose, and which is located in a section of the main body that delimits the first chamber. The individual flexible air hose thus carries air out of the first chamber. The individual flexible air hose is, in particular, a flexible hose that supplies fresh air to at least one individual air outlet or at least one individual air nozzle (or a group of individual air outlets). In this case, it may be a standard individual air outlet such as is commonly used in a PSC (and / or in a PCU).

[0014] Thus, the first chamber of the side air outlet replaces the otherwise conventional supply line 61 (see [Fig. 7]). The side air outlet described herein also eliminates the need for the riser line 60 of the supply line 61 normally used. The side air outlet disclosed herein therefore simplifies the overall ventilation system of the aircraft passenger cabin and also saves weight.

[0015] Typically, the PSU is located below or beside an overhead luggage compartment, i.e., in an area not too far from the side air outlet. Consequently, the individual flexible air hose can be kept very short (or at the usual length). Installation is therefore simplified, and the weight of the individual flexible air hose is kept to a minimum.

[0016] At least one air outlet of the side air outlet is located in a section of the main body that delimits the second chamber, and the internal separator includes at least one air passage that fluidly connects the first chamber to the second chamber. Thus, the second chamber is supplied with fresh air through at least one air passage, and at least one air outlet (the opening of the side air outlet forming the actual air outlet(s)) is supplied with fresh air from the second chamber.

[0017] At least one air outlet may be disposed in the main body such that the escaping air exits in a given direction relative to the main body. By way of example only, the direction of air exit may be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body. Consequently, the main body may be installed in a space-saving manner in the longitudinal direction of an aircraft, while the air exits in the transverse direction of the aircraft.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the internal separator can be designed to establish a first air pressure in the first chamber, and at least one air outlet is designed to establish a second air pressure in the second chamber. The first pressure is, in this case, higher than the second pressure. In other words, the internal separator, together with the at least one air passage, forms a pressure reducer inside the main body of the lateral air outlet.

[0019] Thus, the lateral air outlet can be used for several functions due to the two chambers. On the one hand, fresh air is guided to at least one air outlet, where a lower static air pressure can prevail in the second chamber, which is optimized for at least one air outlet. Therefore, noise at at least one air outlet can be avoided due to the optimized pressure. On the other hand, fresh air is distributed in the first chamber in the longitudinal direction of the main body and is routed both to the point of air distribution (via individual flexible air hoses) extends to the second chamber. Since higher pressure, optimized specifically for supplying fresh air to individual air nozzles, exists in the first chamber, separate riser and supply lines are unnecessary. Due to the longitudinal length of the main body, there is also sufficient space to size and position at least one air passage for the internal separator in such a way that no (disturbing) noise is generated during airflow through it.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air passage may be less than the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air outlet. The cross-sectional area may also be the sum of all the cross-sectional areas, in cases where several air passages and / or several air outlets are provided. Due to the smaller cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air passage, a higher pressure is established in the first chamber compared to that in the second chamber. In the case of circular holes or passages, the cross-sectional area corresponds to the diameter of the air passage or air outlet.It goes without saying that other cross-sectional shapes or changing cross-sections can also be used along the length of the air passage or air outlet, in order to regulate the respective static air pressure in the first or second chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the number of air passages may be less than the number of air outlets.

[0022] In one embodiment, the length (channel length) of at least one air passage may be greater than the length (channel length) of at least one air outlet. The greater the length, the greater the resistance to flow; therefore, a greater pressure is established upstream of the air passage or air outlet in the direction of airflow.

[0023] Of course, all the parameters (e.g., the number of openings, the diameter / cross-sectional area of ​​the openings, and the length) of at least one air passage and at least one air outlet can be adjusted so that the two static air pressures in the first or second chamber are optimally set. In the case of multiple air passages or air outlets, all the elements of the respective group may have the same parameters or may vary. In other words, different air passages and / or different air outlets can be implemented in the side air outlet.

[0024] In particular, the length (in the direction of airflow) as well as the diameter / cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage or air outlet influence noise generation during flow. In order to maintain noise generation as low as possible, these two parameters can, in an execution variant, be optimized to generate as little noise as possible, while the respective pressure in the first or second chamber is established through the number of air passages or air outlets.

[0025] Thanks to the respective number of air passages or air outlets, the first air pressure or the second air pressure can be adjusted as simply as possible in the two chambers of the lateral air outlet.

[0026] In one embodiment, the internal separator may include a plurality of air passages. In particular, the plurality of air passages may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main body. In other words, the internal separator also extends along the longitudinal direction of the main body, for example, over the same length as the internal space of the main body, the plurality of air passages being arranged in a distributed manner on the internal separator (i.e., in a distributed manner in the longitudinal direction).

[0027] In one embodiment, the plurality of air passages can be provided in the form of a plurality of channels or holes in a separating wall. The separating wall thus forms the internal separator through which the plurality of channels or holes pass.

[0028] In one embodiment, the main body may have a plurality of air outlets. In particular, the plurality of air outlets may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main body (along the second chamber). In other words, the second chamber also extends along the longitudinal direction of the main body, for example, over the same length as the internal space of the main body, with the plurality of air outlets being arranged in a distributed manner along the length of the second chamber (i.e., in a distributed manner in the longitudinal direction).

[0029] In one embodiment, the plurality of air outlets can be provided in the form of a plurality of channels or holes in a wall of the main body. The wall of the main body thus forms the boundary of the air outlets.

[0030] Of course, the plurality of air outlets can also be integrated into the wall of the main body in the form of one or more structural parts. By way of example only, the main body may have a slot in the wall, into which one or more structural parts can be inserted, the structural part(s) having the plurality of air outlets.

[0031] In one embodiment, the partition wall may comprise a plate with drilled through holes. In other words, the partition wall is a perforated plate, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the through holes allowing airflow between the first and second chambers.

[0032] In one embodiment, the partition wall may comprise a plate with milled grooves or notches, which form the plurality of air passages. In this respect, after the plate has been milled, it may be covered so that the grooves or notches form the air passages. Alternatively, the plate may be mounted on a wall (including the ceiling and base) of the main body, so that the latter covers the grooves or notches and thus forms the air passages.

[0033] In one embodiment, the partition wall may comprise a perforated plate, which is locally compressed or fractured to present a thinner section in certain areas, the thinner sections forming the plurality of air passages. The plate may be covered by another plate or mounted on a wall of the main body, so that the air passages are formed in the thinner sections.

[0034] In one embodiment, the partition wall may comprise a plate that is formed or cast in a corrugated manner. By overlapping it with another plate or by mounting the corrugated plate on a wall of the main body, some of the corrugations form the plurality of air passages.

[0035] In one embodiment, the partition wall can be arranged horizontally or vertically in the interior space. Alternatively, a first partition wall can also be arranged horizontally and a second partition wall can be arranged vertically in the interior space.

[0036] In one embodiment, the width of the main body may be less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, and particularly preferably less than 7 cm.

[0037] In one embodiment, the length of the main body may be between 50.8 cm and 152.4 cm (20 inches to 60 inches), preferably about 63.5 cm (25 inches) or 127 cm (50 inches).

[0038] In one embodiment, the height of the main body can be between 4 cm and 30 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, and particularly preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm.

[0039] In one embodiment, a plurality of air distribution points can be arranged in the section of the main body that bounds the first chamber. In this respect, each point among the plurality of air distribution points can be designed to be coupled to a respective individual flexible air hose. Through the plurality of air distribution points, several individual air fittings can, on the one hand, be connected to the lateral air outlet. On the other hand, the nearest air distribution point can also be used for connecting an individual flexible air hose, i.e., individual flexible air hoses as short as Possible options can be used. Of course, unused air distribution points can be closed, for example with a cap or closure.

[0040] According to a second aspect allowing for a better understanding of the present disclosure, an aircraft has a lateral air outlet according to the first aspect or at least one of the disclosed embodiment variants.

[0041] The aircraft can therefore be equipped with an easy-to-install and lightweight air distribution system. Of course, a plurality of side air outlets can be arranged in the aircraft, for example along a passenger cabin (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft) in a lateral region. The side air outlets can be installed on both sides of the passenger cabin, so that fresh air can be supplied from the left and right into the passenger cabin through the side air outlets.

[0042] In one embodiment, the aircraft may further comprise at least one passenger service unit coupled to the individual flexible air hose. The passenger service unit may, in this instance, be located above passenger seats, for example, below an overhead baggage compartment. The passenger service unit may be connected to the fresh air supply at the air distribution point via an individual flexible air hose. In particular, individual air outlets (nozzles) may be fluidically coupled to the individual flexible air hose in the passenger service unit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the aircraft may further include at least one riser duct that is fluidically connected to the air supply coupled to the air inlet. The riser duct may be supplied with fresh air by a ventilation system (of an air conditioning system) of the aircraft, so that the fresh air is carried through the riser duct into the main body of the side air outlet.

[0044] In one embodiment, the aircraft may further include an air distribution duct that is fluidically connected to the air supply coupled to the air inlet. The air distribution duct may, for example, branch off from an upper region of the aircraft, in which a ventilation system (an air conditioning unit) or a section thereof extends, and lead to the lower-positioned side air outlet. The air inlet for the side air outlet may, in this respect, be located in the upper region of the side air outlet.

[0045] This disclosure is not limited to the aspects and variants described herein, and in particular not in the order indicated. In particular, the description of aspects and variants should not be understood as a particular limitation to groups of features. On the contrary, combinations of aspects and variants may be formed, which fall within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, each variant or each feature described as optional can be combined with one of the other aspects or variants or combinations thereof. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] This disclosure is described below using exemplary embodiments, which are shown in the figures, including:

[0047] [Fig-1] illustrates a schematic longitudinal section through an air outlet lateral;

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic cross-section through an air outlet lateral;

[0049] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic cross-section of an aircraft region featuring a side air outlet;

[0050] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic cross-section through another air outlet lateral;

[0051] [Fig.5] illustrates schematic cross-sections, a longitudinal section schematic as well as a perspective view of some elements of a side air outlet;

[0052] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a side view of an aircraft with exits side air vents; and

[0053] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a ventilation system according to the state of the technical.

[0054] DETAILED STATEMENT OF IMPROVEMENTS

[0055] In the following description, certain details are addressed for explanatory purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a general understanding of this disclosure. Of course, this disclosure may be implemented through other embodiments that differ from these specific details.

[0056] [Fig.1] illustrates a schematic longitudinal section through a lateral air outlet 100. [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic cross-section through a lateral air outlet 100, this being, for example, the lateral air outlet of [Fig.1].

[0057] The side air outlet 100 comprises a main body 105 that extends in a longitudinal direction and surrounds an internal space 101. The rectangular shape shown is only an example. Of course, the side air outlet 100 can be rounded in both longitudinal and cross-section or be trapezoidal, rhombic, or similar in cross-section.

[0058] The side air outlet 100 has an air inlet 151 which is designed to be coupled to an air supply 50, 150. The air supply can be each any section of a ventilation system, for example of a riser 50 or an air duct 150 guided from above to the side air outlet 100.

[0059] Even though the air inlet 151 is shown on the upper side of the side air outlet 100, the air inlet 151 can also be located at a longitudinal end of the main body 105, on a lower side or on a side wall (for example the side wall 107).

[0060] The side air outlet 100 further includes an internal separator 120 which divides the internal space 101 into a first chamber 102 and a second chamber 103. In the cross-section shown by way of example, the internal separator 120 is formed by two partition walls 121, 122. The internal separator 120 further includes at least one air passage 129 which fluidically connects the first chamber 102 to the second chamber 103. As can be seen in particular from Figures 1 and 2, the incoming fresh air can thus be distributed into the first chamber 102 via the air inlet 151, and can be guided into the second chamber 103 via the at least one air passage 129.

[0061] The air passages 129 extending in a straight line shown may of course also have a curved or curvilinear contour. In other words, in the cross-sectional view according to [Fig. 2], the air passage 129 may be curved downwards or upwards and / or have a wavy shape.

[0062] At least one air outlet 110 is disposed in a section of the main body 105 that bounds the second chamber 103. The at least one air outlet 110 is designed to allow air to exit the interior space 101. The air outlet 110 is the actual air outlet, that is, the opening(s) from which air can flow into the passenger cabin and be distributed. By way of example only, the air can also be deflected in a certain direction through the at least one air outlet 110 (at [Fig. 2], for example, horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body 105).

[0063] The side air outlet 100 further includes an air distribution point 171 which is designed to be coupled to an individual flexible air hose 170. This air distribution point 171 (also called "tapping" or "tapping") is disposed in a section of the main body 105 which limits the first chamber 102.

[0064] The air distribution points 171 and the individual flexible air hose 170 guide the air out of the first chamber 102. The individual flexible air hose 170 is in particular a flexible hose or conduit that supplies fresh air to at least one individual air outlet 71 ([Fig. 3]) or at least one individual air nozzle or a group 70 of individual air outlets (also PAXIndiv Nozzles, PAX individual nozzles, i.e., individual passenger nozzles, or simply passenger service unit). In this case, it may be a standard individual air outlet 71 such as is commonly used in a PSC (and / or in a PSU).

[0065] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1], the internal separator 120 can include a plurality of air passages 129, which are shown here as channels with a rectangular cross-section. Of course, the air passages 129 are not limited in terms of length or cross-sectional shape to the air passages 129 shown. Thus, air passages 129 with an elliptical, round, or polygonal cross-section can also be used.

[0066] The same applies to the air outlets 110 which can be provided in the form of a plurality of channels or holes 111. The round cross-section shape shown is not intended to be limiting here but is given only as an example and serves to better differentiate it from the air passages 129.

[0067] By way of example only, the channels or holes 111 of the air outlets 110 may be provided in a side wall 107 of the main body 105 which forms a section of the second chamber 103.

[0068] The internal separator 120 can be designed to establish a first air pressure in the first chamber 102. At least one air outlet 110 can be designed to establish a second air pressure in the second chamber, the first pressure being higher than the second pressure. In other words, the pressure in the first chamber 102, which results from the air supply 50 / 150, is reduced to a lower pressure than that of the second chamber 103.

[0069] By way of example only, the first and second pressures in the respective chambers 102, 103 can be established by the number and / or size of the cross-section of the air passages 129 or of the channels or holes 111.

[0070] The air passages 129 and / or air outlets 110 can be provided in the form of one or more structural parts which extend in the transverse direction of the main body 105 and form the corresponding channels 129, 111. In the case of several structural parts, these can be integrated one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the main body 105. Alternatively, a plate 121, 122 or a wall of the main body 107 can also be perforated with holes, in order to guide air between the chambers 102, 103 as well as from the second chamber 103 into the passenger cabin.

[0071] In [Fig. 1], the side air outlet 100 is shown such that it covers two of these grid sections in a 25-inch (63.5 cm) grid. In other words, the main body 105 has a length of approximately 127 cm. The grid can, for example, be a standardized distance of aircraft structural parts, in particular a primary structural part, for example a frame or pair 5 (Figures 3 and 6). Of course, the main body 105 of the side air outlet 100 can also have a different length.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 151 is located in a region of the main body 105 that is not centered (in the longitudinal direction). In contrast, in the example shown, the air inlet 151 is located approximately one-third of the way along the length of the main body 105. This allows for the installation of several air distribution points 171 in the same network as the aircraft structural parts, for example, 25 inches (63.5 cm).

[0073] The network described here can also be the minimum distance between seats in two rows of seats in the aircraft. If the air distribution points 171 are now provided in the same network in the side air outlet 100, a group 70 of individual air outlets (i.e., individual passenger nozzles) can be easily mounted above each row of seats and connected to the aircraft's ventilation system. The unused air distribution points 171 can be closed, for example, by caps, closures, or the like.

[0074] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic cross-section of an aircraft region comprising a side air outlet 100. The side air outlet 100, or its main body 105, can be adapted to the mounting environment. For example, the side air outlet 100 can be installed in a triangular region between a frame or bulkhead 5 of the aircraft and the rear side of an upper baggage compartment 20. In order to be integrated as compactly as possible into this space, the main body 105 of the side air outlet 100 can have a trapezoidal cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the main body 105 can also be triangular, rhombic, elliptical, or similar. Furthermore, at least a portion of the main body 105 can extend into a region between the frames 5.

[0075] The trapezoidal shape in cross-section shown allows the main body 105 to be configured with a width of less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 7 cm. The height of the main body 105 can, in this case, be between 4 cm and 30 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, and particularly preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm.

[0076] In particular, the narrow width of the main body 105 allows for a continuous arrangement of a plurality of lateral air outlets 100 along the passenger cabin of the aircraft (see also [Fig. 6]), without blocking other objects embedded in the passenger cabin. In [Fig. 3], it can clearly be seen that sufficient space is available behind the upper baggage compartment 20.

[0077] In a (longitudinal) section of the aircraft, equipment (such as galleys, toilets, etc.) can also be installed instead of baggage compartments The rear wall of a unit 30 is shown only as an example and as a dashed line in [Fig. 3]. Since such units 30 do not require individual air outlets or similar built-in objects (a PSU), the triangular area is usually filled by the unit (at least largely, as identifiable by the dashed line 30). By fitting a narrow side air outlet 100, this can be achieved behind the unit 30. A space of approximately 7 to 10 cm is usually available between the unit 30 and the frame 5.

[0078] Of course, the distances shown in [Fig.3] are not illustrated to scale, but should only reflect the basic arrangement of the embedded objects 20, 30, 100.

[0079] As can also be seen in [Fig. 3], the individual flexible air hose 170 can be connected to a group 70 of individual air outlets 71 which are arranged, for example, above a row of passenger seats. Equipment 30 also includes individual air outlets 71, for example, in a toilet or in an onboard galley. As can be seen in the schematic view of [Fig. 3], the individual flexible air hose 170 can also be simply guided into the equipment 30, so that individual air outlets 71 located therein can be connected in the same way as the group 70 of individual air outlets 71 above a row of seats.

[0080] In conventional aircraft installations, the supply line 61 for the individual air outlets 71 is usually interrupted in the equipment region 30. In the present disclosure, the side air outlet 100 can also be made behind the equipment 30, so that the aircraft cabin can be flexibly configured or reconfigured at any time.

[0081] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic cross-section through another outlet The lateral air outlet 100 is given as an example. This corresponds substantially to the variant in [Fig. 2]. In order to reduce potential noise generation in the lateral air outlet 100, a noise damper 130 is provided. For example, the noise damper 130 can be mounted on a side wall, a ceiling, and / or the base of the main body 105. Since the noise most likely occurs during the flow, reducing pressure, through the air passages 129, a simple noise damper 130 can be provided on the side wall of the second chamber 103 as well as on the base of the main body 105 (and therefore on the base of the second chamber 103). The noise damper 130 can, for example, be made of foam or a surface coating in the main body 105 (in particular the second chamber 103).

[0082] Figure 5 illustrates schematic cross-sections given by way of example, a schematic longitudinal section and a perspective view of certain elements of a lateral air outlet 100. Thus, in [Fig. 5](a), the air outlet 110 is arranged so that its openings 111 are on the opposite side, as was the case in figures 2 and 4. The internal separators 120 (consisting here of partition walls 121, 122 and air passages 129) are also integrated in a reverse arrangement.

[0083] In [Fig.5](b), the internal separator 120 is provided along a side wall 106 of the main body 105. The separating wall 123 extends in this case parallel to the side wall 106 and forms with it a space for the air passage(s) 129.

[0084] In both cases, the second chamber 103 is therefore configured considerably smaller than, for example, in the variants according to figures 2 and 4.

[0085] Figures 5(c) and (d) illustrate a simple type of configuration for the air passages 129. The air passages 129 are formed between / through two walls in which recesses for the air passages 129 are provided. The walls may, for example, be separating walls 121, 122 that form the internal separator 120 (see, for example, [Fig. 5](a)). Alternatively, they may also be a wall 106 of the main body 105 and an additional separating wall 123 (see, for example, [Fig. 5](b)).

[0086] In this case, one of the walls 121, 106 may be flat / smooth, while the other wall 122, 123 has recesses or bulges for the air passages 129. These recesses may be formed by drilling holes, milling grooves or notches, compressing or breaking sections of a honeycomb plate, or manufacturing a plate formed or cast in a corrugated manner (as in Figures 5(c) and (d)).

[0087] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a side view of an aircraft 1 having side air outlets 100. The aircraft 1 may, for example, have a plurality of frames 5 arranged in the cross-section of the aircraft 1. The side air outlets 100 may, for example, be arranged between two such frames. In the example shown in Figure 6, a side air outlet 100 is always arranged between two frames 5, with a frame 5 positioned between them. In other words, a side air outlet 100 spans two frame areas. This allows for quick and easy mounting of the side air outlets 100 throughout the passenger cabin of the aircraft 1.

Claims

Demands

1. Side air outlet (100) for an aircraft (1), comprising: a main body (105) which extends in a longitudinal direction and surrounds an interior space (101) of the side air outlet; and at least one air outlet (110) in the main body (105), which is designed to allow air to exit from the interior space (101), characterized in that the side air outlet (100) further comprises: an internal separator (120) which divides the interior space (101) into a first chamber (102) and a second chamber (103); an air inlet (151) which is designed to be coupled to an air supply (50, 150) and is disposed in a section of the main body (105) which bounds the first chamber (102);and an air distribution point (171) which is designed to be coupled to an individual flexible air hose (170) and is disposed in a section of the main body (105) which bounds the first chamber (102), in that at least one air outlet (110) is disposed in a section of the main body (105) which bounds the second chamber (103), and in that the internal separator (120) has at least one air passage (129) which fluidically connects the first chamber (102) to the second chamber (103).

2. Lateral air outlet (100) according to claim 1, the internal separator (120) being designed to establish a first air pressure in the first chamber (102), at least one air outlet (110) being designed to establish a second air pressure in the second chamber (103), and the first pressure being greater than the second pressure, preferably, a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air passage (129) being less than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air outlet (110).

3. Lateral air outlet (100) according to claim 1 or 2, the internal separator (120) comprising a plurality of air passages (129), preferably in the form of a plurality of channels or holes in a separating wall (121, 122, 123), and / or the main body (105) comprising a plurality of air outlets (110), preferably in the form of a plurality of channels or holes (111) in a wall (107) of the main body (105).

4. Lateral air outlet (100) according to claim 3, the separating wall (121, 122, 123) comprising a plate having drilled through holes or milled grooves or notches, which form the plurality of air passages (129), or a dimpled plate, which is locally compressed or broken to present a lower thickness, which forms the plurality of air passages (129), or a plate which is formed or cast in a corrugated manner, some of the corrugations forming the plurality of air passages (129), preferably, the separating wall (121, 122, 123) being arranged horizontally or vertically in the interior space (101), or a first separating wall (121, 122) being arranged horizontally and a second separating wall (123) being arranged vertically in the interior space.

5. Side air outlet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a width of the main body (105) being less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, and particularly preferably less than 7 cm, and / or a length of the main body (105) being between 50.8 cm and 152.4 cm, preferably about 63.5 cm or 127 cm, and / or a height of the main body (105) being between 4 cm and 30 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 15 cm, and particularly preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm.

6. Lateral air outlet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a plurality of air distribution points (171) being disposed in the section of the main body (105) which bounds the first chamber (102), each point among the plurality of air distribution points (171) being designed to be coupled to a respective individual flexible air hose (170).

7. Aircraft (1), comprising: a lateral air outlet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Aircraft (1) according to claim 7, further comprising: at least one passenger service unit (70) which is coupled to the individual flexible air hose (170).

9. Aircraft (1) according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: at least one rising air duct (50) which is fluidically connected to the air supply (50, 150) which is coupled to the air inlet (151).