A coupling module as an interface between a passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding stair and the fuselage of an aircraft

Abstract

Subject of the invention is a coupling module (1) as an interface between a passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding stair and the fuselage of an aircraft, comprising a base (2), wherein at least the base (2) has a base bumper (10) on its end facing the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the base bumper (10) has a base bumper section (12) which is arranged pivotably about a hinge having a horizontal axis on the coupling module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connection module serving as an interface between a passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding ladder and the aircraft fuselage. The connection module includes a bottom, wherein at least the bottom has a bottom buffer at its end facing the fuselage. The subject of this invention is also a passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding ladder having a connection module serving as an interface between the passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding ladder and the aircraft fuselage. Background Technology

[0002] Connecting modules serving as interfaces between passenger boarding bridges or staircases and the aircraft fuselage are well known in the prior art. Such connecting modules are, for example, arranged on the passenger boarding bridge in the region at its front end, forming a direct transition between the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft. Specifically, such connecting modules serving as interfaces for passenger boarding bridges include folding canopies or pleats, wherein the folding canopy, in an end-side view, is designed to be generally U-shaped and has a buffer at its open end. The folding canopy is pivotable in the aircraft's entrance region in the direction toward the aircraft fuselage via a corresponding pivoting device. Before the folding canopy pivots toward the aircraft fuselage, the passenger boarding bridge or staircase with the connecting module is typically moved relatively close to the aircraft, sometimes until the bottom region of the connecting module, with its front-mounted bottom buffer, rests against the aircraft fuselage.

[0003] The aircraft fuselage, particularly in the forward region, is clearly defined. Efforts have been made to ensure, especially in the forward region, that the bottom of the coupling module rests completely against the aircraft. In this regard, it is known from EP 2 462 199B1 that the bottom of the coupling module is constructed to be segmentable, at least in some areas. This is based on the concept that, given the requirement to rest the coupling module against the aircraft in the forward region of the fuselage, within the area of ​​the door opening, seamless resting against the aircraft fuselage should be possible, at least in the clearly defined region of the fuselage.

[0004] However, modern aircraft fuselages now feature outer skins made of plastic. Direct placement of the coupling module's buffer device is no longer desirable. More precisely, a minimum distance should be maintained between the bottom of the coupling module and the aircraft fuselage. To ensure this, it is known from EP 3301028 B1 that the bottom of the coupling module is divided into multiple segments in the forward region, and thus follows the contour of the aircraft fuselage by moving the individual segments in the direction of the fuselage, with the aim of minimizing the distance between the bottom of the coupling module and the aircraft fuselage. The individual bottom segments are interconnected by bottom buffers, so that, ideally, the bottom buffers on which the bottom segments are arranged have a very small distance from the aircraft's outer skin along their entire length.

[0005] It is known that in certain aircraft types, such as the Boeing 737 or 787, measuring devices, such as sensors and pitot tubes, are located in the area at the bottom of the inlet near the front. When the bottom buffer touches these measuring devices while resting against the aircraft fuselage, it may damage them.

[0006] To avoid damage to the measuring device, it is known from US 2003 / 0229955 A1 that the bottom portion is constructed to be retractable, and thus the measuring device is protected from damage by retracting the bottom section. The disadvantage here is that a relatively large opening is created within the bottom of the connecting module, posing a risk of injury to passengers boarding and disembarking the aircraft, and ultimately to tarmac staff.

[0007] US 2002 / 0100128 A1 illustrates a similar approach, suggesting that the bottom portion, along with the buffer section, that might come into contact with the measuring device be flipped upwards. This creates a relatively large opening, posing a risk to personnel exiting or boarding the aircraft by stepping into the opening created by the flipped-up bottom portion and falling or otherwise injuring themselves. Furthermore, there is a risk that objects could fall onto the tarmac and pose a danger to the turbines if the opening is created.

[0008] It is also known that shortening the bottom buffer in the area of ​​the measuring device will, of course, create an opening toward the aircraft fuselage, thus leading to the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to protect the measuring device from damage by the bottom buffer, and simultaneously prevent obstacles on the bottom that could cause tripping hazards and general injuries. It should also prevent objects from falling onto the tarmac through any openings created in the device.

[0010] In the aforementioned connection module and passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding stairs, this task is solved by the connection module and passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding stairs described below.

[0011] According to the invention, this task is solved by having a bottom buffer member having at least one bottom buffer member segment arranged by means of a hinge to pivot about a swing axis relative to the bottom of the connecting module. Specifically, the bottom buffer member segment can pivot relative to the bottom independently of the bottom. This allows for the targeted swinging of a portion of the bottom buffer member out of areas where there is a risk of damage to measuring devices such as sensors and pitot tubes. The swing axis is defined here, in particular, by the hinge and extends substantially within the main extension plane of the bottom. Specifically, the swing axis can coincide with the connection line between the bottom buffer member and the bottom of the connecting module.

[0012] The hinge can be positioned, for example, at the end of the connection module at the bottom, below, or on the bottom. This allows the pivotable bottom buffer section to pivot to a position above or below the bottom by being positioned on the hinge, in which the bottom buffer section can no longer collide with the measuring device. In other words, the bottom buffer section is pivotally positioned on the connection module where it may come into contact with the sensor or measuring device.

[0013] In principle, the hinge can be constructed arbitrarily. Specifically, at least one pivot axis is provided for the pivotable arrangement of the bottom buffer section on the bottom of the connecting module. For this purpose, the hinge may have, for example, two hinge portions connected to each other in a manner rotatable about the pivot axis. Specifically, the hinge can be designed in the form of a hinge. A membrane hinge can also be used.

[0014] The hinge can be movable, allowing it to be lifted and pivoted upon contact with the measuring device. This minimizes the risk of damage to the measuring device, even if the bottom buffer section is forgotten to be manually flipped up.

[0015] The bottom buffer section can be designed as a semi-shell-like element. In the folded-back state, the bottom buffer section can be aligned with the bottom buffer. Similar to the rest of the bottom buffer, the bottom buffer section can be formed of a resiliently flexible material to avoid damage to the aircraft fuselage. However, the bottom buffer section can also have other shapes. For example, the bottom buffer section can be designed substantially the same as the rest of the bottom buffer and can have a cylindrical shape. Here, a recess may optionally be present, for example on the rear side, to provide the necessary mounting space for the hinge.

[0016] In another construction scheme, the hinge can have a shell-like element for receiving the bottom buffer section. In this respect, the bottom buffer section is securely held in place by a hinge, specifically designed as a hinge.

[0017] When using the bottom cushioning component according to the invention, there is no apparent risk of injury to passengers. This is achieved, on the one hand, by having no or only small openings to the aircraft fuselage. On the other hand, even if a passenger steps on the folded bottom cushioning component section, no risk of injury arises due to the elastically flexible material of the bottom cushioning component section and because the bottom cushioning component section rests against the bottom of the connecting module in an upward swinging or folding state, and in this respect, the formation of an opening to the aircraft fuselage is avoided.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the bottom of the connecting module has a plurality of bottom segments that are movable relative to each other in the forward end region. In principle, by segmenting the bottom of the connecting module into individual bottom segments and by transferring these bottom segments, which are interconnected at the end sides by end buffers, to the aircraft fuselage, it is possible for the bottom to rest against the aircraft skin with no play or only a very small gap; this also depends on the sensitivity of the aircraft shell. Hinges can here be arranged, for example, on the upper or lower side of the bottom segments, so that the bottom buffer segments can be pivotally arranged on the corresponding bottom segments.

[0019] The pivotable bottom buffer section can specifically form the end region of the bottom buffer. However, the bottom buffer section can also form other regions of the bottom buffer, for example, it can even be arranged on the edge side, however, in which the end region is formed by the fixed bottom buffer section.

[0020] Generally, a bottom buffer may have exactly one pivotable bottom buffer section. However, it may also have multiple pivotable bottom buffer sections. In addition to having one or more pivotable bottom buffer sections, a bottom buffer may have at least one bottom buffer section that is fixed relative to the bottom. When multiple pivotable bottom buffer sections are provided, they may be arranged side by side or spaced apart from each other with a fixed bottom buffer section between them.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the hinge is arranged on the upper side of the bottom or in the upper region of the end side of the bottom segment, such that the pivotable bottom cushioning segment rests against the upper side of the bottom or the movable surface of the bottom in its upward swinging state. In the upward swinging state, the opening angle between the bottom cushioning segment and the movable surface of the bottom can be <90°. Conversely, the hinge can also be arranged on the lower side of the bottom or in the lower region of the end side of the bottom segment. This is also applicable to embodiments that are fastened to the upper side.

[0022] The pivotable bottom buffer section can be manually pivoted. Alternatively or additionally, a swing drive mechanism can be provided for the pivotable bottom buffer section. It has been noted that the hinge can be designed, for example, as a hinge. The hinge has a swing axis, which can be part of the bottom buffer section designed as a shell-like element. The swing drive mechanism can act, for example, on such a swing axis (but not depending on the specific design of the swing axis) or on the bottom buffer section. With the aid of the swing drive mechanism, the bottom buffer section can be pivoted upwards and / or downwards when the swing drive mechanism is operated. The swing drive mechanism can be designed to hold the bottom buffer section in the corresponding end position. However, particularly in the downward-folding positioning, a certain type of clearance can be provided, which causes the bottom buffer section to fold upwards upon contact with an obstacle, such as a measuring device on the aircraft fuselage, if the swing drive mechanism malfunctions.

[0023] In another configuration, the swing drive can act from above or below on the swing axis of the hinge or on the pivotable bottom buffer section.

[0024] Specifically, the oscillation drive may include a motor unit, such as a drive chain or toothed belt, which ultimately causes the oscillation motion of the bottom buffer section. However, any other implementation of the oscillation drive is possible. For example, it may include a connecting rod or crank drive.

[0025] In addition, the connecting module is characterized in that the bottom of the connecting module can be enclosed by a U-shaped canopy or a U-shaped folding awning in the front view to protect passengers from the weather.

[0026] The subject of this invention is also a passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding ladder, which has a connecting module according to the invention serving as an interface between the passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding ladder and the aircraft fuselage. With respect to the advantageous construction of the passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding ladder according to the invention, embodiments of the connecting module according to the invention also apply accordingly.

[0027] Advantageous improvements of the invention are derived from the claims, description, and drawings. The advantages of features mentioned in the description and the advantages of combinations of multiple features are merely exemplary and may produce effects alternatively or cumulatively, without necessarily requiring mandatory implementation of the advantages according to embodiments of the invention. The number of features mentioned in the claims and description should be understood as exactly the number present or a greater number than mentioned, without explicitly using the term "at least." Thus, when, for example, a bottom buffer section is mentioned, it should be understood as exactly one bottom buffer section, two bottom buffer sections, or multiple bottom buffer sections. These features may be supplemented by other features, or may be the only features producing the corresponding result. The reference numerals included in the claims do not limit the scope of the subject matter claimed by the claims; the reference numerals are used only for the purpose of making the claims easier to understand. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Further improvements to the present invention will now be shown in detail, together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 The connecting module with a bottom buffer section arranged in a pivotable manner is shown in perspective in the schematic diagram;

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view of the bottom of the connecting module with an upward-curving bottom buffer section is shown in the enlarged view.

[0031] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 The bottom buffer section is in a folded-down state. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 An embodiment of the connecting module 1 according to the invention is shown, the connecting module having a bottom 2 surrounded by a U-shaped folding canopy or folding tent 4. The folding tent 4 has a U-shaped buffer 14 extending in a contour corresponding to the folding tent 4 on its forward end side, that is, on the end side facing the aircraft fuselage, to prevent damage when the folding tent 4 of the connecting module 1 rests against the aircraft fuselage.

[0033] exist Figures 1 to 3In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom 2 has a plurality of bottom segments 8, which are movable relative to each other in the direction of the forward end of the connecting module 1, so that the bottom can also follow the contour of the aircraft fuselage, as in the case of a folding canopy. The bottom segments 8 are connected at the forward end by a bottom buffer 10 to avoid damage caused by the end of the bottom 2 at the aircraft fuselage. The buffer 14 and bottom buffer 10 of the folding canopy 4, as well as the bottom buffer segment 12, can all be formed, for example, of an elastically flexible material.

[0034] As has been noted, in certain aircraft types, measuring devices that must be protected from damage are located in the area of ​​the aircraft's door openings. These measuring devices are typically located in the area of ​​the bottom 2 of the connecting module 1, making them susceptible to damage from the bottom 2 when the connecting module 1 rests against the fuselage. To prevent damage to the measuring devices, the bottom 2 has a bottom buffer section 12 in the area where it may come into contact with the measuring devices. The bottom buffer section 12 is arranged on the bottom section 8 via a hinge, allowing it to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the remaining bottom buffer 10 in its installed state. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hinge is designed as a hinge 16. The pivot axis extends in the main extension plane of the bottom section 8 and is oriented parallel to the end side of the bottom section. Here, the pivot axis extends virtually directly along the line connecting the bottom buffer 10 and the bottom 2.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, hinge 16 is arranged on the upper side of bottom section 8, thereby allowing bottom buffer section 12 to swing upwards or flip up from the area of ​​the measuring device. Figure 2 However, according to an embodiment not shown, the hinge can also be arranged on the underside of the bottom section 8, wherein the bottom buffer section 12 can swing downward.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, hinge 16 is designed and positioned on bottom segment 8 such that bottom buffer segment 12, in an upward swing or flip-up positioning, abuts against and remains in that positioning on the movable surface of the corresponding bottom segment 8 until the bottom buffer segment is, for example, manually pivoted back to its initial positioning, in which the bottom buffer segment 12 is aligned with the remainder of bottom buffer 10. Figure 3 ).

[0037] The bottom buffer section 12 is designed as a shell-shaped elongated element, which is formed of plastic corresponding to the elastic flexural nature of the bottom buffer and is connected to the hinge 16, for example, by screwing.

[0038] As an alternative or supplement to the manual swinging or tilting of the bottom buffer section 12, an actuator 18 as a swing drive device may be provided. The actuator may be electrically or hydraulically driven, for example by a switch 18a, to pivot the bottom buffer section 12. Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0039] The actuator 18 acts from below on the pivot shaft or bottom buffer section 12 of the hinge 16 to pivot the pivot shaft or bottom buffer section 12. In principle, the pivot drive can also act from above on the pivot shaft or bottom buffer section 12 of the hinge 16. For example, the choice depends on the existing installation space.

[0040] In summary, it can be understood that in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, free space can be generated by flipping up the bottom buffer section 12, thereby eliminating the risk of damaging the measuring device.

[0041] Similarly, there is no risk of passenger injury, for example, due to a large opening in the bottom of the connecting module through which an object could fall onto the tarmac.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 1 Connection Module

[0044] 2. Bottom

[0045] 4 Folding Awning

[0046] 8. Bottom section

[0047] 10 Bottom buffer

[0048] 12 Bottom buffer section

[0049] 14. Buffer

[0050] 16 Hinges

[0051] 18 Actuators

[0052] 18a switch

Claims

1. A connecting module (1) used as an interface between a passenger boarding bridge or passenger boarding stairs and the aircraft fuselage, the connecting module comprising a bottom (2), wherein, At least the bottom (2) has a bottom buffer (10) on its end facing the aircraft fuselage, wherein, The bottom buffer (10) has a bottom buffer section (12), which is arranged by means of a hinge to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the bottom (2), characterized in that, The bottom (2) has multiple bottom segments (8). The hinge is designed as a hinge (16) and is arranged on the upper or lower side of the bottom section of the connecting module (1) at the end, and the pivot axis extends in the main extension plane of the bottom section (8) and is oriented parallel to the end of the bottom section.

2. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom (2) of the connecting module (1) has a plurality of bottom sections (8) that can move relative to each other in the forward end region, wherein at least one bottom section (8) receives the bottom buffer section (12) that can pivot about the pivot axis via the hinge.

3. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom buffer section (12) arranged in a pivotable manner forms the end region of the bottom buffer (10).

4. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom buffer (10) has at least one bottom buffer section that is fixed relative to the bottom (2) in addition to having a bottom buffer section (12) that is pivotally arranged.

5. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom buffer section (12) is designed as a shell-shaped element.

6. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom buffer section (12) is designed as a semi-shell-shaped element.

7. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom buffer section (12) is formed of an elastically flexible material.

8. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom buffer section (12) has a swing drive device.

9. The connection module (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The swing drive device acts on the bottom buffer section (12) from below or above to induce swing motion.

10. The connection module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom (2) of the connecting module (1) is enclosed by a U-shaped folding canopy (4).

11. A passenger boarding bridge having a connecting module (1) that serves as an interface between the passenger boarding bridge and the aircraft fuselage, wherein, The connection module (1) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A passenger boarding stairs having a connecting module (1) that serves as an interface between the passenger boarding stairs and the aircraft fuselage, wherein, The connection module (1) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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