Barrier center latch with delayed rewrite feature

Abstract

A barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior. The barrier door system includes a door movable between a stowed position away from the opening and a deployed position extending across the opening. A lock is mounted to the door and configured to lock the door in the deployed position, where the lock is configured to be immediately movable from a locked position to an unlocked position from a front side of the door, and configured to delay movement from the locked position to the unlocked position from a rear side of the door.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 541,967, filed on October 2, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of aircraft, and more particularly, to barrier doors configured to control the movement of personnel through openings in an aircraft interior. Background Art

[0004] An aircraft has a cockpit that includes flight instruments, instrument panels, and various controls that enable the flight crew to operate the aircraft. The cockpit is located near the front of the aircraft and is typically a separate compartment away from the cabin area where passengers sit during flight. A cockpit door further separates the cockpit from the cabin area.

[0005] The cockpit door is closed and locked during flight. This allows the flight crew to focus on operating the aircraft and prevents unauthorized personnel from entering the cockpit. However, the cockpit door may be opened during flight for a variety of reasons. One situation is when the flight crew uses the lavatory located in the cabin area of ​​the aircraft. Other situations are when food and / or drinks prepared in the galley in the cabin area are delivered to the flight crew in the cockpit and when the flight crew leaves the cockpit during rest periods.

[0006] Opening the cockpit door may provide an unauthorized person with access to the cockpit.

[0007] There is a need for a physical barrier system that prohibits and / or substantially delays people in the cabin area from reaching the cockpit door when the cockpit door is open. The delay in their movement toward the cockpit allows the cockpit door to close and lock before people reach the door. Summary of the invention

[0008] One aspect relates to a barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior. The barrier door system includes a door movable between a stowed position away from the opening and a deployed position extending across the opening. A lock is mounted to the door and configured to lock the door in the deployed position, the lock being configured to be immediately movable from the locked position to the unlocked position from a front side of the door and being configured to be delayed in moving from the locked position to the unlocked position from a rear side of the door.

[0009] In another aspect, the lock can be instantly moved from the unlocked position to the locked position from the front side of the door.

[0010] In another aspect, the lock can be instantly moved from the unlocked position to the locked position from the rear side of the door.

[0011] In another aspect, the lock includes a rotary mechanism with a gear reduction and rack / pinion structure, the rotary mechanism having a handle on the back side of the door that requires multiple rotations to rotate the rotary mechanism to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0012] In another aspect, the lock includes a removable cover plate on a rear side of the door extending over a handle configured to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the cover plate is mounted to the door by one or more removable fasteners.

[0013] In another aspect, the cover includes a slot, and the handle is visible through the slot in the unlocked position.

[0014] In another aspect, the lock includes a sliding latch movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to a door; a handle attached to the sliding latch and movable along a sliding axis with the sliding latch; a first rotating member rotatable relative to the door, the first rotating member including a slot; and a second rotating member connected to the first rotating member, wherein rotation of the second rotating member causes the first rotating member to rotate relative to the door between a misaligned rotational orientation (wherein the slot is misaligned with the sliding axis) and an aligned rotational orientation (wherein the slot is aligned with the sliding axis).

[0015] In another aspect, the handle cannot move along the sliding axis when the first rotational member is in the misaligned rotational orientation.

[0016] In another aspect, the handle is a first handle and extends on a rear side of the door, and the lock further includes a second handle extending on a front side of the door.

[0017] In another aspect, the second rotating member is mounted to a rear side of the door, and the first rotating member and the sliding latch are mounted inside the door.

[0018] In another aspect, the first rotational member is biased toward a misaligned rotational orientation.

[0019] In another aspect, the cover plate is hingedly mounted to the rear side of the door, wherein the cover plate is movable between a closed position in which the cover plate extends over the second rotational member and an open position in which the cover plate is away from the second rotational member.

[0020] In another aspect, one or more latch bars are connected to the lock, wherein the one or more latch bars are configured to move based on the lock, wherein when the lock is in a locked position, the latch bars are in an extended position extending outward from the door, and when the lock is in an unlocked position, the latch bars are in a retracted position within the door.

[0021] In another aspect, the lock includes a strike override feature including a strike member configured to separate to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0022] In another aspect, the door includes a plurality of panels pivotally connected together, and a lock extends between two of the panels to lock the panels together in a locked position.

[0023] In another aspect, the plurality of panels are movable between a folded configuration and an extended configuration.

[0024] One aspect relates to a barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior. The barrier door system includes: a door including a first panel and a second panel, the door being movable between a stowed position away from the opening and a deployed position extending across the opening. A lock is mounted to the door, wherein the lock includes: one or more front locking elements positioned at a front side of the door; and one or more rear locking elements positioned at a rear side of the door. Wherein each of the one or more front locking elements and the one or more rear locking elements is configured to move the lock between a locked position and an unlocked position. Wherein the one or more front locking elements are configured to move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position faster than the one or more rear locking elements.

[0025] In another aspect, the one or more front locking elements are configured to move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position without delay.

[0026] In another aspect, the lock further includes a sliding latch movable relative to the first panel and the second panel.

[0027] One aspect relates to a barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior. The barrier door system includes: a door including a front side facing a cockpit of the aircraft and a rear side facing a cabin area of ​​the aircraft. A lock is mounted to the door, the lock including: one or more front locking elements exposed on the front side of the door and configured to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position; one or more rear locking elements located on the rear side of the door and configured to move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position; and a shield positioned on the rear side of the door, the shield extending above the one or more rear locking elements, wherein the shield is movable between a first position that prevents operation of the one or more rear locking elements and a second position that enables operation of the one or more rear locking elements.

[0028] One example relates to a barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior, the barrier door system comprising: a door movable between a stowed position away from the opening and a deployed position extending across the opening, a lock mounted to the door and configured to lock the door in the deployed position, wherein the lock is configured to be immediately movable from the locked position to the unlocked position from a front side of the door and to be delayed movable from the locked position to the unlocked position from a rear side of the door.

[0029] In another example, the lock is further configured to be instantly movable from the unlocked position to the locked position from the front side of the door.

[0030] In another example, the lock is further configured to be instantly movable from the unlocked position to the locked position from the rear side of the door.

[0031] In another example, the lock includes a rotary mechanism with a gear reduction and rack / pinion structure, with a handle on the back side of the door that requires multiple rotations to rotate the rotary mechanism to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0032] In another example, the lock includes a removable cover plate on a rear side of the door extending over a handle configured to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the cover plate is mounted to the door by one or more removable fasteners.

[0033] In another example, the cover includes a slot, and the handle is accessible through the slot in the unlocked position.

[0034] In another example, the lock includes a resettable feature that biases the lock toward the locked position.

[0035] In another example, the lock includes a rotating member having a slot and a handle attached to the sliding bolt, wherein the rotating member can be rotated relative to the door to align the slot in an unlocked orientation so that the handle can slide within the slot and move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0036] In another example, the rotating member is biased toward a locked position, wherein the slot is positioned away from an unlocked orientation.

[0037] In another example, the cover plate is configured to be positioned over the rotating component.

[0038] In another example, a lock includes a sliding latch and one or more latch bars.

[0039] In another example, the lock includes a sliding latch that moves back and forth along a first axis and a latch lever that moves back and forth perpendicular to the first axis.

[0040] In another example, the lock includes a strike override feature including a strike member configured to separate to move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0041] In another example, the lock includes a strike-overwrite feature with a rotating hook.

[0042] In another example, the door includes a plurality of panels pivotally connected together, and the lock extends between two of the panels to lock the panels together in a locked position.

[0043] One example relates to a barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior. The barrier door system includes a door including a first panel and a second panel, the door being movable between a stowed position away from the opening and a deployed position extending across the opening. A lock is mounted to the door and configured to lock the door in the deployed position, wherein the lock has a locked position that locks the two panels together and an unlocked position that unlocks the two panels. The lock is configured to move immediately from the locked position to the unlocked position from a front side of the door and to move delayed from the locked position to the unlocked position from a rear side of the door.

[0044] One example relates to a barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior. The barrier door system includes a door including a front side facing a cockpit of the aircraft and a rear side facing a cabin area of ​​the aircraft. A lock is mounted to the door and configured to lock the door in a deployed position across the opening, wherein the lock includes one or more front elements configured to immediately unlock the lock and one or more rear elements configured to delay unlocking the lock.

[0045] One example relates to a method of operating a barrier door in an aircraft interior. The method includes: locking the door in a deployed position extending across an opening in the aircraft interior; and unlocking the door from one of a front side of the door and a rear side of the door. Unlocking the door from the front side includes grasping a first portion of the lock exposed on the front side of the door and unlocking the door. Unlocking the door from the rear side includes grasping a second portion of the lock exposed on the rear side of the door and unlocking the door. Unlocking the door from the front side is faster than unlocking the door from the rear side.

[0046] One example relates to a method of operating a barrier door in an aircraft interior. The method includes: locking the door in a deployed position extending across an opening in the aircraft interior; and unlocking the door from one of a front side of the door and a rear side of the door. Unlocking the door from the front side includes moving a first locking element on the front side of the door and unlocking the door. Unlocking the door from the rear side includes first moving one or more delay elements, then moving a second locking element on the rear side of the door and unlocking the door. Unlocking the door from the front side is faster than unlocking the door from the rear side.

[0047] One aspect relates to a method of operating a barrier door in an aircraft interior. The method includes locking the door in an extended position extending across an opening in the aircraft interior. The method also includes unlocking the door from one of a front side of the door and a rear side of the door. Unlocking the door from the front side includes grasping a first portion of the lock exposed on the front side of the door and unlocking the door. Unlocking the door from the rear side includes grasping a second portion of the lock exposed on the rear side of the door and unlocking the door. Unlocking the door from the front side is faster than unlocking the door from the rear side.

[0048] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the aircraft.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the interior of an aircraft having a barrier door system installed at an opening.

[0051] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the locking element facing forward.

[0052] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the locking element facing rearward.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a lock having a reduction gear assembly.

[0054] Figure 5A is a rear view of the lock having a rear locking element and having a plate positioned above the handle.

[0055] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Rear view of the lock in FIG. 1 , with the plate in the open position and the handle exposed.

[0056] Fig. 6A is a schematic rear view of a lock having a cover extending over a handle;

[0057] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Schematic top view of the lock in FIG.

[0058] Figure 7 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a schematic rear view of a lock having a rotating member configured to open the lock from the rear side of a door.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a schematic rear view of a lock with a latch bar.

[0060] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a schematic rear view of a lock configured to enable a door to fold when the lock is in a locked position.

[0061] Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C is a schematic rear view of a lock configured to enable a door to fold when the lock is in a locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aircraft 100 configured to transport passengers is shown. The aircraft 100 includes a fuselage 101 having a cockpit 110 positioned forward and a cabin area 103 positioned rearward. The cabin area 103 is configured to accommodate passengers. The dimensions of the cockpit 110 and the cabin area 103 may vary depending on the aircraft 100. One or more exterior doors 104 enable passengers and flight crew to enter and exit the fuselage 101.

[0063] Cockpit 110 includes one or more seats 111 for flight personnel, including but not limited to the pilot, co-pilot, and other authorized personnel. Various controls and instrument panels (not shown) are positioned for use by the flight personnel to control aircraft 100 .

[0064] The cabin area 103 is located along the fuselage 101 to the rear of the cockpit 110. The cabin area 103 includes a passenger section 121 having seats 105 arranged in rows along one or more aisles 106. In some examples, such as commercial airliners, the seats 105 extend throughout the cabin area 103. In other examples, where the aircraft 100 is used for cargo transportation, a limited number of seats 105 are located in the cabin area 103.

[0065] Monument 112 is mounted to a structural member of aircraft 100 within fuselage 101. Monument 112 is shaped and sized for function, examples of which include, but are not limited to, galleys, lavatories, walls, and storage units. In some examples, monument 112 is shaped and sized to extend from the floor to the ceiling of cabin area 103 and between wall 114 of fuselage 101 and aisle 106.

[0066] In some examples, the cabin area 103 includes a vestibule 120 located between the cockpit 110 and the passenger section 121. In some examples, the vestibule 120 is located at one of the plurality of exterior doors 104 and includes a space that enables passengers to enter and exit the aircraft 100. Additionally or alternatively, the vestibule 120 provides an area for flight crew to sit during takeoff and landing, an area for preparing food / drinks for the flight crew, and an area for passengers to access lavatories. Figure 2A vestibule 120 is included having a pair of galley monuments 112a, 112b, a lavatory monument 112c and a storage monument 112d. In other examples, the cabin area 103 does not include a vestibule, wherein a passenger section 121 including seats 105 extends immediately behind the cockpit 110.

[0067] One or more openings 113 form walkways for passengers and flight personnel to move within the cabin area 103. Figure 2 In some examples shown, openings 113 are formed between the structures 112 . Figure 2 A layout having a pair of openings, opening 113a formed closer to cockpit 110 and opening 113b closer to passenger section 121, is shown. Other examples include openings 113 formed between a plurality of components, such as monuments 112, walls 114 of fuselage 101, and seats 105.

[0068] The cockpit door 90 separates the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103. In some examples, the cockpit door 90 separates the cockpit 110 from the vestibule 120. The cockpit door 90 prevents unauthorized persons from entering the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103. The cockpit door 90 may include a lock that secures the door 90 in a closed position.

[0069] The present application relates to a barrier door system 19 positioned at an opening 113. The barrier door system 19 includes a door 20 that can be in a stowed position ( Figure 2 ) and the deployed position ( Figure 2 The lock 30 is mounted to the door 20 and is configured to lock the door in the deployed position. The lock 30 is configured to lock from the front side 21 or the rear side 22 of the door 20. The lock 30 is also configured to open the lock from the front side 21 of the door 20 faster than from the rear side 22 of the door. In some examples, the lock 30 is configured to move from the locked position to the unlocked position immediately from the front side 21. In other examples, there is a delay when opening the lock 30 from the front side 21. In multiple examples, opening the lock 30 from the front side 21 can be faster than opening the lock from the rear side 22.

[0070] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A barrier door system 19 is schematically shown including a door 20 and a lock 30. The door 20 includes Figure 3A The front side 21 and Figure 3BThe rear side 22 shown. The lock 30 secures the door 20 in an extended position across the opening. The lock 30 includes one or more elements 40 (referred to as front locking elements 40) accessible from the front side 21 of the door 20, which are actuated to immediately lock and unlock the lock 30. The lock 30 also includes one or more elements 50 (referred to as rear locking elements 50) accessible from the rear side 22 of the door 20, which are actuated to unlock the lock 30 in a delayed manner. In some examples, the elements 50 on the rear side 22 are configured to immediately lock the lock 30.

[0071] The door 20 includes two or more sections that are locked together in the deployed position. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In some examples shown in , these sections are panels 23, 24 that are pivotally connected together along inner edge 29. Panels 23, 24 are made of rigid materials (e.g., composite materials, plastics) and have a fixed shape. Panels 23, 24 can include a variety of shapes and sizes, including rectangular as shown. In some examples, the size of panels 23, 24 is designed to extend across the entire opening 113 so that there is no gap when in the deployed position. In other examples, one or more small gaps are formed along the outer edges of panels 23, 24.

[0072] The door 20 can be moved between a stowed position and an extended position. In some examples, the door 20 is pivotally mounted to one or more of a door frame, a wall of the opening 113, a building 112, a ceiling, and a floor. In some examples, the panels 23, 24 are folded in an overlapping configuration in the stowed position.

[0073] The lock 30 secures the door 20 in the deployed position (ie, locks the door). Figure 3A In some examples shown, the lock 30 includes one or more first components 31 mounted to the first panel 23 and one or more second components 32 mounted to the second panel 24. The first component 31 and the second component 32 are configured to engage together to lock the lock 30 and disengage to unlock the lock 30. The lock 30 can include a variety of different components. In some examples, the lock 30 includes a first component 31 and a second component 32, the first component is a sliding latch mounted to the panel 23, and the second component is a receiving portion positioned in the panel 24. The sliding latch can be moved in and out of the receiving portion to lock and unlock the lock 30. In another example, the first component 31 is a latch rotatably mounted to the panel 23, and the second component 32 is a locking member mounted to the panel 24. The latch member is rotated to engage and disengage with the locking member to lock and unlock the lock 30.

[0074] The lock 30 includes one or more front locking elements 40 accessible on the front side 21 of the door 20 . Figure 3AIncluding examples with two front locking elements 41, 42, other examples include fewer or more elements. The front locking element 40 is arranged to move the lock 30 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The action of the front locking element 40 provides the movement of one or more parts 31, 32 and the unlocking of the lock 30.

[0075] The lock 30 includes one or more rear locking elements 50 accessible on the rear side 22 of the door 20 . Figure 3B Including examples with two rear locking elements 57, 58, other examples include fewer or more elements. The rear locking element 50 is arranged to move the lock 30 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The action of the rear locking element 50 provides for opening the lock in a delayed manner relative to the front side 21. In some examples, the action of the rear locking element 50 provides for immediate locking of the lock 30.

[0076] The lock 30 may include a variety of configurations having a variety of different rear locking elements 50 that delay opening of the lock 30 from the rear side 22 relative to the front side 21 .

[0077] Figure 4 2 is a schematic rear side of a lock 30 mounted in a door 20 having panels 23, 24. The lock includes a latch 204 that can move relative to the panels 23, 24 between a first position retracted into the panel 23 and a second position extending into the panel 24. The lock 30 includes a rotary mechanism with a gear reduction and a rack / pinion structure. The rear locking element 50 includes a handle 201 accessible to a user on the rear side 22 of the door 20. The lock 30 also includes a reduction gear assembly 202 that engages with the handle 201 and also engages with a rack 203 on the latch 204. The reduction gear assembly 202 includes a gear train with a plurality of gears engaged together. A gear 207 of the gear train includes teeth 208 that engage with the rack 203 on the latch 204. In some examples, the reduction gear assembly 202 and the latch 204 are mounted in the door 20.

[0078] The reduction gear assembly 202 is configured to require multiple rotations of the handle 201 to drive the reduction gear assembly 202 and rotate the gear 207 to move the latch 204 from the locked position (the latch extends into the panel 24) to the unlocked position (the latch 204 is retracted into the panel 23 and away from the panel 24). The multiple rotations of the handle 201 require time so that the flight crew can protect the cockpit 110 before a person can move from the cabin area 103 through the opening 113. In some examples, the front locking element 40 includes a handle 209 accessible from the front side 21 of the door 20. The handle 209 can be grasped by a user to slide the latch 204 immediately between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0079] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5BIn another example, the lock 30 includes a latch (not shown) mounted in the panel 24. The latch can be moved between a locked position (the latch extends outward from the panel 24 and enters a receiving portion of the panel 23) and an unlocked position (the latch is retracted into the panel 24). The front locking element 40 includes a handle (not shown) attached to the latch to enable the flight crew to instantly slide the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0080] The lock 30 also includes a rear locking element 50. The rear locking element 50 includes a handle 53 connected to and extending from the latch. A plate 51 is mounted to the panel 24 and includes a slot 54 aligned with the handle 53. A threaded fastener 52 secures the plate 51 over the handle 53.

[0081] The handle 53 can be moved along the slot 54 to slide the latch to the locked position. In the locked position, the handle 53 is not accessible through the slot 54. In the locked position, the handle 53 may be slightly visible or may be positioned below the plate 51. To open the lock 30, the fastener 52 is removed to allow the plate 51 to pivot about the hinge 55 and expose the handle 53, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B After removal, the plate 51 is pivoted about the hinge 55 to access the handle 53. The handle 53 can then be manipulated to move the latch and open the lock 30.

[0082] The fasteners 52 include threads to engage with the panel 24. Removing the fasteners 52 requires a person to unscrew each fastener 52. This process is time consuming, thus enabling the flight crew to protect the cockpit 110. The number of fasteners 52 used to secure the panel 51 can vary. Examples range from a single fastener 52 to multiple fasteners 52. In examples with multiple fasteners 52, the fasteners 52 can be the same or different.

[0083] Figures 6A to 6B A similar concept is shown. The lock 30 includes a latch 210 that slides between a locked position and an unlocked position. The front locking element 40 includes a handle 211 attached to the latch 210. The handle 211 is positioned in a slot 212 that enables the flight crew to slide the latch 210 between the locked position and the unlocked position. The rear locking element 50 includes a handle 213. A cover 214 is positioned above the handle 213 and is fixed to the rear side 22 of the door 20 by one or more fasteners 215. The cover 214 prevents access to the handle 213. In some instances, the slot 219 in the cover 214 enables a person to see the handle 213, but is not enough for a user to grasp and move the handle 213. The user is required to unscrew the fastener 215 to remove the cover 214. After removal, the user can slide the handle 213 to open the lock 30.

[0084] Figure 7The rear side 22 of the lock 30 is shown mounted to the first panel 23 and the receiving portion 250 is positioned in the second panel 24. A portion of the components of the lock 30 are positioned within the interior of the panels 23,24. Figure 7 Exposed components are shown so that the main components of the lock 30 embedded in the panels 23, 24 can be seen.

[0085] The lock 30 includes a latch 76 that can be in a locked position (eg, Figure 7 The latch 76 is a latch that is designed to slide between a latched position (shown) and an unlocked position away from the receiving portion 250. A first handle (not shown) extends outwardly from the front side of the latch 76 and is accessible on the front side 21 of the door 20 for instant locking and unlocking. A second handle 75 extends outwardly from the rear side of the latch 76 and is positioned to be accessible on the rear side 22 of the door 20. The lock 30 also includes rotating members 72, 73 that include gear teeth 78 that mesh together.

[0086] During use, rotation of the rotating member 72 causes the rotating member 73 to rotate about the point P. The rotating member 73 also includes a slot 74 configured to align with the handle 75. In some examples, the rotating member 72 is exposed on the rear side 22, wherein the rotating member 73 and the latch 76 are embedded in the interior of the door 20. In other examples, both rotating members 72, 73 are exposed on the rear side 22.

[0087] The handle 75 on the slide latch 76 has a travel path when moving between the locked position and the unlocked position. In the locked position, by positioning the rotating member 73 in a position such as Fig. 8A The rotational position of the slot 74 shown in the figure is not aligned with the travel path to prevent the lock 30 from being opened from the rear side 22. This misalignment prevents the user from sliding the handle 75 and the latch 76 and opening the lock. In some examples, the rotating member 73 is positioned above the handle 75 and prevents the user from accessing and sliding the handle 75 and the latch 76.

[0088] To unlock the door 20 from the rear side 22, the rotating member 72 is rotated. The rotation of the rotating member 72 causes the ratcheting movement of the rotating member 73, which in turn causes the slot 74 to align with the travel path of the handle 75 on the slide latch 76. Figure 7 and Figure 8B As shown, after the slot 74 is aligned with the travel path, a person can move the handle 75 to move the latch 76 to the unlocked position. In some examples, when the slot 74 is not aligned with the travel path, the handle 75 is not visible on the rear side 22. When the slot 74 is aligned with the travel path, the rotation of the rotating member 72 makes the handle 75 visible.

[0089] In some examples, the ratchet feature between the rotating members 72, 73 is limited to only allow a few degrees of rotation each time. This limitation requires the user to rotate the member 72 multiple times to align the slot 74 with the movement path of the handle 75, which requires an extended period of time (e.g., 5 to 10 seconds).

[0090] In some examples, the ratchet feature is preloaded with a spring. After the latch 76 slides from the unlocked position to the locked position, the rotating member 73 is rotated to position the slot 74 out of alignment with the path of movement of the handle 75.

[0091] In some examples, the cover 70 is hingedly connected to the back side 22 of the door 20. The cover 70 is closed and extends over the rotating member 72, thereby preventing access. The cover 70 is first pivoted away from the lock 30 to enable the user to access the rotating member 72. In some examples, the cover 70 is fastened in the closed position using one or more fasteners, and the fasteners must be removed before the cover 70 is pivoted to the open position. Removing the fasteners provides additional time for unlocking the door 20. In some examples, when the cover 70 is moved to the closed position, a spring on the cover 70 rotates the rotating member 73. The spring rotates the rotating member 73 and moves the slot 74 out of alignment with the travel path of the handle 75.

[0092] In some examples, the rotating member 72 is exposed on the rear side 22 of the door 20. The rotating member 73 and the latch 76 are embedded in the door 20.

[0093] In some examples, the lock 30 includes one or more latching bars that engage the ceiling and / or floor at the opening 113. The latching bars can be moved between an extended position for locking in place and a retracted position for unlocking. Fig. 9 The rear side 22 of the door 20 is shown. The door 20 includes panels 23, 24 and is in an extended position across an opening 113 formed between adjacent walls 114, a ceiling 115, and a floor 116. The lock 30 includes a latch 83 that can slide between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock 30 also includes a pair of latch bars 81, 82 and an actuating member 84. Movement of the actuating member 84 in a first direction (e.g., a first rotational direction) causes the latch bars 81, 82 to move outward to engage with one or more of the ceiling 115 and the floor 116. Movement of the actuating member in a second direction (e.g., a second rotational direction) causes these latch bars 81, 82 to move inward and disengage. Movement of the actuating member 84 in the first direction also causes the latch 83 to move to the locked position, and movement of the actuating member in the second direction causes the latch to move to the unlocked position.

[0094] In such Fig. 9In some examples shown in , the lock 30 includes both the sliding latch 83 and the latching bars 81, 82. In another example, the lock 30 includes only one or more latching bars 81, 82.

[0095] One or more latch bars 81 , 82 may be used with a variety of different types of locks 30 including various types of locking elements.

[0096] In some examples, the lock includes a sliding latch that can slide between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock is configured so that the door can be opened when the sliding latch is in the unlocked position. Such features include a delay mechanism to prevent a user from quickly unlocking the door 20 from the rear side 22.

[0097] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B An example is shown in FIG. Fig. 10A As shown, the lock 30 includes a latch 183 mounted to the first panel 23. The latch 183 can be moved between an unlocked position (the latch 183 is retracted into the first panel 23) and a locked position (the latch 183 extends into a receiving portion 189 in the second panel 24). A handle (not shown) on the front side 21 enables the flight crew to move the latch 183 between the locked position and the unlocked position. The handle 184 extends outward from the latch 183 and is accessible on the rear side 22 of the door 20. The lock 30 also includes a striker 185 that is pivotally mounted on the rear side 22 at the receiving portion 189. A latch member 186 is mounted to the panel 24 at the striker 185 by one or more fasteners 187. The latch member 186 positions the striker 185 at a pivot position above the latch 183.

[0098] When the latch member 186 is mounted to the panel 24, the striker 185 is positioned above the latch 183, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A The contact between the latch 183 and the striker 185 prevents the panels 23, 24 from pivoting to the open position. Removing the latch member 186 allows the striker 185 to pivot away from the latch 183, as shown. Fig. 10B When panels 23 and 24 are as shown Fig. 10B When pivoted relative to each other as shown, the pivoted position enables the latch 183 to move past the striker 185.

[0099] The latch member 186 is connected to the panel 24 by one or more fasteners 187. The fasteners 187 can be removed by a person at the rear side 22 of the door 20. Such a configuration enables a person in the cabin area to open the door 20 on the rear side 22 when the lock 30 is stuck in the locked position. Such a structure enables the panels 23, 24 to be folded without unlocking the latch 183. Such a configuration enables the door 20 to be moved to the folded configuration and to the stowed position in the event that the sliding latch and / or locking components are stuck.

[0100] In some examples, the lock 30 includes one or more covers that can be positioned over the lock 30 and secured by fasteners. Removal of the fasteners enables the one or more covers to pivot away to allow access.

[0101] Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C Another example of a lock 30 is shown, which is configured to enable the panels 23, 24 to pivot to a folded configuration when the lock 30 is in a locked position. The lock 30 includes a cover plate 300 configured to extend over a striking member 302. The lock 30 includes a cover plate 300 that engages with the striking member 302 in the locked position (e.g., Fig. 11B The lock 30 further includes a slider 303 and a rotating member 304.

[0102] When the door 20 is in the deployed position, wherein the panels 23, 24 are in the extended configuration, the lock 30 is locked from the front side 21 of the door 20 by a rotating member (not shown) connected to the hook 301 and rotating the hook into engagement with the striking member 302. Fig.11A In the locked position shown, the rear side 22 of the door 20 includes a cover plate 300 that extends upward to conceal the strike member 302 and the hook 301 .

[0103] In the event that the lock 30 cannot be moved to the unlocked position (such as by rotating a rotating member on the front side 21), the lock 30 is configured to disengage to allow the panels 23, 24 to pivot open. Fig. 11C As shown, the striking member 302 includes a vertically hinged separation half. In the locked position, the separation half is upright and nominally blocked by the vertical pin in the cover plate 300. The cover plate 300 is locked by the slider 303 and cannot be rotated to the open position. The rotating member 304 is configured to rotate to slowly retract the vertical pin (not shown), which in turn enables the slider 303 to move. As the slider 303 moves, the cover plate 300 is released, so that the separation half of the striking member 302 can be disengaged from the engagement with the hook 301. This release enables the panels 23 and 24 to be folded together when the rotating hook 301 remains in the locked position. The thread / height of the vertical pin is designed so that the rotating member 304 can be rotated multiple times to release the slider 303 and open the cover plate 300, which requires an extended period of time (e.g., 5 to 10 seconds). In some instances, a separate cover (not shown) extends above the rotating member 304.

[0104] These various locks 30 are configured to enable locking and unlocking from both the front side 21 and the rear side 22. It takes longer to open the lock 30 from the rear side 22 than from the front side 21. In some instances, the lock 30 can be opened immediately from the front side 21. In some instances, there is a delay when unlocking from the front side.

[0105] In some examples, the lock 30 includes a single engagement mechanism, such as a sliding latch or a rotating mechanism. The engagement mechanism is installed in the first panel and engages with a structure (e.g., a receiving portion, a striking member) on the second panel. In other examples, the lock 30 includes two or more engagement mechanisms. Different engagement mechanisms may include the same or different structures.

[0106] In some examples, the door 20 includes a single lock 30. In other examples, the door 20 includes two or more locks 30. The different locks 30 may include the same or different structures.

[0107] The panels 23, 24 and door 20 may comprise a variety of sizes and shapes. In some examples, the lock fits within a panel having a thickness of 0.75 inches.

[0108] In some examples, the lock 30 is divided into a first section (e.g., latch side) mounted to the first panel 23 and a second section (e.g., strike side) mounted in the second panel 24. Each section is configured to fit within a substantially 7 inch by 7 inch footprint in the panels 23, 24.

[0109] In some examples, the panels 23 , 24 are folded together and stowed with a nominal gap of 0.5 inches. This gap provides for a component of the lock 30 to extend outwardly from a surface of one or both of the panels 23 , 24 .

[0110] In some examples, the portion of the lock 30 on the rear side 22 of the door 20 extends outwardly from the panels 23 , 24 no more than 0.375 inches.

[0111] Of course, without departing from the essential features of the present invention, the present invention may be implemented in other ways than those specifically described herein. These embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes falling within the meaning and equivalent scope of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior, the barrier door system comprising: a door (20) movable between a stowed position away from the opening and an extended position extending across the opening; as well as A lock (30) is mounted to the door (20) and is configured to lock the door (20) in the deployed position, wherein the lock (30) is configured to be immediately movable from a locked position to an unlocked position from a front side (21) of the door (20) and is configured to be delayed in moving from the locked position to the unlocked position from a rear side (22) of the door.

2. The barrier door system according to claim 1, wherein: The lock (30) is instantly movable from the unlocked position to the locked position from the front side (21) of the door (20).

3. The barrier door system according to claim 2, wherein: The lock (30) is instantly movable from the unlocked position to the locked position from the rear side (22) of the door (20).

4. The barrier door system according to claim 1, wherein: The lock (30) includes a rotary mechanism with a gear reduction and rack / pinion structure, wherein there is a handle on the rear side (22) of the door (20), and the handle requires multiple rotations to rotate the rotary mechanism to move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position.

5. The barrier door system according to claim 1, wherein: The lock (30) includes a removable cover plate on the rear side (22) of the door (20), the cover plate extending above a handle configured to move the lock (30) from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the cover plate is mounted to the door (20) by one or more removable fasteners.

6. The barrier door system according to claim 5, wherein: The cover plate includes a slot, and the handle is visible through the slot in the unlocked position.

7. The barrier door system of claim 1, wherein: The lock (30) comprises: a sliding latch movable relative to the door (20) between a locked position and an unlocked position; a handle attached to the slide latch and movable along the slide axis with the slide latch; a first rotating member rotatable relative to the door, the first rotating member comprising a slot; and a second rotating member connected to the first rotating member; and wherein rotation of the second rotating member causes the first rotating member to rotate relative to the door (20) between a misaligned rotational orientation in which the slot is misaligned with the sliding axis and an aligned rotational orientation in which the slot is aligned with the sliding axis.

8. The barrier door system of claim 7, wherein: The handle cannot move along the sliding axis when the first rotational member is in the misaligned rotational orientation.

9. The barrier door system according to claim 7, wherein: The handle is a first handle and extends on the rear side (22) of the door (20), and the lock (30) further comprises a second handle extending on the front side (21) of the door (20).

10. The barrier door system according to claim 7, wherein: The second rotating member is mounted to the rear side (22) of the door (20), and the first rotating member and the sliding latch are mounted within the door (20).

11. The barrier door system of claim 7, wherein: The first rotational member is biased toward the misaligned rotational orientation.

12. The barrier door system of claim 7, further comprising a cover plate hingedly mounted to the rear side (22) of the door (20), the cover plate being movable between a closed position in which the cover plate extends over the second rotating member and an open position in which the cover plate is away from the second rotating member.

13. The barrier door system according to claim 7 further includes one or more latch rods (81, 82) connected to the lock (30), and one or more of the latch rods (81, 82) are configured to move based on the lock (30), and when the lock (30) is in the locked position, the latch rod (81, 82) is in an extended position extending outward from the door (20), and when the lock (30) is in the unlocked position, the latch rod is in a retracted position inside the door (20).

14. The barrier door system of claim 1, wherein: The lock (30) includes a strike override feature including a strike member configured to separate to move the lock (30) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

15. The barrier door system of claim 1, wherein: The door (20) comprises a plurality of panels (23, 24) pivotally connected together, and the lock (30) extends between two of the panels (23, 24) to lock the panels (23, 24) together in the locked position.

16. The barrier door system of claim 15, wherein: The plurality of panels are movable between a folded configuration and an extended configuration.

17. A barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior, the barrier door system comprising: A door (20) comprising a first panel (23) and a second panel (24), wherein the door (20) is movable between a stowed position away from the opening and a deployed position extending across the opening; and A lock (30) is mounted on the door (20), wherein the lock (30) comprises: one or more front locking elements (40) positioned at the front side (21) of the door (20); and one or more rear locking elements (50) positioned at the rear side (22) of the door (20); wherein each of the one or more front locking elements (40) and the one or more rear locking elements (50) is configured to move the lock (30) between a locked position and an unlocked position; and Wherein the one or more front locking elements (40) are configured to move the lock (30) from the locked position to the unlocked position faster than the one or more rear locking elements (50).

18. The barrier door system of claim 17, wherein: The one or more front locking elements (40) are configured to move the lock (30) from the locked position to the unlocked position without delay.

19. The barrier door system of claim 17, wherein: The lock (30) further comprises a sliding latch movable relative to the first panel (23) and the second panel (24).

20. A barrier door system configured to be positioned at an opening in an aircraft interior, the barrier door system comprising: a door (20) comprising a front side (21) facing the cockpit of the aircraft and a rear side (22) facing the cabin area of ​​the aircraft; A lock (30) is mounted on the door (20), wherein the lock (30) comprises: one or more front locking elements (40) exposed on the front side (21) of the door (20) and configured to move the lock (30) from a locked position to an unlocked position; and one or more rear locking elements (50) located on the rear side (22) of the door (20) and configured to move the lock (30) from the locked position to the unlocked position; and A shield member is positioned on the rear side (22) of the door (20), the shield member extending above the one or more rear locking elements (50), wherein the shield member is movable between a first position that prevents operation of the one or more rear locking elements (50) and a second position that enables operation of the one or more rear locking elements (50).

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