System and method for automatic and remote closing and opening of aircraft doors

Abstract

A system and method for automatically and remotely closing and opening an aircraft door. The system (1) comprises: a support (15) designed to be integrally fixed on a fuselage (4) of an aircraft; an elongate structure (16) displaceable relative to the support (15) between an extended position and a retracted position; locking and unlocking means (19) for alternately bringing the locking lever (13) into an unlocked position and a locked position; closing and opening means (20) in order to forcibly push the articulated arm (7) in order to face the door leaf (5) towards the open position and to catch on the articulated arm (7), and then pull the articulated arm (7) in order to face the door leaf (5) towards the closed position; and a control device (21) for transmitting to the closing and opening device (20) a command commanding the closing or opening of the door leaf (5) and to the locking and unlocking device (19) a command commanding the locking or unlocking. The system (1) makes it possible to alternately close and open a door leaf (5) of an aircraft (AC).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for automatically and remotely closing and opening a door designed to access an opening of a fuselage of an aircraft. The present invention also relates to an automatic closing method and an automatic opening method implemented by said system. BACKGROUND

[0002] An aircraft has at least one access opening that makes it possible to board the aircraft or to disembark from it. To access the access opening for boarding or disembarking, a gangway staircase (boarding stair) can be used, which is integrated in the aircraft or not. For example, after the aircraft has landed, the crew manually opens the door leaves of the door to access the access opening.

[0003] The gangway staircase is deployed or positioned directly in front of the access opening. Passengers and crew can then disembark from the aircraft. However, once all the crew have disembarked, it is no longer possible to close the door leaves of the door. It is also not possible to open the door leaves of the door for boarding after the door leaves have been closed. Indeed, the closing mechanism that makes it possible to manually close and open the door leaves is not accessible to people who are not on the aircraft. SUMMARY

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate this drawback, making it possible for people who are not on the aircraft to open or close the door leaves.

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a system for automatically and remotely closing and opening a door designed to access an opening of a fuselage of an aircraft, the door comprising door leaves, a frame defining an access opening, the frame being integrally fixed to the fuselage and having two uprights, the door leaves being configured to alternately be in a closed position when the door leaves close the access opening and in an open position when the door leaves open the access opening, wherein the door further comprises a locking mechanism configured to alternately lock and unlock the door leaves when the door leaves are in the closed position, the locking mechanism comprising a locking lever, an end of which is fitted to rotate on the door leaves about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the door leaves, the locking lever being configured to alternately be in a locked position in which the locking mechanism locks the door leaves and in an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism does not lock the door leaves.

[0006] According to the invention, the opening and closing system comprises:

[0007] - a support designed to be integrally fixed to the fuselage;

[0008] - an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, the elongated structure being connected to the support by a sliding link, the sliding link being configured so that the elongated structure can be alternatively in an extended position in which the elongated structure faces the passage opening and in a retracted position of the elongated structure opposite the passage opening, the elongated structure being displaceable relative to the support along its longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the two uprights of the frame;

[0009] - a locking and unlocking device fitted on the elongated structure, the locking and unlocking device being configured to bring the locking rod alternatively: to an unlocking position to unlock the door leaf when the elongated structure is in its extended position; and to a locking position to lock the door leaf when the elongated structure is in its extended position;

[0010] - a closing and opening device fitted on the elongated structure, the closing and opening device being configured to alternatively: push the articulated arm when the elongated structure is in its extended position in order to make the door leaf towards the open position; and catch on the articulated arm when the elongated structure is in the extended position and then pull the articulated arm in order to make the door leaf towards the closed position;

[0011] - a control device configured to transmit to the closing and opening device a command to close or open the door leaf and to the locking and unlocking device a command to lock or unlock, according to a command transmitted remotely by a user to the control device.

[0012] Thus, it is possible to close or open the door leaf of the aircraft by means of the control device, without having to be on board the aircraft.

[0013] In addition, the closing and opening system comprises a first actuator configured to actuate the sliding link.

[0014] Furthermore, the elongated structure has a first longitudinal end comprising a first deformable parallelogram mechanism fitted on the sliding link, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism being configured to be in an extended position when the elongated structure is in the extended position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism being configured to be in a retracted position when the elongated structure is in its retracted position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism being configured to maintain the elongated structure parallel to the door leaf when the elongated structure passes from its retracted position to its extended position and vice versa.

[0015] In addition, the elongated structure has a second longitudinal end comprising a first fixed element designed to be fixed on a second fixed element fitted integrally with the fuselage when the elongated structure is in the extended position.

[0016] Furthermore, the closing and opening device comprises an articulated arm, a second actuator and a third actuator,

[0017] The articulated arm has a first section that can be actuated by a second actuator according to control commands sent by the control device, and a second section that can be actuated by a third actuator according to control commands sent by the control device,

[0018] The first section is designed to be actuated by the second actuator in order to push the articulated arm when the elongated structure is in the extended position, in order to make the door leaf towards the open position,

[0019] The second section is designed to be actuated by the third actuator in order to catch on the articulated arm when the elongated structure is in its extended position, then to pull the articulated arm in order to make the door leaf towards the closed position.

[0020] In addition, the first section comprises a first end and a second end, and the second section comprises a first end and a second end,

[0021] The first end of the first section is fitted on the elongated structure by a first articulation configured to permit the rotation of the first section on a plane perpendicular to the two uprights of the frame between a retracted position of the first section corresponding to a position in which the first section is retracted against the elongated structure, and an extended position of the first section corresponding to a position in which the second end of the first section supports the door leaf in its open position by passing from the retracted position of the first section to the extended position of the first section,

[0022] The second actuator is configured to rotate the first section around the first articulation:

[0023] - in order to bring the first section from its retracted position to its extended position, and

[0024] - in order to bring the first section from its extended position to its retracted position;

[0025] The second end of the first section is fitted on the first end of the second section by a second articulation, the second end of the second section comprising a catch element, the second articulation being configured to permit the rotation of the second section on a plane perpendicular to the two uprights of the frame between a retracted position of the second section corresponding to a position in which the second section is retracted against the first section, and a second position of the second section corresponding to a position in which the catch element catches on the articulated arm,

[0026] The third actuator is configured to rotate the second section around the first articulation:

[0027] - in order to bring the second section from its retracted position to its extended position, and

[0028] - in order to bring the second section from its extended position to its retracted position by pulling the articulated arm until the door leaf is in the closed position.

[0029] In addition, the second actuator is further configured to rotate the first section around the first hinge, while the third actuator rotates the second section around the first hinge, in order to bring the second section from its retracted position to its extended position, and in order to bring the second section from its extended position to its retracted position by pulling the hinged arm until the door leaf is in its closed position.

[0030] In addition, the locking and unlocking device comprises a locking arm and a fourth actuator,

[0031] The locking arm comprises a first end and a second end,

[0032] The first end of the locking arm is fitted to rotate on the elongated structure by means of a third hinge,

[0033] The second end of the locking arm comprises a first gripping device designed to catch on the locking lever, so that the locking arm drives the locking lever from its locked position to its unlocked position,

[0034] The second end of the locking arm comprises a second gripping device designed to catch on the locking lever, so that the locking arm drives the locking lever from its unlocked position to its locked position,

[0035] The fourth actuator is configured to drive the locking arm between a retracted position and an extended position by rotating around the third hinge,

[0036] When the fourth actuator drives the locking arm from its retracted position to its extended position, the locking arm can drive the locking lever from its locked position to its unlocked position, while the first gripping device is caught on the locking lever,

[0037] When the fourth actuator drives the locking arm from its extended position to its retracted position, the locking arm can drive the locking lever from its unlocked position to its locked position, while the second gripping device is caught on the locking lever.

[0038] In addition, the locking arm comprises a second deformable parallelogram mechanism comprising a first side corresponding to the first end of the locking arm and a second side parallel to the first side, the second side corresponding to the second end of the locking arm, the second deformable parallelogram mechanism being contained in a plane designed to be perpendicular to the door leaf,

[0039] The locking arm further comprises a first follower and a second follower,

[0040] The locking and unlocking device further comprises a first cam fitted integrally on the elongated structure and a second cam fitted integrally on the elongated structure,

[0041] The first follower is designed to cooperate with the first cam so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism brings the first gripping device toward the locking lever, whereupon the locking arm drives the locking lever from its locked position to its unlocked position while the first gripping device is engaged on the locking lever.

[0042] The second follower is designed to cooperate with the second cam so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism brings the second gripping device toward the locking lever, whereupon the locking arm drives the locking lever from its unlocked position to its locked position while the second gripping device is engaged on the locking lever.

[0043] Furthermore, the first gripping means comprises two rollers designed to engage the locking bar by being received between the two rollers when the locking arm drives the locking bar from its locked position to its unlocked position.

[0044] The second gripping means comprises two rollers which are designed to catch on the locking bar when the locking arm drives the locking bar from its locked position to its unlocked position.

[0045] In addition, the locking element comprises a hook, which is mounted to rotate on the second end of the second section via a fourth hinge, wherein the fourth hinge permits the hook to rotate parallel to the first section and the second section, the hook being designed to latch onto a blocking element, which is designed to block the door leaf in its open position after it has been opened, and the hook being further designed to pull the blocking element in order to pull the hinged arm so that the door leaf is moved towards its closed position,

[0046] the hook having a first free end and a second free end, the second free end being mounted to rotate on a fourth hinge by means of a fifth hinge, the fifth hinge permitting the hook to rotate perpendicularly to the first and second sections,

[0047] the hook comprises an elastic element tending to rotate the hook about the fifth hinge in the first rotational direction so that the hook adopts an unhooked position corresponding to a position in which the first end of the hook cannot catch on the blocking element when the second section is brought from its retracted position to its extended position,

[0048] The second end of the hook comprises a finger designed to be supported against the blocking element when the second section has reached its extended position, the support of the finger against the blocking element facilitating a rotation of the hook via the fifth articulation in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until the hook adopts a latching position corresponding to a position of the hook in which the first end of the hook is latched on the blocking element.

[0049] When the first end of the hook no longer pulls on the articulated arm, and when the finger is no longer supported against the blocking element, the elastic element can drive the hook from its latching position into its unhooked position.

[0050] The present application also relates to a method for automatically closing a door leaf by implementing the system for closing and opening described above.

[0051] The closing method comprises the following steps:

[0052] - an extension step, in which the elongated structure is brought from its retracted position to its extended position by means of the sliding connection;

[0053] - a blocking step, in which the closing and opening device blocks the articulated arm;

[0054] - a closing step, in which the closing and opening device pulls the articulated arm so as to bring the door leaf towards its closed position;

[0055] - a locking step, in which the locking and unlocking device brings the locking lever to the locking position so as to lock the door leaf;

[0056] The extension step, the blocking step, and the closing step are implemented after the control device receives a command for closing transmitted remotely by the user;

[0057] The locking step is implemented after receiving a command for locking from the control device.

[0058] In addition, the closing method comprises a retraction step, in which the elongated structure is brought from its extended position to its retracted position by means of the sliding connection, the retraction step being subsequent to the locking step.

[0059] The present application also relates to a method for automatically opening a door leaf by implementing the system for closing and opening described above.

[0060] The opening method comprises the following steps:

[0061] - an extension step, in which the elongated structure is brought from its retracted position to its extended position by means of the sliding connection;

[0062] - an unlocking step, in which the locking and unlocking device brings the locking lever to the unlocking position so as to unlock the door leaf;

[0063] - an opening step, in which the closing and opening device pushes the articulated arm so as to bring the door leaf towards its open position;

[0064] The extension step, the unlocking step, and the opening step are implemented after the control device receives a command for opening transmitted remotely by the user.

[0065] In addition, the opening method comprises a retraction step, in which the elongated structure is brought from its extended position to its retracted position by means of the sliding connection, the retraction step being subsequent to the opening step.

[0066] The present invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a system for remote opening and closing as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0067] The accompanying drawings will enable a person skilled in the art to carry out the invention. In these drawings, similar references refer to similar elements.

[0068] Figure 1 Front perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening in its extended position.

[0069] Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening in its extended position.

[0070] Figure 3 Perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening before unlocking the locking lever.

[0071] Figure 4 Perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening during unlocking of the locking lever.

[0072] Figure 5 Perspective view of the detail of the closing and opening device of the system during opening of the door leaf.

[0073] Figure 6 Perspective view of the detail of the closing and opening device of the system before closing of the door leaf.

[0074] Figure 7 Perspective view of the detail of the closing and opening device of the system before closing of the door leaf, when the hook approaches the element for blocking the door leaf.

[0075] Figure 8 Perspective view of the detail of the closing and opening device of the system before closing of the door leaf, when the hook is caught on the element for blocking the door leaf.

[0076] Figure 9 Perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening during locking of the locking lever.

[0077] Figure 10 Perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening after locking of the locking lever.

[0078] Figure 11 Perspective view of the system for automatic closing and opening in its position retracted behind the access stairway.

[0079] Figure 12 View of an aircraft comprising a system for automatic closing and opening.

[0080] Figure 13The closing method is schematically represented.

[0081] Figure 14 The opening method is schematically represented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 is represented a system 1 for automatic and remote closing and opening. In the following description, the system 1 for automatic and remote closing and opening will be referred to as system 1.

[0083] The system 1 makes it possible to automatically and remotely close and open alternately a door 2 of a passage opening 3 of a fuselage 4 designed for an aircraft AC. The passage opening 3 can be accessible from the ground G by a passage staircase 65, which can or not be incorporated in the aircraft AC Figure 12 ).

[0084] The door 2 comprises a door leaf 5, a frame 6 and a hinged arm 7.

[0085] The frame 6 defines the passage opening 3. The frame 6 is fixed integrally on the fuselage 4. The frame 6 has two parallel uprights 10 which are substantially vertical.

[0086] The adjective "vertical" corresponds to a direction which is perpendicular to the ground G when the aircraft AC is on the ground G.

[0087] The door leaf 5 is configured to alternate between a closed position when the door leaf 5 closes the passage opening 3 and an open position when the door leaf 5 opens the passage opening 3.

[0088] The hinged arm 7 comprises a first end 8 hinged on the door leaf and a second end 9 hinged on the frame, so that the door leaf 5 remains parallel to itself when passing from the open position to the closed position and vice versa (i.e. during the passage from the open position to the closed position).

[0089] For example, the first end 8 is hinged on the door leaf 5 by means of a first vertical pivot connection 11A and the second end 9 is hinged on the frame 6 by means of a second vertical pivot connection 11B Figure 11 ).

[0090] For example, the hinged arm 7 has substantially the form of a "V" shape according to a section perpendicular to the vertical pivot connections 11A and 11B. The form of a "V" shape has two branches which respectively correspond to the first end 8 and to the second end 9. The two branches of the "V" intersect at an intersection point 101. In this example, the first vertical pivot connection 11A is located at the end of the first end 8 and the second vertical pivot connection 11B is located at the end of the second end 9.

[0091] The door 2 also comprises a locking mechanism 12 configured to alternately lock and unlock the door leaf 5 when the door leaf 5 is in the closed position. The locking mechanism 12 comprises a locking bar 13 the end 14 of which is fitted to rotate on the door leaf 5 perpendicular to the rotation axis of the door leaf 5. The locking bar 13 is configured to alternately be in a locked position in which the locking mechanism 12 locks the door leaf 5 and in an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism 12 does not lock the door leaf 5.

[0092] The system 1 comprises at least one support 15, an elongated structure 16, a locking and unlocking device 19, a closing and opening device 20 and a control device 21.

[0093] In the following description, the closing and opening device 20 will be referred to as the closing device 20. The locking and unlocking device 19 will be referred to as the locking device 19.

[0094] The support 15 is designed to be fixed integrally on the fuselage 4. The support 15 is designed to be fixed in the interior of the fuselage 4. Thus, the support 15 makes it possible to fix the system 1 on the fuselage 4.

[0095] For example, the support 15 comprises fixing plates 70A, 70B designed to be fixed on the frames 71A, 71B of the fuselage 4, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 11 in order to fix the support 15 on the fuselage 4.

[0096] The support 15 can be an elongated portion having a longitudinal axis B.

[0097] The elongated structure 16 has a longitudinal axis A. In the case where the support is an elongated portion along its longitudinal axis B, the longitudinal axis A is parallel to the longitudinal axis B Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0098] The elongated structure 16 is connected to the support 15 by a sliding connection 17 so that the elongated structure 16 can be displaced relative to the support 15 (and thus relative to the fuselage 4) along its longitudinal axis A, perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6.

[0099] The sliding connection 17 is configured so that the elongated structure 16 can alternately be in an extended position in which the elongated structure 16 faces the passage opening 3 and in a retracted position of the elongated structure 16 in which the elongated structure 16 does not face the passage opening 3.

[0100] Advantageously, the system 1 is configured to be able to be inserted between the fuselage 4 and the passage stairway 65 retracted into the aircraft AC when the system 1 is in its retracted position, as Figure 11 illustrated.

[0101] The locking device 19 is fitted on the elongated structure 16. The locking device 19 is configured to bring the locking bar 13 alternately:

[0102] - to an unlocked position to unlock the door leaf 5 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, Figure 4 ) and

[0103] - to a locked position to lock the door leaf 5 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, Figure 9 and Figure 10 ).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the locking device 19 comprises a locking arm 41 and a fourth actuator 42. The locking arm 41 comprises a first end 43 and a second end 44. The first end 43 of the locking arm 41 is fitted to rotate on the elongated structure 16 by a third articulation 45.

[0105] The second end 44 of the locking arm 41 can comprise a first gripping device 46 designed to catch on the locking bar 13 so that the locking arm 41 drives the locking bar 13 from its locked position to its unlocked position Figure 4 ).

[0106] The second end 44 of the locking arm 41 can comprise a second gripping device 47 designed to catch on the locking bar 13 so that the locking arm 41 drives the locking bar 13 from its unlocked position to its locked position Figure 9 ).

[0107] The fourth actuator 42 can be configured to drive the locking arm 41 between a retracted position and an extended position by rotating around the third articulation 45.

[0108] When the fourth actuator 42 drives the locking arm 41 from its retracted position to its extended position Figure 4 ), the locking arm 41 can drive the locking bar 13 from its locked position to its unlocked position while the first gripping device 46 is caught on the locking bar 13.

[0109] When the fourth actuator 42 drives the locking arm 41 from its extended position to its retracted position Figure 9 ), the locking arm 41 can drive the locking bar 13 from its unlocked position to its locked position while the second gripping device 47 is caught on the locking bar 13.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the locking arm 41 comprises a second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48. This second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 comprises a first side 49 corresponding to the first end 43 of the locking arm 41 and a second side 50 parallel to the first side 49. The first side 49 of the parallelogram corresponds to the first end 43 of the locking arm 41. The second side 50 corresponds to the second end 44 of the locking arm 41. The second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 is contained in a plane designed to be perpendicular to the door leaf 5, which means that the rotational movement of the sides of the parallelogram is contained in a plane designed to be perpendicular to the door leaf 5.

[0111] Advantageously, the locking arm 41 also comprises a first follower 51 and a second follower 52. The locking device 19 also comprises a first cam 53 assembled integrally on the elongated structure 16 and a second cam 54 assembled integrally on the elongated structure 16.

[0112] For example, the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 are positioned on both sides of the locking arm 41 along the longitudinal axis A. Figure 9 ).

[0113] The first follower 51 is designed to cooperate with the first cam 53 so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 faces the first gripping device 46 towards the locking bar 13, after which the locking arm 41 drives the locking bar 13 from its locked position to its unlocked position, while the first gripping device 46 is clamped on the locking bar 13.

[0114] The second follower 52 is designed to cooperate with the second cam 54 so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 faces the second gripping device 47 towards the locking bar 13, after which the locking arm 41 drives the locking bar 13 from its unlocked position to its locked position, while the second gripping device 47 is clamped on the locking bar 13.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first gripping device 46 can comprise two rollers 55A, 55B Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 8 ) designed to be clamped on the locking bar 13 by receiving the locking bar 13 between the two rollers 55A, 55B when the locking arm 41 drives the locking bar 13 from its locked position to its unlocked position. The rollers 55A and 55B make it possible to prevent friction between the locking bar 13 and the first gripping device 46 when the first gripping device 46 drives the locking bar 13.

[0116] The second gripping device 47 can comprise two rollers 56A, 56B Figure 4) are designed to catch on the locking bar 13 when the locking arm 41 drives the locking bar 13 from its locking position to its unlocking position. The rollers 56A and 56B make it possible to prevent friction between the locking bar 13 and the second gripping device 47 when the second gripping device 47 drives the locking bar 13.

[0117] The closing device 20 is also fitted on the elongated structure 16. The closing device 20 is configured to alternately:

[0118] - push the articulated arm 7 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, in order to bring the door leaf 5 to the open position Figure 5 ) and

[0119] - catch on the articulated arm 7 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, then pull the articulated arm 7, in order to bring the door leaf 5 to the closed position Figure 8 ).

[0120] The closing device 20 can comprise an articulated arm 29, a second actuator 30 and a third actuator 31.

[0121] The articulated arm 29 has a first section 32 that can be actuated by the second actuator 30 according to a control command sent by the control device 21 Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 . The articulated arm 29 also has a second section 33 that can be actuated by the third actuator 31 according to a control command sent by the control device 21.

[0122] The first section 32 is designed to be actuated by the second actuator 30 in order to push the articulated arm 7 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, in order to bring the door leaf 5 towards the open position Figure 5 ).

[0123] The second section 33 is designed to be actuated by the third actuator 31 in order to catch on the articulated arm 7 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, then to pull the articulated arm 7, in order to bring the door leaf 5 towards the closed position (of the door leaf 5) Figure 8 ).

[0124] The first section 32 comprises a first end 34 and a second end 35. The second section 33 comprises a first end 36 and a second end 37.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first end 34 of the first section 32 is fitted on the elongated structure 16 by a first articulation 38. The first articulation 38 is configured to permit the rotation of the first section 32 in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6 between a retracted position of the first section 32, in which the first section 32 is retracted against the elongated structure 16 Figure 6 ) and an extended position of the first section 32, in which the door leaf 5 is in its open position by virtue of the second end 35 of the first section 32 being supported against the hinge arm 7 after having passed from the retracted position of the first section 32 to the extended position of the first section 32 Figure 5 ).

[0126] Advantageously, the second end 35 of the first section 32 comprises a roller 351 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) designed to be supported against the hinge arm 7. The roller 351 makes it possible to prevent friction between the second end 35 of the first section 32 and the hinge arm 7 during the opening of the door leaf 5.

[0127] The second actuator 30 can be configured to rotate the first section 32 about the first articulation 38:

[0128] - so as to bring the first section 32 from its retracted position to its extended position; and

[0129] - so as to bring the first section 32 from its extended position to its retracted position.

[0130] The second end 35 of the first section 32 can be fitted on the first end 36 of the second section 33 by a second articulation 39.

[0131] Advantageously, the second end 37 of the second section 33 comprises a catch element 40. The second articulation 39 is configured to permit the rotation of the second section 33 in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6 between a retracted position of the second section 33, in which the second section 33 is retracted against the first section 32 Figure 5 ) and an extended position of the second section 33, in which the catch element 40 is caught on the hinge arm 7 Figure 8 ). The third actuator 31 is configured to rotate the second section 33 about the first articulation 38:

[0132] - so as to bring the second section 33 from its retracted position to its extended position; and

[0133] - so as to bring the second section 33 from its extended position to its retracted position by pulling on the hinge arm 7 until the door leaf 5 is in its closed position.

[0134] In addition, the second actuator 30 can also be configured to rotate the first section 32 about the first articulation 38, while the third actuator 31 rotates the second section 33 about the first articulation 38, in order to bring the second section 33 from its retracted position to its extended position, and in order to bring the second section 33 from its extended position to its retracted position by pulling the articulated arm 7 until the door leaf 5 is in its closed position. Figure 7 Figure 8

[0135] According to one embodiment, the blocking element 40 comprises a hook 57 fitted to rotate on the second end 37 of the second section 33 by means of a fourth articulation 58. Figure 7 The fourth articulation 58 permits the hook 57 to rotate parallel to the first section 32 and the second section 33. The hook 57 is designed to catch on a blocking element 59 designed to block the door leaf 5 in its open position after the door leaf 5 has been opened. Figure 8 The hook 57 is also designed to pull the blocking element 59 in order to pull the articulated arm 7 in order to bring the door leaf 5 to its closed position.

[0136] The blocking element 59 can correspond to a locking finger which is automatically locked in order to block the door leaf 5 in its open position when the door leaf 5 is brought to the open position. Conventionally, in order to unlock the locking finger (and thus the door leaf 5), the user manually acts on the blocking element 59 in order to unlock the locking finger. The hook 57 makes it possible to act on the blocking element by pulling the blocking element 59 in order to unlock the locking finger from the blocking element 59.

[0137] The hook 57 has a first free end 60 and a second end 61 fitted to rotate on the fourth articulation 58 by means of a fifth articulation 62. The fifth articulation 62 permits the hook 57 to rotate perpendicular to the first section 32 and the second section 33.

[0138] Advantageously, the hook 57 comprises a resilient element 63 which tends to rotate the hook 57 about the fifth articulation 62 in a first direction of rotation Dl (whose direction of rotation is represented by the arrow Dl in

[0139] The first direction of rotation Dl corresponds to the direction of rotation of the hook 57 when the second section 33 is brought from its retracted position to its extended position. The resilient element can correspond to a helical spring. Figure 7

[0140] ​​​The second end 61 of the hook 57 comprises a finger 64 designed to be supported against the blocking element 59 when the second section 33 has reached its extended position. The support of the finger 64 against the blocking element 59 enables the hook 57 to be moved by the fifth hinge 62 in a second rotational direction D2 (which is opposite to the first rotational direction D1) opposite to the first rotational direction D1. Figure 7 (indicated by arrow D2) until the hook 57 is in the locked position ( Figure 8 and Figure 6 The latching position corresponds to a position of the hook 57 in which the first end 60 of the hook 57 latches onto the blocking element 59 .

[0141] When the first end 60 of the hook 57 no longer pulls the articulated arm 7 (or no longer pulls the blocking element 59 ), and when the finger 64 is no longer supported against the blocking element 59 , the elastic element 63 can drive the hook 57 from its latching position into its unhooked position.

[0142] Advantageously, the finger 64 comprises a roller 641 ( Figure 7 、 Figure 6 ), which roller is designed to be supported against the blocking element 59. The roller 641 makes it possible to prevent friction between the finger 64 and the blocking element 59 when the hook 57 is rotated at least in the second rotational direction D2.

[0143] In addition, the first end 60 of the hook 57 may include a roller 601 ( Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 12 ), the roller is designed to pull the blocking element 59. The roller 601 makes it possible to avoid friction between the first end 60 of the hook 57 and the blocking element 59 when the hook 57 pulls the blocking element 59 in order to close the door leaf 5.

[0144] The control device 21 is for its part configured to:

[0145] - transmitting a command to close or open the door leaf 5 to the closing device 20; and

[0146] - Transmitting a locking or unlocking command to the locking device 19 .

[0147] For example, the control device 21 may be fixed in the interior of the aircraft AC.

[0148] The commands to close and open the door leaf 5 and the commands to lock and unlock the door leaf 5 are transmitted by the control device 21 according to the control commands remotely transmitted to the control device 21 by the user.

[0149] The control device 21 can receive a control command of the user from the human-machine interface 191. The user can first control the closing and locking of the door leaf 5, or secondly the unlocking and opening of the door leaf 5, via the human-machine interface 191. The human-machine interface 191 can correspond to a physical or virtual keyboard. For example, the keyboard can comprise a physical or virtual button such that a command can be transmitted to the control device 21 to order the closing and locking of the door leaf 5 when the user presses the button. The keyboard can also comprise a physical or virtual button such that a command can be transmitted to the control device 21 to order the unlocking and opening of the door leaf 5 when the user presses the button. According to one or the other of the order commands received by the control device 21 from the human-machine interface 191, the control device transmits to the closing device 20 a command to order the closing of the door leaf 5 or a command to order the opening of the door leaf, and to the locking device 19 a command to order the locking of the door leaf 5 or a command to order the unlocking of the door leaf. Advantageously, the human-machine interface 191 is fitted on a part of the aircraft AC which is easily accessible to a user on the ground G. For example, the human-machine interface is fitted on the front landing gear 192 Figure 1 ). The human-machine interface can also be detached from the aircraft AC. The human-machine interface 191 can also comprise a physical or virtual button which authorizes the deployment or retraction of the access stairway 65. In addition, the human-machine interface 191 can comprise a display device, such as a screen or a light signal. The display device can indicate to the user the validation of the closing and locking of the door leaf 5, or also the opening of the door leaf 5. For example, if the control device 21 transmits to the human-machine interface a signal validating the closing (and locking) of the door leaf 5, a light signal is activated (switched on). If the control device 21 transmits to the human-machine interface a signal validating the opening of the door leaf 5, another light signal is activated. The signals exchanged between the human-machine interface 191 and the control device 21, such as the order commands, can be transmitted by a wired or wireless connection.

[0150] The system 1 can comprise a first actuator 26 configured to actuate the sliding link 17. The actuation of the sliding link 17 can drive the elongated structure 16 alternately towards its extended position and towards its retracted position.

[0151] By way of non-limiting example, the sliding link 17 can be produced by means of a rail 171 and a rack device 172. Figure 11 ). The elongated structure 16 is then guided by the rail 171 when it is driven by the rack device 172.

[0152] The elongated structure 16 has a first longitudinal end 23.

[0153] The first longitudinal end 23 can comprise a first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 fitted on the sliding link 17.

[0154] The first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is configured to alternate between an extended position and a retracted position. When the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is in its extended position. When the elongated structure 16 is in its retracted position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is in its retracted position.

[0155] The first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is configured to maintain the elongated structure 16 parallel to the door leaf 5 when the elongated structure 16 is transitioning from its retracted position to its extended position, and vice versa. In other words, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 makes it possible to maintain the longitudinal axis A substantially parallel to the fuselage 4 and perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6. It also allows the system to be able to be inserted between the fuselage 4 and the access stairway 65 when the system 1 is in its retracted position, as Figure 1 illustrated.

[0156] For example, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 can comprise at least four rigid elements 251, 252, 253, 254 connected to each other at their ends by four pivoting connections 255, 256, 257, 258. The rigid element 251 comprises at least one slide 173 cooperating with the rail 171. The other rigid element 253 opposite the rigid element 251 in the parallelogram mechanism is fixed in the extension of the longitudinal axis A on the elongated structure 16 Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0157] The elongated structure 16 driving alternately to its extended position and to its retracted position brings the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 respectively from its retracted position to its extended position and from its extended position to its retracted position.

[0158] The elongated structure 16 has a second longitudinal end 24.

[0159] The second longitudinal end 24 can comprise a first fixing element 27 designed to be fixed on a second fixing element 28 when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position. The second fixing element 28 is fitted integrally on the fuselage 4. When the first fixing element 27 is fixed on the second fixing element 28, the elongated structure 16 is not cantilevered when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position. When the elongated structure 16 returns to its retracted position, the first fixing element 27 is designed to be separated from the second fixing element 28.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the system 1 can comprise a second fixing element 28, as Figure 13 illustrated. According to another embodiment, the second fixing element 28 can correspond to an element of the fuselage 4.

[0161] By way of non-limiting example, the first fixing elements 27 comprise fingers and the second fixing elements 28 comprise apertures. Each of the apertures faces each of the fingers when the elongated structure 16 approaches its extended position. Then, each of the fingers is inserted in the corresponding aperture when the elongated structure 16 is in its extended position. In this example, the first fixing elements 27 are fixed on the second fixing elements 28 when the fingers are inserted in the apertures.

[0162] The present application also relates to a method for automatically closing a door leaf 5 by implementing a system 1 for closing and opening Figure 14 ).

[0163] The closing method comprises the following steps:

[0164] - an extension step E1A in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its retracted position to its extended position by the sliding link 17;

[0165] - a blocking step E2A in which the closing and opening device 20 is blocked on the hinged arm 7;

[0166] - a closing step E3A in which the closing and opening device 20 pulls the hinged arm 7 so as to make the door leaf 5 approach its closed position;

[0167] - a locking step E4A in which the locking and unlocking device 19 brings the locking lever 13 to the locking position to lock the door leaf 5.

[0168] The extension step E1A, the blocking step E2A, and the closing step E3A are implemented after a step E0A in which the control device 21 receives a command to close transmitted remotely by a user. The locking step E4A is implemented after receiving a command to lock from the control device 21.

[0169] The closing method can also comprise a retraction step E5A in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its extended position to its retracted position by the sliding link 17. The retraction step E5A is after the locking step E4A.

[0170] The present application also relates to a method for automatically opening a door leaf 5 by implementing a system 1 for closing and opening ​ ).

[0171] The opening method comprises the following steps:

[0172] - an extension step E1B in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its retracted position to its extended position by the sliding link 17;

[0173] - an unlocking step E2B in which the locking and unlocking device 19 brings the locking lever 13 to the unlocking position to unlock the door leaf 5;

[0174] - an opening step E3B, in which the device 20 for closing and opening pushes the articulated arm 7 in order to bring the door leaf 5 towards its open position.

[0175] The extension step E1B, the unlocking step E2B, and the opening step E3B are implemented after a step E0B in which the control device 21 receives a command to open transmitted remotely by a user.

[0176] The opening method can also comprise a retraction step E4B, in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its extended position to its retracted position by the sliding connection 17. The retraction step E4B is subsequent to the opening step E3B.

Claims

1. A system for automatically and remotely closing and opening a door (2) designed to close and open a passage opening (3) of a fuselage (4) of an aircraft (AC), said door (2) comprising a door leaf (5), a frame (6) defining said passage opening (3), said frame (6) being integrally fixed to said fuselage (4) and having two uprights (10), and a hinged arm (7) hinged at a first end (8) to said door leaf and at a second end (9) to said frame, such that said door leaf (5) remains parallel to itself when passing from said open position to said closed position and vice versa, said door (2) further comprising a locking mechanism (12) configured to alternately lock and unlock said door leaf (5) when said door leaf (5) is in said closed position, said locking mechanism (12) comprising a locking rod (13) the end (14) of which is fitted to rotate on said door leaf (5) about an axis of rotation perpendicular to said door leaf (5), said locking rod (13) being configured to alternately pass in a locked position in which said locking mechanism (12) locks said door leaf (5) and in an unlocked position in which said locking mechanism (12) does not lock said door leaf (5), characterized in that said system comprising: - a support (15) designed to be integrally fixed to said fuselage (4); - an elongated structure (16) having a longitudinal axis (A), said elongated structure (16) being connected to said support (15) by a sliding connection (17) such that said elongated structure (16) can be displaced with respect to said support (15) along the longitudinal axis (A) of said elongated structure, perpendicular to the two uprights (10) of said frame (6), said sliding connection (17) being configured such that said elongated structure (16) can alternately pass in an extended position in which said elongated structure (16) faces said passage opening (3) and in a retracted position of said elongated structure (16) in which said elongated structure (16) is not opposite said passage opening (3); - a locking and unlocking device (19) fitted on said elongated structure (16), said locking and unlocking device (19) being configured to alternately bring said locking rod (13) to said unlocked position to unlock said door leaf (5) when said elongated structure (16) is in said extended position of said elongated structure and to said locked position to lock said door leaf (5) when said elongated structure (16) is in said extended position of said elongated structure. - closing and opening means (20) fitted on said elongated structure (16), said closing and opening means (20) being configured to alternately: push against said articulated arm (7) when said elongated structure (16) is in the extended position of the elongated structure, so as to make said door leaf (5) towards the open position; and catch on said articulated arm (7) when said elongated structure (16) is in the extended position of the elongated structure, then pull said articulated arm (7), so as to make said door leaf (5) towards the closed position; - control means (21) configured to transmit to said closing and opening means (20) a command to close or open said door leaf (5) and to said locking and unlocking means (19) a command to lock or unlock, according to a command transmitted remotely by a user to said control means (21).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said system comprising a first actuator (26) configured to actuate said sliding connection (17).

3. The system according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said elongated structure (16) having a first longitudinal end (23) comprising a first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) fitted on said sliding connection (17), said first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) being configured to be in an extended position when said elongated structure (16) is in the extended position of the elongated structure, said first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) being configured to be in a retracted position when said elongated structure (16) is in the retracted position of the elongated structure, said first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) being configured to maintain said elongated structure (16) parallel to said door leaf (5) when said elongated structure (16) passes from the retracted position of the elongated structure to the extended position of the elongated structure and vice versa.

4. The system according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said elongated structure (16) having a second longitudinal end (24) comprising a first fixed element (27) designed to be fixed on a second fixed element (28) when said elongated structure (16) is in the extended position of the elongated structure, said second fixed element being fitted integrally with said fuselage (4).

5. The system according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said closing and opening means (20) comprising an articulated arm (29), a second actuator (30) and a third actuator (31), said articulated arm having a first section (32) and a second section (33), said first section being actuatable by said second actuator (30) according to control commands sent by said control means (21), said second section being actuatable by said third actuator (31) according to control commands sent by said control means (21), said first section (32) is designed to be actuated by said second actuator (30) in order to push said articulated arm (7) when said elongated structure (16) is in said extended position, in order to make said door leaf (5) towards said open position, said second section (33) is designed to be actuated by said third actuator (31) in order to catch on said articulated arm (7) when said elongated structure (16) is in said extended position of said elongated structure, then to pull said articulated arm (7) in order to make said door leaf (5) towards said closed position.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that said first section (32) comprises a first end (34) and a second end (35), said second section (33) comprises a first end (36) and a second end (37), said first end (34) of said first section (32) is fitted on said elongated structure (16) by a first articulation (38) configured to permit the rotation of said first section (32) on a plane perpendicular to the two uprights (10) of said frame (6) between a retracted position of said first section (32) corresponding to a position in which said first section (32) is retracted against said elongated structure (16) and an extended position of said first section (32) corresponding to a position in which said door leaf (5) is in an open position by the support of said second end (37) of said first section (33) after the rotation of said first section (32) from said retracted position of said first section (32) to said extended position of said first section (32), said second actuator (30) is configured to rotate said first section (32) around said first articulation (38): - in order to bring said first section (32) from said retracted position of said first section to said extended position of said first section, and - in order to bring said first section (32) from said extended position of said first section to said retracted position of said first section; said second end (35) of said first section (32) is fitted on said first end (36) of said second section (33) by a second articulation (39), said second end (37) of said second section (33) comprises a catch element (40), said second articulation (39) is configured to permit the rotation of said second section (33) on a plane perpendicular to the two uprights (10) of said frame (6) between a retracted position of said second section (33) corresponding to a position in which said second section (33) is retracted against said first section (32) and an extended position of said second section (33) corresponding to a position in which said catch element (40) is caught on said articulated arm (7), said third actuator (31) is configured to rotate said second section (33) around said first articulation (38): - in order to bring said second section (33) from said retracted position of said second section to said extended position of said second section, and - in order to bring said second section (33) from said extended position of said second section to said retracted position of said second section. - in order to bring the second section (33) from its extended position to its retracted position by pulling the articulated arm (7) until the door leaf (5) is in its closed position.

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that - in order to bring the second section (33) from its extended position to its retracted position by pulling the articulated arm (7) until the door leaf (5) is in its closed position.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that - the locking and unlocking device (19) comprises a locking arm (41) and a fourth actuator (42), - the locking arm (41) comprises a first end (43) and a second end (44), - the first end (43) of the locking arm (41) is fitted to rotate on the elongated structure (16) by means of a third articulation (45), - the second end (44) of the locking arm comprises first gripping means (46) designed to catch on the locking bar (13) so that the locking arm (41) drives the locking bar (13) from its locked position to its unlocked position, - the second end (44) of the locking arm (41) comprises second gripping means (47) designed to catch on the locking bar (13) so that the locking arm (41) drives the locking bar (13) from its unlocked position to its locked position, - the fourth actuator (42) is configured to drive the locking arm (41) between a retracted position and an extended position by rotating around the third articulation (45), - when the fourth actuator (42) drives the locking arm (41) from its retracted position to its extended position, the locking arm (41) is able to drive the locking bar (13) from its locked position to its unlocked position while the first gripping means (46) are catching on the locking bar (13), - when the fourth actuator (42) drives the locking arm (41) from its extended position to its retracted position, the locking arm (41) is able to drive the locking bar (13) from its unlocked position to its locked position while the second gripping means (47) are catching on the locking bar (13).

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that Said locking arm (41) comprises a second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) comprising a first side (49) corresponding to a first end (43) of said locking arm (41) and a second side (50) parallel to said first side (49) corresponding to a second end (44) of said locking arm (41), said second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) being contained in a plane designed to be perpendicular to said door leaf (5), Said locking arm (41) further comprises a first follower (51) and a second follower (52), said locking and unlocking device (19) further comprising a first cam (53) integrally fitted on said elongated structure (16) and a second cam (54) integrally fitted on said elongated structure (16), Said first follower (51) is designed to cooperate with said first cam (53) so that said second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) faces said first gripping device (46) towards said locking bar (13) before said locking arm (41) drives said locking bar (13) from a locking position of said locking bar to an unlocking position of said locking bar while said first gripping device (46) is caught on said locking bar (13), Said second follower (52) is designed to cooperate with said second cam (54) so that said second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) faces said second gripping device (47) towards said locking bar (13) before said locking arm (41) drives said locking bar (13) from an unlocking position of said locking bar to a locking position of said locking bar while said second gripping device (47) is caught on said locking bar (13).

10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that Said first gripping device (46) comprises two rollers (55A, 55B) designed to be caught on said locking bar (13) by receiving said locking bar (13) between said two rollers (55A, 55B) when said locking arm (41) drives said locking bar (13) from a locking position of said locking bar to an unlocking position of said locking bar, Said second gripping device (47) comprises two rollers (56A, 56B) designed to be caught on said locking bar (13) when said locking arm (41) drives said locking bar (13) from a locking position of said locking bar to an unlocking position of said locking bar.

11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that said blocking element (40) comprises a hook (57) fitted to rotate on a second end (37) of said second section (33) by means of a fourth articulation (58), wherein said fourth articulation (58) permits rotation of said hook (57) parallel to said first section (32) and said second section (33), said hook (57) being designed to block on a blocking element (59) designed to block said door leaf (5) in an open position of said door leaf after opening of said door leaf (5), said hook (57) being further designed to pull said blocking element (59) in order to pull said articulated arm (7) to bring said door leaf (5) to a closed position of said door leaf, said hook (57) has a first free end (60) and a second free end (61) fitted to rotate on said fourth articulation (58) by means of a fifth articulation (62), said fifth articulation (62) permitting rotation of said hook (57) perpendicular to said first section (32) and said second section (33), said hook (57) comprises a resilient element (63) tending to rotate said hook (57) around said fifth articulation (62) in a first direction of rotation (D1) such that said hook (57) is in an unhooking position corresponding to a position of said hook (57) in which said first end (60) of said hook (57) cannot block on said blocking element (59) when said second section (33) is brought from a retracted position of said second section to an extended position of said second section, said second end (61) of said hook (57) comprises a finger (64) designed to be supported against said blocking element (59) when said second section (33) has reached the extended position of said second section, the support of said finger (64) against said blocking element (59) tending to rotate said hook (57) via said fifth articulation (62) in a second direction of rotation (D2) opposite to said first direction of rotation (D1) until said hook (57) is in a blocking position corresponding to a position of said hook (57) in which said first end (60) of said hook (57) blocks on said blocking element (59), said resilient element (63) is able to drive said hook (57) from the blocking position of said hook to the unhooking position of said hook when said first end (60) of said hook (57) no longer pulls said articulated arm (7) and when said finger is no longer supported against said blocking element (59).

12. A method for automatically closing a door leaf (5) by implementing a system (1) for closing and opening according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said method comprising the following steps: - an extension step (E1A) in which said elongated structure (16) is brought from a retracted position of said elongated structure to an extended position of said elongated structure by means of said sliding connection (17); - a blocking step (E2A) in which said closing and opening device (20) is blocked on said articulated arm (7); - a closing step (E3A) in which said closing and opening device (20) pulls said articulated arm (7) so as to bring said door leaf (5) towards a closed position thereof; - a locking step (E4A) in which said locking and unlocking device (19) brings said locking lever (13) to said locking position so as to lock said door leaf (5), said extension step (E1A), said blocking step (E2A) and said closing step (E3A) being implemented after said control device (21) receives a command to close remotely transmitted by a user, said locking step (E4A) being implemented after receiving a command to lock from said control device (21).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that said method further comprising a retraction step (E5A) in which said elongated structure (16) is brought from an extended position thereof to a retracted position thereof by means of said sliding connection (17), said retraction step (E5A) being subsequent to said locking step (E4A).

14. A method for automatically opening a door leaf (5) by implementing a system (1) for closing and opening according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said method comprising the following steps: - an extension step (E1B) in which said elongated structure (16) is brought from a retracted position thereof to an extended position thereof by means of said sliding connection (17); - an unlocking step (E2B) in which said locking and unlocking device (19) brings said locking lever (13) to said unlocking position so as to unlock said door leaf (5); - an opening step (E3B) in which said closing and opening device (20) pushes said articulated arm (7) so as to bring said door leaf (5) towards an open position thereof; said extension step (E1B), said unlocking step (E2B) and said opening step (E3B) being implemented after said control device (21) receives a command to open remotely transmitted by a user.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that said method further comprising a retraction step (E4B) in which said elongated structure (16) is brought from an extended position thereof to a retracted position thereof by means of said sliding connection (17), said retraction step (E4B) being subsequent to said opening step (E3B).

16. An aircraft, characterized in that said aircraft comprising a system (1) for remote opening and closing according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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