Device for the reversible locking of a movable component

Abstract

Locking device (10) for reversibly locking a movable component (1), comprising: - a locking element (12) which is movable between a locking position in which the component (1) is locked in the locking device (10) by the locking element (12) and an unlocking position which releases the component (1), - a locking element (20) which is movable between a locking position which locks the locking element (12) in the locking position and a release position which releases the locking element (12), - a detection device by means of which it can be determined whether the locking element (12) is in the locked position, and - a detection element (30) which can be moved from a first position to a second position by contacting the component (1), wherein it can be determined by means of the detection device, based on the position of the detection element (30), whether the component (1) is held locked by the locking element (12), wherein the safety element (20) and the detection element (30) are independently movable and each comprise a sensor component (40, 50) of the detection device, characterized by the fact that a release device (60) is provided by means of which the locking element (20) can be moved from the locking position to the release position and thereby the locking of the locking element (12) can be released.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device.

[0002] Locking devices for the reversible locking of moving parts or components are used in many areas of technology. In aviation, locking devices, also known as "uplocks," are used, for example, to securely lock moving aircraft components such as landing gear, doors, or hatches. Particularly high demands are placed on the safety and reliability of these locking devices or uplocks.

[0003] In uplocks known from the prior art, the indication that the component to be locked is folded or retracted and locked (also referred to as "up and locked") is typically implemented via tactile or non-contact sensors. These sensors detect the position of a locking lever coupled to the actual locking element, for example, a hook, and report the status "up and locked" or "uplock locked and component secured in the uplock" to the avionics. It is assumed, or ensured by design, that the locking lever can only assume a specific locking position if the locking element is correctly and completely closed and locked via the locking lever, thereby preventing unintentional unlocking and opening.

[0004] However, it can happen that the locking element is closed, and this is detected and displayed accordingly, but the component to be locked is not actually caught and locked within the locking element (e.g., a corresponding hook intended to secure a bolt connected to the component). This can be caused, for example, by a break in the locking element, a break in a bolt of the component to be locked that is held by the locking element, or by deformations and relative movements between the uplock and the component to be locked (e.g., due to forces and deformations acting during flight). In this case, the status "up and locked" would still be detected and displayed because the locking element is correctly and continuously in its locked position, even though the component to be locked is no longer actually held by the uplock.

[0005] For this reason, locking devices, or uplocks, were developed that can detect the fault condition "uplock engaged but component not secured in the uplock." Prior art WO 2021 / 074348 A1 discloses such a locking device. This device comprises a locking element, a locking element, and a detection element, wherein the locking element and the detection element are independently movable and each includes a sensor component of a sensing device. The sensor components are arranged such that they only interact and signal a locked state when both the locking element is in its locked position and the detection element is in its second position, which is moved by the component.This creates a combined query that ensures a locked state is only displayed when the component is actually held in the locking element.

[0006] While the device from WO 2021 / 074348 A1 enables reliable detection of the locking state, there is still a need to improve operational reliability, particularly with regard to the unlocking process. Furthermore, individual features are known from the prior art, such as a coupling means between the safety and locking elements from GB 2 561 383 A or a reset element for the detection element from GB 2 582 151 A.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of further developing a locking device of the type known from the prior art in such a way as to ensure increased operational safety, especially during unlocking.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a locking device with the features of claim 1. By supplementing the known device with an active unlocking device, by means of which the locking element can be selectively moved from the locked position to the released position, a controlled and reliable release of the locking mechanism is enabled. This increases security, as unintentional unlocking is made more difficult and a defined, actively initiated unlocking process is ensured. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, a locking device for the reversible locking of a movable component is proposed, which can be used particularly in an aircraft, for example for locking a landing gear or a flap or door. The locking device according to the invention comprises a locking element for securing or locking the movable component, which is movable between a locking position, in which the component is secured or locked by the locking element in the locking device, and an unlocking position that releases the component or does not secure it.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking device according to the invention comprises a locking element which is movable between a locking position and a release position that releases the locking element. In the locking position, the locking element locks the locking element in the locked position, i.e., it blocks movement of the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position. The locking element is preferably a locking lever that can be pivoted about a rotational axis.

[0011] The locking of the locking element by the safety element can be based on the principle of self-locking. Self-locking occurs in particular when the two components (i.e., the locking element and the safety element) remain in a self-locked position without the need for an external energy source to hold them in this position. This is achieved, in particular, by the shape or arrangement of the components, which, for example, cause a blocking, jamming, or snapping action, preventing them from moving out of the self-locked position on their own. The self-locked state can preferably be released by an external actuator.

[0012] Furthermore, the locking device according to the invention comprises a sensing device by means of which it can be determined whether the locking element is in the locked position, and a detection element which can be moved from a first position to a second position by contacting the movable component to be secured. The detection element is moved from the first to the second position only when it is contacted and moved by the movable component. Based on the position of the detection element, the sensing device can determine whether the component is held locked by the locking element. In particular, the second position is only assumed by the detection element if the movable component is correctly secured in the locking element, which is detected accordingly by the sensing device.

[0013] According to the invention, the locking element and the detection element are independently movable, i.e., they are not mechanically coupled. Both the locking element and the detection element each comprise a sensor component of the sensing device. This makes it possible to directly detect a specific relative position of the locking element and the detection element, since these movable components are themselves equipped with sensor components.

[0014] Because the detection element and the locking element are independently movable, the position check—that is, the check to see if the locking device is correctly locked and the movable component is securely held—can be divided into two independent movements. On the one hand, the first and second positions of the detection element correspond to two different positions of the associated sensor component, while on the other hand, the locking and release positions of the locking element correspond to two different positions of the associated sensor component.

[0015] In particular, this makes it possible to easily detect the state "Uplock engaged and component secured in the uplock" because only in this state are the two sensor components in a specific position relative to each other (e.g., overlapping or having the smallest distance between them). In the simplest case, this eliminates the need for additional sensor components or detection devices, making the design of the locking device according to the invention simple and cost-effective.

[0016] Furthermore, in the locking device according to the invention, the "up and locked" indication cannot occur if the component to be locked is not in the correct position. If the component moves out of the locking position through the locking element, for example due to a breakage of the locking element or the component, or of a catch element / bolt engaged by the locking element, the detection element moves back to its initial position, causing the sensing unit to detect that the combined state "uplocked and component secured in uplock" no longer exists.

[0017] The locking element can be, for example, a hook that grips and secures a catching element, such as a bolt or roller, of the component to be locked. Alternatively, it can be a pincer-shaped, gripping, or sliding locking element. The component to be locked could be, for example, the landing gear, a door, or a hatch of an aircraft.

[0018] The term “-position” is not to be understood restrictively in this context, but also refers, among other things, to a position or angular position of a component that can be rotated about an axis of rotation.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the locking element and the detection element are independently movable and preferably rotatably mounted about axes of rotation spaced apart from each other. The detection element is not mechanically coupled to the locking element, but can move independently of it. The task of the detection element is, in particular, to detect a state in which the locking element is in the locked position, but the movable component is not securely held by the locking element (or conversely, to detect whether the component is securely held).

[0020] In another possible embodiment, the locking element is mechanically coupled to the locking element by a coupling means. This coupling means is designed to automatically move the locking element from the release to the locked position when the locking element moves from the unlocked to the locked position, thereby locking the locking element in the locked position. The automatic locking of the locking element ensures a high level of security, preventing unintentional opening of the locking element or the locking of the component. The coupling means can be or include at least one spring, a band, or another flexible element. A combination of several of the aforementioned elements, as well as one or more of these elements with one or more rigid elements such as a rod, is also conceivable.

[0021] In another possible embodiment, conversely, the coupling means is designed to move the locking element into the unlocked position and / or hold it there in the release position and in the absence of a force forcing or holding the locking element in the locked position. This force could, for example, be a force for generating a torque that moves the locking element closed, i.e., from the locked to the unlocked position.If the locking element, mediated by the coupling means, does not move automatically and the locking element remains locked in the locked position, for example because it is held in the release position by another element, the coupling means ensures that the locking element opens again, i.e., moves from the locked to the unlocked position, after the external force generating the torque is switched off. This ensures, for example, that the locking element opens automatically if the component to be locked is not correctly positioned or secured.

[0022] In another possible embodiment, the locking element is prevented from being released by moving the locking element alone, as it is in the locked position. The locking mechanism is therefore self-locking, which increases the security of the locking device according to the invention. Without the actuation of a special unlocking device, which, for example, acts directly on the locking element, the locking element cannot be unlocked, particularly not by applying a reverse force to the locking element, i.e., a force that forces the locking element into the unlocked position. This prevents unintentional opening of the component's locking mechanism and increases the security of the locking device according to the invention.

[0023] In another possible embodiment, the locking device includes a release mechanism by means of which the locking element can be actively moved from the locked position to the released position, thereby releasing the locking mechanism. The release mechanism can comprise or be at least one mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator. When actuated, this actuator acts on the locking element and moves it from the locked position, which holds the locking element in the locked position, back to the released position. Several release mechanisms or actuators can be provided in parallel to ensure increased safety through redundancy and, if necessary, diversity.

[0024] In another possible embodiment, the locking element comprises a roller via which the locking element can be contacted by a cam of the locking element and which can roll on this cam. Alternatively, the roller can also be attached to the locking element, on which the locking element rolls during a relative movement. It is also conceivable that the locking element and the locking element are contacted by means of a sliding contact, or that both the locking element and the locking element each have a roller.

[0025] In another possible embodiment, the locking device includes a return element that biases the detection element into the first position (i.e., exerts a force pushing or pulling the detection element into the first position) and is designed to hold the detection element in the first position when the movable component is not locked by the locking element. This ensures that the detection element is always in the first position, particularly when the component is not locked by the locking element. This can be detected by the sensing device.

[0026] In another possible embodiment, the sensor components interact when the locking element is in the locked or unlocked position and the detection element is in the first or second position. This interaction allows the system to determine whether the locking element is in the locked position and simultaneously whether the component is held locked by the locking element. The sensor components thus interact in a very specific combination of the locking element and detection element positions, which depends on the design and arrangement of these moving parts or sensor components. This combination is present precisely when the locking element securely holds the moving component in the locked position.If, on the other hand, the locking element is in the locked position without the movable component being securely held in it, the sensor components do not interact or interact in a different way, so that the detection device is able to detect this unsafe state (or fail to detect the safe state).

[0027] In another possible embodiment, the detection device comprises a proximity sensor and a target as sensor components, which only interact when the detection element is in the second position and simultaneously the locking element is in the locked position. The locking element and the detection element are designed, and the proximity sensor and the target are arranged on these moving parts, such that they only overlap and generate a corresponding signal when the detection element is in the second position (i.e., the moving component is securely held by the locking element) and simultaneously the locking element is in the locked position.

[0028] The positions of the safety element and the detection element define the distance between the proximity sensor and the target. The safety element can be designed as a pivotable lever (with two or more arms) where the proximity sensor or the target is attached to or formed at one end. The detection element can also be designed as a pivotable lever (with two or more arms) where the target or the proximity sensor is attached to or formed at one end.

[0029] Apart from the two sensor elements, the locking device according to the invention preferably does not include any further sensor elements for detecting the position of the movable component, the locking element, the locking element, or the detection element. Rather, the secure combined state "Uplock engaged and component secured in the Uplock" can be detected solely by means of the two sensor components arranged on the locking element and the detection element. This results in a simple and cost-effective design of the locking device according to the invention.

[0030] Instead of a proximity sensor, any other electronic, optical or mechanical switch or sensor can be used, for example a tactile sensor or contact switch.

[0031] In another possible embodiment, the detection device comprises only two sensor components, one of which is located on the safety element and the other on the detection element. Preferably, no further detection device is provided.

[0032] In another possible embodiment, the detection element comprises a device-side contact section which, in the first position, projects into a receiving area or receptacle of the locking element for the movable component when the locking element is in the locked position. The detection element is movable from the first to the second position due to contact with the device-side contact section by the movable component. If the movable component (or a locking catch) is not in the receiving area of ​​the locking element when the latter is in the locked position (i.e., the component is not securely locked), the detection element remains in the first position. However, if the movable component is in the receiving area (i.e.,(it is securely locked), so the detection element is in the second position due to the contacting of the device-side contact section.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the component comprises a catch element, which can be locked to the locking element in the locked position, and a component-side contact section spaced apart from the catch element. The component-side contact section is therefore not located on the catch element and, in particular, not in the area of ​​the receiving area of ​​the locking element. The detection element, in turn, comprises a device-side contact section, which is spaced apart from the locking element and which is directly contacted by the component-side contact section of the component when the component is locked in the locking device. In this embodiment, the device-side contact section is therefore not directly contacted by the held catch element, but by a part of the movable component located outside the locking device (e.g., a locking element).(a part of a landing gear or a flap) directly contacts and moves from the first to the second position.

[0034] In another possible embodiment, the detection element does not mechanically interact with the safety element and / or the locking element. In particular, the detection element is not mechanically connected or coupled to these moving parts, but is movable independently of them.

[0035] Various mechanical stops can be provided to limit the movements of the locking, securing and / or detection elements or to define their end positions.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, with a locking device according to the invention for locking a movable component of the vehicle, preferably a landing gear, a door, or a hatch. The same advantages and properties are evident as for the locking device according to the invention, which is why a repetitive description is omitted here. The above statements regarding the possible embodiments of the locking device according to the invention therefore apply accordingly. The movable component is preferably part of the vehicle's landing gear.

[0037] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, wherein the locking element is in the unlocking position, the safety element is in the release position and the detection element is in the first position (locking device open); Fig. 2: the embodiment according to Fig. 1, wherein the locking element is in the locking position, the safety element is in the safe position and the detection element is in the first position (locking device closed but component not securely locked); Fig. 3: the embodiment according to Fig. 1, wherein the locking element is in the locking position, the safety element is in the safe position and the detection element is in the second position (locking device closed and component securely locked); Fig. 4-5: a second embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, wherein the detection element is located in different positions; and Fig. 6-7: a third embodiment of the locking device according to the invention, wherein the detection element is located in different positions.

[0038] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the locking device 10 according to the invention in a schematic side view, whereby the viewer-side cover or the housing part on this side is not shown in order to allow a view of the various components of the locking device 10. In this case, the locking device 10 is an uplock for locking a movable aircraft component 1. The component 1 can be, for example, a landing gear, a door, or a flap, which is held and locked in a folded or retracted position by the locking device 10 according to the invention.

[0039] The locking device 10 comprises a locking element 12 designed as a hook, by means of which the movable component 1 can be reversibly locked in the locking device 10. For this purpose, the component 1 has a catch element in the form of a bolt 2, which is received in a receiving area 11 of the hook 12. The receiving area 11 (hereinafter referred to as: receiving area) forms an open bolt receptacle. Fig. In figures 1-3, component 1 is not shown as such, but only bolt 2 is indicated. The hook 12 allows bolt 2 to be gripped in the receptacle 11, thereby securing and locking component 1.

[0040] The hook 12 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 14 and can be moved clockwise from a release position (this is in the Fig. 1 shown) into a locking position (see Fig. 2-3). As the bolt 2 moves into the receptacle 11, the hook 12 is contacted on the inside of the receptacle 11 and pressed clockwise into the locking position. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator can be provided by means of which the hook 12 can be actively moved from the unlocked to the locked position.

[0041] In the correctly locked state ("Uplock locked and component secured in uplock"), which is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the bolt 2 inserted into the receptacle 11 is gripped by the hook 12 and thereby securely held and locked. In the unlocked position (see Figure 3) Fig. 1) The hook 12 is pivoted counterclockwise about the axis 14, and the bolt 2 can be inserted into or removed from the receptacle 11, for example by folding in or retracting the component 1 to be locked. A stop or stop pin 13 limits the counterclockwise movement of the hook 12 and thus defines the unlocking position (see Fig. 1).

[0042] The locking device 10 according to the invention further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the hook 12 in the locking position, which includes a locking element 20. The locking element 20 is designed here as a locking lever rotatable about a pivot axis 24. The locking lever 20 has a rotatably mounted roller 26, via which it contacts the hook 12 at its end opposite the receptacle 11 and engages a cam or cam guide 16 formed there (see figure). Fig. 3) can roll off. The locking lever 20 is mechanically coupled to the hook 12 via a coupling element 22 designed as a spring. In this embodiment, the cam 16 has a convex or curved shape and transitions into a recess 18 on one side (see Fig. 1).

[0043] Furthermore, the locking device 10 according to the invention comprises a detection element 30, which is rotatably mounted about a further axis of rotation 34, which is spaced apart from the axes of rotation 14 and 24, independently of the hook 12 and the locking lever 20. The detection element 30 is designed as a lever and, in the absence or incorrect positioning of the bolt 2, is in a first position in which a device-side contact section 36 at the end of the lever opposite the axis of rotation 34 projects into the receptacle 11 (in side view) when the hook 12 is in the unlocked position (see Fig. 1) If the hook 12 is in the locking position, but the bolt 2 is not in the receptacle 11, the detection element 30 remains in the first position (see Fig. 2).

[0044] A spring-loaded return element 32 ensures that the detection element 30 is biased into the first position or is always in the first position if the bolt 2 is absent or incorrectly positioned in the receptacle 11. When the bolt 2 is inserted into the receptacle 11, the detection element 30 is rotated clockwise against the return force of the spring 32 by contacting the device-side contact section 36, which projects into the receptacle 11 and points towards the bolt 2, and is pressed into a second position, which is located in the Fig. Figure 3 shows that if the bolt 2 is correctly inserted into the receptacle 11 and locked, the detection element 30 is in the second position. Alternatively, the spring 34 may be provided that it is not tensioned when the detection element 30 is in the first position, and is only tensioned when the detection element 30 is actuated by the bolt 2, thereby exerting a restoring force that pushes the detection element 30 into the first position. The spring 34 is connected, in particular, to the detection element 30 on one side and to a housing of the locking device 10 on the other.

[0045] Before the bolt 2 is inserted into the receptacle 11, the hook 12 is initially in the unlocking position and holds the locking lever 20 in the release position via the cam 16, in which it is pivoted to its maximum counterclockwise position (see Fig. 1) Due to the spring 22, the hook 12 remains in the unlocked position.

[0046] When bolt 2 now enters the receptacle 11, it presses against the (in the Fig. 1. The upper inner side of the receptacle 11 pivots the hook 12 clockwise around the axis of rotation 14 into the locking position, where it engages the bolt 2 and secures or locks it in the receptacle 11. Due to the coupling by the spring 22, the locking lever 20 pivots clockwise around the axis of rotation 24. During this process, the roller 26 rolls on the cam 16. As soon as the hook 12 reaches the locking position, the locking lever 20 snaps into the locking position due to the spring tension of the spring 22, in which the roller 26 comes to rest in the recess 18 formed in the cam 16.

[0047] Due to the force exerted by the spring 22 and the shape of the recess 18, the locking lever 20 and hook 12 remain locked and secured in this position; that is, the hook 12 can no longer be moved counterclockwise into the unlocking position because the roller 26 and the wall of the recess 18 mutually block each other. This self-locking position, in which the hook 12 is in the locking position and the locking lever 20 is in the safe position, is described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0048] This locking mechanism of the hook 12 can only be released by actuating a special release mechanism, which, contrary to the spring force of the spring 22, pushes the locking lever 20 into the release position. Due to the spring 22, this also causes the hook 12 to move into the unlocked position. For this purpose, a release device 60 is provided, which includes an actuator that, when actuated, moves against a release section 21 (see Fig. 1) Pressing the locking lever 20 and pushing it counterclockwise into the release position. This lifts the roller 26 out of the recess 18 and releases the self-locking mechanism between the locking lever 20 and the hook 12. The actuator of the release device 60 can operate, for example, hydraulically, electrically, or electromechanically.

[0049] To prevent the hook 12 from being in the locking position (and thus the locking lever 20 in the locked position) without the bolt 2 being correctly and securely held or locked in the receptacle 11, the locking device 10 according to the invention comprises a detection unit which, in the embodiments shown here, includes a proximity sensor 40 and an associated sensor target 50 (hereinafter referred to as: target). These are located on the locking lever 20 and on the detection element 30.

[0050] In the embodiments shown here, the proximity sensor 40 is arranged on the locking lever 20 and the target 50 on the detection element 30, with no further sensors or sensor components being present. The proximity sensor 40 is located at an end of the locking lever 20 opposite the unlocking section 21 with respect to the axis of rotation 24. In the first embodiment of the Fig. In Figures 1-3, the target 50 is located at the end of a support arm extending essentially perpendicularly from the lever of the detection element 30. However, other arrangements are also conceivable. For example, the proximity sensor 40 could be located on the detection element 30 and the target on the safety lever 20. Other forms of the safety lever 20 and / or (as shown in the figures) are also possible. Fig. 4-7 is shown) of the detection element 30 conceivable.

[0051] The proximity sensor 40 and the target 50 interact in such a way that they only overlap and thus generate a detectable signal (“Target Near”) when, firstly, the locking lever 20 is in the locked position (i.e., the hook 12 is in the latching position) and, secondly, the detection element 30 is in the second position (i.e., the bolt 2 is inside the receptacle 11). This is described in the Fig. 3 to recognize.

[0052] With the arrangement according to the invention, it is therefore possible to divide the two position checks for the state "Uplock engaged and component secured in uplock" into two independent movements using only two sensor components (proximity sensor 40 and target 50) on the locking lever 20 and on the movable detection element 30. The position of the locking lever 20 can be checked via two positions of the proximity sensor 40 ( Fig. 1: Proximity sensor 40 top = release position; Fig. 2-3: Proximity sensor 40 at the bottom = safety position) and the position of the detection element 30 can be checked via two positions of the target 50 ( Fig. 3: Target 50 top = second position; Fig. 1-2: Target 50 down = first position). Only when the safety lever 20 and the detection element 30 are each in their correct positions does the detection device switch to “Target Near” (see below). Fig. 3).

[0053] Without the detection element 30, it would only be possible to detect (for example, by detecting the position of the locking lever 20 via a proximity sensor positioned on the housing) whether the hook 12 in the locking position is correctly locked by the locking lever 20 in the locking position. However, if, for example, the hook 12 or the bolt 2 breaks, or if there is any other relative movement between the bolt 2 and the locking device 10, this would not be detected because the locking lever 20 would remain in the same position. A loss of the locking / locking of the bolt 2 (state "component secured in uplock") would not be detected. The same applies if, when the hook 12 is closed, the bolt 2 is not correctly positioned from the outset and is therefore not engaged by the hook 12, or not properly engaged.

[0054] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the locking device 10 according to the invention. This differs from the first embodiment only in the design of the detection element 30 and the arrangement of the target 50, where the same reference numerals denote the same components or components with the same function. In contrast to the schematic drawings of the Fig. Figures 1-3 show further components and parts of the housing.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the detection element 30 is also designed as a lever, which has the device-side contact section 36 in the area of ​​the receptacle 11 for contact by the bolt 2 and is pivotably mounted on the housing about the axis of rotation 34. A carrier is located on the lever, on which the target 50 is arranged. The carrier is coupled to the housing of the locking device 10 via two springs 32, the springs 32 holding the detection element 30 in the first position when the bolt 2 is not held in the receptacle 11 (this situation is shown in the Fig. 4 shown). As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the detection element 30 is in the second, clockwise pivoted position when the bolt 2 (not shown) is correctly positioned in the receptacle 11. In this state, the proximity sensor 40 and the target 50 overlap.

[0056] A third embodiment is described in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shown. The locking device 10 is constructed similarly to that of the Fig. 4-5, wherein the detection element 30 is not designed as a pivotable lever. Instead, it consists solely of the carrier with the target 50, which is connected to the housing via the springs 32 and has the device-side contact section 36 at an end opposite the target 50. The latter is therefore not located in the area of ​​the receptacle 11 of the hook 12, but outside the housing and is engaged by the component 1 to be locked, which is located in the Fig. 6-7 schematically shown, is directly contacted via a corresponding component-side contact section 3, i.e. immediately, when the bolt 2 is in the receptacle 11 of the hook 12 in the locking position (see Fig. 6). If, however, bolt 2 is not secured by hook 12 (see below). Fig.7), the detection element 30 is not contacted by component 1 and the detection element 30 is in the first position. Reference symbol list: 1. Moving component 2 Catching element (bolt) 3 Component-side contact section 10 Locking device 11 Recording area 12 Locking element 13 attacks 14 axis of rotation 16 Scenery 18 Exclusion 20 safety element 21 Unlocking section 22 Coupling device (spring) 24 Rotary axis 26 rolls 30 detection element 32 Return element (spring) 34 Rotation axis 36 Device-side contact section 40 Sensor component (proximity sensor) 50 Sensor component (Target) 60 Unlocking device

Claims

[1] Locking device (10) for reversibly locking a movable component (1), comprising: - a locking element (12) which is movable between a locking position in which the component (1) is locked in the locking device (10) by the locking element (12) and an unlocking position which releases the component (1), - a locking element (20) which is movable between a locking position which locks the locking element (12) in the locking position and a release position which releases the locking element (12), - a detection device by means of which it can be determined whether the locking element (12) is in the locked position, and - a detection element (30) which can be moved from a first position to a second position by contacting the component (1), wherein it can be determined by means of the detection device, based on the position of the detection element (30), whether the component (1) is held locked by the locking element (12), wherein the safety element (20) and the detection element (30) are independently movable and each comprise a sensor component (40, 50) of the detection device, characterized by , that a release device (60) is provided by means of which the locking element (20) can be moved from the locking position to the release position and thereby the locking of the locking element (12) can be released. [2] Locking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that she is trained to operate an aircraft. [3] Locking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the unlocking device (60) comprises a mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. [4] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (12) and the detection element (30) are independently movable and preferably rotatably mounted about axes of rotation (14, 34) spaced apart from each other. [5] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (20) is mechanically coupled to the locking element (12) by a coupling means (22), which in particular comprises at least one spring, wherein the coupling means (22) is designed to automatically move the locking element (20) from the release position to the locking position when the locking element (12) is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position, thereby locking the locking element (12) in the locking position. [6] Locking device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling means (22) is designed to move the locking element (12) into the unlocked position and / or to hold it in the unlocked position in the release position and in the absence of a force forcing the locking element (12) into the locking position. [7] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blockage of the locking element (12) by the locking element (20) in the locking position cannot be released by a movement of the locking element (12) alone. [8] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (20) comprises a roller (26) via which the locking element (20) can be contacted by a cam (16) of the locking element (12) and which can roll on the cam (16). [9] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a return element (32) which biases the detection element (30) into the first position and is designed to hold the detection element (30) in the first position when the component (1) is not held locked by the locking element (12). [10] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor components (40, 50) interact when the locking element (20) is in the locking position or the release position and the detection element (30) is in the first or second position, wherein, due to this interaction, it is possible to determine whether the locking element (12) is in the locking position and at the same time the component (1) is held locked by the locking element (12). [11] Locking device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the detection device comprises a proximity sensor (40) and a target (50) as sensor components which only interact when the detection element (30) is in the second position and simultaneously the locking element (20) is in the locking position, wherein the locking device (10) preferably does not include any further sensor elements for detecting a position of the component (1), the locking element (12), the locking element (20) or the detection element (30), apart from the two sensor elements (40, 50). [12] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device comprises only two sensor components (40, 50), one of which sensor component (40) is located on the locking element (20) and the other sensor component (50) is located on the detection element (30). [13] Locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection element (30) comprises a device-side contact section (36) which in the first position projects into a receiving area (11) of the locking element (12) for the component (1) when the locking element (12) is in the locking position, wherein the detection element (30) is movable from the first to the second position due to contacting the device-side contact section (36) by the component (1). [14] Locking device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the component (1) comprises a catch element (2) which can be locked in the locking position by the locking element (12), and a component-side contact section (3) spaced apart from the catch element (2), wherein the detection element (30) comprises a device-side contact section (36) which is spaced apart from the locking element (12) and which is directly contacted by the component-side contact section (3) of the component (1) when the component (1) is locked in the locking device (10), wherein the detection element (30) is movable from the first to the second position due to contacting the device-side contact section (36) by the component-side contact section (3) of the component (1). [15] Locking device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the detection element (30) does not mechanically interact with the locking element (20) and / or the locking element (12). [16] Vehicle with a locking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [17] Vehicle according to claim 16, characterized by that it is an aircraft. [18] Vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by , that the component (1) is part of the chassis of the vehicle.

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