System for automatic and remote closing and opening of a door intended for access opening of an aircraft fuselage, automatic closing method and automatic opening method.

Abstract

- System for automatic and remote closing and opening of a door intended for access opening of an aircraft fuselage, automatic closing method and automatic opening method.- The system 1 comprises a support (15) intended to be fixedly attached to the fuselage (4) of an aircraft, an elongated structure (16) capable of moving relative to the support (15) between an unfolded position and a folded position, a locking and unlocking device (19) for bringing the locking lever (13) alternately into an unlocked position and a locked position, a closing and opening device (20) for pushing the articulating arm (7) in order to bring the leaf (5) towards the open position and for hooking onto the articulating arm (7) then pulling the articulating arm (7) in order to bring the leaf (5) towards the closed position and a control device (21) for transmitting closing or opening control commands for the leaf (5) to the closing and opening device (20) and locking or unlocking control commands to the locking and unlocking device (19).The system (1) allows the aircraft (AC) leaf (5) to be alternately closed and opened. Figure for the abstract: Fig.1.

Description

Title of the invention: System for automatic and remote closing and opening of a door intended for access opening of an aircraft fuselage, automatic closing method and automatic opening method. Technical field

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

[0002] Aircraft have at least one access opening for boarding or disembarking the aircraft. In order to access the access opening for boarding or disembarking, access stairs ("airstair" in English) may be used, whether or not incorporated into the aircraft. For example, after the aircraft has landed, the crew manually opens the leaf of an access door to the access opening.

[0003] The access staircase is deployed or positioned in front of the access opening. Passengers and crew members can then disembark from the aircraft. However, it is no longer possible to close the door leaf after all crew members have disembarked. It is also not possible to open the door leaf for boarding after the leaf has been closed. This is because the closing mechanism that allows the leaf to be manually closed and opened is not accessible to persons who are not on board the aircraft. Statement of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to remedy this drawback so that a person not on board an aircraft can close or open the leaf.

[0005] For this purpose, it relates to a system for automatically and remotely closing and opening a door provided for an access opening of an aircraft fuselage, the door comprising a leaf, a frame delimiting the access opening and an articulation arm, the frame being fixed integrally to the fuselage and having two uprights, the leaf being configured to be alternately in a closed position when the leaf closes the access opening and an open position when the leaf leaves the access opening open, the articulation arm comprising a first end articulated to the leaf and a second end articulated to the frame so that the leaf remains parallel to itself when it passes from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, the door further comprising a locking mechanism configured to alternately lock and unlock the leaf when the leaf is in the closed position, the locking mechanism comprising a locking lever one end of which is rotatably mounted on the leaf about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the leaf, the locking lever being configured to be alternately in a locking position in which the locking mechanism locks the leaf and an unlocking position in which the locking mechanism does not lock the leaf.

[0006] According to the invention, the closing and opening system comprises: - a support intended to be fixed securely to the fuselage; - an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, the elongated structure being connected by means of a sliding connection to the support so that the elongated structure is capable of moving relative to the support along its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the two uprights of the frame, the sliding connection being configured so that the elongated structure is able to present itself alternately in an unfolded position in which the elongated structure is located opposite the access opening and in a folded position of the elongated structure in which the elongated structure is not located opposite the access opening; - a locking and unlocking device mounted on the elongated structure, the locking and unlocking device being configured to bring the locking lever alternately into the unlocked position for unlocking the leaf when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position and into the locked position for locking the leaf when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position; - a closing and opening device mounted on the elongated structure, the closing and opening device being configured alternately to push the hinge arm to bring the leaf to the open position when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position and to hook onto the hinge arm and then pull the hinge arm to bring the leaf to the closed position when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position; - a control device configured to transmit closing or opening control orders for the leaf to the closing and opening device and locking or unlocking control orders to the locking and unlocking device, depending on control orders transmitted remotely to the control device by a user.

[0007] Thus, it is possible to close or open the door leaf of an aircraft via the control device without it being necessary to be on board the aircraft.

[0008] In addition, the closing and opening system comprises a first actuator configured to actuate the sliding connection.

[0009] Furthermore, the elongated structure has a first longitudinal end, the first longitudinal end comprising a first deformable parallelogram mechanism mounted at the sliding connection, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism being configured to be in an unfolded position when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism being configured to be in a folded position when the elongated structure is in its folded position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism being configured to keep the elongated structure parallel to the leaf when the elongated structure passes from its folded position to its unfolded position and vice versa.

[0010] Furthermore, the elongated structure has a second longitudinal end, the second longitudinal end comprising a first fixing element intended to be fixed to a second fixing element mounted integrally with the fuselage when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position.

[0011] Furthermore, the closing and opening device comprises an articulated arm (29), a second actuator and a third actuator, the articulated arm having a first segment capable of being actuated by the second actuator according to control orders sent by the control device and a second segment capable of being actuated by the third actuator according to control orders sent by the control device, the first segment being intended to be actuated by the second actuator to push the articulation arm in order to bring the leaf towards the open position when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position, the second segment being intended to be actuated by the third actuator to hook onto the articulation arm and then to pull the articulation arm in order to bring the leaf towards the closed position when the elongated structure is in its unfolded position.

[0012] Furthermore, the first segment comprises a first end and a second end, the second segment comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the first segment being mounted on the elongated structure via a first articulation, the first articulation being configured to allow rotation of the first segment in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights of the frame between a folded position of the first segment and an unfolded position of the first segment, the folded position of the first segment corresponding to a position in which the first segment is folded against the elongated structure, the second position of the first segment corresponding to a position in which the leaf is in its open position by the support of the second end of the first segment after a passage from the folded position of the first segment to the unfolded position of the first segment, the second actuator being configured to drive the rotation of the first segment around the first joint: - to bring the first segment from its folded position to its unfolded position and - to bring the first segment from its unfolded position to its folded position; the second end of the first segment being mounted on the first end of the second segment by means of a second articulation, the second end of the second segment comprising a hooking element, the second articulation being configured to allow rotation of the second segment in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights of the frame between a folded position of the second segment and an unfolded position of the second segment, the folded position of the second segment corresponding to a position in which the second segment is folded against the first segment, the second position of the second segment corresponding to a position in which the hooking element hooks the articulation arm, the third actuator being configured to drive the rotation of the second segment around the first joint: - in order to bring the second segment from its folded position to its unfolded position and - in order to bring the second segment from its unfolded position to its folded position by pulling the articulation arm until the leaf is in its closed position.

[0013] In addition, the second actuator is also configured to cause the first segment to rotate about the first articulation while the third actuator causes the second segment to rotate about the first articulation to bring the second segment from its folded position to its unfolded position and to bring the second segment from its unfolded position to its folded position by pulling the articulation arm until the leaf is in its closed position.

[0014] Furthermore, the locking and unlocking device comprises a locking arm and a fourth actuator, the locking arm comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the locking arm being rotatably mounted on the elongated structure via a third joint, the second end of the locking arm comprising a first gripping device intended to hook the locking lever so that the locking arm drives the locking lever from its locking position to its unlocking position, the second end of the locking arm comprising a second gripping device intended to hook the locking lever so that the locking arm drives the locking lever from its unlocking position to its locking position, the fourth actuator being configured to drive the locking arm by rotation about the third articulation between a folded position and an unfolded position, when the fourth actuator drives the locking arm from its folded position to its unfolded position, the locking arm is able to drive the locking lever from its locking position to its unlocking position while the first gripping device hooks the locking lever, when the fourth actuator drives the locking arm from its unfolded position to its folded position,the locking arm is adapted to drive the locking lever from its unlocked position to its locked position while the second gripping device engages the locking lever.

[0015] In addition, the locking arm comprises a second deformable parallelogram mechanism, the second deformable parallelogram mechanism comprising a first parallelogram side corresponding to the first end of the locking arm and a second parallelogram side parallel to the first side, the second side corresponding to the second end of the locking arm, the second deformable parallelogram mechanism being included in a plane intended to be perpendicular to the leaf, the locking arm further comprising a first follower and a second follower, the locking and unlocking device further comprising a first cam mounted integrally on the elongated structure and a second cam mounted integrally on the elongated structure,the first follower being intended to cooperate with the first cam so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism brings the first gripping device opposite the locking lever before the locking arm drives the locking lever from its locking position to its unlocking position while the first gripping device hooks the locking lever, the second follower being intended to cooperate with the second cam so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism brings the second gripping device opposite the locking lever before the locking arm drives the locking lever from its unlocking position to its locking position while the second gripping device hooks the locking lever.

[0016] Furthermore, the first gripping device comprises two rollers intended to hook the locking lever by receiving the locking lever between the two rollers when the locking arm drives the locking lever from its locking position to its unlocking position, the second gripping device comprising two rollers intended to hook the locking lever when the locking arm drives the locking lever from its locking position to its unlocking position.

[0017] In addition, the hooking element comprises a hook rotatably mounted at the second end of the second segment by means of a fourth articulation, the fourth articulation allowing rotation of the hook parallel to the first segment and to the second segment, the hook being intended to hook onto a locking element intended to lock the leaf in its open position after opening of the leaf, the hook being further intended to pull the locking element to pull the articulation arm to bring the leaf towards its closed position, the hook having a first free end and a second end rotatably mounted at the fourth articulation by means of a fifth articulation, the fifth articulation allowing rotation of the hook perpendicular to the first segment and to the second segment,the hook comprising an elastic element tending to rotate the hook in a first direction of rotation around the fifth articulation so that the hook is in a detached position, the detached position corresponding to a position of the hook in which the first end of the hook cannot hook onto the locking element when the second segment is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position, the second end of the hook comprising a finger intended to press against the locking element when the second segment has reached its unfolded position, the pressing of the finger against the locking element being capable of rotating the hook in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation by the fifth articulation until the hook is in a hooked position,the hooking position corresponds to a position of the hook in which the first end of the hook hooks onto the locking element, the elastic element is capable of driving the hook from its hooking position to its unhooking position when the first end of the hook no longer pulls the articulation arm and when the finger no longer presses against the locking element.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for automatically closing the leaf using the implementation of the closing and opening system as specified above.

[0019] The closing method comprises the following steps: - an unfolding step in which the elongated structure is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position using the sliding connection; - a hooking step in which the closing and opening device hooks onto the articulating arm; - a closing step in which the closing and opening device pulls the hinge arm to bring the leaf towards its closed position; - a locking step in which the locking and unlocking device brings the locking lever into the locking position for locking the leaf; the unfolding step, the hooking step and the closing step being implemented following reception by the control device of closing control orders transmitted remotely by a user, the locking step being implemented following reception of locking control orders from the control device.

[0020] Furthermore, the closing method comprises a folding step in which the elongated structure is brought from its unfolded position to its folded position using the sliding connection, the folding step following the locking step.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for automatically opening the leaf using the implementation of the closing and opening system as specified above.

[0022] The opening method comprises the following steps: - an unfolding step in which the elongated structure is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position using the sliding connection; - an unlocking step in which the locking and unlocking device brings the locking lever into the unlocking position for unlocking the leaf; - an opening step in which the closing and opening device pushes the hinge arm to bring the leaf towards its open position; the unfolding step, the unlocking step and the opening step being implemented following receipt by the control device of opening control orders transmitted remotely by a user.

[0023] Furthermore, the opening method comprises a folding step in which the elongated structure is brought from its unfolded position to its folded position using the slide connection, the folding step following the opening step.

[0024] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising a remote opening and closing system as specified above. Brief description of the figures

[0025] The attached figures will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

[0026] [Fig.l] shows a front perspective view of the automatic closing and opening system in its unfolded position.

[0027] [Fig.2] shows a perspective rear view of the automatic closing and opening system in its unfolded position.

[0028] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of the automatic closing and opening system before unlocking the locking lever.

[0029] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of the automatic closing and opening system during unlocking of the locking lever.

[0030] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of a detail of the closing and opening device of the system during opening of the leaf.

[0031] [Fig.6] represents a perspective view of a detail of the closing and opening device of the system before closing the leaf.

[0032] [Fig.7] shows a perspective view of a detail of the closing and opening device of the system before closing the leaf when the hook approaches the locking element of the leaf.

[0033] [Fig.8] shows a perspective view of a detail of the closing and opening device of the system before closing the leaf when the hook is attached to the locking element of the leaf.

[0034] [Fig.9] shows a perspective view of the automatic closing and opening system during locking of the locking lever.

[0035] [Fig. 10] shows a perspective view of the automatic closing and opening system after locking the locking lever.

[0036] [Fig. 11] shows a perspective view of the automatic closing and opening system in its folded position behind an access staircase.

[0037] [Fig. 12] shows a view of an aircraft having an automatic closing and opening system.

[0038] [Fig. 13] schematically represents the closing process.

[0039] [Fig. 14] schematically represents the opening process. Detailed description

[0040] The automatic and remote closing and opening system 1 is shown in [Fig.l] and [Fig.2]. In the remainder of the description, the automatic and remote closing and opening system 1 will be referred to as system 1.

[0041] The system 1 makes it possible to alternately close and open automatically and remotely a door 2 provided for an access opening 3 of a fuselage 4 of an aircraft. AC. The access opening 3 can be accessible from ground G by an access staircase 65 which may or may not be incorporated into the aircraft AC ([Fig. 12]).

[0042] The door 2 comprises a leaf 5, a frame 6 and a hinge arm 7.

[0043] The frame 6 delimits the access opening 3. The frame 6 is fixed integrally to the fuselage 4. The frame 6 has two parallel, substantially vertical uprights 10.

[0044] The adjective “vertical” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the ground G when the aircraft AC is on the ground G.

[0045] The leaf 5 is configured to be alternately in a closed position when the leaf 5 closes the access opening 3 and an open position when the leaf 5 leaves the access opening 3 open.

[0046] The articulation arm 7 comprises a first end 8 articulated to the leaf and a second end 9 articulated to the frame so that the leaf 5 remains parallel to itself when it passes from the open position to the closed position and vice versa (i.e. during the passage from the open position to the closed position).

[0047] For example, the first end 8 is articulated to the leaf 5 by a first vertical pivot connection 11A and the second end 9 is articulated to the frame 6 by a second vertical pivot connection 11B ([Fig. 11]).

[0048] For example, the articulation arm 7 has a substantially V-shape along a section perpendicular to the vertical pivot links 11A and 11B. The V-shape has two branches which correspond respectively to the first end 8 and the second end 9. The two branches of the V meet at a meeting point 101. In this example, the first vertical pivot link 11A is located at the end of the first end 8 and the second vertical pivot link 11B is located at the end of the second end 9.

[0049] The door 2 further comprises a locking mechanism 12 configured to alternately lock and unlock the leaf 5 when the leaf 5 is in the closed position. The locking mechanism 12 comprises a locking lever 13, one end 14 of which is rotatably mounted on the leaf 5 about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the leaf 5. The locking lever 13 is configured to be alternately in a locking position in which the locking mechanism 12 locks the leaf 5 and an unlocking position in which the locking mechanism 12 does not lock the leaf 5.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In the remainder of the description to aid reading, the closing and opening device 20 will be called the closing device 20. The locking and unlocking device 19 will be called the locking device 19.

[0052] The support 15 is intended to be fixed integrally to the fuselage 4. The support 15 is intended to be fixed inside the fuselage 4. The support 15 therefore makes it possible to fix the system 1 to the fuselage 4.

[0053] For example, the support 15 comprises fixing plates 70A, 70B intended to be fixed to frames 71A, 71B of the fuselage 4 ([Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.11]) to fix the support 15 to the fuselage 4.

[0054] The support 15 may be an elongated part having a longitudinal axis B.

[0055] The elongated structure 16 has a longitudinal axis A. In the case where the support is a piece elongated along its longitudinal axis B, the longitudinal axis A is parallel to the longitudinal axis B ([Fig.l] and [Fig.2]).

[0056] The elongated structure 16 is connected by means of a sliding connection 17 to the support 15 so that the elongated structure 16 is capable of moving relative to the support 15 (and therefore relative to the fuselage 4) along its longitudinal axis A perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6 when the system 1.

[0057] The sliding connection 17 is configured so that the elongated structure 16 is able to be presented alternately in an unfolded position in which the elongated structure 16 is located opposite the access opening 3 and in a folded position of the elongated structure 16 in which the elongated structure 16 is not located opposite the access opening 3.

[0058] Advantageously, the system 1 is configured to be able to be inserted between the fuselage 4 and the access staircase 65 folded into the aircraft AC when the system 1 is in its folded position as shown in [Fig. 11].

[0059] The locking device 19 is mounted on the elongated structure 16. The locking device 19 is configured to bring the locking lever 13 alternately: - in the unlocked position for unlocking the leaf 5 when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position ([Fig.4]) and - in the locked position for locking the leaf 5 when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position ([Fig.9] and [Fig. 10]).

[0060] 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 rotatably mounted on the elongated structure 16 by means of a third articulation 45.

[0061] The second end 44 of the locking arm 41 may comprise a first gripping device 46 intended to hook the locking lever 13 so that the locking arm 41 drives the locking lever 13 from its locking position to its unlocking position ([Fig.4]).

[0062] The second end 44 of the locking arm 41 may comprise a second gripping device 47 intended to hook the locking lever 13 so that the locking arm 41 drives the locking lever 13 from its unlocking position to its locking position ([Fig.9]).

[0063] The fourth actuator 42 may be configured to drive the locking arm 41 by rotation about the third joint 45 between a folded position and an unfolded position.

[0064] When the fourth actuator 42 drives the locking arm 41 from its folded position to its unfolded position ([Fig.4]), the locking arm 41 is able to drive the locking lever 13 from its locking position to its unlocking position while the first gripping device 46 hooks the locking lever 13.

[0065] When the fourth actuator 42 drives the locking arm 41 from its unfolded position to its folded position ([Fig.9]), the locking arm 41 is able to drive the locking lever 13 from its unlocking position to its locking position while the second gripping device 47 hooks the locking lever 13.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the locking arm 41 comprises a second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48. This second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 comprises a first parallelogram side 49 corresponding to the first end 43 of the locking arm 41 and a second parallelogram side 50 parallel to the first side 49. The first parallelogram side 49 corresponds to the first end 43 of the locking arm 4L The second side 50 corresponds to the second end 44 of the locking arm 4L The second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 is included in a plane intended to be perpendicular to the leaf 5, which means that the rotational movements of the sides of the parallelogram are included in a plane intended to be perpendicular to the leaf 5.

[0067] Advantageously, the locking arm 41 further comprises a first follower 51 and a second follower 52. The locking device 19 further comprises a first cam 53 mounted securely on the elongated structure 16 and a second cam 54 mounted securely on the elongated structure 16.

[0068] For example, the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 are arranged on either side of the locking arm 41 along the longitudinal axis A ([Fig.9]).

[0069] The first follower 51 is intended to cooperate with the first cam 53 so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 brings the first gripping device 46 opposite the locking lever 13 before the locking arm 41 drives the locking lever 13 from its locking position to its position unlocking while the first gripping device 46 hooks the locking lever 13.

[0070] The second follower 52 is intended to cooperate with the second cam 54 so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism 48 brings the second gripping device 47 opposite the locking lever 13 before the locking arm 41 drives the locking lever 13 from its unlocking position to its locking position while the second gripping device 47 hooks the locking lever 13.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first gripping device 46 may comprise two rollers 55A, 55B ([Fig.3], [Fig.4], [Fig.8]) intended to hook the locking lever 13 by receiving the locking lever 13 between the two rollers 55A, 55B when the locking arm 41 drives the locking lever 13 from its locking position to its unlocking position. The rollers 55a and 55B make it possible to avoid friction between the locking lever 13 and the first gripping device 46 when the first gripping device 46 drives the locking lever 13.

[0072] The second gripping device 47 may comprise two rollers 56A, 56B ([Fig.4]) intended to hook the locking lever 13 when the locking arm 41 drives the locking lever 13 from its locking position to its unlocking position. The rollers 56A and 56B make it possible to avoid friction between the locking lever 13 and the second gripping device 47 when the second gripping device 47 drives the locking lever 13.

[0073] The closure device 20 is also mounted on the elongated structure 16. The closure device 20 is configured alternatively: - to push the articulation arm 7 to bring the leaf 5 to the open position when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position ([Fig.5]) and - to hook onto the articulation arm 7 then pull the articulation arm 7 to bring the leaf 5 to the closed position when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position ([Fig.8]).

[0074] The closing device 20 may comprise an articulated arm 29, a second actuator 30 and a third actuator 31.

[0075] The articulated arm 29 has a first segment 32 capable of being actuated by the second actuator 30 as a function of control orders sent by the control device 21 ([Fig.5], [Fig.6], [Fig.7], [Fig.8]). The articulated arm 29 further has a second segment 33 capable of being actuated by the third actuator 31 as a function of control orders sent by the control device 21.

[0076] The first segment 32 is intended to be actuated by the second actuator 30 to push the articulation arm 7 in order to bring the leaf 5 towards the open position when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position ([Fig.5]).

[0077] The second segment 33 is intended to be actuated by the third actuator 31 to hook onto the articulation arm 7 and then to pull the articulation arm 7 in order to bring the leaf 5 towards the closed position (of the leaf 5) when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position ([Fig.8]).

[0078] The first segment 32 comprises a first end 34 and a second end 35. The second segment 33 comprises a first end 36 and a second end 37.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first end 34 of the first segment 32 is mounted on the elongated structure 16 by means of a first articulation 38. The first articulation 38 is configured to allow rotation of the first segment 32 in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6 between a folded position of the first segment 32 and an unfolded position of the first segment 32. The folded position of the first segment 32 corresponds to a position in which the first segment 32 is folded against the elongated structure 16 ([Fig. 6]). The second position of the first segment 32 corresponds to a position in which the leaf 5 is in its open position by the support of the second end 35 of the first segment 32 against the articulation arm 7 after a passage from the folded position of the first segment 32 to the unfolded position of the first segment 32 ([Fig. 5]).

[0080] Advantageously, the second end 35 of the first segment 32 comprises a roller 351 ([Fig.2], [Fig.7] and [Fig.8]) intended to press against the articulation arm 7. The roller 351 makes it possible to avoid friction between the second end 35 of the first segment 32 and the articulation arm 7 during the opening of the leaf 5.

[0081] The second actuator 30 can be configured to drive the rotation of the first segment 32 around the first articulation 38: - to bring the first segment 32 from its folded position to its unfolded position and - to bring the first segment 32 from its unfolded position to its folded position.

[0082] The second end 35 of the first segment 32 can be mounted on the first end 36 of the second segment 33 by means of a second articulation 39.

[0083] Advantageously, the second end 37 of the second segment 33 comprises a hooking element 40. The second articulation 39 is configured to allow rotation of the second segment 33 in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights 10 of the frame 6 between a folded position of the second segment 33 and an unfolded position of the second segment 33. The folded position of the second segment 33 corresponds to a position in which the second segment 33 is folded against the first segment 32 ([Fig.5]). The second position of the second segment 33 corresponds to a position in which the hooking element 40 hooks the articulation arm 7 ([Fig.8]). The third actuator 31 is configured to drive the rotation of the second segment 33 around the first articulation 38: - in order to bring the second segment 33 from its folded position to its unfolded position and - in order to bring the second segment 33 from its unfolded position to its folded position by pulling the articulation arm 7 until the leaf 5 is in its closed position.

[0084] In addition, the second actuator 30 may also be configured to drive the rotation of the first segment 32 around the first articulation 38 while the third actuator 31 drives the rotation of the second segment 33 around the first articulation 38 to bring the second segment 33 from its folded position to its unfolded position and to bring the second segment 33 from its unfolded position to its folded position by pulling the articulation arm 7 until the leaf 5 is in its closed position ([Fig.7], [Fig.8]).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the hooking element 40 comprises a hook 57 mounted in rotation at the second end 37 of the second segment 33 by means of a fourth articulation 58 ([Fig.7]). The fourth articulation 58 allows a rotation of the hook 57 parallel to the first segment 32 and to the second segment 33. The hook 57 is intended to hook onto a blocking element 59 intended to block the leaf 5 in its open position after opening of the leaf 5 ([Fig.8]).

[0086] The hook 57 is further intended to pull the locking element 59 to pull the articulation arm 7 to bring the leaf 5 towards its closed position.

[0087] The locking element 59 may correspond to a locking finger which automatically engages to lock the leaf 5 in its open position when the leaf 5 is brought into the open position. Usually, in order to disengage the locking finger (therefore unlock the leaf 5), a user manually acts on the locking element 59 to disengage the locking finger. The hook 57 makes it possible to act on the locking element 59 by pulling on it to disengage the locking finger from the locking element 59.

[0088] The hook 57 has a first free end 60 and a second end 61 mounted in rotation at the fourth articulation 58 by means of a fifth articulation 62. The fifth articulation 62 allows rotation of the hook 57 perpendicular to the first segment 32 and to the second segment 33.

[0089] Advantageously, the hook 57 comprises an elastic element 63 tending to rotate the hook 57 in a first direction DI of rotation (the direction of rotation of which is shown in [Fig.7] by the arrow Dl) around the fifth articulation 62 so that the hook 57 is in a detached position. The detached position corresponds to a position of the hook 57 in which the first end 60 of the hook 57 cannot hook onto the locking element 59 when the second segment 33 is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position. The elastic element may correspond to a helical spring.

[0090] The second end 61 of the hook 57 comprises a finger 64 intended to press against the locking element 59 when the second segment 33 has reached its unfolded position. The pressing of the finger 64 against the locking element 59 is capable of rotating the hook 57 in a second direction D2 of rotation (the direction of rotation of which is represented in [Fig. 7] by the arrow D2) opposite to the first direction D1 of rotation by the fifth articulation 62 until the hook 57 is in a hooking position ([Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]). The hooking position corresponds to a position of the hook 57 in which the first end 60 of the hook 57 hooks onto the locking element 59.

[0091] The elastic element 63 is capable of driving the hook 57 from its hooking position to its unhooking position when the first end 60 of the hook 57 no longer pulls the articulation arm 7 (or no longer pulls the locking element 59) and when the finger 64 no longer presses against the locking element 59.

[0092] Advantageously, the finger 64 comprises a roller 641 ([Fig.6], [Fig.7]) intended to press against the locking element 59. The roller 641 makes it possible to avoid friction between the finger 64 and the locking element 59 while the hook 57 is rotating at least in the second direction D2 of rotation.

[0093] In addition, the first end 60 of the hook 57 may comprise a roller 601 ([Fig.6], [Fig.7], [Fig.8]) intended to pull the locking element 59. The roller 601 makes it possible to avoid friction between the first end 60 of the hook 57 and the locking element 59 while the hook 57 pulls the locking element 59 to close the leaf 5.

[0094] The control device 21, for its part, is configured to transmit: - closing or opening control orders for the leaf 5 to the closing device 20 and - locking or unlocking control orders to the locking device 19.

[0095] For example, the control device 21 may be fixed inside the aircraft AC.

[0096] The commands for closing the leaf 5, opening the leaf 5 and the commands for locking and unlocking are transmitted by the control device 21 as a function of control orders transmitted remotely by a user to the control device 21.

[0097] The control device 21 can receive control commands from the user of a human-machine interface 191. A user can command, on the one hand, a closing and locking of the leaf 5 or, on the other hand, an unlocking and an opening of the 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 making it possible to send to the control device 21 a control command for closing and locking the leaf 5 when the user presses this button. The keyboard can also comprise a physical or virtual button making it possible to send to the control device 21 a control command for unlocking and opening the leaf 5 when the user presses this button.Depending on one or other of the control commands that the control device 21 receives from the human-machine interface 191, it transmits closing control commands or opening control commands of the leaf 5 to the closing device 20 and locking control commands or unlocking control commands of the leaf 5 to the locking device 19. Advantageously, the human-machine interface 191 is mounted on a part of the aircraft AC easily accessible to a user on the ground G. For example, it is mounted on the front landing gear 192 ([Fig. 12]). It can also be detachable from the aircraft AC. The human-machine interface 191 can also comprise the physical or virtual buttons allowing the deployment or folding of the access staircase 65. In addition, the human-machine interface 191 can comprise a display device, such as a screen or light signals.The display device can indicate to the user the confirmation of the closing and locking of the leaf 5 or the opening of the leaf 5. For example, if the control device 21 transmits to the human-machine interface a signal confirming the closing (and locking) of the leaf 5, a light signal is activated (lights up). If the control device 21 transmits to the human-machine interface a signal confirming the opening of the leaf 5, another light signal is activated. The signals exchanged between the human-machine interface 191 and the control device 21, such as the control commands, can be transmitted by a wired link or a wireless link.

[0098] The system 1 may comprise a first actuator 26 configured to actuate the slide connection 17. The actuation of the slide connection 17 is capable of driving the elongated structure 16, alternately, towards its unfolded position and towards its folded position.

[0099] As a non-limiting example, the sliding connection 17 can be produced using rails 171 and a rack device 172 ([Fig.l]). The elongated structure 16 is then guided by the rails 171 when it is driven by the rack device 172.

[0100] The elongated structure 16 has a first longitudinal end 23.

[0101] The first longitudinal end 23 may comprise a first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 mounted on the sliding connection 17.

[0102] The first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is configured to be alternately in an unfolded position and an unfolded position. The first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is in its unfolded position when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position. The first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is in its folded position when the elongated structure 16 is in its folded position.

[0103] The first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 is configured to keep the elongated structure 16 parallel to the leaf 5 when the elongated structure 16 moves from its folded position to its unfolded position and vice versa. In other words, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 makes it possible to keep 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 1 to be inserted between the fuselage 4 and the access staircase 65 when the system is in its folded position as shown in [Fig. 1 1].

[0104] For example, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 may comprise at least four rigid elements 251, 252, 253, 254 linked together at their ends by four pivot links 255, 256, 257, 258. A rigid element 251 comprises at least one slide 173 which cooperates with rails 171. Another rigid element 253, opposite in the parallelogram to the rigid element 251 is fixed to the elongated structure 16 in the extension of the longitudinal axis A ([Fig.l] and [Fig.2]).

[0105] Driving the elongated structure 16 alternately toward its unfolded position and toward its folded position brings the first deformable parallelogram mechanism 25 from its folded position to its unfolded position and vice versa, respectively.

[0106] The elongated structure 16 has a second longitudinal end 24.

[0107] The second longitudinal end 24 may comprise a first fixing element 27 intended to be fixed to a second fixing element 28 when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position. The second fixing element 28 is mounted integrally with the fuselage 4. When the first fixing element 27 is fixed to the second fixing element 28, the elongated structure 16 does not remain cantilevered when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position. When the elongated structure 16 returns to its folded position, the first fixing element 27 is intended to detach from the second fixing element 28.

[0108] In one embodiment, the system 1 may comprise the second fastening element 28, as shown in [Fig. 3]. In another embodiment, the second fastening element 28 may correspond to an element of the fuselage 4.

[0109] By way of non-limiting example, the first fastening element 27 comprises fingers and the second fastening element 28 comprises orifices. Each of the orifices faces each of the fingers when the elongated structure 16 approaches its unfolded position. Each of the fingers is then inserted into a respective orifice when the elongated structure 16 is in its unfolded position. In this example, the first fastening element 27 is attached to the second fastening element 28 when the fingers are inserted into the orifices.

[0110] The invention also relates to a method for automatically closing the leaf 5 using the implementation of the closing and opening system 1 ([Fig.13]).

[0111] The closing method comprises the following steps: - an unfolding step El A in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position using the sliding connection 17; - a hooking step E2A in which the closing and opening device 20 hooks onto the articulation arm 7; - a closing step E3A in which the closing and opening device 20 pulls the articulation arm 7 to bring the leaf 5 towards its closed position; - a locking step E4A in which the locking and unlocking device 19 brings the locking lever 13 into the locking position for locking the leaf 5.

[0112] The unfolding step E1A, the hooking step E2A and the closing step E3A are implemented following a step E0A of reception by the control device 21 of closing control orders transmitted remotely by a user. The locking step E4A is implemented following reception of locking control orders from the control device 21.

[0113] The closing method may further comprise a folding step E5A in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its unfolded position to its folded position using the sliding connection 17. The folding step E5A follows the locking step E4A.

[0114] The invention also relates to a method for automatically opening the leaf 5 using the implementation of the closing and opening system 1 ([Fig.14]).

[0115] The opening method comprises the following steps: - an unfolding step E1B in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position using the sliding connection 17; - an unlocking step E2B in which the locking and unlocking device 19 brings the locking lever 13 into the unlocking position for unlocking the leaf 5; - an opening step E3B in which the closing and opening device 20 pushes the articulation arm 7 to bring the leaf 5 towards its open position.

[0116] The unfolding step E1B, the unlocking step E2B and the opening step E3B are implemented following a step EOB of reception by the control device 21 of opening control orders transmitted remotely by a user.

[0117] The opening method may further comprise a folding step E4B in which the elongated structure 16 is brought from its unfolded position to its folded position using the sliding connection 17. The folding step E4B follows the opening step E3B.

Claims

1. Claims System for automatic and remote closing and opening of a door (2) provided for an access opening (3) of a fuselage (4) of an aircraft (AC), the door (2) comprising a leaf (5), a frame (6) delimiting the access opening (3) and an articulation arm (7), the frame (6) being fixed integrally to the fuselage (4) and having two uprights (10), the leaf (5) being configured to be alternately in a closed position when the leaf (5) closes the access opening (3) and an open position when the leaf (5) leaves the access opening (3) open, the articulation arm (7) comprising a first end (8) articulated to the leaf and a second end (9) articulated to the frame so that the leaf (5) remains parallel to itself when it passes from the open position to the closed position and vice versa,the door (2) further comprising a locking mechanism (12) configured to alternately lock and unlock the leaf (5) when the leaf (5) is in the closed position, the locking mechanism (12) comprising a locking lever (13) one end (14) of which is rotatably mounted on the leaf (5) about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the leaf (5), the locking lever (13) being configured to be alternately in a locking position in which the locking mechanism (12) locks the leaf (5) and an unlocking position in which the locking mechanism (12) does not lock the leaf (5),. characterized in that it comprises:, - a support (15) intended to be fixed securely to the fuselage (4); - an elongated structure (16) having a longitudinal axis (A), the elongated structure (16) being connected by means of a sliding connection (17) to the support (15) so that the elongated structure (16) is capable of moving relative to the support (15) along its longitudinal axis (A) perpendicular to the two uprights (10) of the frame (6), the sliding connection (17) being configured so that the elongated structure (16) is able to be presented alternately in an unfolded position in which the elongated structure (16) is located opposite the access opening (3) and in a folded position of the elongated structure (16) in which the elongated structure (16) is not located opposite the access opening (3);

2.

3. - a locking and unlocking device (19) mounted on the elongated structure (16), the locking and unlocking device (19) being configured to bring the locking lever (13) alternately into the unlocked position for unlocking the leaf (5) when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position and into the locked position for locking the leaf (5) when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position; - a closing and opening device (20) mounted on the elongated structure (16), the closing and opening device (20) being configured alternately to push the articulation arm (7) to bring the leaf (5) to the open position when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position and to hook onto the articulation arm (7) and then to pull the articulation arm (7) to bring the leaf (5) to the closed position when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position; - a control device (21) configured to transmit closing or opening control orders for the leaf (5) to the closing and opening device (20) and locking or unlocking control orders to the locking and unlocking device (19), depending on control orders transmitted remotely to the control device (21) by a user. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first actuator (26) configured to actuate the sliding connection (17). System according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the elongated structure (16) has a first longitudinal end (23), the first longitudinal end (23) comprising a first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) mounted on the sliding connection (17), the first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) being configured to be in an unfolded position when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) being configured to be in a folded position when the elongated structure (16) is in its folded position, the first deformable parallelogram mechanism (25) being configured to keep the elongated structure (16) parallel to the leaf (5) when the elongated structure (16) moves from its folded position to its unfolded position and vice versa.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the elongated structure (16) has a second longitudinal end (24), the second longitudinal end (24) comprising a first fixing element (27) intended to be fixed to a second fixing element (28) mounted integrally with the fuselage (4) when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position.

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the closing and opening device (20) comprises an articulated arm (29), a second actuator (30) and a third actuator (31), the articulated arm having a first segment (32) capable of being actuated by the second actuator (30) according to control orders sent by the control device (21) and a second segment (33) capable of being actuated by the third actuator (31) according to control orders sent by the control device (21), the first segment (32) being intended to be actuated by the second actuator (30) to push the articulation arm (7) in order to bring the leaf (5) towards the open position when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position,the second segment (33) being intended to be actuated by the third actuator (31) to hook onto the articulation arm (7) then to pull the articulation arm (7) in order to bring the leaf (5) towards the closed position when the elongated structure (16) is in its unfolded position.,

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the first segment (32) comprises a first end (34) and a second end (35), the second segment (33) comprising a first end (36) and a second end (37), the first end (34) of the first segment (32) being mounted on the elongated structure (16) by means of a first articulation (38), the first articulation (38) being configured to allow rotation of the first segment (32) in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights (10) of the frame (6) between a

7. folded position of the first segment (32) and an unfolded position of the first segment (32), the folded position of the first segment (32) corresponding to a position in which the first segment (32) is folded against the elongated structure (16), the second position of the first segment (32) corresponding to a position in which the leaf (5) is in its open position by the support of the second end (37) of the first segment (33) after a passage from the folded position of the first segment (32) to the unfolded position of the first segment (32), the second actuator (30) being configured to drive the rotation of the first segment (32) around the first articulation (38): - to bring the first segment (32) from its folded position to its unfolded position and - to bring the first segment (32) from its unfolded position to its folded position; the second end (35) of the first segment (32) being mounted on the first end (36) of the second segment (33) by means of a second articulation (39), the second end (37) of the second segment (33) comprising a hooking element (40), the second articulation (39) being configured to allow rotation of the second segment (33) in a plane perpendicular to the two uprights (10) of the frame (6) between a folded position of the second segment (33) and an unfolded position of the second segment (33), the folded position of the second segment (33) corresponding to a position in which the second segment (33) is folded against the first segment (32), the second position of the second segment (33) corresponding to a position in which the hooking element (40) hooks the articulation arm (7), the third actuator (31) being configured to drive the rotation of the second segment (33) around the first articulation (38): - in order to bring the second segment (33) from its folded position to its unfolded position and - in order to bring the second segment (33) from its unfolded position to its folded position by pulling the articulation arm (7) until the leaf (5) is in its closed position. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the second actuator (30) is also configured to drive the rotation of the first segment (32) around the first articulation (38) while the third actuator (31) drives the rotation of the second segment (33) around the first articulation (38) to bring the second segment (33) from its folded position to its unfolded position and to bring the second segment (33) from its unfolded position to its folded position by pulling the articulation arm (7) until the leaf (5) is in its closed position.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking and unlocking device (19) comprises a locking arm (41) and a fourth actuator (42), the locking arm (41) comprising a first end (43) and a second end (44), the first end (43) of the locking arm (41) being rotatably mounted on the elongated structure (16) by means of a third articulation (45), the second end (44) of the locking arm comprising a first gripping device (46) intended to hook the locking lever (13) so that the locking arm (41) drives the locking lever (13) from its locking position to its unlocking position,the second end (44) of the locking arm (41) comprising a second gripping device (47) intended to hook the locking lever (13) so that the locking arm (41) drives the locking lever (13) from its unlocking position to its locking position, the fourth actuator (42) being configured to drive the locking arm (41) by rotation about the third articulation (45) between a folded position and an unfolded position, when the fourth actuator (42) drives the locking arm (41) from its folded position to its unfolded position, the locking arm (41) is able to drive the locking lever (13) from its locking position to its unlocking position while the first gripping device (46) hooks the locking lever (13), when the fourth actuator (42) drives the locking arm (41) from its unfolded position to its folded position, the locking arm (41) is able to drive the locking lever (13) from its unlocking position to its locking position while the second gripping device (47) hooks the locking lever (13).

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking arm (41) comprises a second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48), the second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) comprising a first parallelogram side (49) corresponding to the first end (43) of the locking arm (41) and a second parallelogram side (50) parallel to the first side (49), the second side (50) corresponding to the second end (44) of the locking arm (41), the second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) being included in a plane intended to be perpendicular to the leaf (5), the locking arm (41) further comprising a first follower (51) and a second follower (52), the locking and unlocking device (19) further comprising a first cam (53) mounted integrally on the elongated structure (16) and a second cam (54) mounted integrally on the structure lying down (16),the first follower (51) being intended to cooperate with the first cam (53) so that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) brings the first gripping device (46) opposite the locking lever (13) before the locking arm (41) drives the locking lever (13) from its locking position to its unlocking position while the first gripping device (46) hooks the locking lever (13), the second follower (52) being intended to cooperate with the second cam (54) so ​​that the second deformable parallelogram mechanism (48) brings the second gripping device (47) opposite the locking lever (13) before the locking arm (41) drives the locking lever (13) from its unlocking position to its locking position during, that the second gripping device (47) hooks the locking lever (13).

10. System according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the first gripping device (46) comprises two rollers (55A, 55B) intended to hook the locking lever (13) by receiving the locking lever (13) between the two rollers (55A, 55B) when the locking arm (41) drives the locking lever (13) from its locking position to its unlocking position, the second gripping device (47) comprising two rollers (56A, 56B) intended to hook the locking lever (13) when the locking arm (41) drives the locking lever (13) from its locking position to its unlocking position.

11. System according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the hooking element (40) comprises a hook (57) rotatably mounted at the second end (37) of the second segment (33) by means of a fourth articulation (58), the fourth articulation (58) allowing rotation of the hook (57) parallel to the first segment (32) and to the second segment (33), the hook (57) being intended to hook onto a locking element (59) intended to lock the leaf (5) in its open position after opening of the leaf (5), the hook (57) being further intended to pull the locking element (59) to pull the articulation arm (7) to bring the leaf (5) towards its closed position, the hook (57) having a first free end (60) and a second end (61) rotatably mounted at the fourth articulation (58) by means of a fifth joint (62),the fifth articulation (62) allowing rotation of the hook (57) perpendicular to the first segment (32) and to the second segment (33), the hook (57) comprising an elastic element (63) tending to rotate the hook (57) in a first direction (D1) of rotation around the fifth articulation (62) so that the hook (57) is in a detached position, the detached position corresponding to a position of the hook (57) in which the first end (60) of the hook (57) cannot hook onto the locking element (59) when the second segment (33) is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position, the second end (61) of the hook (57) comprising a finger (64) intended to press against the locking element (59) when the second segment (33) has reached its unfolded position, the pressing of the finger (64) against the locking element (59) being capable of rotating the hook (57) in a second direction (D2) of rotation opposite to the first direction (D1) of rotation by the fifth articulation (62) until the hook (57) is in a hooking position, the hooking position corresponds to a position of the hook (57) in which the first end (60) of the hook (57) hooks onto the locking element (59), the elastic element (63) is capable of driving the hook (57) from its hooking position to its unhooking position when the first end (60) of the hook (57) no longer pulls the articulation arm (7) and when the finger no longer presses against the locking element blockage (59).

12. Method for automatically closing the leaf (5) using the implementation of the closing and opening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - an unfolding step (ElA) in which the elongated structure (16) is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position using the sliding connection (17); - a hooking step (E2A) in which the closing and opening device (20) hooks onto the articulation arm (7); - a closing step (E3A) in which the closing and opening device (20) pulls the articulation arm (7) to bring the leaf (5) to its closed position; - a locking step (E4A) in which the locking and unlocking device (19) brings the locking lever (13) into the locking position for locking the leaf (5);the unfolding step (E1A), the hooking step (E2A) and the closing step (E3A) being implemented following reception by the control device (21) of closing control orders transmitted remotely by a user, the locking step (E4A) being implemented following reception of locking control orders from the control device (21).;

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a folding step (E5A) in which the elongated structure (16) is brought from its unfolded position to its folded position using the sliding connection (17), the folding step (E5A) following the locking step (E4A).

14. Method for automatically opening the leaf (5) using the implementation of the closing and opening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - an unfolding step (E1B) in which the elongated structure (16) is brought from its folded position to its unfolded position using the sliding connection (17); - an unlocking step (E2B) in which the locking and unlocking device (19) brings the locking lever (13) into the unlocking position for unlocking the leaf (5); - an opening step (E3B) in which the closing and opening device (20) pushes the articulation arm (7) to bring the leaf (5) to its open position;the unfolding step (E1B), the unlocking step (E2B) and the opening step (E3B) being implemented following reception by the control device (21) of opening control orders transmitted remotely by a user.;

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a folding step (E4B) in which the elongated structure (16) is brought from its unfolded position to its folded position using the sliding connection (17), the folding step (E4B) following the opening step (E3B).

16. Aircraft, characterized in that it comprises a remote opening and closing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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