Aircraft door locking system including a monitoring system that indicates whether the locking system is in a locked or unlocked state

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking system (20) for locking a door (15) comprising at least two locks (31). The locking system (20) has a position sensor (40) per lock (31), each position sensor (40) emitting a measurement signal carrying a locked or unlocked state of the associated lock (31), the signaling system (30) comprising a controller (50) receiving the measurement signals and being connected to an alarm (60), the controller (50) being configured to emit either an unlock signal (SDV) when at least one measurement signal carries an unlocked state of the associated lock or a locking signal if each measurement signal carries a locked state of the associated lock, the alarm (60) generating a visual unlock alert upon receipt of the unlock signal and a visual lock alert upon receipt of the lock signal.Abbreviated figure: figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Aircraft door locking system comprising a monitoring system indicating whether the locking system is in a locked or unlocked state

[0001] The present invention relates to an aircraft door locking system comprising a monitoring system indicating whether the locking system is in a locked or unlocked state.

[0002] An aircraft door is movable relative to a frame between an open and a closed position. The door is usually equipped with a locking system to hold the door in the closed position. Such a locking system conventionally includes a lock.

[0003] Aircraft certification regulations require the implementation of means to visually verify that a door leading to the outside of the aircraft is locked in the closed position, namely to verify that the locking system secures the door in this closed position. For example, Chapter 783 of CS29 Regulations contains such a requirement.

[0004] Mechanical systems can thus be implemented on helicopters, and more generally on aircraft. For example, such a mechanical system comprises a moving part with a green area visible when the locking system is locked, and a red area visible when the locking system is unlocked. Although effective, these systems are subject to wear, due, for example, to vibrations and accelerations. Furthermore, some mechanical systems may provide ambiguous information when the door is ajar, by simultaneously displaying part of the green and red areas, for example.

[0005] Document CN205604874U and document JP2010127065A describe mechanical systems.

[0006] Another known signaling system includes a microswitch connected to an alarm panel. When the associated door is opened, the microswitch opens, generating an alarm displayed on the alarm panel. When the door is closed, the microswitch closes and the alarm disappears.

[0007] Another signaling system includes a microswitch associated with a lock to trigger an alarm if the lock is not engaged.

[0008] Document WO2024055500 A1 describes a system having a microswitch connected to a signaling system indicating the closed status of a door closing mechanism. This signaling system may include a light source arranged in a helicopter cockpit.

[0009] Document CN117513877A describes a device for a helicopter cabin door comprising: a control unit, a display unit, a control unit, a locking mechanism, a locking actuation system, a cabin door actuation system, a cabin door lock signal in the closed position emitting a door lock signal if necessary, a cabin door lock signal in the open position emitting a door unlock signal if necessary, a cabin door closed position sensor emitting a door closed signal if necessary, and a cabin door open position sensor emitting an open door lock signal if necessary.

[0010] When the closed cab door position sensor emits a closed door signal, the control unit sends a locking command to the locking actuation system, which locks the door. The closed cab door lock signal detects the lock and sends a door lock signal to the control unit, which then transmits a signal to the display unit to indicate the lock.

[0011] Document KR970054097U describes a system for detecting the opening of a door. This system includes: i) a chopper configured to convert an electrical voltage into a pulse voltage having a predetermined cycle, ii) a plurality of door switches whose switching state is controlled according to whether the door is open or closed, and iii) a dashboard warning light configured to receive an electrical current having a pulse voltage supplied by the chopper when at least one door switch is activated and to illuminate according to a predetermined cycle.

[0012] The present invention then aims to provide an innovative signaling system that reliably and simply indicates whether a locking system is in a locked or unlocked position.

[0013] The invention thus relates to a locking system for locking a door in a closed position relative to a carrier, the locking system comprising at least two locks each capable of immobilizing the door in the closed position, the locking system having a signaling system.

[0014] The signaling system includes a position sensor for each lock, each position sensor emitting a measurement signal indicating either a locked or unlocked state of the associated lock. The signaling system includes a controller that receives the measurement signals and is connected to an alarm. The controller is configured to emit either an unlock signal when at least one measurement signal indicates an unlocked state of the associated lock, or a lock signal if each measurement signal indicates a locked state of the associated lock. The alarm generates a visual unlock alert following the reception of the unlock signal and a visual lock alert following reception of the lock signal, the lock alert being different from the unlock alert.

[0015] The term "lock" refers to a closing mechanism cooperating with a complementary component of a door to lock the door. For example, the lock includes a hook that can grip a component of the door, or a bolt that can be inserted into a strike plate.

[0016] Thus, the locking system includes several position sensors, namely one position sensor for each lock. Each position sensor indicates to the controller whether the associated lock is locked or unlocked, that is, to assess whether the associated lock is locked to a door to immobilize the door, or is not locked to the door.

[0017] If one or more position sensors indicate to the controller that the associated lock is not locked, the controller generates an unlock alert. If each position sensor indicates to the controller that the associated lock is locked, the controller generates a lock alert.

[0018] Each alert takes the form of a visual alert, for example by means of a light emitted by a light source such as a light-emitting diode or possibly an optical fiber output.

[0019] An operator can then visually determine whether all the locks are locked or whether at least one lock is unlocked.

[0020] Thus, the signaling system is simple and / or can have a relatively low mass. Furthermore, the signaling system can be used at night or in adverse weather conditions.

[0021] Moreover, such a signaling system can be installed on an existing locking system.

[0022] The locking system may further include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0023] According to one possibility, each lock may include a locking member attached to a finger sliding in a slot in a frame of the lock, the locking member and the finger being only movable relative to the frame between a release position and a locking position, each position sensor emitting a measurement signal carrying a locked state when the finger is in the locking position and emitting a measurement signal carrying an unlocked state when the finger is in the release position.

[0024] The locking device is made movable in order to cooperate in the locked position with a fixed part of the support, the door then being locked in its closed position. Conversely, when the locking device is in its position During the release, this immobilizing device is distant from this fixed device of the carrier, the door is then not locked in the closed position.

[0025] Each position sensor can then evaluate the position of the finger, which is in fact a reflection of the position of the immobilizing device. Such a position sensor can, for example, take the form of a Hall effect sensor or a conventional optical sensor.

[0026] The signaling system then includes reliable position sensors to assess whether the locks are locked or not.

[0027] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, each lock may include a shaft extending along an axis of rotation of the immobilizing member, the position sensor of a lock being mounted on the shaft of that lock.

[0028] The position sensor can thus be close to the finger to be monitored.

[0029] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the alarm may include at least one light source to generate the locking alert and the unlocking alert, the locking alert taking the form of a light of a first color and the unlocking alert taking the form of a light of a second color different from the first color.

[0030] The expression "light source" hereafter refers to a light emitter, such as, for example, a light-emitting diode or an optical fiber.

[0031] According to one example, the alarm includes a light source emitting a green light when a lock signal is received, and a light source emitting a red light when an unlock signal is emitted.

[0032] According to another example, the alarm may include a lock light source to be turned on in the presence of a lock signal, and a position sensor unlock light source to be turned on when the measurement signal emitted by the associated position sensor carries an unlocked state.

[0033] Thus, an operator can evaluate the state of each lock.

[0034] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the locking system may include a dedicated electrical power source supplying electricity to the signaling system.

[0035] The signaling system can then be autonomous and functional even when the aircraft is switched off. The signaling system may include a standard charge indicator to show the charge level of the electrical power source, for example, an electric battery.

[0036] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the locking system can be autonomous and independent.

[0037] The term “autonomous” means that the signaling system can operate without external assistance, for example by having its own source of electrical power.

[0038] The term "independent" means that the signaling system is not linked to another system, in particular to the aircraft's avionics system.

[0039] Thus, the locking system is always functional, whether the aircraft is stationary or in operation.

[0040] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the controller can be configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal for a predetermined duration.

[0041] Thus, the alarm is activated for a limited time. This feature makes it possible, for example, to maximize the operating time of an electric battery powering the signaling system.

[0042] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the signaling system may include at least one human-machine interface in communication with the controller, the controller being configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal following a maneuver of the human-machine interface.

[0043] Thus, an operator can control the human-machine interface. This human-machine interface emits a control signal received by the controller. The controller then emits the appropriate unlock or lock signal based on the current measurement signals to control the alarm.

[0044] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones, the controller can be configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal following a change in a measurement signal.

[0045] For example, at each change of state of a lock, an alert is generated, possibly for a predetermined duration as explained previously.

[0046] Furthermore, a door can be equipped with a locking system according to the invention.

[0047] Possibly, the alarm is visible on both sides of the door.

[0048] When this door separates an interior space from an exterior space, the alarm is visible from both the interior and exterior spaces.

[0049] The door may include a closure detection system equipped with a closure sensor communicating with an alert generator. For example, the closure sensor includes a microswitch connected to a light generator to signal whether the door is closed. The closure detection system may be independent of the signaling system, and / or may be connected to the aircraft's avionics system.

[0050] Furthermore, an aircraft may include such a door according to the invention.

[0051] Optionally, the signaling system is independent of an aircraft avionics system.

[0052] The invention and its advantages will become apparent in more detail in the following description, with illustrative examples given by reference to the accompanying figures, which represent:

[0053] [Fig. 1], a diagram illustrating a locking system according to the invention,

[0054] the [Fig.2], a diagram showing a locked lock,

[0055] the [Fig.3], a door illustrating a locking system according to the invention, and

[0056] the [Fig.4], the method implemented by a locking system according to the invention.

[0057] Elements present in several separate figures are assigned one and the same reference.

[0058] Fig. 1 presents a locking system 20 according to the invention for locking, namely immobilizing, a door 15 in a closed position relative to a support 11.

[0059] This locking system 20 is thus arranged on a door 15 shown schematically. This door 15 extends, according to its thickness, from a first face 16 to a second face 17. The locking system 20 can be housed at least partially within the thickness of the door 15.

[0060] Such a door 15 can be arranged within any structure. For example, such a door 15 can be fitted to an aircraft 1, and for example, a rotary-wing aircraft. In particular, the door 15 can be a cargo door, or a door providing access to a cabin or cockpit, for example. The door 15 can be movable relative to the supporting structure, primarily in rotation, or in translation, as the example given.

[0061] Regardless of its arrangement, the locking system 20 comprises at least two locks 31. The figures show only two locks for illustrative purposes, but the door may have three or more locks. Reference numeral 31 designates any lock, while reference numerals 32 and 33 designate specific locks. Each lock 31 functions to immobilize the door 15 in a closed position by cooperating with the door leaf 11, namely in a position in which the door 15 blocks an opening. When the door 15 is in an open position, it then becomes possible to pass through the opening.

[0062] Thus, each lock 31 may include a locking device 34 movable relative to a frame 43. Such a locking device has the function of keeping the door closed or allowing the door to move. Reference numerals 34 designate any locking device, while reference numerals 35 and 36 designate locking devices of the first lock 32 and the second lock 33, respectively. Similarly, reference numeral 43 designates any frame, while reference numerals 44 and 45 designate frames of the first lock 32 and the second lock 33, respectively.

[0063] In particular, each locking member 34 can take the form, for example, of a movable bolt in translation to penetrate into a strike plate attached to the carrier 11, the bolt being able to be moved in the usual way.

[0064] According to the illustrated example, each locking member 34 can take the form of a movable hook rotating about an axis of rotation AX to clamp a fixed member 12, 13 of the support 11 against the frame or against an elastomer block carried by the frame, as illustrated in the example. The movement of the hook can be achieved in a conventional manner, for example by being of the type of lock described in document EP4299436.

[0065] Regardless of the embodiment, each locking member 34 remains mobile from a release position POS1 to a locking position POS2. In the release position POS1 illustrated in [Fig. 1], the locking member 34 is not engaged with a fixed member 12, 13 attached to the support 11. In the locking position POS2 illustrated in [Fig. 2], the locking member 34 is engaged with this fixed member 12, 13 attached to the support 11 to immobilize the door 15 relative to the support 11.

[0066] Furthermore, and with reference to [Fig.1], the locking system 20 includes a signaling system 30 which has the function of indicating whether the locks are locked or not locked.

[0067] Therefore, the signaling system 30 includes a position sensor 40 for each lock 31. Reference numeral 40 designates any position sensor, while reference numerals 41 and 42 designate position sensors for the first lock 32 and the second lock 33, respectively. The term "sensor" here refers to a physical sensor capable of directly measuring the parameter in question, but also to a system that may include one or more physical sensors as well as signal processing means for providing an estimate of the parameter based on the measurements provided by these physical sensors. For example, each position sensor 40 may include a standard Hall effect or optical sensor.

[0068] Each position sensor 40 has the function of emitting a measurement signal SM carrying a locked or unlocked state of the associated lock 31 depending on the current situation. The locked state is reached by a lock 31 when its locking member 34 is in a blocking position allowing it to engage with a fixed member 12, 13 of the carrier 11, the lock 31 being in the unlocked state otherwise.

[0069] For example, each lock 31 has a finger 37 attached to the locking member 34 of that lock 31. The finger 37 slides in a slot in the frame. The reference numeral 37 designates any finger, while the reference numerals 38 and 39 designate fingers of the first lock 32 and the second lock 33, respectively. Each finger 37 has, in particular, the function of identifying the position of the member 34. Therefore, each position sensor 40 emits a measurement signal SM carrying a locked state when the finger 37 is in the locking position POS2, and a measurement signal SM carrying an unlocked state when the finger 37 is in the release position POS1. The reference SM designates any measurement signal, while the references SMI and SM2 designate the measurement signals emitted respectively by the first position sensor 41 and the second position sensor 42.

[0070] In the presence of a locking member 34 movable only in one degree of freedom in rotation about a shaft 46 extending along an axis of rotation AX, the position sensor 40 can be mounted on this shaft 46. Reference numeral 46 designates any shaft, reference numerals 47, 48 designate shafts arranged along axes of rotation AX1, AX2 respectively of the first lock 32 and the second lock 33. Furthermore, the frame 43 can include a circular arc slot guiding the finger 37 of this lock 31.

[0071] According to another aspect, the signaling system 30 includes a controller 50 linked by a wired or wireless connection to each position sensor 40. For example, the controller 50 may include a microcontroller or any other alternative device.

[0072] Furthermore, the controller 50 is connected by a wired or wireless link to an alarm 60 capable of generating at least two visually distinct alerts. The alarm 60 can be integrated into the door 15 or located outside the door 15.

[0073] Furthermore, the locking system 20 may include at least one electrical power source 55, possibly dedicated, such as an electric battery, electrically powering the signaling system 30. The electrical power source 55 may electrically power the position sensors 40, and / or the controller 50, and / or the alarm 60, for example.

[0074] In this context, the controller 50 receives the measurement signals SM. The controller 50 is then configured to send an alert signal to the alarm 60. This alert signal can be either an unlock signal SDV when at least one measurement signal SM carries an unlocked state of the associated lock 31, or a lock signal SV if each measurement signal carries a locked state of the associated lock 31. In response, the alarm 60 sends a visual unlock alert upon receiving the unlock signal and a visual lock alert upon receiving the lock signal, the lock alert being different from the unlock alert.

[0075] To optimize the signaling of the current state of the locking system 20, the alerter 60 can be visible on both sides of the door 15, for example by being integrated into the door 15 possibly between the first face 16 and the second face 17. In other words, an individual can see the alert, whether that individual is facing the first face 16 or the second face 17.

[0076] For example, the alarm 60 includes at least one light source 62 for generating the locking alert and the unlocking alert. The locking alert may be in the form of a light of a first color, for example, green. The unlocking alert may be in the form of a light of a second color distinct from the first color, for example, red. If necessary, the door 15 is drilled so that the light source(s) 62 are visible from both sides of the door 15.

[0077] According to the illustrated example, the alarm 60 may include a light source 63 for emitting the locking alert, and at least one light source 64 for emitting the unlocking alert. Optionally, the alarm 60 may include a single light source 64 that illuminates if at least one lock is not locked, or one light source 64 per lock that illuminates if the associated lock is not locked.

[0078] According to one possibility, the controller 50 can be configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal for a predetermined duration and / or the alarmer is configured to emit the unlock alert and the lock alert for the predetermined duration.

[0079] For example, the controller 50 is configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal following a change in a measurement signal, namely when the state carried by a measurement signal changes. In other words, if a lock 31 changes from a locked state to an unlocked state, or vice versa, the controller 50 drives the alarm 60 to display an alert.

[0080] According to one possibility, the signaling system 30 may include at least one human-machine interface 65 in wired or wireless communication with the controller 50. The human-machine interface 65 may be located on the door itself, or it may be remote. For example, the human-machine interface 65 may include a button, a touchpad, a voice interface, or other features; these examples are given simply for illustrative purposes. When an operator uses this human-machine interface 65, the controller 50 is configured to send an alert signal to the alarm device 60. At any time, an operator can then check whether the door 15 is locked or unlocked.

[0081] According to another aspect, the locking system 20 can be autonomous and independent.

[0082] For example, the signaling system 30 can be independent of an avionics system 5 of the aircraft 1. Alternatively, the controller 50 can transmit an alert signal to an additional alerter 6 of the avionics system 5.

[0083] According to another aspect, the door may include a closure detection system equipped with a closure sensor 70 communicating with an alert generator 71 independent and / or with an alert generator 72 of the avionics system 5. The closure detection system may be independent of the signaling system, and / or may be connected to the aircraft's avionics system.

[0084] Figure 3 illustrates a door 15 equipped with a locking system 20 according to the invention.

[0085] Figure 4 illustrates the process applied by the locking system 20.

[0086] During a measurement step STPM, each position sensor 40 emits a measurement signal SM to the controller 50. According to the illustrated example, the first position sensor 41 emits a first measurement signal SMI during a first step STPM1, and the second position sensor 42 emits a second measurement signal SM2 during a second step STPM2.

[0087] During an STPT test step, the controller 50 determines whether at least one measurement signal carries an unlocked state of the associated lock 31.

[0088] If so, the controller 50 emits, during a STPRED step, an alert signal of the unlocking type to the alerter 60 which consequently generates an unlocking alert.

[0089] If not, the controller 50 emits, during a STPGREEN step, a lock signal type alert signal to the alerter 60 which consequently generates a lock alert.

[0090] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations in its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible embodiments. It is, of course, conceivable to replace a described means with an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Locking system (20) for locking a door (15) in a closed position relative to a support (11), the locking system (20) comprising at least two locks (31) each capable of immobilizing the door (15) in the closed position, the locking system (20) having a signaling system (30), characterized in that the signaling system (30) comprises a position sensor (40) per lock (31), each position sensor (40) emitting a measurement signal (MS) carrying a locked state or an unlocked state of the associated lock (31), the signaling system (30) comprising a controller (50) receiving the measurement signals (MS) and connected to an alarm (60),the controller (50) being configured to emit either an unlock signal (SDV) when at least one measurement signal carries an unlocked state of the associated lock or a lock signal (SV) if each measurement signal carries a locked state of the associated lock, the alarmer (60) generating a visual unlock alert upon receipt of the unlock signal and a visual lock alert upon receipt of the lock signal, the lock alert being different from the unlock alert.

2. Locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that each lock (31) comprises a locking member (34) integral with a finger (37) sliding in a slot of a frame (43) of the lock (31), the locking member (34) and the finger (37) being only movable relative to the frame (43) between a release position (POS1) and a locking position (POS2), each position sensor (40) emitting a measurement signal carrying a locked state when the finger (37) is in the locking position (POS2) and emitting a measurement signal carrying an unlocked state when the finger (37) is in the release position (POS1).

3. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that each lock (31) comprises a shaft (46) extending along an axis of rotation (AX) of the locking member, and the position sensor (40) of a lock (31) is mounted on the shaft (45) of that lock (31).

4. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the alarm (60) comprises at least one light source (62) for generating the locking alert and the unlocking alert, the locking alert taking the form of a light of a first color and the unlocking alert taking the form of a light of a second color different from the first color.

5. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking system (20) comprises a dedicated electrical power source (55) electrically supplying the signaling system (30).

6. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking system (20) is autonomous and independent.

7. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the controller (50) is configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal for a predetermined duration.

8. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the signaling system (30) comprises at least one human-machine interface (65) in communication with the controller (50), the controller (50) being configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal following an operation of the human-machine interface (65).

9. Locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the controller (50) is configured to emit the unlock signal and the lock signal following a change in a measurement signal.

10. Door (15) equipped with a locking system (20), characterized in that the locking system (20) is according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Door according to claim 10, characterized in that the alarm (60) is visible on both sides of the door (15).

12. Door according to any one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the door comprises a closure detection system equipped with a closure sensor (70) communicating with an alert generator (71, 72).

13. Aircraft (1), characterized in that said aircraft (1) comprises a door (15) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Aircraft according to claim 13, characterized in that the signaling system (30) is independent of an avionics system (5) of the aircraft (1).

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