A device to ensure the safety of the cockpit door.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for securing an aircraft (90), particularly a cockpit door (92) of a civil aircraft, and an aircraft (90) equipped with such a device. The device (1) is used to ensure security when the cockpit door (92) is open in order to prevent unauthorized entry into the cockpit (93) of the aircraft (90), and includes: a curtain (10) having one end (11) fixed to a wall, slidably suspended from a curtain rail (95), and having a closing element (20) at the free end (12) opposite the fixed end (11); and a fixed element (30) attached to the wall, wherein the closing element (20) and the fixed element (30) are configured to interlock when the curtain (10) is closed, and a predetermined operating procedure is required to open the curtain (10), and if at least one predetermined operating procedure is deviated from, the closing element (20) and the fixed element (30) remain connected. An aircraft (90) having a cockpit door (92) separating the cockpit (93) from the rest of the aircraft cabin (91) is equipped with a device (1) according to the present invention, wherein, in a closed state, the curtain (10) of the device (1) is positioned to completely cover access to the cockpit door (92) at a predetermined distance from the cockpit door (92) on the side away from the cockpit (93).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for securing the cockpit door of an aircraft, particularly a civil aircraft, and to an aircraft provided with such a safety device. [Background Art]

[0002] One of the many safety measures implemented in civil aircraft is to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the cockpit. For this purpose, the cockpit door is sufficiently reinforced such that it cannot be broken open by human force alone. Furthermore, at least as long as the aircraft is in operation, the cockpit door can normally only be opened from the inside. A password-activated time lock is provided for opening from the outside, and during the waiting period of this time lock, it is possible for persons inside the cockpit to prevent the cockpit door from being finally opened.

[0003] A properly designed cockpit door can reliably prevent the intrusion of unauthorized persons as long as it is closed. However, while the door is temporarily open, such as when a pilot, co-pilot, or cabin crew member enters or exits the cockpit, there is a risk that an unauthorized third party may rush toward the timed opening door and intrude by catching the person opening or closing the door off guard.

[0004] To avoid this risk, the introduction of dual cockpit doors has been considered, which allows access to the cockpit only via a type of personnel lock. The disadvantage of this is that such a personnel lock requires sufficient space, which is normally rendered unavailable for other uses. Furthermore, providing a second cockpit door means a considerable increase in weight. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for securing an aircraft cockpit door, and an aircraft equipped therewith, thereby eliminating or mitigating the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the apparatus described in claim 1 and the aircraft described in claim 11. Advantageous improvements are covered in the dependent claims.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a device for ensuring safety when the cockpit door is open in order to prevent unauthorized entry into the cockpit of an aircraft. The device includes a curtain that is fixed to a wall at one end and slidably suspended on a curtain rail, the curtain comprising a closing element provided at the free end opposite the fixed end and a fixed element attached to the wall, the closing element and the fixed element being configured to interact such that when the curtain is closed, a predetermined operating procedure is required to open the curtain, and in the event of a deviation from at least one predetermined operating procedure, the closing element and the fixed element are configured to maintain a connected state with each other.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an aircraft equipped with a cockpit door separating the cockpit from the rest of the cabin, and to a device according to the present invention. The curtain of the device, when closed, completely covers access to the cockpit door on the opposite side of the cockpit at a predetermined distance from the cockpit door.

[0009] The present invention recognizes that scenarios of intrusion into an aircraft cockpit, such as those addressed by personnel airlocks, can, in principle, already be prevented by a properly designed curtain. For example, if an unauthorized person attempts to enter while the cockpit door is temporarily opened by the pilot or co-pilot, it is sufficient to temporarily detain the person on their way to the cockpit door and to close the cockpit door again quickly and appropriately. This can be achieved by the device according to the present invention.

[0010] The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a curtain, which is slidably suspended from a curtain rail, has one edge of it securely fixed to a wall adjacent to the curtain rail. This prevents a person from "slipping through" between the curtain and this wall. A closing element is attached to the edge opposite to the fixed edge, and when the curtain is closed, this closing element works in conjunction with a fixing element located on the wall against which the free end of the curtain abuts.

[0011] The fixed and closing elements are designed to interlock with each other, and once coupled, can only be separated again through a predetermined operating procedure, enabling the opening process. If the predetermined operating procedure is deviated from, the connection between the closing and fixed elements remains. As long as the predetermined operating procedure is designed to be impossible or practically impossible to follow even if attempted, the interlocking of the fixed and closing elements prevents the curtain from being quickly pushed aside or simply "broken through" to pass through. As a result, the device according to the present invention can delay, at least to some extent, an unauthorized third party attempting to enter the cockpit through a temporarily open door, and at least provide sufficient time to close the cockpit door. There may be multiple predetermined operating procedures for releasing the closing and fixed elements, but it is essential that if any of the predetermined operating procedures are deviated from, it is impossible to release the closing and fixed elements from each other.

[0012] The closing and fixing elements should preferably be designed so that the closing element can be released from the fixing element only by a predetermined procedure of action, preferably a movement substantially perpendicular to the wall to which the fixing element is attached. Such action does not typically occur when one tries to quickly push the curtain aside by reaching a hand between the curtain and the wall above the fixing element, because such action involves even slight vertical movement of the closing element. When one tries to "pass through" the curtain, the closing element moves horizontally along the wall. The predetermined procedure of action may include further partial movements, such as tilting the closing element relative to the fixing element, in addition to the movement substantially perpendicular to the wall.

[0013] It is preferable that the closing element and the fixing element are designed to interlock with each other in the event of a deviation from a predetermined operating procedure. That is, they become inseparable from each other, thereby preventing the curtain from opening or closing. For this purpose, it is preferable that the closing element and / or the fixing element have appropriate undercuts that allow the other element to engage in the event of a deviation from a predetermined operating procedure. For example, if the operating procedure specifies that the closing element is pulled out from the fixing element in a direction perpendicular to the wall to which the fixing element is attached, an appropriate undercut in the fixing element can be provided so that the closing element catches on the fixing element when the closing element also moves in a direction parallel to the wall (at the same time).

[0014] To ensure that the closing element is always interlocked with the fixed element in a detachable state, the closing element can be configured to be held magnetically within the fixed element. Such a magnetic holding mechanism (which requires appropriate magnets on the fixed element and / or closing element) ensures that the closing element is always released from the fixed element according to a predetermined operating procedure. To achieve this, only a force sufficient to counteract the magnetic force of the holding mechanism is required.

[0015] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the fixing element and / or closing element may be provided with a locking element for securing the closing element in conjunction with the fixing element. The locking element can be configured in any form. For example, it may be a rotatable bolt placed on the fixing element and fitted over the closing element inserted into the fixing element. Alternatively, the locking element may be placed inside the closing element and configured to engage with a suitable opening in the fixing element. The closing element may be provided with a push button for releasing such a locking element.

[0016] It is desirable that the closing element and / or fixing element be equipped with a handle element that is operated during a predetermined procedure for opening the curtain. When such a handle element is provided and the procedure is linked to this handle element, it is generally guaranteed that the procedure necessary to open the curtain, such as by pulling it, cannot be performed, so that the locking element and the fixing element do not become separated from each other.

[0017] Furthermore, when the curtain is closed, it is preferable that the handle element and / or closing element be positioned on a predetermined side of the curtain. In particular, when the curtain is closed, the handle element and / or closing element may be positioned on the side facing the cockpit door. This reduces the risk that the handle element and / or closing element, and usually the locking element as well, may be operated unintentionally. To allow the handle element, closing element, and / or locking element to be operated from the opposite side, it is preferable that the curtain be provided with an opening for a hand, which is appropriate for this purpose.

[0018] Magnets for detachable connection to the wall where the fixing elements are attached are positioned at the ends of the curtain where the closing elements are attached. These additional magnets ensure that when the curtain is closed, it always adheres tightly to the wall where the fixing elements are attached, providing sufficient privacy. The magnets can be easily removed with moderate force.

[0019] The fixed element and / or closing element may include a signal output unit that emits a signal when the closing element is engaged with the fixed element and / or when either locking element is in the locked position. In other words, a signal is emitted when the curtain of the device according to the present invention is properly and completely closed. This signal can be displayed in the cockpit, for example, to indicate that the cockpit door is securely fastened by the curtain. The device according to the present invention can also be incorporated into a (semi)automatic locking device.

[0020] The curtain itself should ideally be made of a strong or reinforced material so that it does not tear even if an unauthorized person tries to pass through it and applies force. In particular, it should be made of a material that cannot be torn even if an adult puts their full weight into running into the curtain.

[0021] To ensure the desired security for a cockpit door, a combination of closing and fixing elements is usually sufficient. However, curtains may have two or more closing elements, in which case a corresponding number of fixing elements must be provided so that each of the aforementioned closing elements can engage with a fixing element.

[0022] For a description of the aircraft according to the present invention, please refer first to the above description. The device according to the present invention functions to completely cover access to the cockpit door, that is, from wall to wall, on the side away from the cockpit. This ensures that even if an unauthorized person attempts to enter by taking advantage of a moment when the cockpit door is temporarily open, they will be detained by the curtain for a sufficiently long time, and the cockpit door can be securely closed again. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] The present invention will be described illustratively with reference to preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0024] [Figure 1a]FIG. 1a is a schematic view of the device according to the present application, showing a state where the curtain is opened. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a schematic view of the device according to the present application, showing a state where the curtain is closed. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a is a schematic view of the fixing element and the closing element of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is a schematic view of the fixing element and the closing element of the device of FIG. 1. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a state where a device 1 according to the present invention is mounted on an aircraft 90. For the aircraft 90, only a cockpit door 92 and a part of the surrounding wall thereof are illustrated. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the cockpit of the aircraft 90 is located on the opposite side of the cockpit door 92.

[0026] At a position slightly spaced apart from the cockpit door 92, in an upper region of a passenger cabin 91, a curtain rail 95 extending between two opposing walls is provided. This curtain rail 95 may have been attached to the aircraft 90 from the beginning. If such a curtain rail 95 does not exist, it can be retrofitted, for example, as a part of the device 1.

[0027] The device 1 comprises the curtain 10 movably attached to the curtain rail 95. At one side edge 11 shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, the curtain 10 is firmly attached to a wall over the entire height thereof, and this wall is also in contact with the curtain rail 95. In the present embodiment, the curtain is firmly screwed to the wall at equal intervals, for example (not shown).

[0028] The closing element 20 is firmly integrated with the opposite edge 12 of the curtain 10. Furthermore, magnets 13 are sewn into the curtain 10 along the edge 12, so that when the curtain 10 is closed, the magnets 13 detachably attach to the wall surface that the edge 12 contacts, thereby allowing the curtain 10 to completely cover the cockpit door 92 (see Figure 1b).

[0029] The fixing element 30 of the device 1 is also fixedly positioned on the wall. When the curtain 10 moves from an open state as shown in Figure 1a to a closed state as shown in Figure 1b, the closing element 20 and the fixing element 30 work in conjunction, and a predetermined operating procedure is required to release these two elements 20 and 30. The curtain 10 can only be opened again after this predetermined operating procedure has been followed. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing element 20 is released from the fixing element 30 only when it is moved in a direction approximately perpendicular to the wall to which the fixing element 30 is attached. In particular, any movement caused by pulling the curtain 10 as you like or trying to "pierce" the curtain 10 will not release the closing element 20 from the fixing element 30 if it exceeds a certain allowable range.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a more detailed schematic diagram of the closing element 20 and the fixing element 30 of the device 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2a shows the closing element 20 and the fixing element 30 individually, while Figure 2b shows the interlocking relationship between the closing element 20 and the fixing element 30.

[0031] The fixing element 30 is provided with a recess 31 having a projection 32 in the center. Both the edge of the recess 31 and the central projection 32 have protruding profiles 33, each forming an undercut 34 relative to the recess 31.

[0032] A magnet 35 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 31, which allows the closing element 20 inserted into the recess 31 to be held in place by magnetic force.

[0033] Furthermore, the fixing element 30 also includes a pivotable locking member 36. By appropriately rotating the locking member 36, it is possible to prevent the closing element 20 inserted into the fixing element 30 from coming out of the fixing element 30 (see the dashed line position of the locking member 36 in Figure 2b).

[0034] The external dimensions of the closing element 20 conform to the opening of the recess 31, excluding the portion of the profile 33 of the fixing element 30. Furthermore, a through opening 21 is provided, the shape of which conforms to the profile 33 on the central projection 32 of the fixing element 30, and is only slightly larger than the latter.

[0035] The closing element 20, designed to fit the fixed element 30, can be fully inserted into the recess 31 of the fixed element 30 in the direction of movement indicated by the double arrow 40 in Figure 2, and, in principle, can be pulled out again in the reverse direction of movement. However, even a slight deviation from the direction of movement indicated by the double arrow 40 will cause the closing element 20 to catch on one of the undercuts 34 formed by the profile 33, preventing it from being removed further from the fixed element 30. This inability to remove the closing element 20 also occurs when attempting to remove it from the fixed element 30, such as by pulling the curtain 10.

[0036] To enable or facilitate the intentional removal of the closing element 20 from the fixing element 30, the closing element 20 is provided with a handle element 22 extending across its center. By pulling the handle element 22 perpendicularly, the closing element 20 can be pulled out from the fixing element 30, only requiring the overcoming of the magnetic force of the magnet 35. Because the handle element 22 is centrally located relative to the closing element 20, the risk of the closing element 20 becoming misaligned is reduced.

[0037] The handle element 22, and by extension the closing element 20, is positioned on the side of the curtain 10 facing the cockpit door 92 when the curtain 10 is closed (see Figure 1b). To allow the curtain 10 to be opened from the opposite side, an opening 14 for inserting a hand is provided in the curtain 10.

[0038] The curtain 10 itself is made of a fiber material that will not tear even if an improper person tries to pass through the closed curtain 10.

[0039] The fixed element 30 is provided with a signal output unit 37, and when the closing element 20 is positioned in the recess 31 of the fixed element 30, a signal is output from this signal output unit 37.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the closing element 20 is required to move only in a direction perpendicular to the wall to which the fixed element 30 is attached, but other operating procedures are also possible. For example, in order to release the closing element 20 from the fixed element 30 and open the curtain 10, it may be necessary to tilt the closing element 20 in a predetermined direction relative to the fixed element 30. If the curtain 10 is attached to the closing element 20 in a manner such that the necessary tilting motion cannot be obtained simply by pulling the curtain 10, then reliable closing of the curtain 10 is guaranteed.

Claims

1. A device (1) for ensuring safety when the cockpit door (92) is open, in order to prevent unauthorized entry of a person into the cockpit (93) of an aircraft (90), The device is The curtain (10) is fixed to the wall at one end (11) and slidably suspended from a curtain rail (95), and the curtain has a closing element (20) provided at the free end (12) opposite to the fixed end (11). The device also, It includes a fixed element (30) attached to the wall, The closing element (20) and the fixing element (30) are configured to interlock so that when the curtain (10) is closed, a predetermined operating procedure is required to open the curtain (10). Furthermore, if there is a deviation from at least one of the predetermined operating procedures, the closing element (20) and the fixing element (30) are configured to maintain a state of being connected to each other. Device.

2. The closing element (20) and the fixing element (30) are configured such that the closing element (20) can be separated from the fixing element (30) only by a predetermined operating procedure, preferably an operation substantially perpendicular to the wall to which the fixing element (30) is attached. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The closing element (20) and the fixing element (30) are configured to engage with each other in the event of a deviation from the predetermined operating procedure. For that purpose, it is preferable that the closing element (20) and / or the fixing element (30) have appropriate undercuts that allow other elements (20) to engage in the event of a deviation from the predetermined operating procedure. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A magnet (35) for magnetically holding the closing element (20) within the fixing element (30) is provided to the closing element (20) and / or the fixing element (30). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The closing element (20) and / or the fixing element (30) have a locking element (36) that works in cooperation with the fixing element (30) to fix the closing element (20). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The closing element (20) and / or the fixing element (30) include a handle element (22) which is to be operated during a predetermined operating procedure for opening the curtain (10). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The handle element (22) and / or the closing element (20) are positioned on a predetermined side of the curtain (10) when the curtain (10) is closed. Preferably, the curtain (10) has an opening (14) through which a hand can pass to operate the handle element (22) and / or the closing element (20). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A magnet (13) for detachably connecting to the wall surface to which the fixing element (30) is attached is provided at the end (12) of the curtain (10) to which the closing element (20) is attached. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The closing element (20) and / or the fixing element (30) have a signal output unit (37) that emits a signal when the closing element (20) is in conjunction with the fixing element (30) and / or when the closing element (36) is in the locked position. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The curtain (10) is made of a strong and / or reinforced material so as not to tear even if an unauthorized person attempts to pass through it and applies force. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An aircraft (90) having a cockpit door (92) that separates the cockpit (93) from the rest of the cabin (91), The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is provided and positioned such that, when closed, the curtain (10) of the device (1) completely covers access to the cockpit door (92) on the opposite side from the cockpit at a predetermined distance from the cockpit door. Aircraft (90).

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