EP2935740B1 - Aircraft lock - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lock. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lock for a door of a vehicle, for example of the aircraft type.

It is known from the prior art a lock comprising a plane support carrying a first axis of pivot connection around which pivots a bolt comprising a hook winding around a striker wire, and a second axis pivot connection around which pivot a pawl and a control lever driving the pawl in rotation, the pawl comprising a tooth engaging with a notch formed on the bolt, when the lock is in said closed position. Such a lock is for example described in the document US 2004/0135378 .

However, with such a lock, it can happen, in case of anomalies, for example in case of significant vibration, that the pawl tooth inadvertently disengages the notch in the bolt, thus causing a release of the waste wire by the hook and therefore an opening of the lock. Such a situation is particularly dangerous, especially if it had to intervene during a phase of flight of an aircraft.

Such a lock comprising means for securing the closure of the lock is described in document DE 15 53 470 A1 .

The object of the present invention is also to overcome this technical problem by proposing alternative securing of such a lock in the closed position.

More precisely, the subject of the present invention is a lock comprising two substantially flat walls carrying a first pivot connection axis and a second pivot connection axis, the first and second axes being substantially perpendicular to the planes; a bolt pivotable about the first axis, the bolt comprising a hook adapted to hang a striker thread; a pawl adapted to pivot about the second axis, the pawl comprising a tooth adapted to engage with at least one notch formed on the bolt; a control lever adapted to pivot about the second axis, the lever comprising means for driving the ratchet around the second axis, the control lever and / or the pawl having locking closure securing means, the securing means comprising a hook formed on the control lever and a lug disposed on the bolt, substantially parallel to the first axis. Preferably, the hook cooperates with the lug when the lock is in the closed position. When the lock is in the closed position, the tooth of the pawl is engaged with a notch of the bolt.

Such a lock has the advantage of securing the engagement of the ratchet tooth with the notch of the bolt, without adding a new piece to the lock, optimizing the weight associated with the integration of a new feature.

Preferably, the control lever and the pawl are located between the wall planes.

Such an arrangement of the control lever and the ratchet has the advantage of limiting the size of the lock and reduce friction around the second axis, compared to the case where the control lever and the ratchet are arranged on both sides. other one of the planes of the walls, thus inducing a torsion torque around the second axis.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for rotating the pawl is a shoulder adapted to cooperate with at least one lug formed on the pawl.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the control lever and the pawl are monobloc.

Preferably, the lock comprises means for detecting a position of the pawl.

Such a lock has the advantage of indicating to a user whether the lock is closed and locked.

More preferably, the detecting means of the pawl position comprise a visual marking disposed at one end of the control lever. Alternatively, the lock may include an inductive sensor detecting the position of the control lever.

Preferably, the walls also carry a third axis and a fourth axis, substantially parallel to the first axis, the lock being adapted to be fixed to a panel via the first, third and fourth axis.

Such a lock has the advantage of having a small number of points of attachment to a panel.

• Figure 1 : une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une serrure selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans une position fermée et verrouillée ;
• Figure 2 : une vue en coupe longitudinale de la serrure présentée à la figure 1, dans une position fermée et déverrouillée ;
• Figure 3 : une vue en coupe longitudinale de la serrure présentée à la figure 1, dans une position intermédiaire ;
• Figure 4 : une vue en coupe longitudinale de la serrure présentée à la figure 1, dans une position ouverte ;
• Figure 5 : une vue d'un côté d'une serrure selon un autre mode de réalisation, dans une position fermée et verrouillée ;
• Figure 6 : une vue d'un autre côté de la serrure présentée à la figure 5, dans une position ouverte.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These are given as an indication and not a limitation of the invention. The figures show:

• Figure 1 : a longitudinal sectional view of a lock according to one embodiment of the invention, in a closed and locked position;
• Figure 2 : a longitudinal sectional view of the lock presented at the figure 1 in a closed and unlocked position;
• Figure 3 : a longitudinal sectional view of the lock presented at the figure 1 in an intermediate position;
• Figure 4 : a longitudinal sectional view of the lock presented at the figure 1 in an open position;
• Figure 5 : a view of one side of a lock according to another embodiment, in a closed and locked position;
• Figure 6 : a view from another side of the lock presented to the figure 5 , in an open position.

The Figures 1 and 2 show a lock 100 according to one embodiment of the invention, respectively in a so-called closed and locked position and a so-called closed and unlocked position. In the following description, "a closed position" of the lock 100 refers to both the closed and locked position and the closed and unlocked position. The lock 100 is for example intended to be fixed on a swinging door or sliding of a helicopter. In the example, the lock 100 is considered mobile relative to a structure of the helicopter.

The lock 100 comprises two plane walls 101 substantially identical in shape, spaced along a first axis 102 pivot connection and a second axis 103 pivot connection. The first and second axes (102, 103) are substantially perpendicular to the planes of the walls 101. In the Figures 1 to 6 , only one of the walls 101 is visible because of the longitudinal section or the side view of the lock 100. The walls 101 comprise on their periphery a notch forming a cone-shaped opening 104 disposed along a substantially perpendicular axis the planes of the walls 101. The opening 104 is opening on the edges 105 of the walls 101.

The opening 104 is adapted to receive a striker (not shown) comprising a striker thread disposed along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the walls 101. The striker is for example attached to a structural part of a helicopter. The striker wire describes a trajectory 1051, during the closing and opening of the door and the lock 100, between the edges 105 of the walls 101 and the bottom of the opening 104.

The walls 101 also carry a third axis 106 and a fourth axis 107, substantially parallel to the first axis 102. Preferably, intersections of the first, third and fourth axes (102, 106, 107) with the plane of each of the walls 101 form a triangle. This arrangement ensures a good mechanical strength of the lock 100, subjected to efforts in the three directions of space. The first, third and fourth axes (102, 106, 107) are capable of receiving fastening means to a panel (not shown). In the example, the first, third and fourth axes (102, 106, 107) are each provided with a tapping adapted to cooperate with a screw.

The lock 100 also comprises a bolt 108 adapted to pivot about the first axis 102. The bolt 108 has a hook-shaped profile 109 able to wrap around the striker thread when the striker thread moves through the opening 104 along the path 1051.

When the strike wire follows the path 1051 of the bottom of the opening 104 towards the edges 105, the bolt 108 pivots in a first direction corresponding to a so-called opening direction of the lock 100. When the strike wire follows the path 1051 in the opposite direction, the bolt 108 pivots in a direction opposite to the first direction, corresponding to a so-called closing direction of the lock 100.

In the closed position, a branch 110 of the hook 109 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the path 1051 so as to block the striker thread in the opening 104.

In the example, the bolt 108 is provided with a torsion spring tending to rotate the bolt 108 in the opening direction of the lock 100.

The lock 100 also comprises a pawl 111 adapted to pivot about the second axis 103. The pawl 111 comprises a tooth 112 capable of blocking a rotation of the bolt 108 in the opening direction of the lock 100.

The tooth 112 of the pawl 111 engages with a first notch 113 formed in the bolt 108, when the lock 100 is in the closed position. The first notch 113 is formed on a periphery of the bolt 108. When the tooth 112 is engaged with the first notch 113, the bolt 108 is locked in rotation in the opening direction of the lock 100.

In the example, the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 also engages with a second notch 114 formed in the bolt 108, when the lock is in a so-called intermediate position. The lock 100 in the intermediate position is shown in FIG. figure 3 . The second notch 114 is formed on the periphery of the bolt 108. The second notch 114 is arranged relative to the first notch 113, so that when the hook 109 follows the path 1051 of the bottom of the opening 104 to the edges 105 of the walls 101, the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 firstly cooperates with the second detent 114 and then with the first detent 113. When the tooth 112 is engaged with the second detent 114, the bolt 108 is locked in rotation around the first axis 102, in the opening direction of the lock 100. This position ensures a minimum security in case of bad slamming of the door. The door is not closed or locked, but it is not free to open under the simple effect of its weight.

In the example, the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 also cooperates with a portion 1141 of the bolt 108 when the lock 100 is in said open position. The lock 100 in the open position is represented at figure 4 . The portion 1141 is disposed at the periphery of the bolt 108. The portion 1141 of the bolt 108 is arranged relative to the first and second notches (113, 114), so that when the striker thread follows the path 1051 of the bottom of the opening 104 to the edges 105, the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 cooperates first with the portion 1141, then with the second notch 114, and finally with the first notch 113. When the tooth 112 cooperates with the portion 1141, the bolt 108 is locked in rotation in the opening direction of the lock 100 by a point of contact between a lug 119 passing through the bolt 108 substantially perpendicular to the plane of the walls 101 and an oblong slot 119 formed in one of the walls 101. 1191 oblong light is visible on the figure 4 and on the figure 5 .

In the example, the pawl 111 is provided with a torsion spring tending to rotate the pawl 111 in the closing direction of the lock 100. In other words, the torsion spring tends to drive the pawl 111 so as to ensure contact of the tooth 112 against the bolt 108. Thus, when the bolt 108 pivots in the closing direction of the lock 100, the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 slides successively on the portion 1141, the second notch 114, to engage with the first notch 113.

The lock 100 comprises a control lever 115 capable of pivoting about the second axis 103.

The lever 115 comprises a means 116 for driving the pawl 111 around the second axis 103. In the example, the lever 115 and the pawl 111 are arranged between the planes of the walls 101. In the example, the means Rotational drive of the pawl 111 is a shoulder 116 adapted to cooperate with two lugs (117, 117 ') formed on the pawl 111 which limit the movement of the control lever 115 in both directions opening and closing of the lock 100. According to one variant, the lever 115 and the pawl 111 are in one piece.

The lever 115 and / or the pawl 111 comprises means (118, 119) for securing the lock 100 in the closed position. When the means (118, 119) of security cooperate together, the lock 100 is in the closed position and locked.

In the example, the securing means comprise a hook 118 formed in the lever 115, cooperating with the lug 119 passing through the bolt 108, when the lock 100 is in the closed and locked position. Preferably, the hook 118 is disposed at one end of the lever 115. The hook 118 is able to hook to the lug 119 at the end of a rotation of the lever 115 in the closing direction of the lock 100.

The lever 115 further comprises means for detecting a position of the pawl 111. The means for detecting the position of the pawl comprise, for example, a visual marking placed on the lever 115. In the example, the lever 115 comprises a pawn 120 disposed at one end of the lever 115 opposite the hook 118. The pin 120 is intended to carry a button comprising a first marking of a color, for example green, and a second marking of another color, for example red . When the lock 100 is closed and locked, the lever 115 is in a position such that the button appears through an opening in the panel, the first color marking. In the other positions of the lock, the lever 115 is in a position such that the button appears through the opening made in the panel, the second color marking. Thus, an observer can see if the lock 100 is in the closed and locked position, or in another position.

In a variant represented at figure 5 and at the figure 6 , the lock 100 comprises between the walls 101 a sensor 121 of the inductive type arranged to detect a portion of the lever 115 control. This portion is for example disposed near the end of the lever 115, opposite the hook 118. This portion is for example designed as a tongue 122 cross. When the lock 100 is in the closed and locked position, the tongue 122 is disposed facing the inductive sensor 121, which detects it. The sensor then sends an electrical signal, used to light a light in the cockpit of the aircraft or on the panel informing the pilot or an operator on the ground of the closed and locked position of the lock.

In the example presented at figure 5 and at the figure 6 , the lever 115 of control further comprises a protruding portion 123 disposed near the hook 118. The protruding portion 123 of the lever 115 and the portion of the lever 115 accommodating the tongue 122 each comprise a tapping adapted to be connected to a linkage control. The control linkage is connected to either portion.

The lock 100 is closed as follows. The lock 100 is in the open position ( figure 4 ) and the door of the apparatus is open so that the striker wire is at the entrance of the opening 104. The tooth 112 of the pawl 111 cooperates with the portion 1141 of the bolt 108. The hook 109 of the bolt 108 is directed towards the edges 105 of the walls 101. Then, the striker thread enters the opening 104, by the edges 105. The striker thread follows the path 1051 to the bottom of the opening 104 when closing the door, and rotates the bolt 108 in the closing direction of the lock 100, by being housed in the hook 109. Simultaneously, the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 slides along the portion 1141 of the bolt 108 to reach the second notch 114, then slides along the second notch 114, until reaching the first notch 113. The tooth 112 of the pawl 111 then engages in the first notch 113 of the bolt 108 and the branch 110 of the hook 109 is positioned so as to lock the striker thread against the bottom of the opening 104. The lock 100 e st in the closed and unlocked position ( figure 2 ). Finally, the lever 115 pivots under the action of the torsion spring in the closing direction of the lock 100, so that the hook 118 of the lever 115 clings to the lug 119 of the bolt 108. The lock 100 is then in closed and locked position.

If, during the closing of the lock 100, the striker wire stops during the trajectory 1051 while the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 slides along the second detent 114, the tooth 112 engages in the second notch 114, leaving the lock 100 in the intermediate position ( figure 3 ).

If the striker wire penetrates too much into the opening 104, the bolt 108 continues to pivot in the closing direction so that the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 does not engage with the first notch 113 of the bolt 108, but slide along the latter. The position of the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 relative to the first detent 113 of the bolt 108 prevents the hook 118 of the lever 115 from catching on the lug 119 of the bolt 108, the rotation of the lever 115 and the pawl 111 around the second axis 103 being linked. Similarly, in the open or intermediate position, the fact that the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 cooperates with the portion 1141 of the bolt 108 or is engaged with the second notch 114 of the bolt 108 prevents the hook 118 of the lever 115 from clinging to the pin 119. Thus, the lock 100 can not be locked without the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 is engaged with the first notch 113. In other words, the lock 100 can not be locked without being in the closed position.

The opening of the lock 100 proceeds as follows. From the closed and locked position of the lock 100 ( figure 1 ), the control lever 115 is pivoted by an external control about the second axis 103, in the opening direction of the lock 100 so that the hook 118 of the lever 115 is released from the pin 119. When the hook 118 is free of the lug 119 and that the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 is engaged with the first notch 113, the lock 100 is in the closed and unlocked position ( figure 2 ). Then, the lever 115 pivots more in the same direction of rotation driving with it the pawl 111, so that the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 disengages the first notch 113, and that the bolt 108 is free to rotate in the direction of opening of the lock 100. The striker thread follows the path 1051 towards the edges 105 of the walls, and the hook 109 releases the striker thread by pivoting in the opening direction of the lock 100. Finally, the striker thread fate of the opening 104, leaving the hook 109 directed towards the edges 105, and the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 cooperating with the portion 1141 of the bolt 108. The lock 100 is then in the open position ( figure 4 ).

Such a lock 100 makes it possible to secure the engagement of the tooth 112 of the pawl 111 with the first detent 113 by means of the hook 118 of the lever 115 which clings to the lug 119 of the bolt 108.

Claims (9)

1. Lock (100) comprising:

   - two substantially planar walls (101) bearing a first pivoting link axis (102) and a second pivoting link axis (103), the first and second axes being substantially perpendicular to the planes;

   - a catch (108) capable of pivoting about the first axis, said catch comprising a hook (109) capable of catching a striker wire;

   - a pawl (111) capable of pivoting about the second axis, said pawl comprising a tooth (112) capable of engaging with at least one notch (113, 114) formed on the catch;

   - a control lever (115) capable of pivoting about the second axis, the lever comprising a means (116) of driving the pawl rotationally about the second axis;

   said lock being characterized in that the control lever comprises means (118, 119) of securing closure of the lock, said securing means comprising a hook (118) formed on the control lever and a stop (119) disposed on the catch, substantially parallel to the first axis.
2. Lock (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the hook (118) cooperates with the stop (119) when the lock is in the closed position.
3. Lock (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 2, wherein the control lever (115) and the pawl (111) are situated between the planes of the walls (101).
4. Lock (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the means of driving the pawl (111) rotationally is a shoulder (116) capable of cooperating with at least one stop (117, 117') formed on the pawl.
5. Lock (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the control lever (115) and the pawl (111) are configured as one piece.
6. Lock (100) according to Claim 1, comprising means for detecting a position of the pawl (111).
7. Lock (100) according to Claim 6, wherein the means of detecting the position of the pawl (111) comprise a visual marking disposed at one end of the control lever (115).
8. Lock (100) according to Claim 6, wherein the means of detecting the position of the pawl comprise an inductive sensor (121).
9. Lock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls (101) additionally bear a third axis (106) and a fourth axis (107) substantially parallel to the first axis, the lock being capable of being fixed to a panel by means of the first, the third and the fourth axis.

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