Door for separating two environments with different pressures

A door that is adapted to separating two environments with different pressures and to an aircraft with such a door. The door may include a door leaf, a door frame having a door stop and a roller, and an actuating system having a latch element and an inward-moving drive system. The inward-moving drive system may include a puller shaft and a puller that is non-rotatably attached to the puller shaft. The puller may include a guide rail that moves along the roller during a rotation of the puller such that the puller moves the door leaf in direction of the first environment thereby disengaging the latch element from the door stop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to European patent application No. EP 20400019.4 filed on Nov. 4, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments relate to a door that is adapted to separating two environments with different pressures. The present embodiments further relate to an aircraft with at least one door that is adapted to separating two environments with different air pressures.

BACKGROUND

Doors that are adapted to separating two environments with different pressures can be found in various different applications. Examples for such applications include doors in aircrafts, spacecrafts, pressure chambers, submarines, etc. When such doors are used in aircrafts, they usually fulfill the following major functions: they close the aircrafts in operation for maintaining a required internal pressure therein, they contribute to carrying flight loads in corresponding lower deck cargo compartments, they allow passengers and crew to enter and exit the aircrafts, and they allow external access to the corresponding lower aircraft compartments.

Most state-of-the-art doors of pressurized aircrafts are plug doors. Those plug doors are designed to seal themselves by using the pressure difference between the pressurized cabin and the surrounding atmosphere of the aircraft. The higher pressure on the inside of the aircraft forces the door leaf, which is often wedge-shaped, into the door frame, thereby sealing the door and preventing it from being opened until the pressure difference is small enough.

The opening sequence of a plug door often starts with an inward movement followed by or combined with a lifting of the door leaf in order to achieve clearance of the door stops in the door frame for a subsequent movement to open the door. In the closed position, the door leaf usually floats in forward-backward and up-down direction on a sliding surface between a door stop in the door frame and a latch element that is in connection with the door leaf.

Some aircraft doors may have door latching systems that do not require a door lifting or lowering movement during the door opening sequence. Instead, those doors are often prevented from opening by a sliding bolt or a drive pin system. However, such sliding pin systems are sensitive to freezing when engaged, and thus, increase the risk of a blockage of the door.

Moreover, some of these doors may no longer satisfy the airworthiness standards of CS25.783(d) (cf. https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/certification-specifications/cs-25-amendment-25) of latching and locking which require that “the latch shall provide the latch function also when disconnected from its operating mechanism in pressurized and unpressurized flight”, and “latches and their operating mechanism must be designed so that under all flight and ground loading conditions there is no torque or force tending to unlatch the latches”.

Document EP 3 275 779 A1 describes a load transfer interface for a vehicle door that comprises an outer skin and at least one beam that is connected to the outer skin, wherein the outer skin and the at least one beam define a vehicle door plane, the load transfer interface comprising at least one door stop fitting that is provided to transfer pressure loads from the vehicle door to an associated vehicle structural frame, the at least one door stop fitting being provided for rotation in an associated rotation plane, wherein the associated rotation plane is at least approximately parallel to the vehicle door plane. The door stopper has a ball part that is connected to a disc-shaped part, whereby the ball part is accommodated in the at least one door stop fitting and sealed therein by means of a suitable gasket. The document further describes an aircraft cabin door having such a load transfer interface, as well as an aircraft having such an aircraft cabin door.

Document EP2007621 or US2009113954 describes a system having at least one locking member mounted on the door or on the doorframe, located along at least one of the edges of the door or of the doorframe, this locking member being able to move between a closed position, in which it bears against a corresponding bearing region of the doorframe or of the door, a what is called “inward opening” intermediate position, which it occupies during the opening sequence of the door, in which it bears respectively against the doorframe or the door so as to move the door toward the interior of the aircraft cabin, and an open position, in which it is completely disengaged from said corresponding bearing region, thus permitting the outward movement of the door relative to the doorframe without an upward or downward vertical movement. The system further comprises means for actuating each locking member between said closed and open positions and means for locking each locking member in the closed position.

Document EP 3 168 138 B1 describes a door assembly, particularly for doors of passenger aircraft. The door assembly includes a door frame, a door having a door body hingedly installed in the door frame, at least one hooking pintle attached to the door frame or an edge of the door body extending along a pintle axis, and at least one door latch connected to an edge of the door body or the door frame, respectively, the door latch having a substantially C-shaped latch body configured to rotate around an axis parallel to the pintle axis of the hooking pintle. The door assembly further includes a bistable latch and hook mechanism configured to catch the door latch in hooking engagement with the hooking pintle and to retain the door latch in a direction perpendicular to the door body in an overcenter position.

Document EP 3 620 369 A1 describes a plurality of movable stop members that are provided at the periphery of the door, and intended to be supported on stop means complementary provided on the door frame. A door control device is configured to bring the door from its closed position to an intermediate withdrawal position by moving it towards the interior of the compartment, and a device for controlling the stop means is configured so as to allow, when the door occupies its intermediate position of withdrawal, to cause a displacement of the movable stop members from a deployed locking position, to a retracted unlocking position allowing a movement of the door outwards through the opening of the fuselage. The documents US2010024305 and FR3018064 were also cited.

The above described doors may no longer satisfy the airworthiness standards of CS25.783(d) of latching and locking which require that “the latch shall provide the latch function also when disconnected from its operating mechanism in pressurized and unpressurized flight”, and “latches and their operating mechanism must be designed so that under all flight and ground loading conditions there is no torque or force tending to unlatch the latches”.

SUMMARY

It is, therefore, an objective to provide a new door that overcomes the above shortcomings of prior art solutions. In particular, the new door should be adapted to separating two environments with different pressures and satisfy the requirements of airworthiness standards of CS25.783(d). Moreover, it is an objective that the new door can be opened without a lifting or lowering movement. Furthermore, it is an objective to provide an aircraft with such a new door that is adapted to separate two environments with different air pressures.

More specifically, a door that is adapted to separating a first environment with a first pressure and a second environment with a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure may comprise a door frame; a door leaf that is adapted to closing the door frame; and an actuating system that is mounted to the door leaf. The door frame may comprise a door stop that protrudes from the door frame, and a roller that protrudes from the door frame. The actuating system may comprise a latch element that is adapted to engaging with the door stop to latch the door leaf, wherein the latch element is pushed against the door stop when the door is in a latched state and the first pressure is greater than the second pressure; and an inward-moving drive system. The inward-moving drive system may comprise a puller shaft that is drivable to rotate around an associated puller shaft rotation axis, and a puller that is non-rotatably attached to the puller shaft. The puller may comprise a guide rail that moves along the roller during a rotation of the puller in response to a rotation of the puller shaft around the puller shaft rotation axis such that the puller moves the door leaf in direction of the first environment thereby disengaging the latch element from the door stop and enabling a transition of the door from the latched to an unlatched state, and a stopper nose that is pushed against the roller when the door is in the latched state and the first pressure is smaller than or equal to the second pressure.

The door may be opened without an upward or lifting movement. Thereby, the cut-out of the fuselage may be as small as possible. Moreover, due to the elimination of the lifting movement, any lift-assisting and weight-compensating components such as a forced spring system may be omitted. In fact, such lift-assisting and weight-compensating components are usually part of the latching system and assist with the lifting of the door which includes the door leaf, the actuating system, and the emergency slide.

The described actuating system includes a laterally arranged rotating latching and locking system at each load-interface point. In order to enable latching, the actuating system still requires an inward-moving drive system to enable latching in all points and to clear the fixed fuselages side stops. When the door is closed and in a latched position, the latch design blocks any opening without an inward movement.

The described door has a reduced weight and lower cost compared to prior art doors due to the smallest possible fuselage side cut-out. Furthermore, no lift mechanism and/or weight compensation is required on the door. A plurality of moveable latches (e.g., 10, 12, 14, or 16) may be needed to maintain the door in a closed position.

The door sealing concept is simplified on the door side and on the fuselage side compared to prior art solutions because there is no door lift movement. The door installation requires less of a rigging effort, because a door lifting position is no longer given. If desired, connecting links can be fixed on the door structure and simplified compared to prior art doors.

Moreover, any handle forces or activation forces that are provided by an electrical system are only related to latching, locking, and inward movement of the door. Furthermore, a door side cover plate that closes the upper gap which is usually provided for lift space is not needed.

According to one aspect, the stopper nose has an angled stop surface that that is in contact with the roller when the door is in the latched state and the first pressure is smaller than or equal to the second pressure.

According to one aspect, the guide rail disengages from the roller when the door reaches the unlatched state.

According to one aspect, the guide rail has a protrusion, and the puller moves the door leaf in direction of the first environment when the roller moves over the protrusion.

According to one aspect, the guide rail has a wave-shaped profile such that the puller moves the door leaf in direction of the first environment when the roller moves over the wave-shaped profile.

According to one aspect, the door further comprises a rubber seal that is mounted to the contour of the door leaf and prevents an equalization between the first and second pressures.

According to one aspect, the actuating system further comprises a lock element that is adapted to securing the latch element such that the door is in a secured and locked state.

According to one aspect, the lock element further comprises a lock lever; and a lock shaft that is drivable to rotate around an associated lock shaft rotation axis, wherein the lock lever is non-rotatably attached to the lock shaft and performs a rotation around the lock shaft rotation axis in response to the lock shaft performing a rotation around the lock shaft rotation axis.

According to one aspect, the actuating system further comprises a latch shaft that is drivable to rotate around an associated latch shaft rotation axis, wherein the latch element is non-rotatably attached to the latch shaft and performs a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis in response to the latch shaft performing a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis.

According to one aspect, the actuating system further comprises at least one lock counterpart that interacts with the lock lever to limit the rotation of the latch element around the latch shaft rotation axis.

According to one aspect, the actuating system further comprises a central drive shaft that is drivable to rotate around an associated central drive shaft rotation axis; a latch operating mechanism that connects the latch shaft with the central drive shaft; and a lock operating mechanism that connects the lock shaft with the central drive shaft.

According to one aspect, the latch operating mechanism further comprises first and second drive levers that are connected to the central drive shaft and drivable to rotate around associated first and second drive lever rotation axes, wherein the first and second drive levers rotate in a counterclockwise direction in response to the central drive shaft rotating in a clockwise direction.

According to one aspect, the latch operating mechanism further comprises first and second rods that are fixedly attached to the respective first and second drive levers, wherein the first and second rods are pulled towards the central drive shaft in response to the first and second drive levers rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

According to one aspect, the latch element further comprises a door stop screw that is adjustable in its axial direction and interacts with the door stop when the door is in the latched state.

Moreover, an aircraft may comprise at least one door as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows an aircraft100with an aircraft airframe102, which is sometimes also referred to as fuselage102. Illustratively, the aircraft100comprises a passenger cabin103a, a cargo deck103b, and a flight deck or cockpit103c. If desired, the aircraft100is accessible via a plurality of aircraft doors104, which exemplarily comprises several cabin access doors104a,104b,104c, and104d, as well as one or more cargo deck access doors104e. By way of example, the passenger cabin103aand the flight deck103care accessible via the cabin access doors104a,104b,104cand104d, and the cargo deck103bis accessible via the one or more cargo deck access doors104e.

The plurality of aircraft doors104may be adapted to close the aircraft airframe102(i.e., fuselage102of the aircraft100) in a fluid-tight manner. If desired, at least one, and preferably each one, of the plurality of aircraft doors104is associated with at least one emergency slide.

If desired, aircraft100may include at least one door200as described below with reference toFIG.2toFIG.9B. In other words, one or more of the plurality of aircraft doors104may be a door200as described below with reference toFIG.2toFIG.9B.

One or more of the plurality of aircraft doors104may include a door frame with a door stop and a door leaf with a latch element. During a flight of aircraft100, the air pressure outside the aircraft100may be smaller than the air pressure inside the cabin103aand/or the cargo deck103b. The difference between the air pressure inside the cabin103aand/or the cargo deck103band the air pressure outside the aircraft100may put a pressure on the door leaf such that the latch element is pushed against the door stop.

As shown inFIG.1, aircraft100is embodied by an airplane. However, the present embodiments are not limited to airplanes. Instead, any door that separates two environments with different pressures is likewise contemplated. By way of example, the present door may alternatively be applied to spacecrafts, pressure chambers, submarines, and so on.

Consequently, the present door is not limited to aircraft doors, but can likewise be applied to any arbitrary door that separates two environments with different pressures. However, for purposes of illustration, the present door is hereinafter described with respect to aircraft doors.

FIG.2is a diagram of an illustrative door200with a door leaf210that is adapted to closing a door frame220, whereby the door200is adapted to separating two environments with different pressures in accordance with some embodiments.

Door200may include a rubber seal265. Rubber seal265may be mounted to the contour of the door leaf210and prevent an equalization between the pressures of the two environments. If desired, rubber seal265may be mounted to the contour of the door leaf210and/or to the contour of the door frame220to prevent an equalization between the pressures of the two environments.

Door leaf210may have beams270that reinforce the structure of door leaf210. For example, beams270may carry loads on door leaf210.

Beams270may reinforce the structure of door leaf210horizontally between a left side and a right side. Alternatively, beams270may reinforce the structure of door leaf210vertically between an upper side and a lower side. If desired, beams270may reinforce the structure of door leaf210horizontally and vertically or in any other direction (e.g., between the upper left and the lower right side of door leaf210and/or between the upper right and the lower left side of door leaf210).

FIG.2also shows an illustrative actuating system290that is mounted to the door leaf210. Actuating system290includes a latch element230. As shown inFIG.2, actuating system290may include a plurality of latch elements230.

Illustratively, latch element230is adapted to engaging with a counterpart that is mounted to the door frame220. As an example, latch element230is adapted to engaging with a door stop that protrudes from the door frame220. Latch element230is pushed against the door stop when the door200is in a latched state.

Illustratively, actuating system290may include a lock element. Actuating system290may include a plurality of lock elements, if desired. For example, actuating system290may include a lock element for every latch element230. If desired, each latch element230may have an associated lock element that is adapted to securing the respective latch element230. By way of example, the lock element may secure the latch element230when the door leaf210closes the associated door frame220such that the door200is in a secured and locked state.

Actuating system290may have a central drive shaft260for operating the latch elements230and/or the lock elements. As an example, actuating system290may include a latch operating mechanism that connects at least a portion of the latch elements230with the central drive shaft260. If desired, the latch operating mechanism may include rods231,232that connect at least some of the latch elements230with the central drive shaft260. As another example, actuating system290may include a lock operating mechanism that connects at least a portion of the lock elements with the central drive shaft260.

Illustratively, actuating system290may include a drive shaft actuating system250. The drive shaft actuating system250may rotate the central drive shaft260in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. Thus, the drive shaft actuating system250may move at least a portion of the latch elements230via the central drive shaft260and the latch operating mechanism and at least a portion of the lock elements via the central drive shaft260and the lock operating mechanism.

As an example, actuating the drive shaft actuating system250may move a latch element230and a lock element such that the door200transitions from a secured and locked state to an unlocked and unlatched state. As another example, actuating the drive shaft actuating system250may move a latch element230and a lock element such that the door200transitions from an unlocked and unlatched state to a secured and locked state, whereby the door leaf210is in a closed position when the door200is in the secured and locked state.

The door leaf210is movable from the closed position to an opened position or from an opened position to the closed position when the door200is in the unlocked and unlatched state. Illustratively, drive shaft actuating system250may include an electric motor and/or a lever that act on central drive shaft260.

As an example, consider the scenario in which door200is adapted to separating a first environment with a first pressure and a second environment with a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure (e.g., one of the plurality of aircraft doors104ofFIG.1in which the first environment is the inside of the fuselage102and the second environment is the outside of the fuselage102). In this scenario, moving the door leaf210from the closed position to an opened position may involve a movement of the door leaf210towards the first environment to disengage the latch elements230from the associated door stops of the door frame220.

Illustratively, actuating system290includes a drive system that performs the movement of the door leaf210towards the first environment with the greater pressure to disengage the latch elements form the associated door stops. The drive system that performs the movement of the door leaf210towards the first environment with the greater pressure is hereinafter referred to as an inward-moving drive system275on the basis of an inward move that a door leaf of an airplane door would perform when moving the door leaf from the closed to an opened position due to the greater pressure on the inside of the airplane. If desired, the drive system that performs the movement of the door leaf210towards the first environment with the greater pressure may be an outward-moving drive system if the greater pressure is on the outside.

As shown inFIG.2, inward-moving drive system275includes puller shaft277. If desired, inward-moving drive system275may include a plurality of puller shafts277. Puller shaft277is drivable to rotate around an associated puller shaft rotation axis278. If desired, one or more rods279may connect puller shafts277with central drive shaft260.

FIG.3Ais a diagram of an illustrative door200with an illustrative inward-moving drive system275and a roller221that protrudes from the door frame of the door200in accordance with some embodiments. Door200may be adapted to separating a first environment202with a first pressure302from a second environment204with a second pressure304that is smaller than the first pressure302.

As shown inFIG.3A, inward-moving drive system275includes a puller shaft277that is drivable to rotate around an associated puller shaft rotation axis278. Illustratively, inward-moving drive system275includes a puller320that is non-rotatably attached to the puller shaft277.

By way of example, the puller320includes a stopper nose310. The stopper nose310may be pushed against the roller221when the door200is in the latched state. Thus, stopper nose310together with roller221prevent a movement of door leaf210towards the first environment202when the first pressure302is smaller than or equal to the second pressure304.

If desired, the stopper nose310may have an angled stop surface315. For example, the angled stop surface315may be angled at a predetermined angle317. The angled stop surface315may be in contact with the roller221when the door200is in the latched state and the first pressure302is smaller than or equal to the second pressure304. Thereby, the angled stop surface315may prevent an opening rotation of the puller shaft277when the door200is moving unintentionally in direction of the first environment202when the door200is in the latched state. The angled stop surface315may ensure that no opening forces occur at the puller320.

Illustratively, puller320may include a guide rail322. The guide rail322may move along the roller221during a rotation of the puller320in response to a rotation of the puller shaft277around the puller shaft rotation axis278. Thereby, the puller320may move the door leaf210in direction of the first environment202. The move of the door leaf210in direction of the first environment may disengage the latch element from the door stop and enabling a transition of the door200from the latched to an unlatched state.

If desired, the guide rail322may have a protrusion323such that the puller320moves the door leaf210in direction of the first environment202when the roller221moves over the protrusion323.

FIG.3Bis a diagram of an illustrative door200with another illustrative inward-moving drive system275in accordance with some embodiments.

In contrast to the inward-moving drive system275ofFIG.3A, the inward-moving drive system320ofFIG.3Bincludes a guide rail322with a wave-shaped profile324. Thus, the puller320moves the door leaf210in direction of the first environment202when the roller221moves over the wave-shaped profile324, and, more particularly, when the roller221moves over the wave crest of the wave-shaped profile324.

FIG.4AtoFIG.4Cshow the illustrative inward-moving drive system275ofFIG.3Awhen the door200is in a latched state, during a transition from the latched to an unlatched state, and in the unlatched state, respectively.

As shown inFIG.4A, in the latched state, the latch elements of the actuating system of the door200are pushed by the greater pressure in the first environment202against the door stops of the door frame in direction of environment204. In the latched state, when the pressure acting on the door200in the first environment202is smaller than or equal to the pressure acting on the door200in the second environment204, the stopper nose310is pushed against the roller221. Thereby, the stopper nose310may prevent that the door leaf210is moving in direction of the first environment202.

For example, consider the scenario in which the door200is an airplane door such as airplane door104ofFIG.1. In this scenario, strong lateral winds on the outside204of the airplane may put a pressure on the door leaf210that is greater than the interior pressure inside the airplane202, thereby pushing the door leaf210towards the cabin. The stopper nose310that is in contact with the roller221may prevent that the door leaf210is moved towards the cabin when the door is in the latched state.

FIG.4Bis a diagram of the illustrative inward-moving drive system ofFIG.4Awhen the door is transitioning from the latched state to an unlatched state in accordance with some embodiments.

Compared toFIG.4A, the puller shaft277has performed a rotation in a counterclockwise direction from a viewer's perspective ofFIG.4AandFIG.4B. The puller320that is non-rotatably attached to the puller shaft277and includes stopper nose310and guide rail322has rotated with the puller shaft277in the counterclockwise direction.

Thereby, the guide rail322gets in contact with the roller221and moves along the roller221during the rotation of the puller320in response to the rotation of the puller shaft277around the puller shaft rotation axis278.

As shown inFIG.4B, the guide rail322may have a protrusion323. Illustratively, the roller221may be fixedly attached to and protrude from the door frame. When the roller221moves over the protrusion323, the puller320may move340the door leaf210in direction of the first environment202.

For example, consider the scenario in which the door200is an airplane door such as airplane door104ofFIG.1. In this scenario, the puller320may move the door leaf210inward towards the cabin. Thereby, the latch elements of the actuating system of the door200disengage from the door stops of the door frame such that the latch elements may be free to move. For example, the latch elements may be free to rotate away from the door stops.

FIG.4Cis a diagram of the illustrative inward-moving drive system ofFIG.4AandFIG.4Bwhen the door is in the unlatched state in accordance with some embodiments.

Compared toFIG.4B, the puller shaft277has performed a further rotation in a counterclockwise direction from a viewer's perspective ofFIG.4BandFIG.4C. The puller320that is non-rotatably attached to the puller shaft277and includes stopper nose310and guide rail322has further rotated with the puller shaft277in the counterclockwise direction.

Thereby, the guide rail322may have moved further along the roller221during the rotation of the puller320in response to the rotation of the puller shaft277around the puller shaft rotation axis278.

Once, the protrusion has moved past the roller221, the guide rail322may no longer be in contact with the roller221, for example as a result of the door leaf's210move340towards the first environment as shown inFIG.4B. If desired, the guide rail322may have a ramp instead of a protrusion323and the guide rail322may stay in contact with the roller221until the door200is in the completely unlatched state shown inFIG.4C.

In the completely unlatched state, the guide rail322may be clear of the roller221such that the door leaf210may be moved freely towards the second environment204.

For example, consider the scenario in which the door200is an airplane door such as airplane door104ofFIG.1. In this scenario, the guide rail322may be clear of the roller221such that the door leaf210may be pushed outwards during an opening movement of the door200.

FIG.5is a perspective view of an illustrative door200with an illustrative inward-moving drive system275, a door stop225that protrudes from a door frame, and a latch element230in accordance with some embodiments. As shown inFIG.5, the inward-moving drive system275may be in the same state as shown inFIG.4A. Thus, the roller221is in contact with the guide rail322, and the stopper nose is pushed against the roller221. Thereby, the stopper nose may prevent the door leaf210from moving inwards.

At the same time, the latch element230of the actuating system of the door200may be pushed against the door stop225and prevent the door leaf210from moving outwards. Thus, the door leaf may close the door frame, and the door200may be in the latched state.

Illustratively, the actuating system may include a latch shaft535that is drivable to rotate around an associated latch shaft rotation axis. The latch element230may be non-rotatably attached to the latch shaft535. Thus, the latch element230may perform a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis in response to the latch shaft535performing a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis.

By way of example, the latch element230may have an L-shaped body534. If desired, the body of the latch element534may be reinforced at the angle. Thereby, the reinforcement of the L-shaped body534may prevent bending or at least limit bending of the latch element230such that the latch element is able to resist high pressure loads that push the latch element230against the door stop225.

Illustratively, the latch element230may include a door stop screw533. The door stop screw533may be adjustable in its axial direction. If desired, the door stop screw533may interact with the door stop225when the door200is in the latched state.

Thus, through the adjustment of the door stop screw533, the load distribution of the latch elements230on the door stops225may be equalized such that each latch element230puts the same pressure on the associated door stop225when the door is in the latched state and the door leaf is push towards the second environment. The door stop screw533is further illustrated inFIG.7AandFIG.7B.

FIG.6Ais a diagram showing the illustrative door stop225and latch element230ofFIG.5together with the latch shaft rotation axis636around which the latch shaft535rotates when moving the door200from a latched to an unlatched state.

FIG.6Bis a diagram of the illustrative door200with door stop225and latch element230ofFIG.5when the door200is in the unlatched state in accordance with some embodiments. Compared toFIG.6A, the latch shaft535has performed a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis636, and the latch element230that is non-rotatably attached to the latch shaft535has also performed a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis636.

Through the rotation of the latch element230, the latch element230is clear of the door stop225. Thus, the door200is in an unlatched state, and the door leaf210may be pushed towards the second environment during an opening movement of the door leaf.

The latch element230ofFIGS.6A and6Bis shown with a door stop screw533that may interact with the door stop225when the door200is in the latched state.

By way of example, the latch element230may have an L-shaped body534. If desired, the body of the latch element534may be reinforced at the angle. Thereby, the reinforcement of the L-shaped body534may prevent bending or at least limit bending of the latch element230such that the latch element is able to resist high pressure loads that push the latch element230against the door stop225.

A latch support638may assist in preventing a bending of the body534of latch element230. Latch support638may be attached to the structure of the door leaf (e.g., door leaf structure270ofFIG.2), if desired.

FIG.7Ais a diagram of an illustrative latch element230with a door stop screw533that engages with a door stop225to latch the door leaf210such that the door is in a latched state in accordance with some embodiments. As shown inFIG.7A, the first pressure702in the first environment202is greater than the second pressure704in the second environment204. Thus, the pressure difference between first and second pressure702,704may push latch element230against door stop225.

Illustratively, the body of the latch element230may be threaded. The door stop screw533may be screwed into the threaded body of the latch element230. Thus, the distance between the door stop225and the door stop screw533, that occurs during the move of the door leaf210in direction of the first environment202as illustrated inFIG.4B, may be adjustable.

For example, the door stop screw533may be adjusted relative to the body of latch element230such that the door stop screw533protrudes by a predetermined distance from the body of the latch element230. In the scenario in which a plurality of the latch elements engage with associated door stops225, the predetermined distance by which the door stop screws533protrude from the respective latch elements230may be selected individually for each latch element230of the plurality of latch elements such that each door stop screw533exerts the same pressure load on the associated door stop225when the door is in the latched state.

In the latched state, the shape of the door stop225that is in contact with the door stop screw533may prevent a rotation of the latch element230and thereby a rotation of the latch shaft535around the associated latch shaft rotation axis636. In fact, a hypothetical rotation of the latch element230is illustrated by door stop screw rotation cycle731, which shows that there is no clearance733, and the latch element230is prevented from rotating in the latched state. Thus, the door cannot be opened.

FIG.7Bis a diagram of the illustrative latch element230ofFIG.7Athat has disengaged from the door stop225(e.g., when the puller of an associated inward-moving drive system moves the door leaf210in direction of the first environment202as illustrated inFIG.4B). Thereby, the door transitions from the latched to an unlatched state.

In the unlatched state, the door stop screw533may rotate past the door stop225as illustrated by the door stop screw rotation cycle731, which shows that there is clearance734. Thus, the latch element230is free to rotate past the door stop225in response to the latch shaft535performing a rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis636.

FIG.8Ais a diagram of an illustrative door200with an illustrative actuating system290when the door200is in an unlatched state in accordance with some embodiments.

The illustrative door200may include a door frame220with a door stop225that protrudes from the door frame220, a door leaf210that is adapted to closing the door frame220, and an actuating system290that is mounted to the door leaf210.

Illustratively, the actuating system290may include a central drive shaft260. The central drive shaft260may be drivable to rotate around an associated central drive shaft rotation axis862. For example, a drive shaft actuating system, such as drive shaft actuating system250ofFIG.2, may drive central drive shaft260to rotate around central drive shaft rotation axis862.

By way of example, the illustrative actuating system290may include a latch element230that is adapted to engaging with the door stop225to latch the door leaf210. If desired, the latch element230may be pushed against the door stop225when the door200is in a latched state.

As shown inFIG.8A, the illustrative door200is in an unlatched state, the door frame220has two door stops225, and the illustrative actuating system290two latch elements230that are clear of the two door stops225. If desired, the door frame220may have any number of door stops225and the illustrative actuating system290an associated number of latch elements230. For example, the door frame220may have three, four, five, six, or more door stops225and the actuating system290accordingly three, four, five, six, or more latch elements230.

The two door stops225and the associated latch elements230may be on opposing sides of the central drive shaft260. For example, one door stop225and the associated latch element230may be above the central drive shaft260and another door stop225and the associated latch element230may be below the central drive shaft260.

If desired, more than one door stop225together with associated latch elements230may be on the same side of the central drive shaft260. As an example, two or more door stops225and the associated latch elements230may be above central drive shaft260. As another example, two or more door stops225and the associated latch elements230may be below the central drive shaft260. As yet another example, two or more door stops225and the associated latch elements230may be above and two or more door stops225and the associated latch elements230may be below central drive shaft260.

By way of example, the actuating system290may include a latch operating mechanism834. The latch operating mechanism834may connect the latch shaft535with the central drive shaft260. For example, the latch operating mechanism834may include rods831,832that connect latch shafts535with the central drive shaft260.

Illustratively, actuating system290may include a lock element840. Lock element840may be adapted to securing a latch element230. If desired, actuating system290may include a plurality of latch elements230, and each latch element230may be secured by a different lock element. Thus, as shown inFIG.8A, two lock elements840may be adapted to securing the two latch elements230.

When the lock elements840secure the latch elements230, the door200is in a secured and locked state. As shown inFIG.8A, the lock elements230are unsecured and the door200is in an unlocked state. Moreover, the latch elements230are clear of the door stops225such that the door200is also in an unlatched state.

FIG.8Bis a diagram of an illustrative lock element840of the illustrative actuating system290ofFIG.8Awhen the door200is in an unlocked state in accordance with some embodiments.

Illustratively, lock element840ofFIG.8AandFIG.8Bmay include a lock lever843and a lock shaft845that is drivable to rotate around an associated lock shaft rotation axis846. The lock lever843may be non-rotatably attached to the lock shaft845and perform a rotation around the lock shaft rotation axis846in response to the lock shaft845performing a rotation around the lock shaft rotation axis846.

If desired, in an alternative embodiment, the lock shaft845may be non-rotatable around the lock shaft rotation axis846and the lock lever843may be rotatably attached to the lock shaft845(e.g., via a bearing) and be drivable to rotate around the lock shaft845and the lock shaft rotation axis846.

By way of example, the actuating system290may include a lock operating mechanism844that connects the lock shaft845with the central drive shaft260. For example, lock operating mechanism844may include rods841,842that connect the lock shaft845with the central drive shaft260.

If desired, the actuating system290may include at least one lock counterpart838that interacts with the lock lever843to limit the rotation of the latch element230around the latch shaft rotation axis636. For example, the lock counterpart838may interact with the lock lever843to prevent rotation of the latch element230around the latch shaft rotation axis636when the door200is in a secured and locked state.

FIG.8Cis a diagram of the illustrative door200with the illustrative actuating system290ofFIG.8Awhen the door200is in a secured and locked state in accordance with some embodiments. In the secured and locked state, the latch elements230engage with the associated door stops225to latch the door leaf210, and the lock elements840secure the associated latch elements230such that the door200is in the secured and locked state.

Illustratively, compared toFIG.8A, the lower latch element230may have rotated with the lower latch shaft535in a clockwise direction around the associated latch shaft rotation axis to engage with the associated lower door stop225, and the upper latch element230may have rotated with the upper latch shaft535in a counterclockwise direction around the associated latch shaft rotation axis to engage with the associated upper door stop225.

FIG.8Dis a diagram of the illustrative lock element840of the illustrative actuating system290ofFIG.8Cwhen the door200is in the secured and locked state in accordance with some embodiments. Compared toFIG.8B, the latch shaft535ofFIG.8Dhas performed a rotation in clockwise direction around the latch shaft rotation axis.

Compared toFIG.8B, the latch element230that is non-rotatably attached to the latch shaft535has performed a rotation in clockwise direction in response to the latch shaft535performing a rotation in clockwise direction around the latch shaft rotation axis.

If desired, the at least one lock counterpart838may be non-rotatably attached to the latch shaft535. Thus, the at least one lock counterpart838may have performed a rotation in clockwise direction in response to the latch shaft535performing a rotation in clockwise direction around the latch shaft rotation axis.

FIG.9Ais a diagram of an illustrative portion of a latch operating mechanism834that connects a central drive shaft260to upper and lower rods831,832, respectively. Illustratively, the door that includes the latch operating mechanism834is in an unlatched state. Thus, the state of latch operating mechanism834ofFIG.9Amay correspond to the state of latch operating mechanism834ofFIG.8A.

As shown inFIG.9A, the latch operating mechanism834may include upper and lower drive levers931,932. If desired, the latch operating mechanism834may include a carrier965that is non-rotatably attached to the central drive shaft260.

The upper and lower drive levers931,932may be connected to the central drive shaft260. For example, upper and lower driving bolts951,952, may connect upper and lower drive levers931,932with carrier965, respectively, and thereby to the central drive shaft260.

During a latching operation of the door, central drive shaft260may rotate in clockwise direction (i.e., in rotation direction970). Thus, carrier965, that is non-rotatably attached to the central drive shaft260, may rotate with the central drive shaft260in rotation direction970.

As a result, upper and lower drive levers931,932, that are connected to carrier965with upper and lower driving bolts951,952, respectively, may perform a counterclockwise rotation in rotation direction971,972around drive lever rotation axes941,942, respectively. In response to the counterclockwise rotation in rotation direction971,972around drive lever rotation axes941,942, the upper and lower drive levers931,932may pull the upper and lower rods831,832towards the central drive shaft260.

In response to the upper rod831being pulled downwards towards the central drive shaft260, the upper latch shaft535ofFIG.8Amay perform a counterclockwise rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis and the lower latch shaft535a clockwise rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis such that respective upper and lower latch elements230rotate from the position shown inFIG.8Ato the position shown inFIG.8C.

At the end of the latching operation, the illustrative portion of the latch operating mechanism834ofFIG.9Ais in the state shown inFIG.9B.

FIG.9Bis a diagram of the illustrative latch operating mechanism ofFIG.9Awhen the door is in a latched state in accordance with some embodiments. Illustratively, the state of latch operating mechanism834ofFIG.9Bmay correspond to the state of latch operating mechanism834ofFIG.8C.

During an unlatching operation of the door, central drive shaft260may rotate in counterclockwise direction (i.e., in rotation direction975). Thus, carrier965, that is non-rotatably attached to the central drive shaft260, may rotate with the central drive shaft260in rotation direction975.

As a result, upper and lower drive levers931,932, that are connected to carrier965with upper and lower driving bolts951,952, respectively, may perform a clockwise rotation in rotation direction976,977around drive lever rotation axes941,942, respectively. In response to the clockwise rotation in rotation direction976,977around drive lever rotation axes941,942, the upper and lower drive levers931,932may push the upper and lower rods831,832away from the central drive shaft260.

In response to the upper rod831being pushed upwards and away from the central drive shaft260, the upper latch shaft535ofFIG.8Cmay perform a clockwise rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis and the lower latch shaft535a counterclockwise rotation around the latch shaft rotation axis such that respective upper and lower latch elements230rotate from the position shown inFIG.8Cto the position shown inFIG.8A.

At the end of the latching operation, the illustrative portion of the latch operating mechanism834ofFIG.9Bis in the state shown inFIG.9A.

It should be noted that modifications to the above described embodiments are within the common knowledge of the person skilled in the art and, thus, also considered as being part of the present disclosure.

For example, the latch elements230ofFIG.1Bare shown to be on the left side222and the right side224of door leaf210. However, latch elements230may also/or instead be installed on the upper side226and on the lower side228of door leaf210, if desired.

Furthermore, latch element230ofFIGS.4A and4Bhas an L-shaped body5. Latch element230is further shown with one connection with door leaf210. However, the body534of latch element230may be U-shaped or bracket-shaped and have more than one connection with door leaf210, if desired.

Additionally, guide rail320ofFIGS.4A to4Cis shown with a protrusion323. However, guide rail320ofFIGS.4A to4Cmay have a wave-shape as shown inFIG.3B.

Moreover, the illustrative lock element840ofFIG.8BandFIG.8Dshow the lower lock element840ofFIG.8AandFIG.8C, respectively. However, for the upper lock element840ofFIG.8AandFIG.8C, latch shaft535may perform a rotation in counterclockwise direction around the latch shaft rotation axis. As a result, the latch element230that is non-rotatably attached to the latch shaft535has performed a rotation in counterclockwise direction in response to the latch shaft535performing a rotation in counterclockwise direction around the latch shaft rotation axis, and the at least one lock counterpart838may have performed a rotation in counterclockwise direction in response to the latch shaft535performing a rotation in clockwise direction around the latch shaft rotation axis.

REFERENCE LIST