Patent ID: 12196018

In the following, the same reference numerals refer to the same functional or structural features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1shows a schematic illustration of a securing mechanism100for a vehicle door. The securing mechanism100comprises a securing element2which is in a securing position inFIG.1. In this position, the securing element2serves to block a translation of the locking element4of the locking system6in a first direction (towards the left inFIG.1). However, the securing element2in the securing position permits a movement of the locking element4in a second direction which differs from the first direction. The locking element4can thus, for example, move inFIG.1towards the right although the securing element2is in the securing position.

InFIG.1, the locking element4is in a locking position in which the locking system6locks the vehicle door. In the example shown, the locking system6comprises a shaft8to which the locking element4is secured. There are further secured to the shaft8closure elements10which can cooperate with closure counter-pieces12in order to lock the vehicle door. From the locking position of the locking element4illustrated inFIG.1, in order to enable the unlocking of the vehicle door, the locking element would have to be displaced together with the closure elements10towards the left into an unlocking position. This unlocking movement is blocked by the securing element2in the securing position.

The translational movement of the locking element4between the locking position and the unlocking position is carried out along a first axis14. The securing element2is rotatably arranged about a second axis16and formed in a rotationally asymmetrical manner with respect to the second axis16. The securing element2is rotated about the second axis16in order to move it from the securing position into a release position, which will be further explained in greater detail with respect toFIG.2. The second axis16is orthogonal with respect to the first axis14but may also extend at another angle with respect to the first axis14.

In the example shown, the locking element4is spaced apart from the securing element2. The two elements2,4are thus not in contact. If an attempt is made to move the locking element4along the first axis14into the unlocking position, however, there is contact between the two elements2and4. This direct contact blocks a further displacement of the locking element4in the direction of the unlocking position.

The elements2and4are constructed in such a manner that, in the event of contact between the securing element2and the locking element4, no complete or multi-dimensionally positive-locking connection is formed. It may be said that, in the event of contact, a connection which is positive-locking only in the first direction is formed between the securing element2and the locking element4so that the movement of the locking element4is blocked only in the first direction. In other words, the securing element2provides, in this instance, a support for the locking element4, wherein the support brings about the blocking of the movement of the locking element4from the locking position into the unlocking position. This support is, in the case shown, a linear or point-like floating bearing. It may also be a laminar floating bearing. It can also thereby be ensured that the locking element4cannot be moved into the unlocking position as long as the securing element2is in the securing position. At the same time, it can be ensured that the locking element4can move in directions different from the first direction (for example, in the opposite direction).

As indicated inFIG.1, the support or the predicted contact position of the elements2,4is spaced apart with respect to the second axis16in a third direction18. The third direction18extends with respect to the first axis14at an angle20. This angle20is depicted inFIG.1for greater clarity with respect to an auxiliary axis22which extends parallel with the first axis14and which intersects the axis16. The angle20is an acute angle and is preferably in a range from 15° to 75°, in particular from 30° to 60°. In the example shown, the angle20is approximately 45°. A reliable blocking of the movement of the locking element4can thereby be ensured.

FIG.2shows a schematic illustration of the securing mechanism100with the securing element2in the release position. In comparison withFIG.1, it can be seen that the securing element2has been rotated inFIG.2in a clockwise direction about the second axis16from the securing position into the release position. The value of the rotation corresponds, in this example, to the angle20, that is to say, 45°. In the release position, the securing element2enables all movements of the locking element4, in particular the translation from the locking position into the unlocking position (towards the left inFIG.2). It should also be noted in this regard that the component designated24when viewed in perspective is located in front of the locking system6and does not bring about a blocking of the locking element4.

FIG.3shows a schematic illustration of a door system200. The door system200comprises a vehicle door26, a door frame28and the securing mechanism100. The locking system6is arranged on the door26. The door frame28may be part of a fuselage of a vehicle or be able to be installed or be installed in the fuselage of the vehicle. In particular, the door frame28may be formed by the vehicle fuselage.

The securing mechanism comprises an actuator30which is configured to move the securing element2from the release position into the securing position and/or from the securing position into the release position. The actuator30is, for example, wired, and is operated electrically or hydraulically. To this end, a connection cable32may be connected to the actuator. The actuator30is arranged on the door frame28, as is the securing element2. In this configuration, the cable32does not have to be guided from the fuselage side to the door26since the actuator30is secured to the door frame28. In particular, the actuator30and the securing element may be arranged in the region of a door lintel of the door frame28. In the state shown inFIG.3, the securing element2is in the release position.

FIG.4shows a schematic illustration of the door system200in a first state. The door26may, in this instance, comprise a pressure compensation valve31which is connected to a handle33. The handle33serves to open the pressure compensation valve31and is, in the example shown, connected to the locking system6by means of a coupling mechanism32. The coupling mechanism32is configured to convert a movement of the handle33into a translation of the locking element4so that, when the handle33is activated (in a downward direction inFIG.4), the locking element4is moved from the locking position into the unlocking position (towards the left inFIG.4). In the illustrated first state, the handle33has not yet been activated and the locking element4is in the locking position. The closure elements10are located in front of the closure counter-pieces12, whereby an opening of the door (inFIG.4, into the image plane) is prevented. The door26is thus locked in the first state of the door system200although the securing element is in the release position.

FIG.5shows a schematic illustration of the door system in a second state. The securing element2is also in the release position in this instance. It can be seen that the handle33has been moved downwards with respect toFIG.4. The pressure compensation valve31was thereby opened and the locking element4was displaced along the axis14into the unlocking position (towards the left). The closure elements10are no longer in front of the closure counter-pieces12so that it is possible to open the door. The door26is thus unlocked in the second state of the door system shown.

Of course, the entire securing mechanism100may also be arranged on or in the door26. In this instance, in particular the actuator30and the securing element2would be arranged on or secured to the door26, in the same manner as the locking system6.

FIG.6shows a schematic illustration of an aircraft300. The aircraft comprises, in each case, at the front end and at the rear end, a passenger door34. Emergency exit doors38are provided above the wings36. The securing system100or the door system200can be used for one or more of the doors26,38.

According to the present disclosure the securing element2can be mechanically uncoupled from the locking element4, both in the securing position and in the release position of the securing element2. The small contact of the two elements2and4acting as floating bearings can also minimize wear. Furthermore, as a result of the described configuration, a very reliable securing mechanism100in the manner of an FLA can be provided. The securing mechanism100enables a separate arrangement of the actuator30and locking system6, for example, a positioning of the actuator30on the fuselage of the aircraft300. Assembly complexity and cable wear can thus be minimized. In this instance, no cable guiding from the fuselage side of the vehicle300to an actuator30which is arranged on the door26is also required. Additional assembly costs and also weight can thus be saved.

Of course, yet other advantages of the invention described herein are possible. Of course, the aspects, embodiments and examples described herein can be combined with each other, wherein individual features may be omitted.

While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.