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(11) | EP 3 150 785 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | LOCKING DEVICES FOR DOORS OF AIRCRAFT |
| (57) An aircraft door lock (30) comprising: a housing (4) defining a volume; a drive member
(6) located at least partially within the volume; a shaft (8), the shaft (8) being
mounted to the drive member (6) and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative
to the drive member (6); an elongate member (32) fixed at one end to the shaft (8)
and extending from the shaft (8) in a direction from the first end of the housing
(4) to an opposite second end of the housing (4); a cross-bar (34) perpendicularly
mounted to the elongate member (32) and spaced apart from the shaft (8); and a latch
member (38) located at or proximate to the second end of the housing (4) and pivotally
mounted to the housing (4). The latch member (38) comprises coaxial through holes
(40). The cross-bar (34) is located through the one or more through holes (40).
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aircraft typically comprise aircraft doors through which payloads or other equipment may be loaded into or removed from the aircraft, and/or through which aircraft systems may be accessed.
[0003] Aircraft doors are typically folding doors that securely close openings in the aircraft fuselage structure.
[0004] Door locking devices, or door latches, for doors of aircraft for releasably holding aircraft doors in a closed position are known.
[0005] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations (not to scale) showing an example of a conventional aircraft door locking device 2.
[0006] In this example the conventional locking device 2 comprises a housing 4, a thumb tab assembly 6, a shaft 8, a T-shaped bolt 10, and a latch portion 12. For reasons of clarity and ease of understanding, the housing 4 is shown as dotted lines in Figure 2.
[0007] The housing is made of metal 4. The housing 4 comprises a top surface and opposing side walls that extend obliquely (e.g. perpendicularly) from opposite sides of the top surface, thereby defining a volume for housing the components 6-12 of the conventional door locking device 2. The housing 4 further comprises flanges 14, each flange 14 extends obliquely (e.g. perpendicularly) from the end of a respective housing side wall that is opposite to the end that is attached to the housing top surface, and in a direction away from the volume defined by the housing top surface and side walls. Each flange 14 comprises a respective set of through holes 16 formed through the flanges 14 from a top surface of the flange 14 to a bottom surface of the flange 14. In this example, the conventional door locking device 2 is attached to a folding door of an aircraft (not shown) by way of the flanges 14 by means of fasteners (not shown) placed through the through holes 16 and into the door. In other examples, the conventional door locking device 2 is attached to the aircraft fuselage proximate to an aircraft door.
[0008] The thumb tab assembly 6 is made of metal. The thumb tab assembly 6 comprises a thumb tab 6a and a wedge portion 6b. The thumb tab 6a and the wedge portion 6b are integrally formed. The wedge portion 6b is located inside the volume of the housing 4. The wedge portion 6b tapers to an edge at its rear side at a rear side of the housing 4. The thumb tab 6a extends from the rear side (i.e. the tapered edge) of the wedge portion 6b, in a direction away from the housing 4. The wedge portion 6b is pivotally mounted to the side walls of the housing 4 via first coaxial fasteners 18 positioned through the housing side walls and the sides of the wedge portion 6b.
[0009] The shaft 8 is made of metal. The shaft 8 is pivotally mounted inside the wedge portion 6b between the sides of the wedge portion 6b and proximate to a front side of the wedge portion 6b. The shaft 8 is rotatable relative to the wedge portion 6b about an axis of the shaft 8.
[0010] The T-shaped bolt 10 is made of metal. The T-shaped bolt 10 comprises a central bar and a cross-bar. The central bar is fixed at its first end to a central portion of the cross-bar. The cross-bar is perpendicular to the central bar, thereby providing the T-shape of the T-shaped bolt 10. The central bar is fixed at its second end (which is opposite to its first end) to the shaft 8 such that rotation of the shaft 8 about its axis cause rotation of the T-shaped bolt 10 about the shaft axis. The cross-bar is substantially parallel to the shaft 8.
[0011] The latch portion 12 is made of metal. A rear portion of the latch portion 12 is pivotally mounted to the side walls of a front portion of the housing 4 via a second fastener 20 positioned through the housing side walls and the sides of the latch portion 12.
[0012] In this example, the housing 4, the shaft 8, the T-shaped bolt 10, and the latch 12 are additionally coupled together via a torsion spring (not shown). A first end of the torsion spring in coupled to the T-shaped bolt 10. A second end of the torsion spring opposite to the first end is coupled to the second fastener 20. An intermediate portion of the torsion spring between the first and second ends of the torsion spring is wrapped around the shaft 8.
[0013] In this example, the latch portion 12 comprises a lateral slot 22 located at the rear portion of the latch portion 12. The lateral slot 22 extends between the sides of latch portion 12. The cross-bar of the T-shaped bolt 10 sits in the lateral slot 22 such that the cross-bar is free to rotate in the slot 22. A front portion of the latch portion 12 extends from a front side of the housing 4.
[0014] The conventional door locking device 2 is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked state. Figures 1 and 2 show the conventional door locking device 2 in its locked state.
[0015] To move the conventional door locking device 2 from its unlocked state to its locked state, the free end of the thumb tab 6a is moved downwards, for example by a human operator, thereby causing the thumb tab assembly 6, including the wedge portion 6b, to rotate about an axis defined by the first fastener 18 in an anti-clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 2). The rotation of the wedge portion 6b about the first fastener 18 causes the shaft 8 to move around the first fastener 18 in an anti-clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 2), and in particular to move upwards towards the top surface of the housing 4. The upwards movement of the shaft 8 causes the cross-bar of the T-shaped bolt 10 to move upwards. As the cross-bar moves upwards, the cross-bar pushes against an upper surface of the slot 22, thereby moving the rear portion of the latch portion 12 upwards and causing the latch portion 12 to rotate about an axis defined by the second fastener 20 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 2). The clockwise rotation of the latch portion 12 about the second fastener 20 corresponds to a downwards movement of the front portion of the latch portion 12. Thus, the front portion of the latch portion 12 is moved downwards to engage with (for example, hook onto) a receiving structure mounted to the aircraft fuselage and into its locked position, thereby securing the aircraft door (to which the housing 4 is fixed) closed against the aircraft fuselage.
[0016] To move the conventional door locking device 2 from its locked state to its unlocked state an opposite action is performed. In particular, the free end of the thumb tab 6a is moved upwards, thereby causing the thumb tab assembly 6 to rotate about the axis defined by the first fastener 18 in a clockwise direction. This causes the shaft 8 to move around the first fastener 18 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 2), and in particular to move downwards towards the bottom of the housing 4. The downwards movement of the shaft 8 moves the cross-bar of the T-shaped bolt 10 downwards. As the cross-bar moves downwards, the cross-bar pushes against a lower surface of the slot 22, thereby moving the rear portion of the latch portion 12 downwards and causing the latch portion 12 to rotate about the axis defined by the second fastener 20 in an anti-clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 2). The anti-clockwise rotation of the latch portion 12 about the second fastener 20 corresponds to an upwards movement of the front portion of the latch portion 12. Thus, the front portion of the latch portion 12 is moved upwards so as to disengage from the receiving structure to unlock the aircraft door and into its unlocked position. Thus, movement of the aircraft door with respect to the aircraft fuselage is not opposed by the conventional door locking device 2 and the door may be opened.
[0017] In this example, the conventional aircraft door locking device 2 is an over centre draw latch. The torsion spring acts to retain the latch portion 12 in its locked position when the conventional aircraft door locking device 2 is in its locked state. Also, the torsion spring acts to retain the latch portion 12 in its unlocked position when the conventional aircraft door locking device 2 is in its unlocked state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present inventors have realised that in some circumstances, for example, when experiencing high loads, in the above described conventional locking device, the cross-bar of the T-shaped bolt may slip out of the slot of the latch portion. This may occur due to the high loads overcoming the tension applied to the latch portion by the torsion spring. If the T-shaped bolt moves out of the slot, the latch portion may be free to move at least to some degree with respect to the housing. Thus, the aircraft door may be free to move at least to some degree with respect to the aircraft fuselage. If this was to occur while an aircraft was in flight, this could lead damage to or loss of the aircraft.
[0019] The present inventors have further realised that an adjustment mechanism of the above described the above described conventional locking device is relatively coarse, and that it would be beneficial to provide a locking device that allows for finer adjustment. In particular, in the conventional aircraft door locking device, the second end of the T-shaped bolt is threaded and is screwed into a threaded hole in the shaft. The conventional aircraft door locking device may be adjusted by rotating the T-shaped bolt to screw it into or out of the hole in the shaft so as to move the cross-bar of the T-shaped bolt closer to, or further away from, the shaft. In order for the cross-bar to fit into the slot of the latch portion, the T-shaped is rotated in multiple of 180°. The present inventors have realised that allowing for adjustment of the latch over a continuum would be beneficial.
[0020] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a door lock for an aircraft door. The door lock comprises: a housing defining a volume, the housing comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a drive member comprising an elongate lever arm, the drive member being located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing, the drive member being pivotally mounted to the housing such that the drive member is rotatable relative to the housing about a first pivot axis, the lever arm extending from the first end of the housing; a shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being mounted to the drive member and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member, the longitudinal axis of the shaft being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis; an elongate member having a longitudinal axis, the elongate member being fixed at one end to the shaft and extending from the shaft in a direction from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing, the longitudinal axis of the elongate member being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; a cross-bar having a longitudinal axis, the cross-bar being mounted to the elongate member and spaced apart from the shaft, the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; and a latch member located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing, the latch member being pivotally mounted to the housing such that the latch member is rotatable relative to the housing about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, a free end of the latch member extending from the second end of the housing. The latch member comprises one or more coaxial through holes, an axis of the one or more through holes being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second pivot axis. The cross-bar is located through the one or more through holes such that the cross-bar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member within the through holes. Thus, the latch member surrounds the cross-bar around the circumference of the cross-bar at at least one location along a length of the cross-bar.
[0021] The latch member may surround the cross-bar around the circumference of the cross-bar at at least two spaced apart locations along a length of the cross-bar.
[0022] The cross-bar may be coupled to the elongate member such that the elongate member is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis with respect to the cross-bar.
[0023] The elongate member may be moveable in a direction along its longitudinal axis with respect to the shaft.
[0024] At least a portion of the elongate member may be threaded. The shaft may comprise a threaded hole. The threaded portion of the elongate member may be located in the threaded hole. The elongate member may be screwable into or out of the threaded hole to move the elongate member with respect to the shaft.
[0025] The door lock may further comprise: a collar fixed to the elongate member between the shaft and the cross-bar, the collar being for preventing movement of the cross-bar along the elongate member towards the shaft; and an adjustment nut located on the elongate member between the cross-bar and a free end of the elongate member, the adjustment nut being screwable along at least part of the length of the elongate member, the adjustment nut being for preventing movement of the cross-bar along the elongate member towards the free end of the elongate member.
[0026] The drive member may further comprise a pivoting wedge that tapers to an edge, the pivoting wedge being located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing, the pivoting wedge being pivotally mounted to the housing such that the pivoting wedge is rotatable relative to the housing about the first pivot axis, the lever arm extending from the edge of the pivoting wedge away from the housing.
[0027] The door lock may further comprise a catch for attaching to part of an aircraft, wherein the latch member is releasably attachable to the catch.
[0028] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a door lock for an aircraft door. The door lock comprises: a housing defining a volume, the housing comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a drive member comprising an elongate lever arm, the drive member being located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing, the drive member being pivotally mounted to the housing such that the drive member is rotatable relative to the housing about a first pivot axis, the lever arm extending from the first end of the housing; a shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being mounted to the drive member and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member, the longitudinal axis of the shaft being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis; an elongate member having a longitudinal axis, the elongate member being fixed at one end to the shaft and extending from the shaft in a direction from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing, the longitudinal axis of the elongate member being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; a cross-bar having a longitudinal axis, the cross-bar being mounted to the elongate member and spaced apart from the shaft, the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; and a latch member located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing, the latch member being pivotally mounted to the housing such that the latch member is rotatable relative to the housing about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, a free end of the latch member extending from the second end of the housing. The elongate member is moveable in a direction along its longitudinal axis with respect to the shaft by rotating the elongate member about its longitudinal axis. The cross-bar is coupled to the elongate member such that the elongate member is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis with respect to the cross-bar.
[0029] The latch member may comprise one or more coaxial through holes, an axis of the one or more through holes being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second pivot axis. The cross-bar may be located through the one or more through holes such that the cross-bar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member within the through holes.
[0030] The door lock of any of the above aspects may further comprise a resilient bias, e.g. a torsion spring, coupling together the shaft and the cross-bar and configured to apply a force to the cross-bar.
[0031] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an aircraft door assembly comprising a door lock according to any of the preceding aspects.
[0032] The aircraft door assembly may further comprise a catch, the latch member being releasably attachable to the catch. One of the door lock or the catch may be attached to an aircraft door of the aircraft door assembly. The other of the door lock or the catch may be attached to an aircraft fuselage structure of the aircraft door assembly proximate to an opening in the aircraft fuselage structure into which the aircraft door fits.
[0033] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a door lock for an aircraft door. The method comprises: providing a housing defining a volume, the housing comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; pivotally mounting a drive member to the housing such that the drive member is rotatable relative to the housing about a first pivot axis, an elongate lever arm of the drive member extends from the first end of the housing, and the drive member is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing; mounting a shaft having a longitudinal axis to the drive member such that the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member, and such that the longitudinal axis of the shaft is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis; fixing an end of an elongate member having a longitudinal axis to the shaft such that the elongate member extends from the shaft in a direction from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing, and such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; mounting a cross-bar having a longitudinal axis to the elongate member such that the cross-bar is spaced apart from the shaft, and such that the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; and pivotally mounting a latch member to the housing such that the latch member is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing, and such that the latch member is rotatable relative to the housing about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and such that a free end of the latch member extends from the second end of the housing. The latch member comprises one or more coaxial through holes, an axis of the one or more through holes being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second pivot axis. The cross-bar is located through the one or more through holes such that the cross-bar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member within the through holes.
[0034] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a door lock for an aircraft door. The method comprises: providing a housing defining a volume, the housing comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; pivotally mounting a drive member to the housing such that the drive member is rotatable relative to the housing about a first pivot axis, an elongate lever arm of the drive member extends from the first end of the housing, and the drive member is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing; mounting a shaft having a longitudinal axis to the drive member such that the shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member, and such that the longitudinal axis of the shaft is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis; fixing an end of an elongate member having a longitudinal axis to the shaft such that the elongate member extends from the shaft in a direction from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing, and such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft; mounting a cross-bar having a longitudinal axis to the elongate member such that the cross-bar is spaced apart from the shaft, and such that the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; and pivotally mounting a latch member to the housing such that the latch member is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing, and such that the latch member is rotatable relative to the housing about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and such that a free end of the latch member extends from the second end of the housing. The elongate member is moveable in a direction along its longitudinal axis with respect to the shaft. The cross-bar is coupled to the elongate member such that the elongate member is free to rotate about its axis with respect to the cross-bar.
[0035] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an aircraft door lock comprising: a housing defining a volume; a drive member located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing, and pivotally mounted to the housing; an elongate shaft mounted to the drive member and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member; an elongate member fixed at one end to the shaft and extending from the shaft in a direction from the first end of the housing to an opposite second end of the housing; an elongate cross-bar perpendicularly mounted to the elongate member and spaced apart from the shaft; and a latch member located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing, and pivotally mounted to the housing. The latch member comprises one or more coaxial through holes. The cross-bar is located through the one or more through holes such that the cross-bar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member within the through holes.
[0036] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an aircraft door lock comprising: a housing defining a volume; a drive member located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing, and pivotally mounted to the housing; an elongate shaft mounted to the drive member and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member; an elongate member fixed at one end to the shaft and extending from the shaft in a direction from the first end of the housing to an opposite second end of the housing; an elongate cross-bar perpendicularly mounted to the elongate member and spaced apart from the shaft; and a latch member located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing, and pivotally mounted to the housing. The elongate member is moveable in a direction along its longitudinal axis with respect to the shaft by rotating the elongate member about its longitudinal axis. The cross-bar is coupled to the elongate member such that the elongate member is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis with respect to the cross-bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037]
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of an example of a conventional aircraft door locking device;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the example conventional aircraft door locking device;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of an embodiment of an aircraft door locking device; and
Figure 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the embodiment of an aircraft door locking device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] It will be appreciated that relative terms such as horizontal and vertical, top and bottom, above and below, front and rear, and so on, are used above merely for ease of reference to the Figures, and these terms are not limiting as such, and any two differing directions or positions and so on may be implemented rather than truly horizontal and vertical, top and bottom, and so on.
[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of an embodiment of an aircraft door locking device 30.
[0041] In this embodiment, the locking device 30 comprises a housing 4, a thumb tab assembly 6, a shaft 8, the first fastener 18, and the second fastener 20, and the torsion spring, which are coupled together as described earlier above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
[0042] The locking device 30 further comprises an elongate bolt 32, a cross-bar 34, an collar 35, a locking nut 36, a tab washer 37, and a latch portion 38.
[0043] The elongate bolt 32 is a threaded bolt made of metal. The elongate bolt 32 is attached at its first end to the shaft 8 such that rotation of the shaft 8 about its axis causes rotation of the elongate bolt 32 about the shaft axis. In this embodiment, the threaded first end of the elongate bolt 32 is screwed into a threaded hole in the shaft 8 such that, by rotating the elongate bolt 32, the elongate bolt 32 may be screwed into or out of the threaded hole in the shaft 8 to move the elongate bolt 32 with respect to the shaft 8 along the axis of the elongate bolt 32. The elongate bolt 32 extends from the shaft 32 towards the front of the locking device 30, i.e. from the front of the housing 4.
[0044] In this embodiment, the second end of the elongate bolt 32 which is opposite to the first end of the elongate bolt 32, is a free end which comprises a screw head portion 39 to facilitate rotation of the elongate bolt 32 about its axis.
[0045] The cross-bar 34 is an elongate metal member. In this embodiment, the cross-bar 34 comprises a through hole in a central portion of the cross-bar 34 through which the elongate bolt 32 is located. The cross-bar 34 is slidably mounted to the elongate bolt 32. The cross-bar 34 is substantially perpendicular to the elongate bolt 32. The elongate bolt 32 may freely rotate about the axis of the elongate bolt 32 without causing rotation of the cross-bar 34.
[0046] The collar 35 is fixedly attached onto the elongate bolt 32 and is positioned between the shaft 8 and the cross-bar 34. The collar 35 may be integrally formed with the elongate bolt 32. The collar 35 acts as a stop for the cross-bar 34, preventing or opposing movement of the cross-bar 34 along the length of the elongate bolt 32 in the direction of the shaft 8.
[0047] The locking nut 36 is screwed onto a free end of the elongate bolt 32 such that the cross-bar 34 is located along the elongate bolt 32 between the collar 35 and the locking nut 36. The position of the locking nut 36 along the length of the elongate bolt 32 may be adjusted by screwing the locking nut 36 on the elongate bolt 32. The locking nut 36 acts as a stop for the cross-bar 34, preventing or opposing movement of the cross-bar 34 along the length of the elongate bolt 32 in the direction of the free end of the elongate bolt 32.
[0048] In this embodiment, the position of the cross-bar 34 with respect to the shaft 8 may be adjusted by screwing the elongate bolt 32 into or out of the shaft 8. This rotation of the elongate bolt 32 about its axis, causes the collar 35, the cross-bar 34, and the locking nut 36 to moves closer to or further away from the shaft 8, in a direction along the axis of the elongate bolt 32. Because the elongate bolt 32 is free to rotate about its axis within the cross-bar 34, rotation of the elongate bolt 32 about its axis tends not to cause a rotation of the cross-bar 34.
[0049] In this embodiment, the tab washer locks the position of the locking nut 36 on the elongate bolt 32.
[0050] The locking device 30 further comprises a latch portion 38, which is approximately the same shape as the latch portion 12 of the conventional door locking device 2 described earlier above. The latch portion 38 is made of metal. A rear portion of the latch portion 38 is pivotally mounted to the side walls of the housing 4 via the second fastener 20 positioned through the housing side walls and the sides of the latch portion 38.
[0051] In this embodiment, the side walls of the latch portion 38 comprise respective through holes 40 which are aligned with each other along their axes. The cross-bar 34 is positioned through the through holes 40 of the latch portion 38, such that the cross-bar 34 is free to rotate within the through holes 40. Thus the latch portion 38 completely surrounds the cross-bar 34 around its circumference at two spaced apart locations along the length of the cross-bar 34. A front portion of the latch portion 38 extends from a front side of the housing 4.
[0052] In this embodiment, the axis of the first fastener 18 is substantially parallel with the axis of the second fastener 20.
[0053] In this embodiment, the locking device 30 is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked state. Figures 3 and 4 show the locking device 30 in its locked state.
[0054] To move the locking device 30 from its unlocked state to its locked state, the free end of the thumb tab 6a is moved downwards, for example by a human operator, thereby causing the thumb tab assembly 6, including the wedge portion 6b, to rotate about an axis defined by the first fastener 18 in an anticlockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 2). The rotation of the wedge portion 6b about the first fastener 18 causes the shaft 8 to move around the first fastener 18 in an anti-clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 4), and in particular to move upwards towards the top surface of the housing 4. The upwards movement of the shaft 8 moves the cross-bar 34 upwards. As the cross-bar 34 moves upwards, the cross-bar 34 pushes against upper side walls of the through holes 40, thereby moving the rear portion of the latch portion 38 upwards and causing the latch portion 38 to rotate about an axis defined by the second fastener 20 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 4). This clockwise rotation of the latch portion 38 about the second fastener 20 corresponds to a downwards movement of the front portion of the latch portion 38. Thus, the front portion of the latch portion 38 is moved downwards into its locked position to engage with (for example, hook onto) a receiving structure mounted to the aircraft fuselage, thereby securing the aircraft door (to which the housing 4 is fixed) closed against the aircraft fuselage.
[0055] In this embodiment, the torsion spring acts to retain the latch portion 38 in its locked position when the locking device 30 is in its locked state.
[0056] To move the locking device 30 from its locked state to its unlocked state an opposite action is performed. In particular, the free end of the thumb tab 6a is moved upwards, thereby causing the thumb tab assembly 6 to rotate about the axis defined by the first fastener 18 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 4). This causes the shaft 8 to move around the first fastener 18 in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 4), and in particular to move downwards towards the bottom of the housing 4. The downwards movement of the shaft 8 moves the cross-bar 34 downwards. As the cross-bar 34 moves downwards, the cross-bar pushes against lower side walls of the through holes 40, thereby moving the rear portion of the latch portion 38 downwards and causing the latch portion 38 to rotate about the axis defined by the second fastener 20 in an anti-clockwise direction (when viewed from the side as in Figure 4). The anti-clockwise rotation of the latch portion 38 about the second fastener 20 corresponds to an upwards movement of the front portion of the latch portion 12. Thus, the front portion of the latch portion 38 is moved upwards into its unlocked position so as to disengage from the receiving structure and allow the aircraft door to move with respect to the aircraft fuselage.
[0057] In this embodiment, the torsion spring acts to retain the latch portion 38 in its unlocked position when the locking device 30 is in its unlocked state.
[0058] With conventional locking devices such as that described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the cross-bar of the T-shaped bolt may be moved out of the drive slot of the latch portion, for example if the locking device is loaded excessively. In such cases, the latch portion may be free to move at least to some degree, and, as a consequence, the aircraft door may be free to move at least to some degree with respect to the aircraft fuselage. This can lead damage to or loss of the aircraft. Advantageously, the cross-bar 34 being located in through holes 40 through the latch portion 38 tends provide that unwanted movement of the cross-bar 34 away from the latch portion 38 is prevented or opposed. In other words, the positively locked drive pin (i.e. the cross-bar 34) tends not to be able to move away from the latch portion 38 when the locking device 30 is under high load. Thus, the likelihood of an aircraft door unwantedly opening in flight tends to be reduced or eliminated.
[0059] Screwing the threaded elongate bolt 32 into or out of the shaft 8 tends to allow for the position of the cross-bar 34 with respect to the shaft 8 to be adjusted through a continuum of different positions. By adjusting the position of the cross-bar 34 with respect to the shaft 8, the limits between which the latch portion 38 can rotate about the second fasters 20 may be adjusted. This allows for the locking device 30 to be adjusted so as to accommodate different size or shapes of receiving member, and provided for improved aircraft door locking. Thus, advantageously, a locking device having improved adjustment is provided.
[0060] Advantageously, the collar 35 and the adjustment nut 36 tend to securely hold the cross-bar 34 relative to the elongate bolt 32 so that the latch settings don't change in flight.
[0061] The above described locking device 30 may be advantageously made by any appropriate methods including, but not limited to, casting and Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods.
[0062] Advantageously, the above described elongate bolt 32, cross-bar 34, and latch portion 38 may be retro fit to conventional door latches, e.g. replacing the T-shaped bolt 10 and latch portion 12 of the conventional door locking device 2.
[0063] In some embodiments, the locking device further comprises a catch that is attachable to an aircraft structure, for example the aircraft door or the aircraft fuselage. The free end of the latch portion is configured to attach onto the catch, for example, when the locking device is in its locked state.
[0064] In some embodiments, the locking device is fixedly attached to the aircraft door, and can interact with the catch that is fixedly attached to the aircraft fuselage structure proximate to an opening in the fuselage that can be closed by the door. In other embodiments, the locking device is fixedly attached to the aircraft fuselage structure proximate to an opening in the fuselage that can be closed by the door, and can interact with the catch that is fixedly attached to the aircraft door.
[0065] In the above embodiments, the position of the cross-bar 34 with respect to the shaft 8 in the direction of the axis of the elongate bolt 32 may be adjusted by screwing the elongate bolt 32 into or out of the shaft 8. However, in other embodiments, the position of the cross-bar 34 with respect to the shaft 8 in the direction of the axis of the elongate bolt 32 may be adjusted in a different appropriate way. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-bar, the collar, and the adjustment nut may all be moveable along the length of the elongate bolt. The collar and the adjustment nut may be screwed onto the elongate bolt and moved so as to fix the position of the cross-bar along the length of the elongate bolt
a housing (4) defining a volume, the housing (4) comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;
a drive member (6) comprising an elongate lever arm (6a), the drive member (6) being located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing (4), the drive member (6) being pivotally mounted to the housing (4) such that the drive member (6) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a first pivot axis, the lever arm (6a) extending from the first end of the housing (4);
a shaft (8) having a longitudinal axis, the shaft (8) being mounted to the drive member (6) and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member (6), the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8) being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis;
an elongate member (32) having a longitudinal axis, the elongate member (32) being fixed at one end to the shaft (8) and extending from the shaft (8) in a direction from the first end of the housing (4) to a second end of the housing (4), the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8);
a cross-bar (34) having a longitudinal axis, the cross-bar (34) being mounted to the elongate member (32) and spaced apart from the shaft (8), the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar (34) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32); and
a latch member (38) located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing (4), the latch member (38) being pivotally mounted to the housing (4) such that the latch member (38) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, a free end of the latch member (38) extending from the second end of the housing (4); wherein
the latch member (38) comprises one or more coaxial through holes (40), an axis of the one or more through holes (40) being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second pivot axis; and
the cross-bar (34) is located through the one or more through holes (40) such that the cross-bar (34) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member (38) within the through holes (40).
at least a portion of the elongate member (32) is threaded;
the shaft (8) comprises a threaded hole;
and the threaded portion of the elongate member (32) is located in the threaded hole; and
the elongate member (32) may be screwed into or out of the threaded hole to move the elongate member (32) with respect to the shaft (8).
a collar (35) fixed to the elongate member (32) between the shaft (8) and the cross-bar (34), the collar (35) being for preventing movement of the cross-bar (34) along the elongate member (32) towards the shaft (8); and
an adjustment nut (36) located on the elongate member (32) between the cross-bar (34) and a free end of the elongate member (32), the adjustment nut (36) being screwable along at least part of the length of the elongate member (32), the adjustment nut (36) being for preventing movement of the cross-bar (34) along the elongate member (32) towards the free end of the elongate member (32).
a housing (4) defining a volume, the housing (4) comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;
a drive member (6) comprising an elongate lever arm (6a), the drive member (6) being located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing (4), the drive member (6) being pivotally mounted to the housing (4) such that the drive member (6) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a first pivot axis, the lever arm (6a) extending from the first end of the housing (4);
a shaft (8) having a longitudinal axis, the shaft (8) being mounted to the drive member (6) and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member (6), the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8) being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis;
an elongate member (32) having a longitudinal axis, the elongate member (32) being fixed at one end to the shaft (8) and extending from the shaft (8) in a direction from the first end of the housing (4) to a second end of the housing (4), the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8);
a cross-bar (34) having a longitudinal axis, the cross-bar (34) being mounted to the elongate member (32) and spaced apart from the shaft (8), the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar (34) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32); and
a latch member (38) located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing (4), the latch member (38) being pivotally mounted to the housing (4) such that the latch member (38) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, a free end of the latch member (38) extending from the second end of the housing (4); wherein
the elongate member (32) is moveable in a direction along its longitudinal axis with respect to the shaft (8) by rotating the elongate member (32) about its longitudinal axis; and
the cross-bar (34) is coupled to the elongate member (32) such that the elongate member (32) is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis with respect to the cross-bar (34).
the latch member (38) comprises one or more coaxial through holes (40), an axis of the one or more through holes (40) being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second pivot axis; and
the cross-bar (34) is located through the one or more through holes (40) such that the cross-bar (34) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member (38) within the through holes (40).
the aircraft door assembly further comprises a catch, the latch member (38) being releasably attachable to the catch;
one of the door lock (30) or the catch is attached to an aircraft door of the aircraft door assembly; and
the other of the door lock (30) or the catch is attached to an aircraft fuselage structure of the aircraft door assembly proximate to an opening in the aircraft fuselage structure into which the aircraft door fits.
providing a housing (4) defining a volume, the housing (4) comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;
pivotally mounting a drive member (6) to the housing (4) such that the drive member (6) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a first pivot axis, an elongate lever arm (6a) of the drive member (6) extends from the first end of the housing (4), and the drive member (6) is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing (4);
mounting a shaft (8) having a longitudinal axis to the drive member (6) such that the shaft (8) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member (6), and such that the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8) is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis;
fixing an end of an elongate member (32) having a longitudinal axis to the shaft (8) such that the elongate member (32) extends from the shaft (8) in a direction from the first end of the housing (4) to a second end of the housing (4), and such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8);
mounting a cross-bar (34) having a longitudinal axis to the elongate member (32) such that the cross-bar (34) is spaced apart from the shaft (8), and such that the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar (34) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32); and
pivotally mounting a latch member (38) to the housing (4) such that the latch member (38) is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing (4), and such that the latch member (38) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and such that a free end of the latch member (38) extends from the second end of the housing (4); wherein
the latch member (38) comprises one or more coaxial through holes (40), an axis of the one or more through holes (40) being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the second pivot axis; and
the cross-bar (34) is located through the one or more through holes (40) such that the cross-bar (34) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the latch member (38) within the through holes (40).
providing a housing (4) defining a volume, the housing (4) comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;
pivotally mounting a drive member (6) to the housing (4) such that the drive member (6) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a first pivot axis, an elongate lever arm (6a) of the drive member (6) extends from the first end of the housing (4), and the drive member (6) is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to a first end of the housing (4);
mounting a shaft (8) having a longitudinal axis to the drive member (6) such that the shaft (8) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the drive member (6), and such that the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8) is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis;
fixing an end of an elongate member (32) having a longitudinal axis to the shaft (8) such that the elongate member (32) extends from the shaft (8) in a direction from the first end of the housing (4) to a second end of the housing (4), and such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (8);
mounting a cross-bar (34) having a longitudinal axis to the elongate member (32) such that the cross-bar (34) is spaced apart from the shaft (8), and such that the longitudinal axis of the cross-bar (34) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member (32); and
pivotally mounting a latch member (38) to the housing (4) such that the latch member (38) is located at least partially within the volume and at or proximate to the second end of the housing (4), and such that the latch member (38) is rotatable relative to the housing (4) about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and such that a free end of the latch member (38) extends from the second end of the housing (4); wherein
the elongate member (32) is moveable in a direction along its longitudinal axis with respect to the shaft (8); and
the cross-bar (34) is coupled to the elongate member (32) such that the elongate member (32) is free to rotate about its axis with respect to the cross-bar (34).