CN114180093B

CN114180093B - Guide rail assembly and boarding and disengagement device

Info

Publication number: CN114180093B
Application number: CN202210083210.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金利云; 吕军; 徐文豪; 杨坤; 张宏杰; 陆春刚
Original assignee: Comac Shanghai Aircraft Design & Research Institute; Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd
Current assignee: Comac Shanghai Aircraft Design & Research Institute; Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-24
Filing date: 2022-01-24
Publication date: 2024-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-24
Also published as: CN114180093A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rail assembly comprising a plurality of rail sections pivotably attached such that the rail assembly is switchable between a first state in which the plurality of rail sections are in line and a second state in which the plurality of rail sections are stacked together, wherein each rail section comprises pairs of rails arranged in parallel at both sides, and wherein in the first state, the same-sided rail of the pairs of rails of the plurality of rail sections is arranged in succession along a rail extension direction to form a continuous through channel. The guide rail assembly has the characteristics of being foldable, saving in space and convenient to assemble and disassemble quickly, can adapt to application environments with different heights, and the through channels formed on the side parts of the guide rail assembly can be matched with corresponding guide structures, so that various devices can move up and down conveniently and in a labor-saving manner along the guide rail assembly. In addition, the invention relates to a boarding and disembarking device.

Description

Guide rail assembly and boarding and disengagement device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a guide rail assembly, and relates to an off-boarding device comprising the guide rail assembly, which is used for transferring sick and wounded and equipment between the ground and an aircraft cabin and belongs to aviation ground equipment.

Background

The out-of-place transportation of sick and wounded by civil aircraft or special medical aircraft is an effective measure for realizing rapid medical treatment. When transferring sick and wounded and related equipment without autonomous mobility between the passenger cabin and the ground, a transfer passage is usually provided by an airport corridor bridge or a large scissor type vertical lift device by using airport fixing facilities and a large mobile device. When such conditions cannot be provided at an airport or other stop location, or when ground conditions are not compatible with the aircraft, a passageway between the aircraft cabin and the ground cannot be established, and transportation of the sick and wounded cannot be achieved.

Outside the airport corridor bridge and the large vertical lifting device, various measures and products are used for transporting sick and wounded, and no similar or related technology and products are applied to the situation at home.

The invention patent application published by AERO MEDICAL ENGINEERING PTY LTD company and 11/09/2017 discloses a boarding and disengagement product with publication number WO2017190181A1, which is used for transporting sick and wounded and stretcher between the ground and the passenger cabin of an aircraft, can be suitable for large-sized aircrafts such as air passengers A330 and A340, can be disassembled in sections, and is stored on the aircraft, and an electric winch is installed at the cabin door of the aircraft. However, such boarding-off products are not collapsible and thus inconvenient to store and transport.

In U.S. patent publication No. US6854147B1, published by George e.ahlsten at 15, 2/2005, an electric loading device is proposed, in which a driving motor is located at the bottom of a guide rail structure, the motor rotates to drive a threaded sleeve to rotate, and a lifting platform thread structure is matched with the sleeve to form a transmission, so as to drive the lifting platform to move. Due to the adoption of the threaded transmission mode, the lifting platform has limited movement stroke, is only suitable for small aircraft with lower cabin door lift-off height, and the threaded scheme causes larger weight and occupies larger whole storage space, thereby being not beneficial to on-board transportation and storage.

There is therefore a great need for a collapsible boarding and disengagement device which can be transported with the aircraft and which can be stored in the aircraft cabin or in the cargo compartment, which boarding and disengagement device enables a good transport of sick and wounded and related equipment in the aircraft cabin and the ground in certain situations.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible boarding and disembarking apparatus which can be used with an aircraft which alleviates or overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of the boarding and disembarking apparatus of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rail assembly, which may comprise a plurality of rail sections pivotably attached such that the rail assembly is switchable between a first state in which the plurality of rail sections are in line and a second state in which the plurality of rail sections are stacked together, wherein each rail section comprises a pair of rails arranged in parallel at both sides, and wherein in the first state the same side rail of the pair of rails of the plurality of rail sections is arranged consecutively in a rail extension direction to form a continuous through channel.

The guide rail assembly has the characteristics of being foldable, saving in space and convenient to assemble and disassemble quickly, can adapt to application environments with different heights, and the through channels formed on the side parts of the guide rail assembly can be matched with corresponding guide structures, so that various devices can move up and down conveniently and in a labor-saving manner along the guide rail assembly.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the rail assembly may include two end rail sections, and a plurality of intermediate rail sections, wherein the end rail sections are respectively foldable inwardly into the connected intermediate rail sections via the pivot shafts and are accommodated in the inner spaces of the intermediate rail sections. Thus, the thickness of the folded box can be further reduced, and the space requirement for storing the box is further reduced.

According to the above aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the intermediate rail section comprises two intermediate rail sections which are foldable together via a pivot axis. In this way, the folded length can be further reduced, and the space requirement for storing the folded folding device can be further reduced.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the end rail sections may include outwardly open pairs of outer side rails provided at opposite outer sides, and the intermediate rail section includes inwardly open pairs of inner side rails provided at opposite inner sides, wherein on each side of the rail assembly, the pairs of outer side rails and the pairs of inner side rails are arranged in series along the rail extending direction to form the through passage. The through channel may for example be used for guiding various devices, such as a lifting platform assembly for carrying a patient or cargo, etc.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of rail sections of the rail assembly are detachably coupled so that the rail assembly can be assembled from any number of rail sections. In this way, the rail assembly can be flexibly assembled according to the kind of aircraft, the door height, the required rail angle, the specific situation of the person and the goods to be transported, etc., so that the boarding and disembarking device according to the present invention can have wider application.

According to the above aspect of the invention, the track assembly is preferably provided with one or more rollers capable of carrying the track assembly to assist in movement of the track assembly over the ground.

Specifically, for example, the second end of the rail assembly is provided with a terminal roller. The rollers can roll along the ground, for example, so that the included angle between the guide rail assembly and the ground or the cabin door can be adjusted more conveniently, and the guide rail assembly can be assembled to the fixed platform assembly more safely and conveniently.

According to the above aspect of the invention, preferably one of the intermediate rail sections of the rail assembly is provided with an intermediate roller at an end remote from the pivot axis. The intermediate roller is used, for example, to drag or transport the rail assembly in its folded state.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the side portions of the intermediate rail section of the rail assembly are provided with lateral rollers, respectively. Likewise, the lateral roller is used, for example, in another orientation to drag or transport the rail assembly in its folded state.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an boarding and disembarking apparatus including:

the guide rail assembly according to the above aspect, and

A stationary platform assembly, for example, that can be removably attached to an aircraft (e.g., a hatch structure), and a rail assembly removably attached to the stationary platform assembly.

Such an off-board device is foldable, randomly portable, space-saving, and can be quickly adjusted under application conditions of different aircraft (door) heights, and by attaching the rail assembly to the stationary platform assembly, an adjustable and secure assembly is formed for facilitating movement or transport of personnel or equipment along the rail assembly between the ground and the aircraft.

To this end, according to the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the boarding and disembarking apparatus further includes a lifting platform assembly including a bearing part and a guide part, wherein the guide part is capable of cooperating with the guide rail to move along the through passage. In this way, personnel (e.g., patients or disabled persons, etc.) or cargo (including stretchers, equipment, etc.) can be transferred from the ground into the passenger cabin of an aircraft such as a passenger aircraft, or vice versa, from the passenger cabin onto the ground, by means of the lift platform assembly.

According to the above aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the carrying part and the guiding part of the lifting platform assembly are movably connected such that the carrying part and the guiding part can be folded together or unfolded with respect to each other. For example, the lifting platform assembly may be foldable such that the lifting platform assembly is switchable between a folded state in which the carrying portion and the guiding portion are close to each other, and a use state in which the carrying portion and the guiding portion are distant from each other and the carrying surface of the carrying portion is placed horizontally. In this way, the lift platform assembly can be folded up for placement when not in use, to save valuable storage space on the aircraft.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the guide portion includes a plurality of guide wheel groups correspondingly arranged on the elevating platform assembly on both sides of the rail assembly along the extending direction of the rail. So that the patient or goods transfer can be performed more smoothly and reliably, and the resistance in the movement can be reduced as much as possible.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the plurality of guide wheel sets includes a first set of guide wheels and a second set of guide wheels, wherein the first set of guide wheels is engaged with an outer rail of the rail assembly and the second set of guide wheels is engaged with an inner rail of the rail assembly. Therefore, smooth transition can be carried out on the adjacent guide rail sections so far, the conditions of blocking, falling off and the like can not occur, and smoothness and safety of quasi-transportation movement are ensured.

According to the above aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the guide wheel set further includes a third set of guide wheels that guide the elevating platform assembly against the side wall of the through-passage. This construction enables the guide wheel set to withstand lateral forces, for example when adverse transport conditions such as crosswinds are encountered, ensuring smoothness and safety of transport.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the log-off apparatus may further include: and the actuating device is fixed on the fixed platform assembly and drives the lifting platform assembly to reciprocate along the guide rail assembly. By means of the actuating device, the automation degree of the boarding and disengagement device can be improved, the efficiency can be improved, the manpower can be saved, and the like.

According to the above aspect of the invention, the actuating means preferably comprises an actuator and a transmission means attached between the actuator and the lifting platform assembly, for example to adjust the speed of the lifting platform assembly and to balance between the actuating force and the actuating speed.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the fixed platform assembly includes a catching groove, and the first end of the rail assembly is provided with a crank pivot shaft, a crank, and a limit link, the limit link being pivoted about the crank pivot shaft via the crank to be caught in the catching groove. This structure enables the rail assembly to be simply and reliably snapped to the fixed platform assembly, thereby improving assembly and disassembly efficiency while ensuring operational safety.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the boarding and disengagement apparatus further includes an auxiliary support assembly provided at the second end of the rail assembly, wherein the auxiliary support assembly includes a first stay, a second stay, and a stay pivot shaft, the first stay supporting the rail assembly and the second stay supporting the rail assembly. The auxiliary support assembly can be used, for example, for pre-deployment of the rail assembly for safer and more convenient assembly to the stationary platform assembly and to more reliably ensure the support stability and safety of the rail assembly in use of the rail assembly.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, preferably, the auxiliary support assembly may further include an elastic support having a first end pivotally attached to the second stay and a second end pivotally attached to the rail assembly. Thereby can assist the track assembly to pre-expand for the expansion process is more laborsaving, and can more firmly support the track assembly.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the auxiliary support assembly is foldable and is folded inside the rail assembly in the folded state. As such, storage space can be saved.

Therefore, the log-off device can meet the use requirement and achieve the preset purpose.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the above and other objects, features, advantages and functions of the present invention, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of the invention schematically and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an boarding and disembarking apparatus in which components of the boarding and disembarking apparatus are in an unfolded state according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an boarding and disembarking apparatus in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention where the components of the boarding and disembarking apparatus are in a collapsed state and where the stationary platform assembly is not shown;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a track assembly of an off-boarding device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly is in an expanded state;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a track assembly of an off-boarding device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly is in an expanded state;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a track assembly of an off-boarding device in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly is in an expanded state;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a track assembly of an off-boarding device in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly is in an expanded state;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a track assembly of an off-boarding device in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly is in an expanded state;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a track assembly of an off-boarding device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly is in a collapsed state;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stationary platform assembly of an off-boarding device in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lift platform assembly of an off-boarding device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lift platform assembly is in a deployed state mounted on a rail assembly;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lift platform assembly of an off-boarding device in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lift platform assembly is in an extended state that is not mounted on a rail assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lift platform assembly of the boarding and disembarking apparatus in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed condition not mounted on the guideway assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an boarding and disembarking apparatus provided with an auxiliary support assembly in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention wherein the components of the boarding and disembarking apparatus are in an unfolded state;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the boarding and disengagement device shown in FIG. 13; and

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an off-boarding device according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention with the auxiliary support assembly in a folded state.

The figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale.

List of reference numerals in the figures and examples:

100-log-off apparatus comprising;

10-a rail assembly comprising;

11. 12, 13, 14-rail sections, comprising;

11A, 12A, 13A-pivot axes;

11B, 11C;14B, 14C-a pair of outboard tracks;

12B, 12C;13B, 13C-a pair of inner side rails;

11P, 12P, 13P-stop pins;

121-middle roller;

122. 131-lateral rollers;

15-a first end comprising;

151-crank pivot shaft;

152-crank axle;

153-limit link;

16-a second end comprising;

160-end rollers;

A 20-stationary platform assembly comprising;

21-a clamping groove;

22-opening;

30-a lifting platform assembly comprising;

301-frame

31-A carrier comprising;

310-a bearing surface;

32-a guide comprising;

321. 322, 323, 324-guide wheel set, comprising;

321A, 322A, 323A, 324A-a first set of guide wheels;

321B, 322B, 323B, 324B-a second set of guide wheels;

321C, 322C, 323C, 324C-a third set of guide wheels;

33-folding the rotating shaft;

34-connecting rod rotating shafts;

35-connecting rod;

36-a transverse stabilizing link;

37A-fold stop pin;

37B-fold stop pin holder;

38A-stay;

38B-stabilizing the band plate;

40-actuating means comprising;

401-rope;

a 50-auxiliary support assembly comprising;

51-a first strut, comprising;

510-ground roller;

52-a second stay;

53-stay pivot;

54-elastic support;

55-a first locking pin;

56-a second locking pin;

57-third locking pin.

Detailed Description

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It should be further understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed and defined herein. Thus, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the particular orientations, directions, or other physical characteristics to which the various embodiments disclosed relate should not be considered limiting.

The boarding and disengagement device 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the components of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 are in an unfolded state;

As shown, the boarding and disengagement apparatus 100 can include a track assembly 10, a stationary platform assembly 20, and in a preferred embodiment, a lifting platform assembly 30 and an actuation device 40.

The track assembly 10 includes a plurality of track sections 11, 12, 13, 14 that are pivotally attached, while the stationary platform assembly 20 is attached to the aircraft, such as preferably with the platform assembly 20 removably attached to the door structure of the aircraft, and the track assembly 10 removably attached to the stationary platform assembly 20, such as with the first end 15 of the track assembly 10 attached to the stationary platform assembly 20.

In alternative embodiments, the track assembly 10 may be used alone, for example, directly against a door or like structure of an aircraft, without the need for a fixed platform assembly 20. At this point, the operator preferably connects the first end 15 of the rail assembly 10 to the aircraft by means of a corresponding fastening device or fixture to ensure operational safety.

In addition, as shown, the second end 16 of the track assembly 10 may be provided with a terminal roller 160, and the track assembly 10 may be moved over the ground by the terminal roller 160 in the first or deployed state.

In this way, a transfer path can be established between the ground and the passenger cabin of an aircraft, such as a passenger aircraft, by means of the rail assembly 10 and the stationary platform assembly 20, so that personnel, such as patients or disabled persons, or goods, such as stretchers or equipment, etc., are transferred from the ground into the passenger cabin or, conversely, from the passenger cabin onto the ground.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the components of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 are in a folded state and the fixed platform assembly 20 is not shown. As can be seen by comparing fig. 2 and 1, the boarding and disengagement device 100 can greatly reduce the required storage space in the folded state.

Fig. 3-5 are perspective views of the track assembly 10 of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 from multiple angles, wherein the track assembly 10 is in a first state or unfolded state, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, in this first or deployed state, the plurality of pivotally attached rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14 are arranged in a straight line, forming a straight ladder rail assembly 10. Each rail section 11, 12, 13, 14 comprises pairs of rails arranged in parallel at both sides, and in this case, the same side rail of the pairs of rails of the plurality of rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14 is arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction rail extension direction, for example aligned in the longitudinal direction, so as to form a continuous through channel.

As shown and as a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rail assembly 10 may comprise two end rail sections 11, 14 and a plurality of intermediate rail sections, for example, two intermediate rail sections 12, 13 shown in the drawings, wherein the two end rail sections 11, 14 are capable of being pivoted inwardly via pivot shafts 11A, 13A, respectively, for example, by about 180 ° in order to fold inwardly into the connected intermediate rail sections 12, 13 and be accommodated in the interior space of the intermediate rail sections 12, 13. It can be seen that after such folding, the thickness and height of the rail assembly 10 are unchanged, while the length is reduced, e.g., by about half. At this point, the track assembly 10 may be said to be in a partially folded state.

It should be understood that while the embodiment shown in connection with the figures comprises two intermediate rail sections 12, 13, this embodiment is merely for the purpose of illustrating the inventive concept and that a person skilled in the art may envisage a remaining number of intermediate rail sections, such as 1, 3, 4, 5 or more, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention.

As a further preferred embodiment, the two intermediate rail sections 12, 13 can be folded together via a pivot axis 12A, for example, by pivoting approximately 180 °, on the basis of the two end rail sections 11, 14 being folded inwards into the two intermediate rail sections 12, 13, respectively. In this way, the plurality of rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14 can be fully stacked together, with their folded length being only approximately equal to the length of one of the sections, or approximately equal to 1/4 of the unfolded length, at which point the rail assembly 10 can be said to be in a second or folded state, or a fully folded state.

In an alternative embodiment, the two end rail sections 11, 14 are not folded inwardly into the two intermediate rail sections 12, 13, but the two intermediate rail sections 12, 13 are folded together directly via the pivot shaft 12A, so that the folded length is only approximately equal to the length of the two sections thereof, in which case the rail assembly 10 may also be referred to as being in a partially folded state.

The boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 comprising such a foldable track assembly 10 may also be referred to herein as a foldable boarding and disembarking apparatus, such as partially or fully foldable.

When the rail assembly 10 is in the above-described first state, partially folded state, or second state, the rail assembly 10 can be held in this state by a stopper or a click structure such as the stopper pins 11P, 12P, 13P, ensuring safety and stability of operation, and also facilitating storage or movement. The stopper pins 11P, 12P, 13P may be disposed near the pivot shafts 11A, 12A, 13A, respectively, for example, to facilitate a locking or latching operation.

It should be appreciated that the plurality of rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14 of the rail assembly 10 can be detachably coupled such that the rail assembly 10 can be assembled from any number of the plurality of rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14, such as 1,2, 3, or 4 sections coupled together to form rail assemblies 10 of different lengths. For example, two adjacent rail sections of rail assembly 10 may be mechanically connected together via an attachment structure such as a flange or hole, and fasteners such as bolts, nuts, or the like, and may be removed or attached as needed to obtain a desired connection length.

While 4 track sections are shown in the embodiment illustrated in connection with the figures, it should be understood that this number is merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and that in alternative embodiments, any number of track sections may be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 6-7 are schematic perspective views of a portion of the rail assembly 10 of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100, respectively, in which the rail assembly 10 is in a deployed state, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 6-7 and referring to fig. 3-5, the end rail section 11 may include outwardly open pairs of outboard rails 11B, 11C disposed at opposite outboard sides, and the end rail section 14 may include outwardly open pairs of outboard rails 14B, 14C disposed at opposite outboard sides. While the intermediate rail section 12 may comprise inwardly open pairs of inner rails 12B, 12C provided at opposite inner sides, and the intermediate rail section 13 comprises inwardly open pairs of inner rails 13B, 13C provided at opposite inner sides. Wherein on one side of the rail assembly 10, the pair of outer rails 11B, 14B and the pair of inner rails 12B, 13B are arranged in succession along the rail extension direction, for example, may be aligned along the rail extension direction to form a through passage on that side; while on the other side of the rail assembly 10, the pair of outer rails 11C, 14C are aligned with the pair of inner rails 12C, 13C in the longitudinal direction to form a through passage on that side.

It will be appreciated that the term "through passage" as used herein is a guide structure formed on the rail that may extend therethrough from near the first end to near the second end of the rail assembly and may be in the form of a U-shaped guide slot shown in the drawings that opens laterally so as to have a constraining structure in at least three directions. In alternative embodiments, not shown, the through-going channel may also be in the form of a guiding groove or guiding rail having other types of cross-sections, as long as it has the desired guiding and restraining function.

As shown in detail in fig. 7, and as a preferred embodiment, at the transition region of adjacent rail sections (e.g. the connection region of two rail sections), one or both rail sections have an extension that extends towards the adjacent rail section. For example, one or more of the outer rails may present a guiding overlap region with an adjacent one or more of the inner rails at a transition region in order to enhance the structural strength of the through-channel at the transition region and enable a smoother through-channel to be formed.

In addition, the extension between adjacent inboard and outboard tracks is shown in the drawings, and in other embodiments, similar extensions may also exist between adjacent outboard and outboard tracks, as well as inboard and inboard tracks.

It is particularly worth mentioning that the structure of the present invention for folding one rail section (e.g. end rail section) into another rail section (e.g. intermediate rail section) allows in particular the presence of such an extension, since it avoids interference between the extension, which may be present in the rail assembly when folded, and the adjacent rail section.

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and as shown, the pivot shafts 11A, 12A, 13A are arranged between adjacent rail sections of the rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14, respectively, e.g. the pivot shaft 11A is arranged between the rail sections 11, 12, the pivot shaft 12A is arranged between the rail sections 12, 13, and the pivot shaft 13A is arranged between the rail sections 13, 14.

The stop pins 11P, 12P, 13P are arranged close to the pivot shafts 11A, 12A, 13A, respectively, and each rail section can be locked in the current state by operating the stop pins 11P, 12P, 13P when the rail assembly is in the unfolded state or the folded state.

Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of the track assembly 10 of the boarding and disengagement device 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the track assembly 10 is in a second or collapsed state.

As shown and as a non-limiting example of the invention, one of the intermediate rail sections 12, 13 of the rail assembly 10 is provided with an intermediate roller 121 at the end remote from the pivot axis 12A, for example two rollers 121 at one end of the intermediate rail section 12, with which rollers 121 the rail assembly 10 can be moved to a desired position when the rail assembly 10 is in the folded state.

Additionally or alternatively and as shown in fig. 8, lateral rollers 122, 131 may also be provided on the sides of the intermediate rail sections 12, 13 of the rail assembly 10, respectively, as shown in fig. 8, the intermediate rail sections 12, 13 being provided with two lateral rollers 122, 131, respectively, which 4 lateral rollers may be used to assist in moving the rail assembly 10 to a desired position when the rail assembly 10 is in the folded state.

It should be appreciated that other numbers of rollers 121 or lateral rollers 122, 131 may be envisaged by those skilled in the art and may be otherwise disposed on the track assembly 10 to facilitate movement of the track assembly 10.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the stationary platform assembly 20 of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

As an example, the stationary platform assembly 20 may be secured in the passenger compartment of the aircraft by a removable mechanical connection or may be secured near the door for carrying and securing the actuation device 40 and as a carrying and attachment structure for the rail assembly 10 on the aircraft.

The fixed platform assembly 20 may be secured to the aircraft door by, for example, removable mechanical connectors such as bolts, pins, etc., in a manner that is adaptable to the aircraft door perimeter configuration. As shown in fig. 9, the first end 15 of the rail assembly 10 may be provided with a crank pivot shaft 151, a crank 152, and a limit link 153, the limit link 153 pivoting about the crank pivot shaft 151 via the crank 152. Depending on the aircraft door ground clearance, the crank 152 may be rotated through different angles until the limit link 153 enters the catch 21 of the stationary platform assembly 20.

Additionally or alternatively, the second end 16 of the rail assembly 10 is in contact with the ground via the end roller 160, and when the aircraft door ground clearance varies, the rail assembly 10 can be moved by the end roller 160 on the one hand, and the limit link 153 can also pivot in the catch 21 on the other hand, so that the angle formed by the rail assembly 10 and the ground varies accordingly, thereby achieving the adaptability of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to the present invention at different aircraft door ground clearance heights.

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 also includes an elevating platform assembly 30.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the lift platform assembly 30 of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lift platform assembly 30 is in a deployed state mounted on the guideway assembly 10.

As shown, the elevating platform assembly 30 may include a bearing portion 31 and a guide portion 32. As previously described, the carrier 31 may be used to carry personnel or cargo, while the guide 32 can be fitted in the guide rail to move along the through passage, for example from the ground to the hatch or from the hatch to the ground.

The elevating platform assembly 30 may be driven to move along the through-channel by the actuator 40. By way of example, the actuator 40 is fixed to the fixed platform assembly 20 and includes an actuator and a transmission attached between the actuator and the lift platform assembly 30. The actuator may be, for example, an actuator such as an electric motor, and the transmission may be a rope 401, a chain, or the like. In embodiments where the transmission is a rope, the rope 401 may be a steel rope, and the rope 401 may extend through an opening 22 in the stationary platform assembly 20, which opening 22 may be, for example, an oval hole. For example, one end of the rope 401 may be attached to an actuator, such as via a gear assembly or winch or the like, while the other end is attached to the lift platform assembly 30 to transfer the actuation force or motion generated by the actuator to the lift platform assembly 30. In this way, the lift platform assembly 30 is lifted or lowered along the rail assembly 10 via actuators via the transmission and can be used to place and position personnel or equipment to effect transport of stretcher, sick and wounded thereon and equipment between the ground and the aircraft cabin.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the lift platform assembly 30 of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lift platform assembly 30 is in a deployed state not mounted on the guideway assembly 10.

As shown in fig. 11, the elevating platform assembly 30 according to the present invention includes a frame 301, a bearing 31, and a guide 32, wherein the frame 301 supports and connects the bearing 31 and the guide 32.

According to the present invention, the elevating platform assembly 30 is foldable such that the elevating platform assembly 30 can be switched between a folded state in which the bearing portion 31 and the guide portion 32 are close, and a use state in which the bearing portion 31 and the guide portion 32 are away from each other and the bearing surface 310 of the bearing portion 31 is at a predetermined angle to the ground (e.g., substantially perpendicular or parallel to the ground).

As a non-limiting example, the guide 32 may include 4 sets of guide wheel sets 321, 322, 323, 324, which are symmetrically arranged on the elevating platform assembly 30 along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the rail assembly 10, for example, symmetrically arranged in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, respectively.

As shown, the guide wheel sets 321, 322, 323, 324 may include a first set of guide wheels 321A, 322A, 323A, 324A, a second set of guide wheels 321B, 322B, 323B, 324B, and a third set of guide wheels 321C, 322C, 323C, 324C. As a non-limiting example, the first set of guide wheels may be, for example, inboard guide wheels, the second set of guide wheels may be, for example, outboard guide wheels, and the third set of guide wheels may be, for example, lateral guide wheels.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, each of the first set of guide wheels 321A, 322A, 323A, 324A may include 3 wheels that engage the outboard guide rails 11B, 11C of the guide rail assembly 10; 14B, 14C; while each of the second set of guide wheels 321B, 322B, 323B, 324B also includes 3 wheels that engage the inner side rails 12B, 12C of the rail assembly 10; 13B, 13C. Each of the third set of guiding wheels 321C, 322C, 323C, 324C comprises 4 wheels arranged symmetrically two by two for guiding the lifting platform assembly 30 against the side walls of the through channel. Preferably, each wheel mates with the dimensions of a through channel formed in the rail assembly 10 so as to slide smoothly therealong.

In addition, according to the preferred embodiment, to ensure the connection strength of the rail assembly 10, particularly the joint strength at the pivot shafts 11A, 12A, 13A, so that the rail assembly 10 can maintain its ability to function properly under a specific weight, the connection structure associated with these pivot shafts may be made of stainless steel material, and locally increase the material thickness, improve its strength properties, and may allow adjacent rail sections to overlap at the connection.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the upper two sets of guide wheel sets 321, 322 are fitted in the inner guide rails 12B, 12C of the guide rail section 12 by means of the second sets of guide wheels 321B, 322B, while the lower two sets of guide wheel sets 323, 324 are fitted in the outer guide rails 11B, 11C of the guide rail section 11 by means of the first sets of guide wheels 323A, 324A. As the lifting platform assembly 30 moves up along the rail assembly 10, the lower two sets of guide wheel sets 323, 324 (first set of guide wheels 323A, 324A) will pass over the connection of the rail section 11 and rail section 12 and into the inner rails 12B, 12C of the rail section 12. During this transition, for example, the upper two of the second set of guide wheels 323B, 324B in the guide wheel sets 323, 324 first enter and engage into the inner guide rails 12B, 12C, and then the subsequent second set of guide wheels are all entered into the inner guide rails 12B, 12C, and accordingly, the first set of guide wheels 323A, 324A will gradually disengage from the outer guide rails 11B, 11C.

This engagement process can be repeated similarly when the guide wheel sets 321, 322, 323, 324 transition from the rail section 13 to the rail section 14, i.e. the upper guide wheel sets 321, 322 disengage from the inner rails 13B, 13C of the rail section 13 and gradually engage into the outer rails 14B, 14C of the rail section 14.

The arrangement of such inner and outer rails of the rail assembly 10 enables the rail sections 11, 12, 13, 14 to be combined in any way without affecting the guiding of the lifting platform assembly 30 by the rail assembly 10, improving the flexibility of the assembly of the rail assembly 10.

The folding and unfolding of the elevating platform assembly 30 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 11 and 12.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the lift platform assembly 30 of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lift platform assembly 30 is in a folded state not mounted on the rail assembly 10.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the elevating platform assembly 30 may further include a folding hinge 33 about which the bearing part 31 and the guide part 32 can pivot with respect to each other so as to be foldable or unfoldable.

In addition, the elevating platform assembly 30 further includes a link shaft 34, a link 35, a lateral stabilizing link 36, a folding stop pin 37A, a folding stop pin bracket 37B, a stay 38A, and a stabilizing band plate 38B.

The bearing portion 31 and the guide portion 32 of the elevating platform assembly 30 are mechanically connected as a unit by a folding rotation shaft 33, a link rotation shaft 34, a link 35, a lateral stabilizing link 36, a folding stop pin 37A, a folding stop pin bracket 37B, a stay 38A, and a stabilizing band plate 38B, for example, via fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and the like, and can be maintained in a folded state or an unfolded state.

As shown, 2 links 35 are attached between the 4 sets of guide wheel sets and are pivotable about folding swivel axes 33 relative to the carrier 31 to fold or unfold the lift platform assembly 30, with laterally stabilizing links 36 attached to the 2 links 35 in intermediate positions to enhance the structural strength of the links 35.

Similarly, one end of the stay 38A can pivot about the link rotation shaft 34, and the other end can be guided to move on the frame 301 along the length direction of the frame 301 and selectively locked with respect to the frame 301, for example, by means of the fold stop pin 37A. A stabilizing band plate 38B may be attached between the 2 struts 38A to enhance the structural strength of the struts 38A.

As a non-limiting example, in the deployed or working state, the guide wheel sets 321, 322, 323, 324 cooperate with the rails of the rail assembly 10 such that the guide wheel sets remain parallel to the rail assembly 10 and such that the bearing surface 310 of the bearing 31 is at a desired angle to the ground, e.g., may be substantially parallel to the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing surface 310 may also include a retaining mechanism for retaining or locking equipment or personnel transported thereon.

When it is desired to install the lift platform assembly 30, the lock of the locking strut 38A is released by operating the fold stop pin 37A, and the strut 38A and the link 35 are allowed to perform a pivotal movement. At this time, the frame 301, the carrying portion 31 and other mechanically connected components thereof are rotatable about the folding rotation shaft 33 relative to the guide portion 32, and at the same time, the stay 38A and the stabilizing band plate 38B and other mechanically connected components thereof are rotated about the link rotation shaft 34 by respective angles under the restriction of the rotation angle of the frame 301.

Depending on the height of the aircraft door from the ground, the frame 301 can be rotated to a corresponding angle such that the carrier 31 remains parallel to the ground or forms an angle, the stay 38A being again fixed into the fixing pin hole on the frame 301 by means of the fold stop pin 37A, so that a stable frame-like structure is formed, whereby an unfolded operating state is achieved, as is shown in detail in fig. 11.

When folding storage or movement is required after the use of the elevating platform assembly 30, likewise, the lock of the lock stay 38A can be released by operating the folding stopper pin 37A. At this time, the frame 301 and the carrying portion 31 can rotate about the folding rotation shaft 33 toward the guide portion 32. At the same time, the stay 38A and the stabilizing band plate 38B are rotated about the link rotation shaft 34 toward the guide portion 32, so that the frame 301, the bearing portion 31, the link 35, and the stay 38A are folded close together. When a predetermined position (limit position) is selected, the folding stopper pin holder 37B is locked to the frame 301 by the folding stopper pin 37A, and the elevating platform assembly 30 is maintained in a folded state. Preferably, the rotation angle of the frame 301 may be manually controlled, and the rotation angle of the stay 38A may follow the rotation angle of the frame 301, for example, slide along a rail not shown on the frame 301.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 being provided with an auxiliary support assembly 50 in which the components of the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 are in an unfolded state.

As shown in fig. 13, the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 is in a unfolded state, the end roller 160 is in contact with the ground, and the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 is maintained at an angle to the ground.

As a non-limiting example, the auxiliary support assembly 50 may be disposed at the second end 16 of the rail assembly 10 and form a stable triangular support structure with the rail section 11 of the rail assembly 10 to maintain the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 in the unfolded state such that little or no additional auxiliary support is required to maintain the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100 upright on the ground.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the boarding pass device 100 shown in fig. 13.

As shown and as a non-limiting example, the auxiliary support assembly 50 may include a first strut 51, a second strut 52, a strut pivot shaft 53 coupled between the first strut 51 and the second strut 52, and a resilient support 54. The first stay 51 is pivotable relative to the second stay 52 about a stay pivot axis 53. As shown, in the deployed state, the ground roller 510 of the auxiliary support assembly 50 is in contact with the ground, while the second strut 52 of the auxiliary support assembly 50 supports the rail assembly 10, e.g., attached to the pivot shaft 11A, and is pivotable about the pivot shaft 11A.

Preferably, a first end of the resilient support 54 may be pivotally attached to the second strut 52 and a second end of the resilient support 54 may be pivotally attached to the rail assembly 10, such as to the rail section 12. As a non-limiting example, the elastic support 54 may be a gas spring, for example, and always applies an elastic force to the second stay 52 in the initial state and the expanded state. It is also preferred that the resilient support 54 is adjustable so that the amount of resilient force applied to the second strut 52 can be set as desired.

When it is desired to deploy the boarding and disembarking apparatus 100, for example, a worker may first lift the track assembly 10 so that the end roller 160 remains in contact with the surface while the ground roller 510 is also in contact with the ground. During lifting of the rail assembly 10, the third locking pin 57 can be released, for example, the second stay 52 and the first stay 51 being turned about the pivot axis 11A towards the rail section 11 under the influence of the elastic support 54. The first locking pin 55 and the second locking pin 56 may then be released so that the first strut 51 is free to pivot about the strut pivot axis 53 relative to the second strut 52 until the ground roller 510 is supported to the ground so that the rail assembly 10 is lifted to a predetermined angle to the ground, which may be greater than the angle of the rail assembly 10 to the ground in an operational state, for example, so as not to cause accidental damage to the aircraft door or fuselage structure when the rail assembly 10 is attached to the fixed platform assembly 20.

In the initial stage of the rotation of the second stay 52 and the first stay 51 around the pivot shaft 11A, since the rotation force arm is rapidly elongated and the elastic force of the elastic support 54 is less attenuated, the auxiliary support assembly 50 can provide an obvious assistance effect, reduce the working difficulty and strength of the staff, and improve the efficiency and safety.

Under the action of the auxiliary supporting component 50, the guide rail component 10 can maintain a relatively stable unfolding posture on the ground, and a worker can push the guide rail component 10 to approach the aircraft for subsequent docking work with the aircraft.

When the rail assembly 10 is in the unfolded and operating state, the first locking pin 55 is in the locked state, and the second stay 52 and the first stay 51 are not rotatable relative to each other, at this time, the rail assembly 10 can maintain a stable angle with the ground under the action of the elastic support 54. By altering the pressure and parameters of the resilient support 54, the angle at which the rail assembly 10 is held to the ground can be adjusted so that the deployed attitude is at a greater angle to the ground than the operational attitude is to the ground in order to mate the rail assembly 10 to the fixed platform assembly 20 disposed at the aircraft door.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an off-boarding device 100 according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary supporting assembly 50 is in a folded state. As shown, the auxiliary support assembly 50 is foldable and folds inside the rail assembly 10 in the folded state. Preferably, the folding of the auxiliary support assembly 50 does not affect the folding function of the rail section 11 into the rail section 12.

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, after the rail assembly 10 has been mated to the fixed platform assembly 20, the first locking pin 55 may be operated, the lock between the second brace 52 and the first brace 51 may be released, the first brace 51 may be pivoted about the brace pivot axis 53 by an appropriate angle (e.g., 165 degrees to the outside) relative to the second brace 52 by a worker such that the first brace 51 is generally parallel to the second brace 52, and the second locking pin 56 may be operated such that the first brace 51 is locked in a folded state relative to the second brace 52. Additionally or alternatively, the first locking pin 55 may also be operated simultaneously to lock the first strut 51 in a folded state relative to the second strut 52.

The operation of the resilient support 54 can then be continued with the resilient support 54 in the retracted state, while the second stay 52 is pivoted towards the rail section 12 and into the interior of the rail section 12, after which the first stay 51, the second stay 52 and the resilient support 54 are locked in the folded state inside the rail section 12 by means of the third locking pin 57.

The terms "lateral/lateral direction", "axial/axially opposite direction" and "transverse/transverse direction" as used herein to indicate orientation or orientation and the terms "first", "second" etc. used to indicate sequence are only for better understanding of the inventive concept shown in the form of preferred embodiments by those of ordinary skill in the art and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all orders, orientations, or orientations are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one element/component/structure from another element/component/structure, and do not denote any particular order, order of operation, direction, or orientation unless otherwise indicated. For example, in alternative embodiments, "first strut" may be used to refer to "second strut" and "lateral/lateral direction" direction may alternatively refer to a "lateral/transverse direction" direction.

In summary, the log-off device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and achieves the intended objects.

While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Accordingly, the present invention may be variously modified and changed within the spirit of the claims, and all such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A track assembly (10) characterized in that the track assembly comprises a plurality of track sections (11, 12, 13, 14) pivotally attached such that the track assembly is switchable between a first state in which the plurality of track sections (11, 12, 13, 14) are in line and a second state in which the plurality of track sections (11, 12, 13, 14) are stacked together,

Wherein each rail section comprises pairs of rails arranged in parallel at both sides,

And wherein in the first state the same side guide rails of the pair of guide rails of the plurality of guide rail sections are arranged consecutively in the guide rail extension direction to form a through channel, wherein the guide rail assembly (10) comprises two end guide rail sections (11, 14) and a plurality of intermediate guide rail sections (12, 13), wherein the end guide rail sections (11, 14) are respectively foldable inwards into the connected intermediate guide rail sections (12, 13) via pivot shafts (11A, 13A) and are accommodated in the inner spaces of the intermediate guide rail sections (12, 13),

The end rail sections (11, 14) comprise outwardly open pairs of outer side rails (11B, 11C;14B, 14C) arranged at opposite outer sides, and the intermediate rail sections comprise inwardly open pairs of inner side rails (12B, 12C;13B, 13C) arranged at opposite inner sides, wherein on each side of the rail assembly (10) the pairs of outer side rails (11B, 11C;14B, 14C) are arranged in succession with the pairs of inner side rails (12B, 12C;13B, 13C) in a rail extension direction to form the through channel, wherein,

The intermediate rail sections (12, 13) can be folded together via a pivot shaft (12A).

2. The rail assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the rail assembly (10) comprises two intermediate rail sections (12, 13).

3. The rail assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rail segments (11, 12, 13, 14) are detachably coupled such that the rail assembly (10) may be assembled from any number of rail segments.

4. A rail assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the rail assembly (10) is provided with one or more rollers capable of carrying the rail assembly to assist the rail assembly in moving over the ground.

5. A boarding and disembarking device (100), characterized in that it comprises:

the rail assembly (10) of any one of claims 1-4, and

-A stationary platform assembly (20) attached to the aircraft, and-the rail assembly (10) is detachably attached to the stationary platform assembly (20).

6. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) of claim 5, wherein the boarding and disembarking apparatus further comprises:

Lifting platform assembly (30), comprising a carrier part (31) and a guide part (32), wherein the guide part (32) is capable of cooperating with the guide rail to move along the through channel.

7. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) according to claim 6, wherein the carrying portion (31) of the lifting platform assembly (30) is movably connected with the guiding portion (32) such that the carrying portion (31) and the guiding portion (32) can be folded together or unfolded with respect to each other.

8. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the guide (32) comprises a plurality of guide wheel sets (321, 322, 323, 324) correspondingly arranged on the elevating platform assembly (30) on both sides of the guide rail assembly (10) along the guide rail extending direction.

9. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) of claim 8, wherein the plurality of guide wheel sets (321, 322, 323, 324) comprises a first set of guide wheels (321A, 322A, 323A, 324A) and a second set of guide wheels (321B, 322B, 323B, 324B), wherein the first set of guide wheels (321A, 322A, 323A, 324A) cooperate with an outer guide rail (11B, 11C;14B, 14C) of the guide rail assembly (10) and the second set of guide wheels (321B, 322B, 323B, 324B) cooperate with an inner guide rail (12B, 12C;13B, 13C) of the guide rail assembly (10).

10. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) of claim 9, wherein the plurality of guiding wheelsets (321, 322, 323, 324) further comprises a third set of guiding wheels (321C, 322C, 323C, 324C) guiding the lifting platform assembly (30) against a sidewall of the through channel.

11. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) of claim 6, wherein the boarding and disembarking apparatus further comprises:

And the actuating device (40) is fixed on the fixed platform assembly (20) and drives the lifting platform assembly (30) to reciprocate along the guide rail assembly (10).

12. The boarding and disengagement device (100) of claim 11, wherein the actuation device (40) comprises an actuator and a transmission attached between the actuator and the lifting platform assembly (30).

13. The boarding and disengagement device (100) of claim 11, characterized in that the fixed platform assembly (20) comprises a catch (21), while the first end (15) of the guide rail assembly (10) is provided with a crank pivot shaft (151), a crank (152) and a limit link (153), the limit link (153) being pivoted about the crank pivot shaft (151) via the crank (152) to catch into the catch (21).

14. The boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the boarding and disembarking apparatus (100) further comprises an auxiliary support assembly (50) provided at the second end (16) of the guide rail assembly (10), wherein the auxiliary support assembly (50) comprises a first stay (51), a second stay (52) and a stay pivot shaft (53), the first stay (51) bearing against the ground, and the second stay (52) supporting the guide rail assembly (10).

15. The boarding and disengagement device (100) of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary support assembly (50) comprises a resilient support (54), a first end of the resilient support (54) being pivotally attached to the second strut (52), a second end of the resilient support (54) being pivotally attached to the rail assembly (10).

16. The boarding and disengagement device (100) of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary support assembly (50) is foldable and folds inside the guide rail assembly (10) in the folded state.