EP2763900A1 - Seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway - Google Patents

Seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway

Info

Publication number
EP2763900A1
EP2763900A1 EP12726645.0A EP12726645A EP2763900A1 EP 2763900 A1 EP2763900 A1 EP 2763900A1 EP 12726645 A EP12726645 A EP 12726645A EP 2763900 A1 EP2763900 A1 EP 2763900A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
point
fixed
seal
proximal
traction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12726645.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Manuel Uroz Morales
Oriol SAUQUET LLONCH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Anortec SL
Original Assignee
Anortec SL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Anortec SL filed Critical Anortec SL
Publication of EP2763900A1 publication Critical patent/EP2763900A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/30—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations for embarking or disembarking passengers
    • B64F1/305—Bridges extending between terminal building and aircraft, e.g. telescopic, vertically adjustable

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway comprising a bellows arranged on a generally extendable passing platform and a driving device for moving the bellows between a collapsed position and a deployed position.
  • the bellows has a proximal end connected to a gantry frame fixed to the boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed.
  • Document EP-1582459-B1 discloses a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateways comprising a bellows arranged on a passing platform wherein said bellows has a proximal end connected to a gantry frame fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed.
  • the seal includes a driving device comprising a shaft fixed in relation with said gantry frame and rotated by driving means, wherein said shaft winds and unwinds a traction element connected to said flexible frame and a pair of articulated arms spaced from one another.
  • each articulated arm has a proximal member and a distal member connected to said proximal member by an intermediate articulation.
  • the proximal member is connected to the gantry frame by a proximal articulation and the distal member is connected to the flexible frame by a distal articulation.
  • first piston and cylinder unit which has an end connected in an articulated manner to the proximal member and another end connected in an articulated manner to the gantry frame for extending the proximal member in relation with the gantry frame
  • second piston and cylinder unit which has an end connected in an articulated manner to the distal member and another end connected in an articulated manner to the proximal member for extending the distal member in relation with the proximal member.
  • the piston and cylinder units can be pressurized gas springs or telescopic spring rods.
  • the present invention relates to a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway comprising, as is known:
  • a bellows arranged on a passing platform, said bellows having a proximal end connected to a gantry frame fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed; a shaft fixed in relation with said gantry frame and rotated by driving means allowing said shaft to wind and unwind a traction element connected to said flexible frame;
  • each articulated arm having a proximal member and a distal member connected to said proximal member by an intermediate articulation, the proximal member being connected to the gantry frame by a proximal articulation and said distal member being connected to the flexible frame by a distal articulation;
  • extension means for extending the proximal member in relation with the gantry frame and for extending the distal member in relation with the proximal member.
  • the extension means of the seal proposed by the present invention characteristically comprise: a first traction device operatively connected for pulling a first point fixed with respect to the gantry frame towards a second point fixed with respect to the proximal member, or vice versa, said first and second points being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said first traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the proximal member in relation with the gantry frame; and
  • a second traction device operatively connected for pulling a third point fixed with respect to the proximal member towards a fourth point fixed with respect to the distal member, or vice versa, said third and fourth points being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said second traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the distal member in relation with the proximal member.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention in a deployed position;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the seal of Figure 1 in a collapsed position
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged view of detail III of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged view of detail IV of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to another embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position;
  • Figure 7 is a cross-section view of an articulated arm belonging to a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to another embodiment of the present invention in an extended position and with two enlarged details;
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of the articulated arm of Figure 7 in a retracted position.
  • the seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway proposed by the present invention comprises:
  • bellows 1 arranged on a passing platform 2, said bellows 1 having a proximal end connected to a gantry frame 3 fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame 4 provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows 1 is deployed;
  • each articulated arm having 7 a proximal member 8 and a distal member 9 connected to said proximal member 8 by an intermediate articulation 11 , the proximal member 8 being connected to the gantry frame 3 by a proximal articulation 10 and said distal member 9 being connected to the flexible frame 4 by a distal articulation 12; and
  • extension means for extending the proximal member 8 in relation with the gantry frame 3 and extension means for extending the distal member 9 in relation with the proximal member 8, wherein said extension means comprise:
  • a first traction device operatively connected for pulling a first point 14 fixed with respect to the gantry frame 3 towards a second point 15 fixed with respect to the proximal member 8, or vice versa, said first and second points 14, 15 being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said first traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the proximal member 8 in relation with the gantry frame 3;
  • a second traction device operatively connected for pulling a third point 17 fixed with respect to the proximal member 8 towards a fourth point 18 fixed with respect to the distal member 9, or vice versa, said third and fourth points 17, 18 being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said second traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the distal member 9 in relation with the proximal member 8.
  • said first and second traction devices comprise respective first and second flexible traction members 13, 16 provided with respective first ends connected to said first and fourth points 14, 18, respectively, respective intermediate portions resting on said second and third points 15, 17, respectively, and respective second ends connected to opposite ends of a common elastic traction member 20, in this case in the form of a helical tension spring.
  • the first point 14 is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3, and the first end of the first flexible traction member 13 is fixed to said first anchoring pin.
  • the second point 15 is provided by a first guide element fixed to the proximal member 8, and said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member 13 rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element.
  • the fourth point 18 is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the distal member 9, and said first end of the second flexible traction member 16 is fixed to said second anchoring pin.
  • Said Figure 4 also shows how, for the embodiment illustrated therein, the third point 17 is provided by a pulley 17a installed on a shaft of the intermediate articulation 11, and the intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests on said pulley 17a.
  • said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests in a sliding manner on a second guide element 19 fixed to the proximal member 8.
  • the first traction device comprises a first flexible traction member 13 provided with a first end connected to the first point 14, an intermediate portion resting on the second point 15 and a second end connected to a first elastic traction member 20a, in this case a helical tension spring.
  • the first point 14 is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3, and the second point 15 is provided by a first guide element fixed to the proximal member 8, the first end of the first flexible traction member 13 being fixed to said first anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member 13 rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element, and said first elastic traction member 20a is connected to an anchoring element 23 fixed to the proximal member 8.
  • the first point 14 is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in the proximal member 8
  • the second point 15 is provided by a first guide element fixed to the gantry frame 3
  • the first end of the first flexible traction member 13 being fixed to the first anchoring pin
  • said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member 13 rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element
  • said first elastic traction member 20a is connected to an anchoring element 24 fixed to the gantry frame 3.
  • the second traction device comprises a second flexible traction member 16 provided with a first end connected to the fourth point 18, an intermediate portion resting on said third point 17 and a second end connected to a second elastic traction member 20b, such as a helical tension spring.
  • the fourth point 18 is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the distal member 9, and the third point 17 is provided by a pulley 17a installed on a shaft of said intermediate articulation 11, the first end of the second flexible traction member 16 being fixed to the second anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests on said pulley 17a, and said second elastic traction member 20b is connected to an anchoring element 23 fixed to the proximal member 8.
  • the fourth point 18 is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the proximal member 8 and the third point 17 is provided by a pulley 17a installed on a shaft of the intermediate articulation 11, the first end of the second flexible traction member 16 being fixed to the second anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests on said pulley 17a, and said second elastic traction member 20b is connected to an anchoring element 25 fixed to the distal member 9.
  • the extension means comprise adjustment means for varying the position of the first point 14, either by acting on the first anchoring pin, for the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, or on the first guide element, for the embodiment of Figure 6, and thereby adjusting a distance between the first point 14 and the proximal articulation 10.
  • said adjustment means comprise an elongated hole 26 formed in the support 21 and fixing means for fixing the first anchoring pin in a selected point of the elongated hole 26.
  • the first guide element is installed in a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3, and said adjustment means comprise an elongated hole 26 formed in the support 21 and fixing means for fixing the first guide element in a selected point of the elongated hole 26.
  • the second anchoring pin providing the fourth point 18 is installed in an arm or lobe 22 fixed to the distal member 9.
  • the common elastic traction member 20, in reference to Figure 1, and the first elastic traction member 20a and the second elastic traction member 20b, in reference to Figure 5, are housed in a housing of the proximal member 8.
  • the second traction member 20b is housed in a housing of the distal member 9, and the first traction member 20a runs along part of one of the vertical profiles or columns of the gantry frame 3, on the outside or inside thereof.
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an articulated arm 7 belonging to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the articulated arm described above in relation with Figures 1 to 4 and comprises a proximal member 8 and a distal member 9 connected to one another by an intermediate articulation 11.
  • the proximal member 8 is connected by a proximal articulation 10 to a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3 (not shown in Figures 7 and 8) and the distal member 9 is connected by a distal articulation 12 to the flexible frame 4 (not shown in Figures 7 and 8).
  • an elastic traction member 20 connected by its ends to first and second flexible traction members 13, 16 which are in turn connected to the first and fourth points 14, 18 fixed with respect to the support 21 and to the distal member 9, respectively, and resting on second and third points 15, 17 fixed with respect to the proximal member 8.
  • the second flexible traction member 16 also rests on an additional guide element 19 fixed to the proximal member 8. Therefore, the traction force of the elastic traction element 20 pushes the articulated arm 7 towards an extended position.
  • the elastic traction member 20 comprises three helical tension springs 27, 28, 29 of different diameters located coaxially inside one another.
  • the inner spring 27 has the smallest wire diameter
  • the intermediate spring 28 has the medium wire diameter
  • the outer spring 29 has the largest wire diameter.
  • This elastic traction member 20 formed by several coaxial helical springs provides a greater traction force with a smaller lengthening for a total given length.
  • Each of the three springs 27, 28, 29 has a respective hook at each of their ends, such that the three hooks of the first ends of the three springs 27, 28, 29 are secured in a loop formed in the second end of the first flexible traction members 13 and the three hooks of the second ends of the three springs 27, 28, 29 are secured in a loop formed in the second end of the second flexible traction member 16.
  • said first 13 and second 16 flexible traction members are selected from a group comprising a belt, a cable and a chain, among others.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Ladders (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
  • Steps, Ramps, And Handrails (AREA)

Abstract

The seal comprises a bellows (1) arranged on a passing platform (2), with a proximal end connected to a gantry frame (3) and a distal end connected to a flexible frame (4) provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed, a pair of articulated arms (7), each of them with a proximal member (8) connected to the gantry frame (3) by a proximal articulation (10) and a distal member (9) connected to the flexible frame (4) by a distal articulation (12), and connected to one another by an intermediate articulation (11), and extension means comprising a first and a second traction device generating respective torques which tend to extend the proximal member (8) in relation with the gantry frame (3) and the distal member (9) in relation with the proximal member (8), respectively.

Description

SEAL FOR AN AIRCRAFT BOARDING STAIRS OR GATEWAY
Field of the Art
The present invention relates to a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway comprising a bellows arranged on a generally extendable passing platform and a driving device for moving the bellows between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The bellows has a proximal end connected to a gantry frame fixed to the boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed.
Background of the Invention
Document EP-1582459-B1 discloses a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateways comprising a bellows arranged on a passing platform wherein said bellows has a proximal end connected to a gantry frame fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed. The seal includes a driving device comprising a shaft fixed in relation with said gantry frame and rotated by driving means, wherein said shaft winds and unwinds a traction element connected to said flexible frame and a pair of articulated arms spaced from one another.
In the mentioned document EP-1582459-B1, each articulated arm has a proximal member and a distal member connected to said proximal member by an intermediate articulation. The proximal member is connected to the gantry frame by a proximal articulation and the distal member is connected to the flexible frame by a distal articulation. It uses a first piston and cylinder unit which has an end connected in an articulated manner to the proximal member and another end connected in an articulated manner to the gantry frame for extending the proximal member in relation with the gantry frame, and it uses a second piston and cylinder unit which has an end connected in an articulated manner to the distal member and another end connected in an articulated manner to the proximal member for extending the distal member in relation with the proximal member. The piston and cylinder units can be pressurized gas springs or telescopic spring rods.
One drawback of the seal described in the mentioned document EP-1582459-B1 is that the piston and cylinder units are installed outside the proximal and distal members of the articulated arm to define triangulations which are necessary for the operation of the device, and therefore the piston and cylinder units occupy a relatively small space inside the seal and are exposed to blows and other damage.
Disclosure of the Invention
It appears to be necessary to offer an alternative to the state of the art covering the deficiencies found therein, particularly those relating to the extension means for extending the members of the articulated arms of the known seals.
For the purpose of providing such alternative, the present invention relates to a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway comprising, as is known:
a bellows arranged on a passing platform, said bellows having a proximal end connected to a gantry frame fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows is deployed; a shaft fixed in relation with said gantry frame and rotated by driving means allowing said shaft to wind and unwind a traction element connected to said flexible frame;
a pair of articulated arms spaced from one another, each articulated arm having a proximal member and a distal member connected to said proximal member by an intermediate articulation, the proximal member being connected to the gantry frame by a proximal articulation and said distal member being connected to the flexible frame by a distal articulation; and
extension means for extending the proximal member in relation with the gantry frame and for extending the distal member in relation with the proximal member.
Unlike the extension means of the known seals for aircraft boarding stairs or gateways, the extension means of the seal proposed by the present invention characteristically comprise: a first traction device operatively connected for pulling a first point fixed with respect to the gantry frame towards a second point fixed with respect to the proximal member, or vice versa, said first and second points being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said first traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the proximal member in relation with the gantry frame; and
a second traction device operatively connected for pulling a third point fixed with respect to the proximal member towards a fourth point fixed with respect to the distal member, or vice versa, said third and fourth points being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said second traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the distal member in relation with the proximal member.
Different embodiments of the seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateways proposed by the present invention are described in reference to the attached claims 2 to 19 and in a subsequent section relating to the detailed description of several embodiments.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The foregoing and other advantages and features will be better understood from the following detailed description of several embodiments in reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention in a deployed position;
Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the seal of Figure 1 in a collapsed position;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of detail III of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of detail IV of Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to another embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position;
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position;
Figure 7 is a cross-section view of an articulated arm belonging to a seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to another embodiment of the present invention in an extended position and with two enlarged details; and
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the articulated arm of Figure 7 in a retracted position.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
As seen in Figures 1 , 5 and 6, for different embodiments, the seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway proposed by the present invention comprises:
a bellows 1 arranged on a passing platform 2, said bellows 1 having a proximal end connected to a gantry frame 3 fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame 4 provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows 1 is deployed;
a shaft 5 fixed in relation with said gantry frame 3 and rotated by driving means, said shaft 5 allowing to wind and unwind a traction element 6 connected to said flexible frame 4; a pair of articulated arms 7 spaced from one another throughout the width of the gantry frame 3 (only one of such articulated arms 7 is seen in Figures 1, 5 and 6 due to the fact that, since they are side views, the other arm 7 is concealed by the one illustrated), each articulated arm having 7 a proximal member 8 and a distal member 9 connected to said proximal member 8 by an intermediate articulation 11 , the proximal member 8 being connected to the gantry frame 3 by a proximal articulation 10 and said distal member 9 being connected to the flexible frame 4 by a distal articulation 12; and
extension means for extending the proximal member 8 in relation with the gantry frame 3 and extension means for extending the distal member 9 in relation with the proximal member 8, wherein said extension means comprise:
a first traction device operatively connected for pulling a first point 14 fixed with respect to the gantry frame 3 towards a second point 15 fixed with respect to the proximal member 8, or vice versa, said first and second points 14, 15 being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said first traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the proximal member 8 in relation with the gantry frame 3; and
a second traction device operatively connected for pulling a third point 17 fixed with respect to the proximal member 8 towards a fourth point 18 fixed with respect to the distal member 9, or vice versa, said third and fourth points 17, 18 being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said second traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the distal member 9 in relation with the proximal member 8.
For the embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, said first and second traction devices comprise respective first and second flexible traction members 13, 16 provided with respective first ends connected to said first and fourth points 14, 18, respectively, respective intermediate portions resting on said second and third points 15, 17, respectively, and respective second ends connected to opposite ends of a common elastic traction member 20, in this case in the form of a helical tension spring.
As seen in Figure 3, corresponding to the enlarged detail III indicated in Figure 1, for the embodiment illustrated therein, the first point 14 is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3, and the first end of the first flexible traction member 13 is fixed to said first anchoring pin.
For the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the second point 15 is provided by a first guide element fixed to the proximal member 8, and said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member 13 rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element.
As seen in Figure 4, corresponding to the enlarged detail IV indicated in Figure 1 , for the embodiment illustrated therein, the fourth point 18 is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the distal member 9, and said first end of the second flexible traction member 16 is fixed to said second anchoring pin.
Said Figure 4 also shows how, for the embodiment illustrated therein, the third point 17 is provided by a pulley 17a installed on a shaft of the intermediate articulation 11, and the intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests on said pulley 17a.
According to the embodiment illustrated by Figure 4, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests in a sliding manner on a second guide element 19 fixed to the proximal member 8.
For the embodiments illustrated by Figures 5 and 6, the first traction device comprises a first flexible traction member 13 provided with a first end connected to the first point 14, an intermediate portion resting on the second point 15 and a second end connected to a first elastic traction member 20a, in this case a helical tension spring.
According to the embodiment illustrated by Figure 5, the first point 14 is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3, and the second point 15 is provided by a first guide element fixed to the proximal member 8, the first end of the first flexible traction member 13 being fixed to said first anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member 13 rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element, and said first elastic traction member 20a is connected to an anchoring element 23 fixed to the proximal member 8.
For the embodiment illustrated by Figure 6, the first point 14 is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in the proximal member 8, and the second point 15 is provided by a first guide element fixed to the gantry frame 3, the first end of the first flexible traction member 13 being fixed to the first anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member 13 rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element, and said first elastic traction member 20a is connected to an anchoring element 24 fixed to the gantry frame 3.
The embodiments illustrated by Figures 5 and 6 also have in common that, unlike the embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the second traction device comprises a second flexible traction member 16 provided with a first end connected to the fourth point 18, an intermediate portion resting on said third point 17 and a second end connected to a second elastic traction member 20b, such as a helical tension spring. According to the embodiment illustrated by Figure 5, the fourth point 18 is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the distal member 9, and the third point 17 is provided by a pulley 17a installed on a shaft of said intermediate articulation 11, the first end of the second flexible traction member 16 being fixed to the second anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests on said pulley 17a, and said second elastic traction member 20b is connected to an anchoring element 23 fixed to the proximal member 8.
For the embodiment illustrated by Figure 6, the fourth point 18 is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the proximal member 8, and the third point 17 is provided by a pulley 17a installed on a shaft of the intermediate articulation 11, the first end of the second flexible traction member 16 being fixed to the second anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member 16 rests on said pulley 17a, and said second elastic traction member 20b is connected to an anchoring element 25 fixed to the distal member 9.
According to one embodiment, the extension means comprise adjustment means for varying the position of the first point 14, either by acting on the first anchoring pin, for the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, or on the first guide element, for the embodiment of Figure 6, and thereby adjusting a distance between the first point 14 and the proximal articulation 10.
For the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5 which can be seen in greater detail in Figure 3, said adjustment means comprise an elongated hole 26 formed in the support 21 and fixing means for fixing the first anchoring pin in a selected point of the elongated hole 26.
Similarly, for the embodiment illustrated by Figure 6, the first guide element is installed in a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3, and said adjustment means comprise an elongated hole 26 formed in the support 21 and fixing means for fixing the first guide element in a selected point of the elongated hole 26.
According to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, the second anchoring pin providing the fourth point 18 is installed in an arm or lobe 22 fixed to the distal member 9.
In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5 the common elastic traction member 20, in reference to Figure 1, and the first elastic traction member 20a and the second elastic traction member 20b, in reference to Figure 5, are housed in a housing of the proximal member 8.
In contrast for the embodiment of Figure 6, the second traction member 20b is housed in a housing of the distal member 9, and the first traction member 20a runs along part of one of the vertical profiles or columns of the gantry frame 3, on the outside or inside thereof.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an articulated arm 7 belonging to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the articulated arm described above in relation with Figures 1 to 4 and comprises a proximal member 8 and a distal member 9 connected to one another by an intermediate articulation 11. The proximal member 8 is connected by a proximal articulation 10 to a support 21 fixed to the gantry frame 3 (not shown in Figures 7 and 8) and the distal member 9 is connected by a distal articulation 12 to the flexible frame 4 (not shown in Figures 7 and 8).
Inside the proximal portion 8 there is housed an elastic traction member 20 connected by its ends to first and second flexible traction members 13, 16 which are in turn connected to the first and fourth points 14, 18 fixed with respect to the support 21 and to the distal member 9, respectively, and resting on second and third points 15, 17 fixed with respect to the proximal member 8. The second flexible traction member 16 also rests on an additional guide element 19 fixed to the proximal member 8. Therefore, the traction force of the elastic traction element 20 pushes the articulated arm 7 towards an extended position.
As better shown by the two enlarged details of Figure 7, in this embodiment the elastic traction member 20 comprises three helical tension springs 27, 28, 29 of different diameters located coaxially inside one another. The inner spring 27 has the smallest wire diameter, the intermediate spring 28 has the medium wire diameter and the outer spring 29 has the largest wire diameter. This elastic traction member 20 formed by several coaxial helical springs provides a greater traction force with a smaller lengthening for a total given length.
Each of the three springs 27, 28, 29 has a respective hook at each of their ends, such that the three hooks of the first ends of the three springs 27, 28, 29 are secured in a loop formed in the second end of the first flexible traction members 13 and the three hooks of the second ends of the three springs 27, 28, 29 are secured in a loop formed in the second end of the second flexible traction member 16.
Depending on the embodiment, said first 13 and second 16 flexible traction members are selected from a group comprising a belt, a cable and a chain, among others.
A person skilled in the art could introduce changes and modifications in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the present invention as it is defined in the attached claims

Claims

1. - A seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway, comprising:
a bellows (1) arranged on a passing platform (2), said bellows (1) having a proximal end connected to a gantry frame (3) fixed to said boarding stairs or gateway and a distal end connected to a flexible frame (4) provided for resting on an outer surface of said aircraft when the bellows (1) is deployed;
a shaft (5) fixed in relation with said gantry frame (3) and rotated by driving means, said shaft (5) allowing to wind and unwind a traction element (6) connected to said flexible frame (4); a pair of articulated arms (7) spaced from one another, each articulated arm (7) having a proximal member (8) and a distal member (9) connected to said proximal member (8) by an intermediate articulation (11), the proximal member (8) being connected to the gantry frame (3) by a proximal articulation (10) and said distal member (9) being connected to the flexible frame (4) by a distal articulation (12);
extension means for extending the proximal member (8) in relation with the gantry frame
(3) and for extending the distal member (9) in relation with the proximal member (8),
characterized in that said extension means comprise:
a first traction device operatively connected for pulling a first point (14) fixed with respect to the gantry frame (3) towards a second point (15) fixed with respect to the proximal member (8), or vice versa, said first and second points (14, 15) being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said first traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the proximal member (8) in relation with the gantry frame (3); and
a second traction device operatively connected for pulling a third point (17) fixed with respect to the proximal member (8) towards a fourth point (18) fixed with respect to the distal member (9), or vice versa, said third and fourth points (17, 18) being positioned such that a traction force exerted by said second traction device creates a torque which tends to extend the distal member (9) in relation with the proximal member (8).
2. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second traction devices comprise respective first and second flexible traction members (13, 16) provided with respective first ends connected to said first and fourth points (14, 18), respectively, respective intermediate portions resting on said second and third points (15, 17), respectively, and respective second ends connected to opposite ends of a common elastic traction member (20).
3. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 2, characterized in that the first point (14) is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in a support (21) fixed to the gantry frame (3), and said first end of the first flexible traction member (13) is fixed to said first anchoring pin.
4. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second point (15) is provided by a first guide element fixed to the proximal member (8), and said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member (13) rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element.
5. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 2, characterized in that the fourth point (18) is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the distal member (9), and said first end of the second flexible traction member (16) is fixed to said second anchoring pin.
6. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that the third point (17) is provided by a pulley (17a) installed on a shaft of said intermediate articulation (11), and said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member (16) rests on said pulley (17a).
7.- The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 6, characterized in that said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member (16) rests in a sliding manner on a second guide element (19) fixed to the proximal member (8).
8. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 1, characterized in that the first traction device comprises a first flexible traction member (13) provided with a first end connected to said first point (14), an intermediate portion resting on said second point
(15) and a second end connected to a first elastic traction member (20a).
9. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 8, characterized in that the first point (14) is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in a support (21) fixed to the gantry frame (3), and the second point (15) is provided by a first guide element fixed to the proximal member (8), wherein said first end of the first flexible traction member (13) is fixed to said first anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member (13) rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element, and said first elastic traction member (20a) is connected to an anchoring element (23) fixed to the proximal member (8).
10. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 8, characterized in that the first point (14) is provided by a first anchoring pin installed in the proximal member (8), and the second point (15) is provided by a first guide element fixed to the gantry frame (3), wherein said first end of the first flexible traction member (13) is fixed to said first anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the first flexible traction member (13) rests in a sliding manner on said first guide element, and said first elastic traction member (20a) is connected to an anchoring element (24) fixed to the gantry frame (3).
1 1. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second traction device comprises a second flexible traction member (16) provided with a first end connected to said fourth point (18), an intermediate portion resting on said third point (17) and a second end connected to a second elastic traction member (20b).
12.- The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the fourth point (18) is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the distal member (9), and the third point (17) is provided by a pulley (17a) installed on a shaft of said intermediate articulation (1 1), wherein said first end of the second flexible traction member
(16) is fixed to said second anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member (16) rests on said pulley (17a), and said second elastic traction member (20b) is connected to an anchoring element (23) fixed to the proximal member (8).
13. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 11, characterized in that the fourth point (18) is provided by a second anchoring pin installed in the proximal member (8), and the third point (17) is provided by a pulley (17a) installed on a shaft of said intermediate articulation (11), wherein said first end of the second flexible traction member (16) is fixed to said second anchoring pin, said intermediate portion of the second flexible traction member (16) rests on said pulley (17a), and said second elastic traction member (20b) is connected to an anchoring element (25) fixed to the distal member (9).
14. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension means comprise adjustment means for varying the position of said first point (14) and thereby adjusting a distance between the first point (14) and the proximal articulation (10).
15. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 14 when it depends on claim 3 or 9, characterized in that said adjustment means comprise an elongated hole (26) formed in said support (21) and fixing means for fixing said first anchoring pin in a selected point of said elongated hole (26).
16. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 14 when it depends on claim 10, characterized in that said first guide element is installed in a support (21) fixed to the gantry frame (3), and in that said adjustment means comprise an elongated hole (26) formed in said support (21) and fixing means for fixing said first guide element in a selected point of said elongated hole (26).
17. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 5 or 12, characterized in that said second anchoring pin providing the fourth point (18) is installed in an arm (22) fixed to the distal member (9).
18.- The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to any one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that said common elastic traction member (20) and/or said first elastic traction member (20a) and/or said second elastic traction member (20b) is or are housed in a housing of the proximal member (8).
19. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to any one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that said first and second flexible traction members (13, 16) are selected from a group comprising a belt, a cable, and a chain, among others.
20. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that said common elastic traction member (20) and/or said first elastic traction member (20a) and/or said second elastic traction member (20b) is or are one or more helical tension springs.
21. - The seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway according to claim 2, characterized in that said common elastic traction member (20) comprises a plurality of helical springs (27, 28, 29) of different diameters arranged coaxially inside one another.
EP12726645.0A 2011-10-04 2012-05-18 Seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway Withdrawn EP2763900A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES201101076A ES2410908B1 (en) 2011-10-04 2011-10-04 GASKET FOR STAIRCASE OR AIRCRAFT ACCESS PASSENGER
PCT/IB2012/000973 WO2013050839A1 (en) 2011-10-04 2012-05-18 Seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2763900A1 true EP2763900A1 (en) 2014-08-13

Family

ID=46245598

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12726645.0A Withdrawn EP2763900A1 (en) 2011-10-04 2012-05-18 Seal for an aircraft boarding stairs or gateway

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2763900A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2410908B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013050839A1 (en)

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EP2803586B1 (en) * 2013-05-18 2015-11-25 Hübner GmbH & Co. KG Pivotable canopy of an aircraft boarding bridge or stairs
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2410908B1 (en) 2015-02-16
ES2410908R1 (en) 2013-08-27
WO2013050839A1 (en) 2013-04-11
ES2410908A2 (en) 2013-07-03

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