Wing, ground latching device and aircraft for an aircraft
By introducing a ground latching device into the foldable wing, independent of the actuation unit, the issues of actuation unit design complexity and position retention reliability are resolved, achieving the effect of simplified design and improved reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2019-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing actuation unit design for foldable wings is complex, and the foldable wingtip needs to be kept in the folded position when the aircraft is parked, which can easily lead to position failure due to actuation unit failure.
A ground latching device, independent of the actuation unit, is used to latch the foldable wingtip portion in the folded position when on the ground, reducing the design complexity of the actuation unit and achieving reliable position holding through the base components, latching elements, and latching motor.
The design of the actuation unit was simplified, reliability was improved, position failure due to actuation unit failure was avoided, and modifications to the existing wing were reduced.
Smart Images
Figure CN110539878B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to wings for aircraft, and more particularly to foldable wings comprising a fixed wing and foldable wingtip portions. Another aspect of the invention relates to a ground latching device for latching the foldable wingtip portion of an aircraft wing relative to the fixed wing in a folded position. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft comprising such a wing and / or such a ground latching device. Background Technology
[0002] This wing includes a fixed wing and a foldable wingtip portion. The fixed wing is mounted to the fuselage, and the foldable wingtip portion is mounted to the fixed wing via a hinge or articulation and is rotatable about a hinge axis between an extended position and a folded position. In the extended position, the foldable wingtip portion preferably extends as a continuous extension of the fixed wing in a plane common to it. In the folded position, the foldable wingtip portion extends upward or rearward to reduce the overall wingspan of the aircraft compared to the extended position. Specifically, when the foldable wingtip portion can be folded upward, the hinge axis extends in a horizontal plane and / or parallel to the chord line and / or parallel to the wing surface and / or in the direction of flight of the aircraft. Alternatively, when the foldable wingtip portion can be folded backward, the hinge axis extends in a vertical direction and / or in the wing depth direction and / or in a direction laterally or perpendicular to the wing surface.
[0003] Preferably, the wing also includes an actuation unit for actuating the foldable wingtip portion to move the foldable wingtip portion relative to the fixed wing about a hinge axis, i.e., moving it between an extended position and a folded position. The actuation unit can be formed in various ways, for example as a rack and pinion transmission, and the actuation unit can be mounted between the fixed wing and the foldable wingtip portion near the hinge axis.
[0004] Foldable wings were developed to reduce the space required for operating and parking aircraft on the ground. Once the aircraft lands, the foldable wingtips fold upwards or backwards, thus reducing the overall wingspan of the aircraft.
[0005] In the extended position, the foldable wingtip is typically secured by a separate stop. However, in the folded position, when the aircraft is on the ground, the foldable wingtip is typically held in place solely by an actuation unit. This means that the actuation unit needs to be designed not only to move the foldable wingtip but also to hold it in the correct position.
[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a wing with an actuation unit having reduced complexity. Summary of the Invention
[0007] This objective is achieved through a wing that includes a ground latching device to lock the foldable wingtip portion in the folded position when the aircraft is on the ground. In this way, the actuation unit does not need to hold the foldable wingtip portion in the folded position, thus reducing design complexity. Furthermore, a failure of the actuation unit will not cause the foldable wingtip portion to move out of the folded position.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the ground latching device and the flight latching device are formed separately and independently, the flight latching device being used to latch the foldable wingtip portion in the extended position. This separate ground latching device can be specifically designed for latching in the folded position and does not need to meet the requirement of latching in the extended position. Furthermore, the ground latching device and the actuation unit are formed separately and independently. This allows the ground latching device and the actuation unit to be actuated separately and independently, thereby reducing the complexity of both the actuation unit and the ground latching device.
[0009] According to another preferred embodiment, the ground latching device includes a base component, a latching element, and a latching motor. The base component is mounted to, i.e., fixedly connected to, a corresponding portion of the wing, preferably a fixed wing or folding wingtip portion near the hinge. The base component may also be mounted to the wing via other components. The latching element is mounted to the base component and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, in which the latching element prevents the folding wingtip portion from moving out of the folded position, and in the unlatched position, the latching element allows the folding wingtip portion to move out of the folded position. The latching motor is configured to drive the latching element to move the latching element between the latched and unlatched positions, and the latching motor is preferably an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. In this way, a particularly simple and reliable ground latching device is formed.
[0010] In particular, it is preferred that the latching element is mounted to the base component and is pivotable about a latching axis between a latched position and an unlocked position, wherein a latching motor drives the latching element to pivot about the latching axis between the latched and unlocked positions. Such a pivotable latching element is very simple, reliable, and space-saving. However, in other embodiments, it may also be equally preferred that the latching element move between the latched and unlocked positions in another manner, for example, by translational movement along or across the extension direction of the latching element, or by a curved path.
[0011] Preferably, the latching element has an elongated shape, which preferably extends perpendicularly to the latch axis from an inner end preferably located at the latch axis to an outer end preferably located away from the latch axis. This relates to a simple and effective form of the latching element.
[0012] Preferably, the latching element has a wedge-shaped cross-section when viewed in the direction extending through it, preferably from the inner end to the outer end. Preferably, the shape of this cross-section extends continuously from the inner end to the outer end along the extension of the latching element. In this way, a particularly effective latching element is formed that can be clamped between the fixed wing and the foldable wingtip portion.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, when the foldable wingtip portion moves into the folded position, in the latched position, a latching element extends in a recess or gap that opens between the foldable wingtip portion and a portion of the fixed wing below the hinge axis. In this recess, the latching element is clamped from opposite sides between a first clamping element 43 mounted to the fixed wing or a portion of the fixed wing and a second clamping element 45 mounted to the foldable wingtip portion or a portion of the foldable wingtip portion. In this way, the preferably wedge-shaped latching element is clamped between the first and second clamping elements and prevents their relative movement, thus preventing the foldable wingtip portion from moving out of the folded position. The foldable wingtip portion opposite the latching element preferably abuts against a stop provided on the fixed wing in the folded position, thereby clamping the foldable wingtip portion between the stop and the latching element.
[0014] Specifically, the first and second clamping elements preferably relate to corresponding lugs in a flight latching device for latching the foldable wingtip portion in the extended position. The lugs are generally formed to be aligned and typically receive latching bolts to latch the foldable wingtip portion in the extended position. When the lugs are aligned, they are located below the hinge axis relative to the wing thickness direction of the aircraft in its normal position on the ground. When the foldable wingtip portion is in the folded position, a gap-like recess is formed between the lugs of the fixed wing and the lugs of the foldable wingtip portion. Preferably, the latching elements are shaped to fit snugly into the recess. In this way, installing the ground latching device requires minimal modifications to the existing wing.
[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, in the latched position, the latching element extends parallel to the hinge axis. In this way, the latching element has a maximum effective surface area and is uniformly loaded by the clamping element.
[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the latch axis is perpendicular to the hinge axis. In this way, the latch element can be easily pivoted, allowing the latch element to extend parallel to the hinge axis.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to a ground latching device for latching a foldable wingtip portion of an aircraft wing relative to a fixed wing in a folded position, as in any of the foregoing embodiments of the wing. The features and effects described above in conjunction with the wing also apply to the ground latching device. In particular, the ground latching device includes a base component, a latching element, and a latching motor. The base component is mounted to the corresponding portion of the wing, i.e., the fixed wing or, preferably, the foldable wingtip portion near the hinge. The latching element is mounted to the base component and is pivotable about a latching axis between a latched position and an unlocked position, in which the latching element prevents the foldable wingtip portion from moving out of the folded position, and in the unlocked position, the latching element allows the foldable wingtip portion to move out of the folded position. The latching motor is configured to drive the latching element to move the latching element about the latching axis, and the latching motor is preferably an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. In this way, a particularly simple and reliable ground latching device is formed.
[0018] In particular, it is preferred that the latching element has a preferred elongated shape, which extends perpendicularly to the latching axis from an inner end located at the latching axis to an outer end away from the latching axis. It is also preferred that the latching element has a wedge-shaped cross-section when viewed across its extension direction from the inner end to the outer end. Preferably, the shape of this cross-section extends continuously along the extension of the latching element from the inner end to the outer end. In this way, a particularly effective latching element is formed that can be clamped between the fixed wing and the foldable wingtip portion.
[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft comprising a wing according to any of the above embodiments or a ground latching device according to any of the above embodiments. The features and effects described above in conjunction with the wing and the ground latching device also apply to this aircraft. Attached Figure Description
[0020] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the invention will be shown in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are shown below:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the ground latching unit at the wing of the aircraft, with the latching element in the unlocked position.
[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the ground latching unit, wherein the latching element is in the latched position, and
[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Different perspective views of the ground latch unit shown. Detailed Implementation
[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aircraft 1 includes a foldable wing 3, which includes a fixed wing 5 mounted to a fuselage 7 and a foldable wingtip portion 9 movably mounted to the fixed wing 5.
[0026] Figures 2 to 4 Showing more details Figure 1 The wing 3 of the aircraft 1 shown. The foldable wingtip portion 9 is mounted to the fixed wing 5 via a hinge 11 and is capable of extending to a position 15 about the hinge axis 13 (see...). Figure 2 ) and fold position 17 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The foldable wingtip portion 9 rotates between the fixed wing and the folded wing 5. In the extended position 15, the foldable wingtip portion 9 extends as a continuous extension of the fixed wing 5 in the same plane as the fixed wing 5. In the folded position 17, the foldable wingtip portion 9 extends upward to reduce the overall wingspan of the aircraft 1. The hinge axis 13 is parallel to the wing chord and extends in the flight direction of the aircraft 1. Furthermore, the wing 3 includes an actuation unit 19 for moving the foldable wingtip portion 9 about the hinge axis 13 relative to the fixed wing 5.
[0027] The wing 3 also includes a ground latching device 21 for latching the foldable wingtip portion 9 in the folded position 17. The ground latching device 21 is formed separately and independently from the flight latching device 23 for latching the foldable wingtip portion 9 in the extended position 15. Furthermore, the ground latching device 21 is formed separately and independently from the actuation unit 19.
[0028] The ground latching device 21 includes a base component 25, a latching element 27, and a latching motor 29. The base component 25 is mounted to the fixed wing 5 near the hinge axis 13. The latching element 27 is mounted to the base component 25 and is pivotable about the latching axis 31 between a latched position 33 and an unlocked position 35, in which the latching element 27 prevents the foldable wingtip portion 9 from moving out of the folded position 17, and in the unlocked position 35, the latching element 27 allows the foldable wingtip portion 9 to move out of the folded position 17. The latching motor 29 is configured to drive the latching element 27 to move about the latching axis 31.
[0029] The latching element 27 has an elongated shape extending from an inner end 37 at the latching axis 31 to an outer end 39 away from the latching axis 31, perpendicular to the latching axis 31. Furthermore, when viewed through the elongated extension of the latching element 27 from the inner end 37 to the outer end 39, the latching element 27 has a wedge-shaped cross-section. The ground latching device 21 is arranged such that the latching axis 31 is perpendicular to the hinge axis 13. In the latched position 33, the latching element 27 extends parallel to the hinge axis 13.
[0030] When the foldable wingtip portion 9 moves into the folded position 17, in the latched position 33, the latching element 27 extends within a recess 41 that opens between the foldable wingtip portion 9 and the fixed wing 5 below the hinge axis 13. In this recess 41, the latching element 27 is clamped from opposite sides between a first clamping element 43 mounted to the fixed wing 5 and a second clamping element 45 mounted to the foldable wingtip portion 9. In this embodiment, the first clamping element 43 and the second clamping element 45 relate to corresponding lugs 47 of the flight latching device 23 for latching the foldable wingtip portion 9 in the extended position 15. The lugs 47 are located below the hinge axis 13 relative to the wing thickness direction 49.
[0031] A wedge-shaped latching element 27 is held between the first clamping element 43 and the second clamping element 45, that is, between the corresponding lugs 47 of the fixed wing 5 and the foldable wing tip portion 9, and the latching element 27 prevents relative movement of the first clamping element and the second clamping element, thereby preventing the foldable wing tip portion 9 from moving out of the folded position 17. The shape of the latching element 27 is adapted to fit tightly into the recess 41.
Claims
1. A wing (3) for an aircraft (1), said wing (3) comprising Fixed-wing (5), and A foldable wingtip portion (9) is mounted to the fixed wing (5) via a hinge (11) and is rotatable about a hinge axis (13) parallel to the chord line of the fixed wing between an extended position (15) and an upwardly extended folded position (17). Its features are, The wing (3) includes a ground latching device (21) for latching the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the folded position (17). The ground latching device (21) includes: Base component (25), which is mounted to the wing (3). A latching element (27) is mounted to the base member (25) and is movable between a latched position (33) and an unlocked position (35), wherein, in the latched position (33), when the foldable wingtip portion (9) moves into the folded position (17), the latching element (27) extends in a recess (41) open between the foldable wingtip portion (9) and the fixed wing (5), and A latch motor (29) is used to drive the latch element (27) to move between the latched position (33) and the unlatched position (35).
2. The wing according to claim 1, wherein, The ground latching device (21) and the flight latching device (23) are formed separately and independently. The flight latching device (23) is used to latch the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the extended position (15). The ground latching device (21) and the actuation unit (19) are formed separately and independently. The actuation unit (19) is used to actuate the foldable wingtip portion (9) to move about the hinge axis (13).
3. The wing according to claim 1, wherein, The latching element (27) is mounted to the base component (25) and is pivotable about the latching axis (31) between the latched position (33) and the unlatched position (35), wherein the latching motor (29) drives the latching element (27) to pivot about the latching axis (31).
4. The wing according to claim 3, wherein, The latch element (27) has an elongated shape that extends perpendicularly to the latch axis (31) from the inner end (37) at the latch axis (31) to the outer end (39) away from the latch axis (31).
5. The wing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When viewed across the extension direction of the latching element (27), the latching element (27) has a wedge-shaped cross-section.
6. The wing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the latch position (33), the latch element (27) extends parallel to the hinge axis (13).
7. The wing according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein, The latch axis (31) is perpendicular to the hinge axis (13).
8. A wing (3) for an aircraft (1), said wing (3) comprising Fixed-wing (5), and A foldable wingtip portion (9) is mounted to the fixed wing (5) via a hinge (11) and is rotatable about the hinge axis (13) between an extended position (15) and a folded position (17). Its features are, The wing (3) includes a ground latching device (21) for latching the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the folded position (17). The ground latching device (21) includes a latching element (27). In the latched position (33), when the foldable wingtip portion (9) moves into the folded position (17), the latching element (27) extends in the recess (41) that is open between the foldable wingtip portion (9) and the fixed wing (5), and wherein the latching element (27) is clamped from opposite sides between a first clamping element (43) and a second clamping element (45), the first clamping element (43) being mounted to the fixed wing (5) and the second clamping element (45) being mounted to the foldable wingtip portion (9).
9. The wing according to claim 8, wherein, The first clamping element (43) and the second clamping element (45) relate to corresponding lugs (47) of the flight latching device (23) for latching the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the extended position (15).
10. A ground latching device (21) for latching a foldable wingtip portion (9) of a wing (3) of an aircraft (1) relative to a fixed wing (5) in a folded position (17), the ground latching device (21) comprising: Base component (25), the base component (25) being configured to be mounted to the wing (3). A latching element (27) is mounted to the base member (25) and pivotable about a latching axis (31) between a latched position (33) and an unlatched position (35). In the latched position (33), when the foldable wingtip portion (9) moves into the folded position (17), the latching element (27) extends in an open recess (41) between the foldable wingtip portion (9) and the fixed wing (5), and in the latched position (33), the latching element (27) is configured to prevent the foldable wingtip portion (9) from moving out of the folded position (17), and in the unlatched position (35), the latching element (27) is configured to allow the foldable wingtip portion (9) to move out of the folded position (17). A latch motor (29) is used to drive the latch element (27) to pivot about the latch axis (31).
11. The ground latching device according to claim 10, wherein, The latch element (27) has an elongated shape that is perpendicular to the latch axis (31) and extends from the inner end (37) at the latch axis (31) to the outer end (39) away from the latch axis (31).
12. The ground latching device according to claim 11, wherein, When viewed through the extension direction from the inner end (37) to the outer end (39) of the latching element (27), the latching element (27) has a wedge-shaped cross-section.
13. An aircraft (1) comprising a wing (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the latched position (33), the latching element (27) prevents the foldable wingtip portion (9) from moving out of the folded position (17), and in the unlatched position (35), the latching element (27) allows the foldable wingtip portion (9) to move out of the folded position (17).
14. An aircraft (1) comprising a ground latching device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.
15. A wing (3) for an aircraft (1), said wing (3) comprising Fixed-wing (5), and A foldable wingtip portion (9) is mounted to the fixed wing (5) via a hinge (11) and is rotatable about the hinge axis (13) between an extended position (15) and a folded position (17). Its features are, The wing (3) includes a ground latching device (21) for latching the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the folded position (17). The ground latching device (21) includes Base component (25), which is mounted to the wing (3). A latching element (27) is mounted to the base component (25) and is movable between a latched position (33) and an unlocked position (35), wherein in the latched position (33), the latching element (27) prevents the foldable wingtip portion (9) from moving out of the folded position (17), and in the unlocked position (35), the latching element (27) allows the foldable wingtip portion (9) to move out of the folded position (17), and A latch motor (29) is provided to drive the latch element (27) to move between the latched position (33) and the unlatched position (35). In the latched position (33), when the foldable wingtip portion (9) moves into the folded position (17), the latching element (27) extends in the recess (41) that is open between the foldable wingtip portion (9) and the fixed wing (5), and wherein the latching element (27) is clamped from opposite sides between a first clamping element (43) and a second clamping element (45), the first clamping element (43) being mounted to the fixed wing (5) and the second clamping element (45) being mounted to the foldable wingtip portion (9).
16. A wing (3) for an aircraft (1), said wing (3) comprising Fixed-wing (5), and A foldable wingtip portion (9) is mounted to the fixed wing (5) via a hinge (11) and is rotatable about the hinge axis (13) between an extended position (15) and a folded position (17). Its features are, The wing (3) includes a ground latching device (21) for latching the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the folded position (17). The ground latching device (21) includes Base component (25), which is mounted to the wing (3). A latching element (27) is mounted to the base component (25) and is movable between a latched position (33) and an unlocked position (35), wherein in the latched position (33), the latching element (27) prevents the foldable wingtip portion (9) from moving out of the folded position (17), and in the unlocked position (35), the latching element (27) allows the foldable wingtip portion (9) to move out of the folded position (17), and A latch motor (29) is provided to drive the latch element (27) to move between the latched position (33) and the unlatched position (35). In the latched position (33), when the foldable wingtip portion (9) moves into the folded position (17), the latching element (27) extends in the recess (41) that opens between the foldable wingtip portion (9) and the fixed wing (5), and wherein the latching element (27) is clamped from opposite sides between a first clamping element (43) and a second clamping element (45), the first clamping element (43) being mounted to the fixed wing (5) and the second clamping element (45) being mounted to the foldable wingtip portion (9). The first clamping element (43) and the second clamping element (45) relate to corresponding lugs (47) of the flight latching device (23), the lugs (47) being used to latch the foldable wingtip portion (9) in the extended position (15).