Connection assembly for aircraft wing slats

Abstract

The invention relates to a wing (3) for an aircraft (1), comprising: a main wing (5); a slat (7); and a connecting assembly (9), which connects the slat (7) to the main wing (5) in a movably manner so that the slat (7) can be moved between a retracted position and at least one extended position, wherein the connecting assembly (9) comprises a slat track (11) and a roller support (13), wherein a front section (17) of the slat track (11) is mounted to the slat (7), wherein a rear section (19) and a middle section (21) of the slat track (11) are mounted to the main wing (5) via the roller support (13), wherein the roller support (13) comprises a guide rail (23) mounted to the main wing (5) and a first roller (27), wherein the first roller (27) is rotatably mounted to the rear section (19) of the slat track (11), and wherein the first roller (27) is rotatably mounted to the rear section (19) of the slat track (11). A roller (27) engages a first engagement surface (33) formed by a guide rail (23), wherein the roller support (13) comprises a second roller (31), wherein the second roller (31) is rotatably mounted to the main wing (5), wherein the second roller (31) engages a second engagement surface (35) formed by a middle section (21) of the slat track (11), wherein the first engagement surface (33) comprises a first section (45) which is straight or curved to have a first radius of curvature (51) and a first center of curvature (53), and wherein the second engagement surface (35) comprises a second section (49) which is straight or curved to have a second radius of curvature (55) and a second center of curvature, wherein when both the first section (45) and the second section (49) are curved, the first center of curvature (53) and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wing for an aircraft, an aircraft and a connection assembly. Background Art

[0002] A wing for an aircraft may include a main wing and a plurality of slats, each of the plurality of slats being connected to the main wing via a plurality of connection assemblies such that each of the slats is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position. When the aircraft is on the ground or in normal flight, the slats may each be in a respective retracted position. Furthermore, during takeoff of the aircraft, each slat may be in a respective first extended position of the at least one extended position, and during landing of the aircraft, each slat may be in a respective second extended position of the at least one extended position.

[0003] It has been shown that the positioning of the slat relative to the main wing in the retracted position, the first extended position and the second extended position is crucial in order to meet the aerodynamic requirements of the wing and thus achieve resource-efficient operation of the aircraft. Furthermore, it is generally desirable to provide a lightweight wing to further improve the operational efficiency of the aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the operational efficiency of an aircraft.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a wing including the features of the present invention. The wing is configured for use in an aircraft. The wing includes a main wing, a slat, and a connection assembly. The connection assembly movably connects the slat to the main wing, enabling the slat to move between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connection assembly includes an elongated slat track and a roller support. The slat track extends along the longitudinal axis of the slat track between a forward section and a rearward section of the slat track. The slat track includes an intermediate section located between the forward section and the rearward section. The forward section of the slat track is mounted to the slat. The rearward section and the intermediate section of the slat track are mounted to the main wing via a roller support. The roller support includes a guide rail mounted to the main wing and a first roller. The first roller is rotatably mounted to the rearward section of the slat track. The first roller engages a first engagement surface formed by the guide rail, causing the first roller to roll on the first engagement surface when the slat moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position. The roller support includes a second roller. The second roller is rotatably mounted to the main wing. The second roller engages a second engagement surface formed by the middle section of the slat track, such that the second roller rolls on the second engagement surface when the slat moves between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The slat track includes a lower flange section, an upper flange section, and a web section connecting the upper and lower flange sections. The second roller is arranged in a recess between the lower and upper flange sections. The lower flange section, upper flange section, web section, and recess each extend along the longitudinal axis of the slat track. The second engagement surface is formed by the upper and / or lower flange sections. The first engagement surface includes a first section. The first section is straight or curved to have a first radius of curvature and a first center of curvature. The second engagement surface includes a second section. The second section is straight or curved to have a second radius of curvature and a second center of curvature. When both the first segment and the second segment are curved, the first center of curvature and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other.

[0006] The wing is configured for use with an aircraft so that it can be attached to the remainder of the aircraft to form the aircraft. The wing includes a main wing. The main wing can be configured to be attached to the fuselage of the aircraft. The main wing can extend in a longitudinal direction of the main wing. When the wing is attached to the remainder of the aircraft to form the aircraft, the longitudinal direction of the main wing points away from the fuselage of the aircraft. Preferably, when the wing is attached to the remainder of the aircraft to form the aircraft, the longitudinal direction of the main wing is oriented parallel to the wing surface of the main wing and / or transverse to the direction of flight of the aircraft.

[0007] The wing includes a slat. The slat may provide an aerodynamic surface on a leading edge of the wing. The wing includes a connection assembly. The connection assembly may be disposed completely forward of a front spar of the main wing and does not penetrate the front spar.

[0008] The connection assembly movably connects the slat to the main wing, allowing the slat to move between a retracted position and at least one extended position. When the aircraft is on the ground or in normal flight, the retracted position of the slat can correspond to the configuration of the wing. Preferably, the retracted position of the slat is the position in which the slat is arranged closest to the main wing. In addition, the first extended position of the at least one extended position can correspond to the takeoff configuration of the wing. In addition, the second extended position of the at least one extended position can correspond to the landing configuration of the wing. Preferably, the second extended position of the slat is the position in which the slat is arranged farthest from the main wing. Further preferably, in the first extended position of the slat, the slat is arranged between the retracted position and the second extended position of the slat. Preferably, the slat can move from the retracted position to the first extended position and from the first extended position to the retracted position. In addition, the slat can preferably move from the retracted position to the second extended position and from the second extended position to the retracted position.

[0009] The connection assembly includes an elongated slat track. The slat track is elongated such that its longitudinal extent is greater than its lateral extent. The slat track includes a forward section, a middle section, and a rearward section. The slat track extends along the longitudinal axis of the slat track between the forward section and the rearward section of the slat track. The middle section is disposed between the forward section and the rearward section. The middle section can connect the forward section to the rearward section.

[0010] The forward section of the slat track is mounted to the slat. Preferably, the forward section of the slat track is fixedly mounted to the slat, for example, via two spherical supports. The aft and intermediate sections of the slat track are mounted to the main wing via roller supports. Specifically, the aft and intermediate sections of the slat track are movably mounted to the main wing via roller supports, allowing the slat track to move relative to the main wing.

[0011] The connection assembly includes a roller support. The roller support includes a guide rail and a first roller. The guide rail is mounted to the main wing, and the first roller is rotatably mounted to the rear section of the slat track. The first roller engages a first engagement surface formed by the guide rail, such that the first roller rolls on the first engagement surface when the slat moves between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The first engagement surface provides a running surface for the first roller to roll when the slat moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position. The first engagement surface may be formed by the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the guide rail. Preferably, the first engagement surface is formed continuously by the upper surface or the lower surface of the guide rail, or by both the upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail. The upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail may face each other. Preferably, the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail is greater than the diameter of the first roller, so that the first roller can engage only with the upper surface or the lower surface of the guide rail at a time. The distance between the upper surface of the guide rail and the lower surface of the guide rail can be selected so that a gap is provided between the first roller and the upper surface of the guide rail or the lower surface of the guide rail, so that the first roller cannot simultaneously engage the upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail and thereby cannot hinder the rolling of the first roller. It is further preferred that the first roller has a first rotation axis that extends parallel to the span direction of the wing, parallel to the leading edge of the main wing, and / or parallel to the leading edge of the slat.

[0012] The roller support includes a second roller. The second roller is rotatably mounted to the main wing. The second roller engages a second engagement surface formed by a middle section of the slat track, such that the second roller rolls on the second engagement surface when the slat moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position. The second engagement surface provides a running surface for the second roller to roll on when the slat moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position.

[0013] The slat track includes a lower flange section, an upper flange section, and a web section connecting the upper and lower flange sections. The lower flange section, the upper flange section, and the web section may form a profile having a cross-sectional area arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slat track. This profile may be a C-shaped profile, a double C-shaped profile, an I-shaped profile, an H-shaped profile, or a Pi-shaped profile.

[0014] The second roller is arranged in the recess between the lower flange section and the upper flange section. The lower flange section, the upper flange section, the web section, and the recess each extend along the longitudinal axis of the slat track. The second engaging surface is formed by the upper flange section and / or the lower flange section. Preferably, the second engaging surface is formed by the upper flange section or the lower flange section, or by both flange sections in a continuous manner. Preferably, the second engaging surface faces the recess. The second engaging surface may be formed by the upper surface of the upper flange section and / or by the lower surface of the lower flange section. Preferably, the second engaging surface is formed by the upper surface of the upper flange section, the lower surface of the lower flange section, or both the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section in a continuous manner. The upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section may face each other. Preferably, the distance between the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section is greater than the diameter of the second roller, so that the second roller can simultaneously engage only the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section. The distance between the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section can be selected so that a gap is provided between the second roller and the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section, so that the second roller cannot simultaneously engage the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section and thereby does not hinder the rotation of the second roller. It is further preferred that the second roller has a second rotation axis that extends parallel to the span direction, parallel to the leading edge of the main wing, and / or parallel to the leading edge of the slat.

[0015] Due to this wing configuration, the second roller does not occupy space above or below the slat track, and the slat track can be held using only a single roller element. This simplifies the connection assembly, saving space and mass, and thus improving the efficiency of the wing. Furthermore, the connection assembly can be formed so that it is arranged completely in front of the front spar of the main wing and does not penetrate the front spar.

[0016] The first engagement surface includes a first segment. The first segment may extend along the first engagement surface from a first point of contact between the first roller and the first engagement surface when the slat is in the retracted position to a point of contact between the first roller and the first engagement surface when the slat is in the second extended position. Alternatively, the first segment may extend along the first engagement surface from a first point of contact between the first roller and the first engagement surface when the slat is in the retracted position to a third point of contact between the first roller and the first engagement surface when the slat is in the first extended position. In this case, the first engagement surface may include a third segment that is straight or curved to have a third radius of curvature and a third center of curvature. The third center of curvature may be spaced apart from the first center of curvature. Furthermore, the third center of curvature may be spaced apart from the second center of curvature. The third segment may extend along the first engagement surface from a second point of contact between the first roller and the first engagement surface when the slat is in the second extended position to a third point of contact between the first roller and the first engagement surface when the slat is in the first extended position.

[0017] The first section is straight or curved to have a first radius of curvature and a first center of curvature. If the first section is straight, the straight first section can be considered to have a curvature having an infinite first radius of curvature and a first center of curvature located at infinity. If the first section is straight, the curvature of the first section can be considered to be zero. Therefore, even though the first section is straight, the first center of curvature and the second center of curvature can still be considered to be spaced apart from each other. If the first section is curved, the first joining surface can have a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0018] The second engagement surface includes a second segment. The second segment may extend along the second engagement surface from a first point of contact between the second roller and the second engagement surface when the slat is in the retracted position to a second point of contact between the second roller and the second engagement surface when the slat is in the second extended position. Alternatively, the second segment may extend along the second engagement surface from a first point of contact between the second roller and the second engagement surface when the slat is in the retracted position to a third point of contact between the second roller and the second engagement surface when the slat is in the first extended position. In this case, the second engagement surface may include a fourth segment that is straight or curved to have a fourth radius of curvature and a fourth center of curvature. The fourth center of curvature may be spaced apart from the first center of curvature. Furthermore, the fourth center of curvature may be spaced apart from the second center of curvature. Furthermore, the fourth center of curvature may be spaced apart from the third center of curvature. The fourth segment may extend along the second engagement surface from a second point of contact between the second roller and the second engagement surface when the slat is in the second extended position to a third point of contact between the second roller and the second engagement surface when the slat is in the first extended position.

[0019] The second section is straight or curved to have a second radius of curvature and a second center of curvature. In the case where the second section is straight, the straight second section can be considered to have a curvature with an infinite radius of curvature and a center of curvature arranged at infinity. In the case where the second section is straight, the curvature of the second section can be considered to be zero. Therefore, although the second section is straight, the second center of curvature can still be considered to be spaced apart from the first center of curvature. In particular, in the case where the first section is straight and the second section is straight, the first center of curvature can be considered to be spaced apart from the second center of curvature. In the case where the second section is curved, the second joining surface can have a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0020] When both the first section and the second section are curved, the first center of curvature and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other. Since the first center of curvature and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other, when the slat moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, the first roller rolls on the first engagement surface and the second roller rolls on the second engagement surface, the first roller and the second roller are not limited to moving around the same center of curvature. Since the first roller and the second roller are not limited to moving around the same center of curvature, the positioning of the slat relative to the main wing can be flexibly set. In particular, the positioning of the slat relative to the main wing can be selected according to the aerodynamic requirements of the wing to achieve resource-efficient operation of the aircraft. It is particularly preferred that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are shaped so that the slat is positioned relative to the main wing so that the wing meets the aerodynamic requirements, thereby achieving resource-efficient operation of the aircraft in the retracted position and in each of the at least one extended positions.

[0021] In short, the operating efficiency of the aircraft is improved.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first section is curved with a first radius of curvature and a first centre of curvature. In case the first section is curved with a first radius of curvature and a first centre of curvature, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the second section is curved with a second radius of curvature and a second centre of curvature. In case the second section is curved with a second radius of curvature and a second centre of curvature, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are identical. In case the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are identical, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature. In case the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature. In case the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first section is straight. In case the first section is straight, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the second section is straight. In case the second section is straight, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first section and the second section extend transversely to each other. In case the first section and the second section extend transversely to each other, a particularly preferred embodiment of the wing is provided.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the first engagement surface includes a third segment, which is straight or curved to have a third radius of curvature and a third center of curvature. When the third segment and the first segment are curved, the third center of curvature is spaced apart from the first center of curvature, and when the third segment and the second segment are curved, the third center of curvature is spaced apart from the second center of curvature. When the first engagement surface includes the third segment, the first engagement surface includes a first segment and a third segment, and the first and third segments have different shapes. Due to the different shapes of the first and third segments, the flexibility of positioning the slat relative to the main wing can be further enhanced. Similar to the third segment, the first engagement surface can include at least one additional first segment, each of which can be straight or curved to have a corresponding radius of curvature and a corresponding center of curvature. Therefore, the flexibility of positioning the slat relative to the main wing can be further enhanced. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in conjunction with the first, second and third sections also apply at least in a similar manner to each of the at least one further first section, and are therefore not repeated here accordingly.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the second engaging surface includes a fourth segment, which is straight or curved to have a fourth radius of curvature and a fourth center of curvature. When the fourth segment is curved with the first segment, the fourth center of curvature is spaced apart from the first center of curvature. When the fourth segment is curved with the second segment, the fourth center of curvature is spaced apart from the second center of curvature. When the fourth segment is curved with the third segment, the fourth center of curvature is spaced apart from the third center of curvature. When the first engaging surface includes the fourth segment, the second engaging surface includes a second segment and a fourth segment, the second and fourth segments having different shapes. The different shapes of the second and fourth segments further enhance the flexibility of positioning the slat relative to the main wing. Similar to the fourth segment, the second engaging surface can include at least one additional second segment, each of which can be straight or curved to have a corresponding radius of curvature and a corresponding center of curvature. This further enhances the flexibility of positioning the slat relative to the main wing. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in conjunction with the first, second, third and fourth sections also apply at least in a similar manner to each of the at least one other second section, and are therefore not repeated here accordingly.

[0032] Preferably, the wing includes an actuating unit configured to drive the slat between a retracted position and at least one extended position, i.e., from the retracted position to the at least one extended position and from the at least one extended position to the retracted position. The actuating unit may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be mounted to the slat track. The second section may be mounted to the main wing. The actuating unit may be configured to move the first section relative to the second section to drive the slat between the retracted position and the at least one extended position. Furthermore, the actuating unit may include a rack and a pinion. The rack may be mounted to the lower flange section, and the pinion may be rotatably mounted to the main wing. When the pinion is rotatably mounted to the main wing, the rack and pinion may mesh with each other. The actuating unit may be configured to drive the rotation of the pinion to drive the movement of the rack, thereby driving the slat between the retracted position and the at least one extended position. The rack may extend parallel to the first section and may be straight. Furthermore, the rack may have non-straight and non-circular movement. Furthermore, the toothed rack may be curved to have the same centre of curvature as the second centre of curvature, in particular when the second section is curved.The actuating unit may be powered electrically and / or hydraulically and / or pneumatically.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, this object is further achieved by an aircraft comprising the features of the present invention. The aircraft may include a wing according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in conjunction with the first aspect of the present invention also apply, at least in a similar manner, to the second aspect of the present invention, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present invention, this object is also achieved by a connection assembly including features of the present invention. The connection assembly is configured to movably connect the slat to the main wing, allowing the slat to move between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connection assembly includes an elongated slat track and a roller support. The slat track extends along the longitudinal axis of the slat track between a forward section and a rearward section of the slat track. The slat track includes an intermediate section located between the forward section and the rearward section. The forward section of the slat track is mountable to the slat. The rearward section and the intermediate section of the slat track are mounted to the main wing via a roller support. The roller support includes a guide rail mountable to the main wing and a first roller. The first roller is rotatably mounted to the rearward section of the slat track. The first roller engages a first engagement surface formed by the guide rail, such that when the slat moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position, the first roller rolls on the first engagement surface. The roller support includes a second roller. The second roller is rotatably mounted to the main wing. It engages a second engagement surface formed by the middle section of the slat track, rolling on the second engagement surface as the slat moves between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The slat track includes a lower flange section, an upper flange section, and a web section connecting the upper and lower flange sections. The second roller is arranged in a recess between the lower and upper flange sections. The lower, upper, web, and recess each extend along the longitudinal axis of the slat track. The second engagement surface is formed by the upper and / or lower flange sections. The first engagement surface includes a first section. The first section is straight or curved to have a first radius of curvature and a first center of curvature. The second engagement surface includes a second section. The second section is straight or curved to have a second radius of curvature and a second center of curvature. When both the first and second sections are curved, the first and second centers of curvature are spaced apart. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in conjunction with the first aspect of the present invention and the second aspect of the present invention are also applicable to the third aspect of the present invention at least in a similar manner, and therefore are not repeated here accordingly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention can be derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Consequently, all described and / or visually depicted features, alone and in any combination, may form advantageous subjects and / or features of the present invention, independent of their combination in the independent claims or their dependent claims. Furthermore, in the figures, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar objects.

[0036] Figure 1 An embodiment of an aircraft comprising a wing is schematically illustrated in a perspective view.

[0037] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 A portion of a first embodiment of a wing is shown in FIG, wherein the slats of the wing are shown in a retracted position.

[0038] Figure 3 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 , wherein a slat of the wing is shown in a first extended position of at least one extended position.

[0039] Figure 4 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 , wherein a slat of the wing is shown in a second of the at least one extended position.

[0040] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 A portion of a second embodiment of a wing is shown in FIG, wherein the slats of the wing are shown in a retracted position.

[0041] Figure 6 Embodiments of an actuation unit of a wing according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment are schematically illustrated in perspective views.

[0042] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 A portion of a third embodiment of a wing is shown in FIG, wherein the wing is in a first configuration in which the slats of the wing are in a retracted position.

[0043] Figure 8 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 , wherein the wing is in a second configuration in which a slat of the wing is in a second extended position of the at least one extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 An embodiment of an aircraft 1 comprising a wing 3 is schematically illustrated in a perspective view. The wing 3 comprises a main wing 5, a slat 7 and a connection assembly 9. The connection assembly 9 connects the slat 7 to the main wing 5 in a movable manner so that the slat 7 can move between a retracted position and at least one extended position. In addition to the connection assembly 9, Figure 1 Also shown is a connection assembly 10 which also connects the slat 7 to the main wing 5 in a movably manner, such that the slat 7 can be moved between a retracted position and at least one extended position.

[0045] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 A portion of a first embodiment of a wing 3 is shown in FIG. Figure 2 The slats 7 of the wing 3 are shown in the retracted position, Figure 3 The slat 7 of the wing 3 is shown in a first of at least one extended position, and Figure 4 The slat 7 of the wing 3 is shown in a second extended position of the at least one extended position. For illustrative reasons, Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is also shown that the slat 7 is in Figure 2 to the retracted position.

[0046] The connection assembly 9 includes an elongated slat track 11 and a roller support 13. The slat track 11 extends along a longitudinal axis 15 of the slat track 11 between a forward section 17 and a rearward section 19 of the slat track 11. Although the longitudinal axis 15 of the slat track 11 is shown as a straight line in the figures, it can be considered that the longitudinal axis 15 of the slat track 11 follows the shape of the slat track 11 from the forward section 17 to the rearward section 19, in particular, at least partially follows the shape in a curved and / or straight manner. The slat track 11 includes an intermediate section 21 located between the forward section 17 and the rearward section 19. The forward section 17 of the slat track 11 is fixedly mounted to the slat 7. The rearward section 19 and the intermediate section 21 of the slat track 11 are mounted to the main wing 5 via the roller support 13.

[0047] The roller support 13 includes a guide rail 23, a first roller 27, and a second roller 31. The guide rail 23 is fixedly mounted to the main wing 5. The first roller 27 is rotatably mounted to the rear section 19 of the slat track 11. The guide rail 23 forms a first engagement surface 33. The first roller 27 engages the first engagement surface 33, so that the first roller 27 rolls on the first engagement surface 33 when the slat 7 moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position. The second roller 31 is rotatably mounted to the main wing 5. The intermediate section 21 of the slat track 11 forms a second engagement surface 35. The second roller 31 engages the second engagement surface 35, so that the second roller 31 rolls on the second engagement surface 35 when the slat 7 moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position.

[0048] The slat track 11 includes a lower flange section 37, an upper flange section 39, and a web section 41. The web section 41 is arranged between the lower flange section 37 and the upper flange section 39 and connects the upper flange section 39 to the lower flange section 37. The second roller 31 is arranged in a recess 43 between the lower flange section 37 and the upper flange section 39. The second joint surface 35 faces the recess 43. The lower flange section 37, the upper flange section 39, the web section 41, and the recess 43 each extend along the longitudinal axis 15 of the slat track 11. The second joint surface 35 is formed by the upper flange section 39 and / or the lower flange section 37.

[0049] The first engaging surface 33 comprises a first section 45. The first section 45 of the first engaging surface 33 extends from a first contact point between the first roller 27 and the first engaging surface 33 when the slat 7 is in the retracted position along the first engaging surface 33 to a point where the slat 7 is in the retracted position. Figure 4 The second extended position shown in FIG is a second contact point between the first roller 27 and the first engaging surface 33 .

[0050] The second engagement surface 35 comprises a second section 49. The second section 49 extends along the second engagement surface 35 from a first contact point between the second roller 31 and the second engagement surface 35 when the slat 7 is in the retracted position to a second section 49 when the slat 7 is in the retracted position. Figure 4 The second extended position shown in FIG is a second contact point between the second roller 31 and the second engaging surface 35 .

[0051] exist Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4In the first embodiment of the wing 3 shown in FIG, the first section 45 is curved to have a first radius of curvature 51 and a first center of curvature 53, while the second section 49 is straight. The straight second section 49 can be considered to have a curvature with an infinitely large second radius of curvature 55 and a second center of curvature located at infinity. Therefore, even though the second section 49 is straight, the first center of curvature 53 and the second center of curvature can still be considered to be spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the first radius of curvature 51 can be considered to be smaller than the second radius of curvature 55.

[0052] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a portion of a second embodiment of a wing 3, wherein the slat 7 of the wing 3 is shown in a retracted position. The first section 45 of the first engagement surface 33 is curved to have a first radius of curvature 51 and a first center of curvature 53. Although the first section 45 of the first engagement surface 33 is in Figure 5 In the second embodiment shown in FIG, the first section 45 of the first joint surface 33 is curved, but in other embodiments the first section 45 of the first joint surface 33 may also be straight. Figure 5 The first contact point between the first roller 27 and the first engagement surface 33 in the retracted position shown in FIG extends along the first engagement surface 33 to the second contact point between the first roller 27 and the first engagement surface 33 when the slat 7 is in the second extended position, which is the same as the second extended position. Figure 4 The second extended position of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is similar. The second section 49 of the second engagement surface 35 is curved to have a second radius of curvature 55 and a second center of curvature, the second center of curvature being at Figure 5 Therefore, both the first section 45 of the first joint surface 33 and the second section 49 of the second joint surface 35 are curved, and the first center of curvature 53 and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other. Although the second section 49 of the second joint surface 53 is Figure 5 33 and the second section 49 of the second joint surface 53 are curved, but the second section 49 of the second joint surface 53 may also be straight. In the case where the first section 45 of the first joint surface 33 and the second section 49 of the second joint surface 35 are straight, the first section 45 of the first joint surface 33 and the second section 49 of the second joint surface 35 may extend transversely to each other.

[0053] exist Figure 5 In the second embodiment shown in FIG, the first radius of curvature 51 is smaller than the second radius of curvature 55. In addition, in other embodiments, the first radius of curvature 51 and the second radius of curvature 55 may be the same. Alternatively, the first radius of curvature 51 may be larger than the second radius of curvature 55.

[0054] The second joint surface 35 includes a fourth segment 57 that is curved to have a fourth radius of curvature 59 and a fourth center of curvature 61. Thus, the first segment 45 of the first joint surface 33, the second segment 49 of the second joint surface 35, and the fourth segment 57 are curved. The fourth center of curvature 61 and the first center of curvature 53 may be spaced apart from each other. Figure 5 . Similarly, in other embodiments, the first engagement surface 33 may include a third segment that is straight or curved to have a third radius of curvature and a third center of curvature. The third center of curvature and the first center of curvature 53, the third center of curvature and the second center of curvature, and the third center of curvature and the fourth center of curvature 61 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0055] Figure 6 Embodiments of an actuating unit 63 of a wing 3 according to the first and second embodiments are schematically illustrated in perspective views. The actuating unit 63 includes a first section 65 and a second section 67. The first section 65 of the actuating unit 63 can be mounted to the slat track 11 of the first and second embodiments. The second section 67 of the actuating unit 63 can be mounted to the main wing 5 of the first and second embodiments. The actuating unit 63 is configured to move the first section 65 relative to the second section 67 of the actuating unit 63 to drive the slat 7 between a retracted position and at least one extended position.

[0056] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 A portion of a third embodiment of a wing 3 is shown. Figure 7 A first configuration of the wing 3 is shown and Figure 8 A second configuration of the wing 3 is shown. In the first configuration of the wing 3, the slat 7 of the wing 3 is in a retracted position. In the second configuration of the wing 3, the slat 7 of the wing 3 is in a second extended position of the at least one extended position. The first section 45 of the first engagement surface 33 is curved to have a first radius of curvature 51 and a first center of curvature 53, the first radius of curvature 51 and the first center of curvature 53 being at Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second section 49 of the second engagement surface 35 is straight. The first section 45 of the first engagement surface 33 is located from the slat 7 in the Figure 7 In the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 , the first contact point between the first roller 27 and the first engagement surface 33 extends along the first engagement surface 33 until the slat 7 is in the retracted position. Figure 8 The second extended position shown in FIG. 1 is the second contact point between the first roller 27 and the first engagement surface 33. The second section 49 of the second engagement surface 35 is from the slat 7 in the Figure 7 When the slat 7 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 , the third contact point between the second roller 31 and the second engagement surface 35 extends along the second engagement surface 35 until the slat 7 is in the retracted position. Figure 8 The second extended position shown in FIG is a fourth contact point between the second roller 31 and the second engaging surface 35 .

[0057] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The actuation unit 63 of the wing 3 according to a third embodiment is shown. The actuation unit 63 includes a rack 69 and a pinion 71. The rack 69 is mounted to the lower flange section 37, and the pinion 71 is rotatably mounted to the main wing 5. When the pinion 71 is rotatably mounted to the main wing 5, the rack 69 and the pinion 71 mesh with each other. The actuation unit 63 is configured to drive the rotation of the pinion 71 to drive the movement of the rack 69, thereby driving the movement of the slat 7 between a retracted position and at least one extended position. Although the rack 69 extends parallel to the first section 45 of the first engagement surface 33 and is straight, the rack 69 can move in a non-straight and non-circular manner. Furthermore, if the second section 49 of the second engagement surface 35 is curved, the rack 69 can bend about the same center of curvature as the second center of curvature.

[0058] It is also noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be disclosed in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered as limiting.

Claims

1. A wing (3) for an aircraft (1), the wing (3) comprising: main wing(5), Slats (7), and a connecting assembly (9) which movably connects the slat (7) to the main wing (5) so that the slat (7) can be moved between a retracted position and at least one extended position, The connecting assembly (9) comprises an elongated slat track (11) and a roller support (13), wherein the slat track (11) extends along a longitudinal axis (15) of the slat track (11) between a front section (17) of the slat track (11) and a rear section (19) of the slat track (11), wherein the slat track (11) comprises a middle section (21) located between the front section (17) and the rear section (19), wherein the front section (17) of the slat track (11) is mounted to the slat (7), wherein the rear section (19) and the middle section (21) of the slat track (11) are mounted to the main wing (5) via the roller support (13), The roller support (13) comprises a guide rail (23) and a first roller (27), wherein the guide rail (23) is mounted to the main wing (5). wherein the first roller (27) is rotatably mounted to the rear section (19) of the slat track (11), wherein the first roller (27) engages a first engagement surface (33) formed by the guide rail (23) such that the first roller (27) rolls on the first engagement surface (33) when the slat (7) moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, Wherein, the roller support (13) includes a second roller (31), wherein the second roller (31) is rotatably mounted to the main wing (5), wherein the second roller (31) engages a second engagement surface (35) formed by the intermediate section (21) of the slat track (11) such that the second roller (31) rolls on the second engagement surface (35) when the slat (7) moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, The slat track (11) comprises a lower flange section (37), an upper flange section (39), and a web section (41) connecting the upper flange section (39) and the lower flange section (37). wherein the second roller (31) is arranged in a recess (43) between the lower flange section (37) and the upper flange section (39), wherein the lower flange section (37), the upper flange section (39), the web section (41) and the recess (43) each extend along the longitudinal axis (15) of the slat track (11), wherein the second engagement surface (35) is formed by the upper flange section (39) and / or the lower flange section (37), wherein the first engagement surface (33) includes a first section (45) curved to have a first radius of curvature (51) and a first center of curvature (53), and the second engagement surface (35) includes a second section (49) curved to have a second radius of curvature (55) and a second center of curvature, wherein the first center of curvature (53) and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other in the airfoil cross section of the wing (3), wherein the first engaging surface (33) comprises a third section, the third section being straight or curved to have a third radius of curvature and a third center of curvature, wherein, when the third section is curved, the third center of curvature and the first center of curvature (53) are spaced apart from each other in the airfoil cross section of the wing (3), and the third center of curvature and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other in the airfoil cross section of the wing (3).

2. The wing (3) according to claim 1, wherein The first radius of curvature (51) and the second radius of curvature (55) are the same.

3. The wing (3) according to claim 1, wherein: The first radius of curvature (51) is greater than the second radius of curvature (55).

4. The wing (3) according to claim 1, wherein The first radius of curvature (51) is smaller than the second radius of curvature (55).

5. The wing (3) according to claim 1, wherein The second engaging surface (35) includes a fourth section (57) that is straight or curved to have a fourth radius of curvature (59) and a fourth center of curvature (61), wherein, when the fourth section (57) is curved, the fourth center of curvature (61) and the first center of curvature (53) are spaced apart from each other in the aerofoil cross-section of the wing (3), and the fourth center of curvature (61) and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other in the aerofoil cross-section of the wing (3), and, when the fourth section (57) and the third section are curved, the fourth center of curvature (61) and the third center of curvature are spaced apart from each other in the aerofoil cross-section of the wing (3).

6. An aircraft (1) comprising a wing (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A connection assembly (9) configured to movably connect a slat (7) to a main wing (5) such that the slat (7) is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position, wherein: The connection assembly (9) comprises an elongated slat track (11) and a roller support (13), wherein the slat track (11) extends along a longitudinal axis (15) of the slat track (11) between a front section (17) of the slat track (11) and a rear section (19) of the slat track (11), wherein the slat track (11) comprises an intermediate section (21) located between the front section (17) and the rear section (19), wherein the front section (17) of the slat track (11) is mountable to a slat (7), wherein the rear section (19) and the intermediate section (21) of the slat track (11) are mountable via the roller support (13). Mounted to the main wing (5), wherein the roller support (13) comprises a guide rail (23) mountable to the main wing (5), and a first roller (27), wherein the first roller (27) is rotatably mounted to the rear section (19) of the slat track (11), wherein the first roller (27) engages a first engagement surface (33) formed by the guide rail (23) such that the first roller (27) rolls on the first engagement surface (33) when the slat (7) moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, wherein the roller support (13) comprises a second roller (31), wherein the second roller (31) is rotatably mounted to the rear section (19) of the slat track (11), wherein the first roller (27) engages a first engagement surface (33) formed by the guide rail (23) such that the first roller (27) rolls on the first engagement surface (33) when the slat (7) moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, wherein the roller support (13) comprises a second roller (31), wherein the second roller (31) is rotatable The invention relates to a slat track (11) and a main wing (5) rotatably mounted thereto, wherein the second roller (31) engages a second engagement surface (35) formed by the intermediate section (21) of the slat track (11) so that the second roller (31) rolls on the second engagement surface (35) when the slat (7) moves between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, wherein the slat track (11) comprises a lower flange section (37), an upper flange section (39) and a web section (41) connecting the upper flange section (39) to the lower flange section (37), wherein the second roller (31) is arranged in a recess (41) between the lower flange section (37) and the upper flange section (39). 43), wherein the lower flange section (37), the upper flange section (39), the web section (41) and the recess (43) each extend along the longitudinal axis (15) of the slat track (11), wherein the second engagement surface (35) is formed by the upper flange section (39) and / or the lower flange section (37), wherein the first engagement surface (33) includes a first section (45) that is curved to have a first radius of curvature (51) and a first center of curvature (53), and the second engagement surface (35) includes a second section (49) that is curved to have a second radius of curvature (55) and a second center of curvature, wherein,The first center of curvature (53) and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other in the airfoil cross section of the wing (3), wherein the first engagement surface (33) includes a third section, the third section being straight or curved to have a third radius of curvature and a third center of curvature, wherein when the third section is curved, the third center of curvature and the first center of curvature (53) are spaced apart from each other in the airfoil cross section of the wing (3), and the third center of curvature and the second center of curvature are spaced apart from each other in the airfoil cross section of the wing (3).

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