Leading edge assembly, wing and aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a leading edge assembly (9) for a wing (3). The leading edge assembly includes a housing (11) and an actuating element (13). The housing is configured to be connectable to a fixed wing section (59) of the wing (3), and a first opening (19) is formed in the housing that connects the exterior (45) of the housing (11) to the interior (47) of the housing (11). The actuating element is movably connected to the housing (11) such that the actuating element (13) can move between a first position and at least one second position. The actuating element (13) extends through the first opening (19) and includes a first section (49) and a second section (51). The first section is disposed in the interior (47) of the housing (11), and the second section is disposed in the exterior (45) of the housing (11) and is configured to be connectable to a high-lift device.

Description

Field of the Invention

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

[0002] Leading edge assemblies are known and can form an integral part of an aircraft wing. For example, a leading edge assembly can include high-lift devices to increase the amount of lift that the wing can provide during flight of the aircraft. Generally, a leading edge assembly includes a plurality of elements that are mounted one after another to a fixed wing section of the wing.

[0003] It is generally desirable to reduce the assembly time of the wing and the aircraft. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the contamination of the elements of the leading edge assembly before, during, and after assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to reduce the assembly time of the wing and the aircraft and to reduce the contamination of the elements of the leading edge assembly before, during, and after assembly.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is solved by a leading edge assembly comprising features of the present invention. The leading edge assembly is configured for a wing. The leading edge assembly includes a housing configured to be connectable to a fixed wing section of the wing, and a first opening is formed in the housing that connects the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing. The leading edge assembly includes an actuating element movably connected to the housing such that the actuating element can move between a first position and at least one second position. The actuating element extends through the first opening. The actuating element includes a first section disposed inside the housing. The actuating element includes a second section disposed outside the housing and configured to be connectable to a high-lift device.

[0006] The leading edge assembly is configured for a wing. The leading edge assembly can be mounted to the remaining sections of the wing to form the wing. The leading edge assembly includes a housing. The housing may include a wall having an inner surface facing the interior of the housing and an outer surface facing the exterior of the housing. The housing, in particular the wall of the housing, can separate the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing and can thereby prevent the interior and the components arranged inside the housing from being contaminated. The housing is configured to be connectable to a fixed wing section of the wing. When the housing is connected to the fixed wing section of the wing, the housing and the fixed wing section together form at least a section of the wing. The housing is connectable to the fixed wing section of the wing, and components of the leading edge assembly such as actuating elements, seals, drive mechanisms, and roller bearings can be pre-assembled by connecting the element or elements to the housing before the housing is connected to the fixed wing section. Due to the pre-assembly, the leading edge assembly can be connected to the fixed wing section as a pre-assembled module, and the individual components do not need to be connected to the fixed wing section one by one, which can reduce the assembly time during which the wing and the aircraft can be assembled. This is especially true in the case where multiple leading edge assemblies are mounted to the wing.

[0007] A first opening is formed in the housing and connects the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing. Since the opening connects the exterior and the interior of the housing, the opening allows a component, such as an actuating element, to be arranged such that the component extends through the opening and thereby connects at least a section of a component arranged inside the housing, such as a roller bearing or a drive mechanism, and a component arranged outside the fairing, such as a high-lift device.

[0008] The interior of the housing can be considered as the space enclosed by the housing, and in this space, at least a section of a component such as a drive mechanism and a first section of an actuating element can be arranged. The interior of the housing can be considered as the space enclosed by the housing. The interior of the housing can be considered as defined by the housing. If a component is arranged inside the housing, the component can be considered as enclosed by the housing. In addition, the exterior of the housing can be considered as the space not enclosed by the housing, and in this space, components such as a high-lift device and a second section of an actuating element can be arranged. The exterior of the housing can be considered as the space not enclosed by the housing. For example, when the leading edge assembly forms a section of the wing that is mounted to the remaining sections of the aircraft to form the aircraft, the fuselage of the aircraft is arranged outside the housing. If a component is arranged outside the housing, the component can be considered as not enclosed by the housing or arranged outside the housing.

[0009] The leading edge assembly includes an actuating element movably connected to the housing such that the actuating element is capable of moving between a first position and at least one second position. Preferably, the actuating element is capable of moving from the first position to at least one second position and from at least one second position to the first position. The actuating element extends through a first opening. The first opening is formed such that the actuating element can extend through the first opening when in the first position, when in at least one second position, and when the actuating element moves between the first position and at least one second position.

[0010] The actuating element includes a first section disposed inside the housing. Preferably, the first section is disposed inside the housing when the actuating element is in the first position, and the first section is disposed inside the housing when the actuating element is in at least one second position. In this case, the first section is preferably disposed inside the housing at any time during the movement of the actuating element between the first position and at least one second position. Alternatively, the first section can be disposed outside the housing when the actuating element is in the first position, and the first section can be disposed inside the housing when the actuating element is in at least one second position. This is especially the case when a second opening is formed in the housing. The first section of the actuating element can be drivingly coupled to a drive mechanism of the leading edge assembly.

[0011] The actuating element includes a second section disposed outside the housing such that the second section of the actuating element can be mounted to an element disposed outside the housing, such as a high-lift device. The second section is configured to be connectable to the high-lift device. When the high-lift device is connected to the second section of the actuating element, the actuating element can drive the movement of the high-lift device.

[0012] In summary, the leading edge assembly helps to reduce the assembly time during which the wing and the aircraft can be assembled, and helps to reduce the contamination of the elements of the leading edge assembly before, during, and after assembly.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly includes a seal having a first section and a second section, the first section being connected to the housing and the second section abutting the actuating element when the actuating element moves between a first position and at least one second position, such that the exterior and the interior of the housing are separated from each other by the seal. Since the seal separates the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing, the seal can further prevent the interior and the components disposed inside the housing from being contaminated. In addition, since the second section of the seal abuts the actuating element when the actuating element moves between the first position and at least one second position, the seal can separate the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing during the movement of the actuating element between the first position and at least one second position. The separation of the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing by the seal does not particularly exclude that the interior and the exterior of the housing are also separated at least by the wall of the housing and the actuating element. In particular, the seal, the wall of the housing and the actuating element separate the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing. In particular, the seal reduces the contamination of the components of the leading edge assembly disposed in the housing before, during and after assembly.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly includes a high-lift device mounted to the second section of the actuating element, wherein when the actuating element is in the first position, the high-lift device is in a retracted position, and when the actuating element is in at least one second position, the high-lift device is in at least one extended position. Particularly preferably, the actuating element drives the movement of the high-lift device. Preferably, when the actuating element moves between the first position and at least one second position, the actuating element drives the movement of the high-lift device such that the high-lift device moves between the retracted position and at least one extended position. The retracted position of the high-lift device may correspond to the configuration of the wing when the aircraft is on the ground or in normal flight. Preferably, the retracted position of the high-lift device is the position of the high-lift device in which the high-lift device is arranged closest to the wing tip section. In addition, the first extended position among the at least one extended positions of the high-lift device may correspond to the take-off configuration of the wing. Additionally, the second extended position among the at least one extended positions of the high-lift device may correspond to the landing configuration of the wing. Preferably, the second extended position of the high-lift device is the position of the high-lift device in which the high-lift device is arranged farthest from the wing tip section. Further preferably, in the first extended position of the high-lift device, the high-lift device is arranged between the retracted position and the second extended position of the high-lift device. Preferably, the high-lift device is capable of moving from the retracted position to the first extended position and from the first extended position to the retracted position. In addition, the high-lift device is preferably capable of moving from the retracted position to the second extended position and from the second extended position to the retracted position.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the high-lift device is a slat. In the case where the high-lift device is a slat, a particularly preferred embodiment is provided.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the high-lift device is a drooped nose. In the case where the high-lift device is a drooped nose, a particularly preferred embodiment is provided.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the high-lift device is a Krueger flap. In the case where the high-lift device is a Krueger flap, a particularly preferred embodiment is provided.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly includes a drive mechanism configured to drive the movement of an actuating element. Preferably, the drive mechanism is configured to drive the movement of the actuating element, which in turn drives the movement of the high-lift device. In particular, the drive mechanism is configured to drive the high-lift device between a retracted position and at least one extended position via the actuating element, that is, from the retracted position to the at least one extended position and from the at least one extended position to the retracted position. The drive mechanism can be powered electrically and / or hydraulically and / or pneumatically. The drive mechanism can include an actuator, which can be a rotary actuator or a linear actuator, or a pinion drive.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the drive mechanism is arranged inside the housing. When the drive mechanism is arranged inside the housing, the drive mechanism can be mounted together with the remaining sections of the leading edge assembly to the fixed wing section. Thereby, the assembly time can be significantly reduced because only one assembly step is required to mount the leading edge assembly to the fixed wing section.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the drive mechanism includes a rack and a pinion, wherein the rack is mounted to the actuating element and the pinion is rotatably mounted to the housing, and wherein the rack and the pinion engage with each other in a meshing manner such that the rotation of the pinion drives the movement of the rack. When the drive mechanism includes a rack and a pinion, the rack is mounted to the actuating element, the pinion is rotatably mounted to the housing, and the rack and the pinion engage with each other in a meshing manner such that the rotation of the pinion drives the movement of the rack, providing a simple and lightweight drive mechanism.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly includes a roller support, wherein a first section of the actuating element is mounted to the housing via the roller support. Preferably, the first section of the actuating element and an intermediate section of the actuating element are mounted to the housing via the roller support. The roller support provides smooth movement of the actuating element between a first position and at least one second position.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the roller support includes a guide rail mounted to the housing and a first roller rotatably mounted to a first section of the actuating element, wherein 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 actuating element moves between a first position and at least one second position. The first engagement surface provides a working surface for the first roller to roll on when the actuating element moves between the first position and at least one second position. The first engagement surface may be formed by the upper surface of the guide rail and / or by the lower surface of the guide rail. Preferably, the first engagement surface is formed by the upper surface of the guide rail, or by the lower surface of the guide rail, or by both the upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail in a continuous manner. 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 such that the first roller can engage only the upper surface or the lower surface of the guide rail at the same time. The distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail may be selected such that a clearance is provided between the first roller and the upper surface or the lower surface of the guide rail such that the first roller cannot engage both the upper surface and the lower surface of the guide rail simultaneously and thereby impede the rotation of the first roller. Further preferably, the first roller has a first axis of rotation that extends parallel to the spanwise direction, parallel to the leading edge of the fixed wing section, and / or parallel to the leading edge of the high-lift device.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the roller support includes a second roller rotatably mounted to the housing, wherein the second roller engages a second engagement surface formed by a second section and an intermediate section of the actuating element such that the second roller rolls on the second engagement surface when the actuating element moves between a first position and at least one second position. The second engagement surface provides a working surface for the second roller to roll on when the actuating element moves between the first position and at least one second position.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the actuating element includes a lower flange section, an upper flange section, and a web section connecting the upper flange section and the lower flange section, wherein the second roller is disposed in a recess between the lower flange section and the upper flange section, wherein the lower flange section, the upper flange section, the web section, and the recess each extend along the longitudinal axis of the actuating element, and wherein the second engagement surface is formed by the upper flange section and / or the lower flange section. The lower flange section, the upper flange section, and the web section may form a profile of a cross-sectional area arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element. The profile may be a C-profile, a double-C profile, an I-profile, an H-profile, or a Π-profile.

[0025] Preferably, the second engagement surface is formed by an upper flange section or a lower flange section or is formed by two flange sections in a continuous manner. Preferably, the second engagement surface faces the recess. The second engagement 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 engagement surface is formed by the upper surface of the upper flange section, or by the lower surface of the lower flange section, or is formed by 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 such that the second roller can engage only the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section at the same time. The distance between the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section may be selected such that a clearance is provided between the second roller and the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section such that the second roller cannot engage the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section simultaneously and thereby impede the rotation of the second roller. Further preferably, the second roller has a second axis of rotation that extends parallel to the spanwise direction, parallel to the leading edge of the fixed wing section, and / or parallel to the leading edge of the high-lift device. Since the second roller is arranged in the recess, the second roller does not occupy the space above or below the actuating element and the actuating element can be held by only a single roller element. This simplifies the leading edge assembly, saves space and weight, and thus increases the efficiency of the wing. In addition, the leading edge assembly may be configured such that the leading edge assembly is arranged entirely in front of the front spar of the fixed wing section and does not penetrate the front spar of the fixed wing section.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, a second opening is formed in the housing that connects the exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing, the actuating element extending through the second opening when the actuating element is in the first position, and the second opening is arranged opposite the first opening. Due to the second opening, the leading edge assembly can be designed in a space-saving manner because the housing can be designed smaller since the housing does not have to enclose the first section of the actuating element at any time during the movement of the actuating element between the first position and the at least one second position.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, this object is also solved by a wing comprising the features of the invention. The wing is configured for an aircraft. The wing includes a leading edge assembly according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the fixed wing section of the wing. The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the first aspect of the invention also apply at least in a similar manner to the second aspect of the invention and are therefore not repeated here accordingly.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the wing box of the fixed wing section of the wing. When the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the wing box of the fixed wing section of the wing, a direct mechanical connection between the leading edge assembly and the wing box can be provided.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the rib of the fixed wing section, wherein the rib is mounted to the wing box. When the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the rib of the fixed wing section and the rib is mounted to the wing box, an indirect mechanical connection between the leading edge assembly and the wing box can be provided. Preferably, the leading edge assembly and the rib are pre-assembled by connecting the leading edge assembly and the rib before mounting the rib to the wing box, which further saves the assembly time during the assembly of the wing and the aircraft. In addition, preferably, the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the first rib of the fixed wing section and the second rib of the fixed wing section. Both the first rib and the second rib can be mounted to the wing box. In addition, the first rib can be arranged on the first side of the housing, and the second rib can be arranged on the second side of the housing opposite to the first side.

[0030] In addition, preferably, the wing includes a plurality of leading edge assemblies, which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the span direction of the wing. Preferably, the distance between adjacent leading edge assemblies is the same in the span direction. In particular, when the wing includes a plurality of leading edge assemblies, all the leading edge assemblies can be configured to be the same as described in one of the embodiments or can be configured differently, i.e., as described in different embodiments.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention, this object is also solved by an aircraft including the features of the present invention. The aircraft includes a wing according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in combination with the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention also apply to the third aspect of the present invention at least in a similar manner, and thus corresponding repetitions are not made here. Description of the Drawings

[0032] Other features, advantages and application possibilities of the present invention can be derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments and / or the drawings. Thus, all the features described and / or visually depicted, either alone or in any combination, can form the advantageous subject matter and / or features of the present invention, without depending on their combination in the independent claims or their dependent claims. In addition, in the drawings, the same reference numerals can represent the same or similar objects.

[0033] Figure 1 An embodiment of an aircraft including a wing with a leading edge assembly is schematically illustrated in a perspective view.

[0034] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates in a perspective view Figure 1 a first embodiment of a leading edge assembly of the wing shown in

[0035] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates in a solid cross-sectional view Figure 2 a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly shown in

[0036] Figure 4 Schematically illustrates in a side view Figure 2 a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly shown in, the leading edge assembly being connected to Figure 1 a fixed wing section of the wing shown in

[0037] Figure 5 Schematically illustrates in a side view Figure 1 a second embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in, wherein the leading edge assembly is connected to Figure 1 a fixed wing section of the wing shown in

[0038] Figures 6 to 9 Schematically illustrates in a side view Figure 1 a third embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in and the steps of how the leading edge assembly is connected to Figure 1 a fixed wing section of the wing shown in

[0039] Figure 10 Schematically illustrates in a perspective view Figure 1 a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in

[0040] Figure 11 Schematically illustrates in a top view Figure 1 a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in, wherein the leading edge assembly is connected to Figure 1 a fixed wing section of the wing shown in

[0041] Figure 12 Schematically illustrates in a side view Figure 1 a fourth embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in

[0042] Figure 13 Schematically illustrates in a side view Figure 1 a fifth embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in Detailed Description

[0043] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates in a perspective view an embodiment of an aircraft 1, the aircraft 1 including a wing 3 extending in the spanwise direction 5. The wing 3 includes a number of high-lift devices, such as slats 7. Other high-lift devices of the wing 3 are, for example, a drooped nose and Krueger flaps.

[0044] Figure 2 Schematically illustrated in a perspective view is Figure 1 a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 of the wing 3 shown in. The leading edge assembly 9 includes a housing 11, an actuating element 13, four seals 15, and a drive mechanism 17.

[0045] A first opening 19 is formed in the housing 11. The actuating element 13 extends through the first opening 19. In addition, the actuating element 13 includes a lower flange section 21, an upper flange section 23, and a web section 25. The web section 25 connects the upper flange section 23 and the lower flange section 21. A recess 27 is formed between the lower flange section 21 and the upper flange section 23. In addition, the actuating element 13 includes a lug 29 for connecting a high-lift device to the actuating element 13.

[0046] Figure 2 Two of the four seals 15 are shown in. The other two of the four seals 15 are arranged below and behind the actuating element 13, respectively. Each seal 15 includes a first section 31 and a second section 33. Each first section 31 is connected to the housing 11 and each second section 33 abuts against the actuating element 13.

[0047] The drive mechanism 17 includes a gear-type rotary actuator 35, a first shaft 37, and a second shaft 39. The first shaft 37 and the second shaft 39 are connected to the gear-type rotary actuator 35. The second shaft 39 extends through an opening formed in the housing 11. The annular seal 41 includes a first section and a second section. The first section of the annular seal 41 is connected to the housing 11, and the second section of the annular seal 41 abuts against the second shaft 39 when the second shaft 39 rotates about the rotation axis 43.

[0048] The actuating element 13 is movably connected to the housing 11 such that the actuating element 13 can move between a first position and at least one second position. The drive mechanism 17 is configured to drive the movement of the actuating element 13 such that the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position. When the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position, the second section 33 of each seal 15 abuts against the actuating element 13.

[0049] Figure 3 Schematically illustrated in a perspective sectional view is Figure 2 the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 shown in. As Figure 3As can be seen, the first opening 19 connects the exterior 45 of the housing 11 to the interior 47 of the housing 11. The actuating element 13 includes a first section 49, a second section 51, and an intermediate section 53 that connects the first section 49 and the second section 51. The first section 49 is disposed within the interior 47 of the housing 11, and the second section 51 is disposed outside the housing 11 in the exterior 45. The intermediate section 53 may be disposed within the interior 47 of the housing 11 or outside the housing 11 in the exterior 45, depending on whether the actuating element 13 is in the first position or in at least one second position. The second section 51 includes a lug 29 to be connected to the high-lift device. When the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position, the second section 33 of each seal 15 abuts against the actuating element 13, such that the exterior 45 of the housing 11 and the interior 47 of the housing 11 are separated from each other by the seal 15. The leading edge assembly 9 includes a roller support 55, wherein the first section 49 of the actuating element 13 and the intermediate section 53 of the actuating element 13 are mounted to the housing 11 via the roller support 55. The roller support 55 includes four rollers 57. Each of the rollers 57 is rotatably mounted to the housing 11 such that when the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position, each roller 57 rolls along the outer surface of the actuating element 13. In particular, each of the rollers 57 engages with a mating surface formed by the first section 49 of the actuating element 13 and formed by the intermediate section 53 of the actuating element 13, such that when the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position, each roller 57 rolls on the mating surface.

[0050] Figure 4 is schematically illustrated in a side view Figure 2 a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 shown in Figure 1 the fixed wing section 59 of the wing 3 shown in. More specifically, the housing 11 of the leading edge assembly 9 is mounted to the wing box 61 of the fixed wing section 59 of the wing 3 via two bolt connections 63.

[0051] Figure 5 is schematically illustrated in a side view Figure 1 a second embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 of the wing 3 shown in. The leading edge assembly 9 is connected to Figure 1 the fixed wing section 59 of the wing 3 shown in. A second opening 65 is formed in the housing 11. The second opening 65 connects the exterior 45 of the housing 11 to the interior 47 of the housing 11. The second opening is arranged opposite to the first opening 19. When the actuating element 13 is in Figure 5In the first position shown in FIG. 1 , the actuating element 13 extends through the second opening 65. The leading edge assembly 9 includes a track pot 67 arranged inside the wing box 61. Alternatively, the track pot 67 may be a part of the wing box 61, so that when the leading edge assembly 9 is connected to the wing box 61, the actuating element 13 may extend into the track pot 67.

[0052] Figures 6 to 9 The side view schematically illustrates Figure 1 A third embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 of the wing 3 and how the leading edge assembly 9 is connected to Figure 1 The steps of fixing the wing section 59 of the wing 3 shown in FIG. The leading edge assembly 9 includes two lugs 29. In addition, three lugs 29 are mounted to the rib 69 of the fixed wing section 59, and one lug 29 is mounted to the fixed wing section 59. First, the shell 1 is as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the two lugs 29 are connected to the rib 69 by two bolt connections 63, so that Figure 8 The preassembled module is then formed as shown in Figure 8 2 is connected to the wing box 61 via two lugs 29 through a bolt connection 63, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in . Thus, the rib 69 is mounted to the wing box 61. In addition to the bolt connection 63, other connections may be provided between the shell 11 and the rib 69 and / or between the rib 69 and the wing box 61 and / or between the shell 11 and the wing box 61.

[0053] Figure 10 The three-dimensional diagram schematically illustrates Figure 1 A first embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 of the wing 3 is shown in FIG. Two brackets 71 which are L-shaped or L-angle brackets are connected to the shell 11. The two brackets 71 can be pre-assembled to the shell 11 and then connected to the wing box 61. The brackets 71 can also be formed integrally with the shell 11 and each bracket forms a flange extending away from the shell 11.

[0054] Figure 11 The top view schematically illustrates Figure 1 A first embodiment of a leading edge assembly 9 of a wing 3 is shown in FIG. The leading edge assembly 9 is connected to Figure 1 The front spar of the wing box 61 of the fixed wing section 59 of the wing 3 shown in FIG. Each of the bolted connections 63 comprises a clamping side 73 also called Master and a spanwise clearance side 75 also called Slave.

[0055] Figure 12 The side view schematically illustrates Figure 1A fourth embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 of the wing 3 as shown. The actuating element 13 includes two lugs 29 for connecting the high-lift device to the actuating element 13. In addition, two holes 77 are formed in the bracket 71 and two holes 77 are formed in the housing 11 to permit two bolt connections 63.

[0056] Figure 13 is schematically illustrated in a side view Figure 1 A fifth embodiment of the leading edge assembly 9 of the wing 3 as shown. The leading edge assembly 9 includes a slat 7, which is an example of a high-lift device. The slat 7 is mounted to a second section 51 of the actuating element 13. When the actuating element 13 is in a first position, the high-lift device is in a retracted position, as Figure 13 shown. When the actuating element 13 is in at least one second position, the high-lift device is in at least one extended position. The drive mechanism 17 includes a rack 79 and a pinion 81. The rack 79 is mounted to the actuating element 13. The pinion 81 is rotatably mounted to the housing 11. The rack 79 and the pinion 81 engage with each other in a meshing manner such that rotation of the pinion 81 drives the movement of the rack 79.

[0057] The leading edge assembly 9 includes a roller support 55. A first section 49 of the actuating element 13 and an intermediate section 53 of the actuating element 13 are mounted to the housing 11 via the roller support 55. The roller support 55 includes a guide rail 83 mounted to the housing 11. In addition, the roller support 55 includes a first roller 85. The first roller 85 is rotatably mounted to the first section 49 of the actuating element 13. The first roller 85 engages a first engagement surface 87 formed by the guide rail 83 such that when the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position, the first roller 85 rolls on the first engagement surface 87. The roller support 55 further includes a second roller 89. The second roller 89 is rotatably mounted to the housing 11. The second roller 89 engages a second engagement surface 91 formed by the intermediate section 53 and the second section 51 of the actuating element 13 such that when the actuating element 13 moves between the first position and at least one second position, the second roller 89 rolls on the second engagement surface 91. The actuating element 13 includes a lower flange section 21, an upper flange section 23, and a web section 25. The web section 25 connects the upper flange section 23 and the lower flange section 21. The second roller 89 is disposed in a recess 27 between the lower flange section 21 and the upper flange section 23. The lower flange section 21, the upper flange section 23, the web section 25, and the recess 27 each extend along the longitudinal axis of the actuating element 13. Figure 13The actuating element 13 therein is bent. The longitudinal axis of the actuating element 13 is also bent and follows the shape of the actuating element 13. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the actuating element 13 can extend from one side of the actuating element 13 to the other side along a circular section at the same distance from two opposite second engagement surfaces 91. The second engagement surfaces 91 are formed by an upper flange section 23 and a lower flange section 21.

[0058] It is also noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and "a" or "one" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features described with reference to one exemplary embodiment among the above exemplary embodiments can also be disclosed in combination with other features of the other above exemplary embodiments. The reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as restrictive.

Claims

1. A leading edge assembly (9) for a wing (3), the leading edge assembly (9) comprising: A pre-assembly module that can be connected to a fixed wing section (59) of the wing (3) as a single unit, the pre-assembly module comprising: A housing (11) configured to be connectable to the fixed wing section (59) of the wing (3), the housing having a first opening (19) formed in the housing (11) that connects the exterior (45) of the housing (11) to the interior (47) of the housing (11) and another opening that passes through the sidewall of the housing (11) to connect the exterior (45) of the housing (11) to the interior (47) of the housing (11), An actuating element (13) located within the housing (11) and movably connected to the housing (11) such that the actuating element (13) can move between a first position and at least one second position, wherein the actuating element (13) extends through the first opening (19) and includes a first section (49) and a second section (51), the first section (49) being disposed within the interior (47) of the housing (11) and the second section (51) being disposed at the exterior (45) of the housing (11), the actuating element (13) being configured to be connectable to a high-lift device, wherein the another opening is configured to receive a drive mechanism (17), the drive mechanism (17) passing through the another opening for connection to the actuating element (13), the drive mechanism (17) being configured to drive the movement of the actuating element (13), wherein an annular seal (41) is connected to the housing for abutting the drive mechanism (17), wherein the leading edge assembly (9) includes a seal (15) having a first sealing section (31) and a second sealing section (33), the first sealing section (31) being connected to the housing (11), the second sealing section (33) abutting the actuating element (13) when the actuating element (13) moves between the first position and the at least one second position, such that the exterior (45) of the housing (11) and the interior (47) of the housing (11) are separated from each other by the seal (15), wherein the leading edge assembly (9) is entirely disposed in front of the front spar of the fixed wing section (59) and does not penetrate the front spar of the fixed wing section (59), wherein the leading edge assembly (9) includes a roller support (55), and wherein the first section (49) of the actuating element (13) is mounted to the housing (11) via the roller support (55), wherein the roller support (55) includes a second roller (89) rotatably mounted to the housing, Wherein, the second roller (89) engages a second engagement surface (91) formed by the second section (51) of the actuating element (13) and an intermediate section (53) of the actuating element (13), such that when the actuating element (13) moves between the first position and the at least one second position, the second roller (89) rolls on the second engagement surface (91). Wherein, the actuating element (13) includes a lower flange section (21), an upper flange section (23), and a web section (25) connecting the upper flange section (23) and the lower flange section (21). Wherein, the second roller (89) is disposed in a recess (27) between the lower flange section (21) and the upper flange section (23). Wherein, the lower flange section (21), the upper flange section (23), the web section (25), and the recess (27) each extend along a longitudinal axis of the actuating element (13). Wherein, the second engagement surface (91) is formed by the upper flange section (23) or the lower flange section (21). Wherein, a distance between an upper surface of the upper flange section and a lower surface of the lower flange section is greater than a diameter of the second roller, such that the second roller engages only the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section at the same time.

2. The leading edge assembly (9) according to claim 1, wherein, The leading edge assembly (9) includes the high-lift device mounted to the second section (51) of the actuating element (13), wherein when the actuating element (13) is in the first position, the high-lift device is in a retracted position, and when the actuating element (13) is in the at least one second position, the high-lift device is in at least one extended position.

3. The leading edge assembly (9) according to claim 2, wherein, The high-lift device is a slat (7).

4. The leading edge assembly (9) according to claim 2, wherein, The high-lift device is a drooped nose.

5. The leading edge assembly (9) according to claim 2, wherein, The high-lift device is a Krueger flap.

6. The leading edge assembly (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The leading edge assembly (9) includes the drive mechanism (17) configured to drive movement of the actuating element (13).

7. The leading edge assembly (9) according to claim 6, wherein, The drive mechanism (17) includes a rack (79) and a pinion (81), wherein the rack (79) is mounted to the actuating element (13) and the pinion (81) is rotatably mounted to the housing (11), wherein the rack (79) and the pinion (81) engage with each other in a meshing manner, such that rotation of the pinion (81) drives movement of the rack (79).

8. The leading edge assembly (9) according to claim 1, wherein, The roller support (55) includes a guide rail (83) and a first roller (85), the guide rail (83) being mounted to the housing (11), the first roller (85) being rotatably mounted to the first section (49) of the actuating element (13), wherein the first roller (85) engages a first engagement surface (87) formed by the guide rail (83) such that when the actuating element (13) moves between the first position and the at least one second position, the first roller (85) rolls on the first engagement surface (87).

9. An airfoil (3) for an aircraft (1), said airfoil (3) comprising a leading edge assembly (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The housing (11) of the leading edge assembly (9) is mounted to the fixed wing section (59) of the wing (3).

10. The wing (3) according to claim 9, wherein, The housing (11) of the leading edge assembly (9) is mounted to the wing box (61) of the fixed wing section (59) of the wing (3).

11. The wing (3) according to claim 10, wherein, The housing (11) of the leading edge assembly (9) is mounted to the rib (69) of the fixed wing section (59), wherein the rib (69) is mounted to the wing box (61).

12. An aircraft (l), the aircraft (l) including a wing (3) according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

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